Yesterday, we began into an in-depth look at an explicitly dominionist reference Bible authored by the Assemblies of God (a major dominionist denomination). Part 1 was primarily focused on some of the more decidedly "Joel's Army" content in the "Fire Bible" (also sold as "Full Life Study Bible" and "Life In The Spirit Study Bible" in the US).
Today, we look in-depth at how the "Fire Bible" promotes dominionism explicitly in the political sense. This has implications that are making news even now--among other things, this is pretty much the playbook that the dominionist cabal over at the "Christian Embassy" are using, including a whole slew of top military men including the Undersecretary of Defense for the US Armed Forces.
A reminder beforehand:
We will be referring to the reference Bible in question as the "Fire Bible" (which is the name under which the Assemblies of God markets this particular reference Bible in most countries) throughout this post. The reference Bible is actually known under several different names, however--"Life In The Spirit Study Bible" (which is the name the present edition is sold under in the US; a student edition of the "Fire Bible" is sold under the name used in most of the world) and the "Full Life Study Bible" (which is the original name under which the "Fire Bible" was marketed).
All three names actually refer to the same reference Bible, and indicate mostly rebranding for different publishing editions (which have become increasingly extreme, as noted below). Most of the editions published by Assemblies-linked printing houses (Book of Hope, Gospel Publishing House, and Life Publishers International) use the name "Fire Bible" for this particular reference Bible, and even the versions intended for a US audience are using the name increasingly--so that's what we're referring to it as here. Wanted to note this before people got too confused.
The "Fire Bible": Marching orders for "Joel's Army"
As we'll soon see, the "Fire Bible" is quite possibly one of the most explicit Bibles in publication advocating dominionism of the political sort and even the establishment of a "Pax dominionista". Hopefully the following will do much to explain just why the Assemblies are among one of the most explicitly dominionist churches in the world--both in the US and in other countries (particularly Guatemala and Australia).
The main person responsible for the documentary notes in the Fire Bible is in fact a major promoter of dominionist causes including steeplejackings; in particular, he works with a dominionist group dedicated to the explicit conversion of the US, and eventually the world, to a neopentecostal theocracy as indicated in their signs of conversion:
10 Indicators of Community Transformation:
• Political leaders publicly acknowledge their sin and dependence on God (II Kings 11:17-18; 23:2; Jonah 3:6-9)
• New laws, curricula, and business practices are put into effect (II Chronicles 19:4-10; Nehemiah 10:31)
• The natural environment is restored to its original life-nurturing state (Leviticus 26:4-5; II Chronicles 7:14; Ezekiel 34:27; 36:29-30)
• Economic conditions improve and lead to a discernable lessening of poverty (Chronicles 17:3-5; Psalm 144:14; Isaiah 60:5; Amos 9:13)
• There is a marked change in social entertainment and vices as Kingdom values are integrated into the rhythm of daily life (Ezra 10:1-4; Nehemiah 8:10, 16; Ecc 10:17; Acts 19:17-20)
• Crime and corruption diminish throughout the community (II Kings 12;13-15; Nehemiah 5:6-12; Isaiah 60:17-18)
• Volunteerism increases as Christians recognize their responsibility to heal and undergird the community (Isaiah 58:10-12; 61:1-4)
• Restored hope and joy leads to a decline in divorce, bankruptcy and suicide (Nehemiah 12:27-28, 43; Isaiah 54:11-14; 61:3,7; Jeremiah 30:17-19; 31:11-13; Hosea 2:15)
• The spiritual nature of the growing socio-political renewal becomes a hot topic in the secular media (I Chronicles 20:29; Nehemiah 6:16; Isaiah 55:5; Ezekiel 36:36; Acts 19:17)
• Overwhelmed by the goodness of God, grateful Christians take the embers of revival into surrounding communities and nations (I Chronicles 17:9; Isaiah 61:6; Acts 11:20-26)
This is a matter of faith, not triumphalism. There is, and will likely continue to be, gross spiritual darkness in the world. Our goal is not to make a new heaven and a new earth, but rather to create salty spots on the earth that stimulate a thirst for God. Like many salty appetizers, these temporal transformations point the way to a larger, more satisfying meal to come.
(In other words--the goal is to pretty much convert earthly institutions to dominionism as an "appetizer" to the Rapture.)
At least one neopente has used notes from the "Fire Bible" to justify not only censorship of Harry Potter but to promote dominionism "because if you don't condemn them, God will condemn you" (incidentially, this also pretty much sums up neopente arguments for dominionism):
Most people are unfortunetly ignorant of where the road really leads. Our casual acceptance of the philosophies all around us can short circuit nearly every part of our Christian walk and can certainly derail our ability to stave off spiritual attacks. We have become increasingly tolerant of witchcraft and other occult practices in our society. Show such as "Bewitched" and "Sabrina the teenage Witch" taught us to do more than just tolerate witchcraft. They promoted and encouraged it. Above all, it worked subtly on our senses teaching us to accept it as the norm. Just as a person who is poisoned a little bit at a time doesn't die after the first dose, in the end after enough "doses" our ability to recognize the evil began to shut down and we were doomed. By the time we realized what was really happening we had become too weak to climb out and soon became the delicacy on the Devil's dinner plate. By giving ungodly entertainment our time, mind, money, or emotion, even though we are not involved physically, is the same as if we were actually participating. In Romans 1:32 Paul states this: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but have pleasure in them that do them. The Full Life Study Bible explains it like this: "Being entertained by watching other people sin and engage in ungodly actions, even while you yourself abstain, brings you under the same divine condemnation as those engaging in such evil practices...Those who use the immoral actions of others for entertainment and enjoyment are directly contributing to public opinion favorable to immorality and therefore to the corruption and eternal damnation of an indefinite number of other people." It is also spiritually damaging to allow these influences a place in our lives and homes. Entire households are weakened and can lose their spiritual battles because of the actions, attitudes, and even physical possessions of one member (see 1 Sam 15).
(Of note: The same post claims lightning bolts are a Satanic sign--a common belief in "deliverance ministry" groups; the poster also explicitly promotes the idea of "opening doorways to Satan", a concept explicitly promoted in the "Fire Bible" as well.)
A dominionist site that explicitly promotes all manner of "Joel's Army" and "name it and claim it" theology reveals just what the writers of the "Fire Bible" claim about divorce:
QUESTION:
If you are married and a believer, and your spouse leaves you, who is not a believer, by Biblical terms, are you free to marry again?
ANSWER:
*There are two Biblical (divine) reasons that one may choose to be freed from a marriage covenant:
- Adultery/Fornication - Matthew 19:9
Matthew 19:9 "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery."
- Abandonment - 1 Corinthians 7:15-16
1 Corinthians 7:15-16
15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.
16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?
**Whether the departing party ("unbelieving") was saved in the past or not is irrelevant at the time of the departure. JESUS taught that one could stop believing and become "unbelieving" or and UNbeliever (and therefore no longer be saved). See Luke 8:13; John 6:66; Ezekiel 33:12-13; Col. 1:23; Heb. 3:6,14; 10:38-39; 2 Pet. 2:20-22... In light of this clear Biblical truth, what state a person's heart is in at the time they "depart" from their own mate is what is important to acknowledge when considering this matter/text. I am personally of the opinion that a truly saved person absolutely would NOT depart from a marriage covenant without clear Biblical grounds. Isn't holy matrimony the second most important and sacred vow made upon the earth?...For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer...".
Below, Bible commentator Donald Stamps speaks to this text in 1 Corinthians 7:15:
IS NOT UNDER BONDAGE. In the event that an unbelieving partner abandons or divorces a believer, the marriage relation is dissolved and the believer is freed from his or her former marital obligation. "Not under bondage in such cases" means that the believer is released from the marital contract. The word "bondage" (Gk. douloo) literally means "to enslave"; ie., the faithful believer is no longer enslaved to his or her marriage vows. In this case, the abandoned believer would be free to remarry, provided he or she marries a Christian (v 39). Life in the Spirit Study Bible
"Wherefore they are no more twain (two), but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Matthew 19:6
It is my opinion that only an apostate (one who has departed from Christ after once knowing Him) heart could "put asunder" what God hath joined together without a clear Biblical precedence (Matt. 19:6; Hebrews 3:12-14). Leaving one's mate by departing from a marriage covenant without clear Biblical grounds is sinful and hurtful to all parties and takes a hardened, conscience effort and decision to go through with. It is my opinion that this is proof in itself that the departing one is not a believer.
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*For sound commentary on Scriptural divorce and remarriage, see the Dake's Annotated Bible and Full Life Study Bible.
**For more information about the Scriptural doctrine of conditional eternal security, see articles under Eternal Security heading toward bottom of the Articles Page.
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When an UNbeliever departs, the covenant is broken and the Christian victim is free to "marry" and "hath not sinned" by doing such - see vs 27-28.
Concerning v10-11, the Full Life Study Bible, commentated by the late Donald Stamps, states:
IF SHE DEPART, LET HER REMAIN UNMARRIED. In v10 Paul recognizes that God wants marriage to be permanent. He also acknowledges, however, that sometimes a marriage relationship may become so unbearable that separation from the partner is necessary. In v11, therefore, Paul is not talking about divorce, permitted by God because of adultery, or the abandonment of the marriage partner. Rather, Paul is speaking of separation without legal divorce. He may be referring to situations where a marriage partner is acting in such a way as to endanger the physical or spiritual life of the wife and children. In such conditions, it may be best that one of the partners leave the home and neither partner remarry. It is inconceivable that Paul would advocate that a woman remain with a husband who repeatedly brought physical harm and abuse on her and the children.
(In other words, the only permissible reason to get a divorce is if the husband is a walkaway or is having an affair; if hubby is beating hell out of you but claims to have a "Christian" reason for doing so (like beating you because you have a "jezebel spirit" and are being "uppity"), all you can do is run to a women's shelter for a while. And don't even think about getting remarried afterwards!)
And one of the most disturbing things--by admission of a promoter, it is probably the most moderate of "study bibles" promoted to the "Joel's Army" set. This is not saying much--the versions are becoming increasingly extreme with each revision:
(Life In The Spirit Bible version)
(1 CHRONICLES) 16:29 IN THE SPLENDOR OF HIS HOLINESS. Genuine worship must be done in "holiness"(cf.2Ch 20:21).God accepts spiritual and jubilant worship (15:28) only as long as it is accompanied by an inward disposition of reverence and purity, an earnest desire to be near him,and the fervent commitment to resist all that offends his holy nature (see v.7,note).
. . .
(ISAIAH) 5:20 CALL EVIL GOOD. On the one hand,society often exalts sin by calling depravity manly strength,or calling immorality and perversion true virtue and commendable freedom;on the other and, society opposes righteousness by calling it evil. Note these two common examples where this pattern occurs:(1) Sexual perversion
(e.g.,homosexuality and lesbianism) is called a legitimate alternative lifestyle that should be openly accepted, while opponents of such conduct who accept the Biblical standards of sexual morality are called bigots who perpetuate oppressive prejudice (see article on
Standards of Sexual Morality,p.1970).(2) Pro-abortion advocates are called "sensitive" persons with a deep commitment to the rights of women,while active pro-life supporters are called "extremists"or "religious fanatics."Believers,however,must commit themselves wholeheartedly and irreversibly to God’s standards of good and evil as revealed in his written Word.
(Fire Bible: Student Revision version)
(1 CHRONICLES) 16:29 IN THE SPLENDOR OF HIS HOLINESS. True worship must come from a life that is growing in "holiness" (cf.2Ch 20:21). This means that regardless of how enthusiastic people are when they praise God (15:28),the Lord accepts their worship only when their lives are morally pure,spiritually reverent,and deeply committed to resisting anything that offends God (see v.7,note).
. . .
(ISAIAH) 5:20 CALL EVIL GOOD. It is common in an ungodly society for people to portray evil as good and wrong as right—often in the name of freedom,compassion,understanding and "tolerance." Many people today consider God’s laws and standards to be evil and repressive. They label Christ’s followers—those who resist immoral ideas and behavior—as closed-minded,judgmental,hateful and even dangerous to society.Note these common examples of this trend:(1) Sexual deviance (e.g.,homosexuality and lesbianism) is considered a legitimate
alternative lifestyle that should be openly accepted and even celebrated. Opponents of such behavior—who accept Biblical standards of sexual morality—are called bigots who promote prejudice and hate (see article on Standards of Sexual Morality, p.1970).(2) Pro-abortion
advocates are viewed as sensitive and compassionate people, deeply committed to women’s rights,while active pro-life supporters are called "extremists" or "religious fanatics." While demonstrating compassion, followers of Jesus must never compromise their commitment to the standards of good and evil—right and wrong—revealed in God’s Word.
(Note how the wording has gotten more extreme, especially in regards to LGBT people and supporters of women's right to choose.)
Ironically, the "Fire Bible: Student Edition" even promotes the concept of the "parallel economy" as a missionary work in and of itself:
(ESTHER) 3:8 WHOSE CUSTOMS ARE DIFFERENT. One of God’s purposes in giving the his law to Israel was to make them different from all other people. Haman recognized something unique in the Jews and hated them for it. Under the new covenant,God still wants his people to be separate and positively distinct from all of the ungodliness in the world.He intends for them to be a holy and pure people belonging to him (cf.1 Pe 2:9). As in Esther’s time, the
world today hates God’s people because they are different. (cf. Jn 15:18-25). Their righteous character and behavior stand in sharp contrast to the accepted lifestyles and practices of most people in the world.Followers of Christ today must think,talk and act different, not simply for the sake of being odd or defiant, but so that people can recognize God’s right standards for living and either reject or receive Christ for themselves. For further comments on how our lives
can be a positive influence for God on those around us see article on CAMPUS MISSIONS COMMITMENT TO LIVE,p.0000.
(In truth, most people don't hate Christianity as a whole. They do feel that, at best, dominionists are doing Horrible, Horrible Things to freedom and justice and liberty; most people (even most Christians) also do not want to live in a dominionist theocracy. Then again, dominionists interpret all criticism as being a sign that someone is working in league with the Enemy--as noted previously, the Assemblies and related churches tend to promote the concept that all people are either Saved, in league with the devil (if not frankly possessed by Satan), or are "Territory" to be claimed by either side--and critics definitely fall under the "in league with the devil" category.)
And yes, they do pretty much see those of us who aren't already being "Jesus Camped" as nothing more than territory to "name and claim":
(1 KINGS,portion of article on EFFECTIVE PRAYING) ... (3) In his plan of salvation for humankind God intends for his followers to be his co-workers in the effort to lead people into a personal relationship with God. In a way God has even limited himself and his activity to the faithful, persistent prayers of his people. In other words, God has chosen people’s prayers as the means by which spiritual activity is set into motion. There are many things that will not be accomplished in God’s kingdom without Christians praying (see Ex 33:11,note). For example, God wants to send out workers into the
spiritual "harvest" to deliver his message of new life to the many who are ripe to receive it. But Christ teaches that this will only reach its full potential through people’s prayers: "Ask the Lord of the harvest,therefore,to send out workers into his harvest field" (Mt 9:38). In other words, God releases his power to accomplish many of his purposes only when people sincerely pray for these things to happen. If we fail to pray, we may actually be holding up or obstructing God’s plans, both for ourselves and for the church as a whole. (See article on CAMPUS MISSIONS COMMITMENT TO PRAY, p.0000)
Yes, the "harvest" is pretty much souls--of you, me, and everyone else, willing or no--and apparently in their viewpoint God is so limited nowadays that he requires an army of God Warriors to "name and claim" the planet for Him. (If I were the Most High--omnipotent and omniscent by definition, creator of the universe, binder of devils, and master of all things by their own theology--I would be personally quite damned insulted at their characterisation of essentially a weak, helpless God incapable of doing anything unless forced to by "naming and claiming" and starving one's self for 40-day stretches.)
On an ending note--I had noted that this was essentially the playbook used by "Christian Embassy" (which DailyKos' own Troutfishing and Military Religious Freedom Foundation have done some groundbreaking research on) and by William Boykin in particular.
This is not coincidence or idle talk. Christian Embassy, as it turns out, is a front-group of Campus Crusade for Christ; Campus Crusade is a group that has had close connections with the Assemblies, including Campus Crusade referring "convertees" directly to Assemblies of God congregations; in fact, Assemblies and Campus Crusade groups cross=promote extensively and engage in partnerships to such an extent that Campus Crusade and the Assemblies of God essentially operate as co-recruitment fronts for each other (and some researchers even go so far as to consider Campus Crusade a de facto Assemblies frontgroup in practice; a sign pointing strongly at "Assemblies frontgroup" is the active interviews and promotion of Campus Crusade's founder in Assemblies magazine "Pentecostal Evangel", normally something reserved only for active Assemblies members). Christian Embassy has also been promoting a fullscale steeplejacking of both the military and law enforcement--something which you all will be hearing much more about in the coming months.
As for Boykin...well, Katherine Yurica probably has done the definitive report on the wholescale targeting and invasion of the Armed Forces by the Assemblies. Among other fun things, Boykin literally invoked "Serpent Seed" theology (the concept of the "Saved" "sons of God" and the "Serpent Seed" "sons of Satan") in regards to the Perpetual War on Terror, apparently thinks Bush has divine right of kings (not uncommon, alas; many neopentes think that Shrub is "God's appointed president" and the idea is actively promoted in Assemblies churches)...oh, and both Boykin and an Assemblies soldier-preacher are linked to the heart of torture scandals at Abu Ghraib and Gitmo (in fact, the Assemblies preacher--Lt. Col. Steven L. Jordan, who was director of the Joint Interrogation and Debriefing Center at Abu Ghraib and who was apparently also an Assemblies chaplain candidate lauded as the pride and joy of his congregation--refused to testify in court)
If that weren't enough, Assemblies churches were among the top promoters of Bush as the "unitary executive" in GOTV campaigns--partly because they see him as one of their own (for very good reason). In one particularly infamous case, a church supported Bush and several specific ballot initiatives so vehemently that the Post Office refused to deliver their mail using the "tax-exempt organisation" rate.
...and now you all know why I had such a grave concern about Hobby Lobby giving the biggest chunk of their "charity" money to fund the publication of this very reference Bible...and to this day, still have the same thermonuclear nightmares of what may happen if they are ever allowed to win.
Next post--fun with premillenial dispensationalist fanfiction of two different sorts--from Hal Lindsey's "The end of the world is nigh. YA RLY" in "The Late, Great Planet Earth" to the LaHayes' ultimate Rapture Fanfic known as the "Left Behind" franchise.