No matter what happens on Election Day, the Christian Right, animated by visions of religious and political dominion, or Dominionism, will still be with us. Unfortunately, Domininionism a subject that is not well understood. The reasons for this are many, but in the interests of looking forward instead of back, Here are some resources that folks (who are not entirely caught up in election season whirlwinds) may find useful in trying to understand our political moment. Or when the dust settles, remember this post, and return when you are ready.
Here is a taste of Dominionism 101 -- brand new from Political Research Associates. (This 101 also includes a carefully curated list of readings for all levels of interest.)
Dominionism is one of the most significant, yet little-known ideological forces in the U.S. and increasingly, globally. This theological idea has been gathering strength for a half century and is transforming conservative evangelical Christianity into political movements that are driving contemporary politics.
We currently see Dominionism-informed conservative Christian support for political candidates at all levels, from school boards to the presidency.
Here are the three main features of Dominionism:
- Dominionism can be summarized as the theocratic idea that Christians are called by God to exercise dominion over every aspect of society by taking control of political and cultural institutions: for example, over the role of government, the form and content of public education, and eliminating rights related to bodily autonomy. It envisions a very different society than one defined by democratic aspirations and equality for all people.
- Dominionism is the key element of contemporary notions of Christian nationalism—the belief that the U.S. once was, and should once again be, a Christian nation. This narrative denies the Enlightenment roots of American constitutional democracy. Dominionism is the underlying ideology that gives an agenda to Christian nationalism.
- Dominionism promotes religious supremacy, insofar as it does not respect the equality of other religions, or even other versions of Christianity. Dominionism also promotes theocratic visions of governance, insofar as it supports the idea that the Ten Commandments, or “biblical law,” should be the foundation of American law, and that the U.S. Constitution should be seen as a vehicle for implementing biblical principles.
It is not possible to have a thorough understanding of contemporary politics or the contemporary efforts to roll back reproductive and LGBTQ rights and democracy itself—let alone how to respond—without a basic understanding of the animating ideology behind these efforts. For Dominionism, there is no one single issue, or issue cluster, that is of particular focus because the ideology mandates the promulgation of a comprehensive “biblical worldview.”
For a more advanced discussion see four articles I co-authored with theology professor Andre Gagne of Concordia University in Montreal. These include two parts of a planned three part series called A Reporter’s Guide to the New Apostolic Reformation.
The first in the series opens like this:
While the Christian Right has been an increasingly powerful factor in American politics for decades, it has benefited from a strangely persistent culture of denialism. We needn’t review the number of times that reporters, scholars, and religious leaders who should have known better have declared that it was dead, dying, or significantly diminished. That it’s still here and stronger than ever is sufficient reason for all of us to try to get it right.
The latest version of this denialism comes regarding the New Apostolic Reformation, one of the most important Christian religious and political movements of our time and, arguably, any time. One need look no farther than the role of NAR leaders in the electoral campaigns of Donald Trump and Trump aligned figures, from school boards, to statewide elected offices, and as a dynamic part of the Christian Right.
(For a hard look at one NAR-involved candidate, see my story He's on a mission from God: Pennsylvania GOP candidate Doug Mastriano's war with the world, in Salon, about GOP gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano.)
For the more theologically inclined, here is an excerpt from a fine, recent article, The Quiet Rise of Christian Dominionism in The Christian Century magazine:
...a hyper-charismatic movement known as the New Apostolic Reformation picked up on dominionist theology... [teaching] that prophets and apostles are essential to church governance. In the NAR, apostles and prophets can receive new revelation from God and give that revelation to their followers.
One of those revelations, which was initially promoted by the NAR prophet Lance Wallnau and has gained prominence within the movement, is known as the Seven Mountain Mandate. This is the NAR form of dominionism. The 7MM suggests that there are seven mountains of culture: religion and church, family, education, government, media, arts and entertainment, and business and economics. Historically, Wallnau said, Christians have focused on only the first mountain by building churches, to the neglect of the others. The new revelation for today is that they are to hold positions of leadership over all mountains of culture so that they can attain dominion over every aspect of society.
There is much to learn if we are to get through the difficult times ahead. May this material be useful to you in the time to come.
(Follow me on Twitter, while there is still a Twitter to follow me on: @FredClarkson)