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By Sarah Leslie |
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“Conspiracy theorizing
about the Christian Rights supposedly secret agenda involves
highlighting the hate-mongering and bizarre ideas of a handful of
Christian Right players while neglecting the broad popularity of
dominion theology.”Sara Diamond,
Dominion Theology:
The Truth About the Christian Rights Bid for Power,1“American churches are
to a large degree defined by what they choose to rebel against. The
Christian right has set itself in opposition to liberal, secular
government and, as a political consequence, declared itself a buddy of
big business.Russ Rymer, Mother
Jones, Dec. 20052
“The
ambassador’s words seemed prophetic a couple of weeks later, when a
Dream for Africa draft plan found its way into Swazi newspapers, turning
public opinion sharply against Mr. Wilkinson. Under the headline
British Colony or Dr. Bruce Colony? one op-ed writer in the Swazi News
wrote, Why can’t he simply tell us that he wants to be given the whole
country so that he can gloat to his friends overseas that he owns a
modern day colony in Africa called Swaziland?Michael
M. Phillips, Mr.
Wilkinson Hits Wall Trying To Push ‘Orphan Village’,
Wall
Street Journal,
12/19/053
For
the past several decades the political Left has focused attention on the
Christian Rights political activism in America. Particularly, the Left
has been highly critical of a select group of dominionists called
Reconstructionists, whose aggressive verbiage, extreme Calvinist
theologies, and religious political agendas have made it an ideal target
for outrage. But, as Leftist researcher Sara Diamond has astutely
observed, the Reconstructionists religion of Calvinism. . . makes them
unlikely to appeal to most evangelicals.4 Indeed, few
Reconstructionists would consider themselves to be evangelicals.
Nevertheless, their influence has been considerable over the much larger
group of patriotic evangelicals.There are two other
dominionist sects within evangelicalism that have escaped in-depth
scrutiny from the Left. These dominionists have been able to function
virtually incognito for several reasons: 1) They have been deeply
embedded within the evangelical subculture; 2) They cloaked their
dominionism with new terminologies and doctrines over a period of thirty
years; and 3) They figured out how to package dominionism using
sophisticated mass marketing techniques. Also noteworthy: these two
other dominionist camps have been operating in a dialectical fashion
while one group appealed to the TBN charismatics with all of its
emotional excesses, the other group carefully managed its more
intellectual public image to conform to traditional evangelical
standards.This paper is a brief
overview of the three main dominionist movements operating inside
evangelicaldom and examines how all three of these sects are now
converging around a global kingdom agenda. This paper is not a
treatise on doctrine, nor is it an historical record, nor is it a
thorough analysis of the multifarious streams of evangelical dominionism.
This paper does not cover the broader issue of dominionist sects within
other world religions, except for a few brief noteworthy mentions. To
examine the totality of the individuals, the organizations, and their
cross-linkages would require an exhaustive study which is beyond the
scope of this brief synopsis. Even so, every point made in this paper
could be validated by dozens, sometimes hundreds, of pieces of
documentation. The inquiring reader may check out the footnotes and
references.Only a small handful
of Christian discernment and apologetics ministries, of which this
writer is a part, have been paying attention to the intersection of the
dominionist streams. The apologetic ministries fulfill a Scriptural role
to examine and expose false doctrines and teachers, and to warn other
believers of heresies (Jude 3,
2 Peter 2:1 ).
Increasingly, over the past two decades, many apologists have become
seduced by dominionism, blunting their ability to critically examine the
roots and fruits of this rapidly rising new church era.
Dominionism in briefThroughout the
2000 year history of Christianity there has always been a vein of
dominionism embedded in the strata of doctrines. This seam has ebbed and
flowed for 20 centuries, sometimes submerged, sometimes exposed.
Whenever out in the open, it has given rise to horrible abuses done in
the name of Christ. In the early 21st century, once again
this vein is now showing and active. Keep in mind:
- Dominionism is
always an aberration of true Christian theology.- A remnant of
believers has always opposed it, often suffering a martyrs fate at
the hands of intolerant dominionists.
Traditional Christianity teaches:The Gospel of
Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and His shed blood on the cross.
The emphasis is placed upon repentance and conversion of individual
souls. The Kingdom of God in this age is spiritual and
grows through efforts of evangelism based on teaching the Bible. It is
not of this world (John 18:36), but a spiritual rule in the hearts of
men (Luke 17:20-21). Furthermore, the Kingdom of God is only finally
realized upon Christs second return to Earth, whereby He Himself
establishes His literal and physical reign.The evangelism
mandate by Word and SpiritChrist never
intended that His gospel should be propagated by fire and sword or
His righteousness wrought by the wrath of man. When the high praises
of God are in our mouth with them we should have an olive-branch of
peace in our hands. Christs victories are by the power of His
gospel and grace over spiritual enemies, in which all believers
are more than conquerors. The word of God is the two-edged
sword (Heb. 4:12), the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17).5
[emphasis added]Matthew Henry, circa
1700
Dominionism teaches:The Gospel of
Salvation is achieved by setting up the Kingdom of God as a
literal and physical kingdom to be advanced on Earth in the
present age. Some dominionists liken the New Testament Kingdom to the
Old Testament Israel in ways that justify taking up the sword, or other
methods of punitive judgment, to war against enemies of their kingdom.
Dominionists teach that men can be coerced or compelled to enter the
kingdom. They assign to the Church duties and rights that belong
Scripturally only to Jesus Christ. This includes the esoteric belief
that believers can incarnate Christ and function as His body on Earth
to establish His kingdom rule. An inordinate emphasis is placed on mans
efforts; the doctrine of the sovereignty of God is diminished.
The new
dominion mandate by controlDominion theology is
predicated upon three basic beliefs: 1) Satan usurped mans dominion
over the earth through the temptation of Adam and Eve; 2) The Church
is Gods instrument to take dominion back from Satan; 3) Jesus
cannot or will not return until the Church has taken
dominion by gaining control of the earths governmental and
social institutions.6 [emphasis added]Al Dager,
Vengeance Is Ours: The Church In Dominion
Dominion theology
is a heresy. As such it is rarely presented as openly as
the definitions above may indicate. Outside of the Reconstructionist
camp, evangelical dominionism has wrapped itself in slick packages one
piece at a time for mass-media consumption. This has been a slow
process, taking several decades. Few evangelicals would recognize the
word dominionism or know what it means. This is because other
terminologies have been developed which soft-sell dominionism,
concealing the full scope of the agenda. Many evangelicals (and even
their more conservative counterparts, the fundamentalists) may adhere to
tidbits of dominionism without recognizing the error. This is because
dominionism has crept in unawares (Jude 4) to seduce an undiscerning
generation.To most
effectively propagate their agenda, dominionist leaders first
developed new ecclesiologies, eschatologies and soteriologies for
targeted audiences along the major denominational fault lines of
evangelical Christianity. Then the 1990s Promise Keepers mens
movement was used as a vehicle to break down the walls, i.e., cross
denominational barriers for the purpose of exporting dominionism to the
wider evangelical subculture.7 This strategy was so effective
that it reached into the mainline Protestant denominations. Dominionists
have carefully selected leaders to be trained as change agents for
transformation (dominion) in an erudite manner that belies the media
stereotype of southern-talking, Bible-thumping, fundamentalist
half-wits.
The 3 sects of evangelical dominionismThere are three
predominant sects (or movements) that propagate dominion theology which
hold considerable influence over evangelicaldom.1.
SPIRITUAL WARFARE PRAYER movement:
The
Kingdom of God must be advanced on Earth through hyper-spiritual
warfare activities against the devil. A veritable supermarket of
verbal and physical prayer techniques such as chanting, walks, and
marches are employed in this effort. Believers are told their prayer
power creates spiritual canopies over regions, preparing the way for
revival. In this sense, prayer warfare is seen as preparatory work so
that the other two movements can build the kingdom. Recently the
contemplative prayer movement which includes meditation, fasting, and
labyrinths has been brought into the spiritual warfare prayer
arsenal. Prayer serves as a convenient decoy for covert operations.
All three sects are utilizing massive statistical databanking resources
(e.g., the World Prayer Center in Colorado Springs) and sophisticated
psycho-social group manipulations to forge kingdom transformation. One
key leader of this sect is Cindy Jacobs, who is closely associated with
C. Peter Wagner (see below). Her website
http://www.generals.org
epitomizes the militant doctrines and practices of the spiritual warfare
sect.
Prayer before fighting
Our calling is to be worshippers, warriors, and workers. We must
first offer our lives as a living sacrifice in worship to God. From
our worship will flow our intercession and warfare as we fight with
weapons of righteousness in our right hand and in our left. Only
after we have worshipped our God and fought the fight in the
Spirit will we proceed to work in the harvest fields,
advancing the Kingdom of God.8
[emphasis added]
Promoting these
prayer warfare activities are hyper-charismatics from the signs and
wonders movement, which include self-anointed, self-appointed
apostles and prophets who are preparing to govern the world through
their New Apostolic Reformation. This dominionist sect is a direct
offshoot of the Latter Rain cult (also known as Joels Army or Manifest
Sons of God).9 Chief architect of this movement for the past
two decades is C. Peter Wagner, President of Global Harvest Ministries
and Chancellor of the Wagner Leadership Institute. His spiritual warfare
teachings have been widely disseminated through mission networks such as
AD 2000, which was closely associated with the Lausanne Movement. A
prominent individual connected to this sect is Ted Haggard, current head
of the National Association of Evangelicals.10
The New
Apostolic ReformationSince 2001, the body of Christ has
been in the
Second
Apostolic Age. The
apostolic/prophetic
government of the church is now in place. . . . [W]e began
to
build our base
by
locating
and
identifying
with the intercessory prayer movements. This time, however, we feel
that God wants us to start governmentally,
connecting with the apostles of the region. God
has already raised up for us a
key apostle
in one of the
strategic
nations of the Middle East, and
other
apostles
are already coming on board. Once
we have the
apostles in
place, we will then bring the
intercessors and the
prophets
into the
inner circle,
and we will end up with the
spiritual core
we need to move ahead for retaking the dominion that is
rightfully ours.11
[emphasis added]C. Peter Wagner
2.
MISSION
AS TRANSFORMATION movement:
The
words revival, reformation and transformation now carry embedded
dominionist connotations. Fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew
28:18-20) no longer means spreading the Gospel message by speaking the
Word of salvation from the Bible. The dominionist focus is placed upon
the phrase making disciples, with an incorrect exegesis
that is disconcertingly compulsory.
Traditional mission evangelism, done one-on-one using the Bible, is
being replaced with a slew of kingdom building corporate
activities for cities, regions and nations. The disingenuous phrase
bless the nations is often used to conceal dominionism. Dr. Bill
Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ International and Ralph Winter,
founder of the U.S. Center for World Mission and editor of the
Perspectives on the World Christian Movement curriculum (which has
taught dominionism to an entire generation of missionaries), have been
among the chief architects of this movement.12
Dominionism
supplants biblical evangelismThe Church must
grow past the Gospel of Salvation message
and understand that it is only when we begin to implement the
principles of the Gospel of the kingdom that we will really
begin to see change in lives and cities and nations.
The Church has
no understanding of this realm. . . The
Church must grow up.
. . .
13
[emphasis added]Dale Neill,
president of ICCCBeyond
Salvation. . . God’s concern
goes beyond the salvation of individual people. His
redemptive plan encompasses the healing and transformation of
entire nations . . . . Nations are discipled as the
church makes the invisible Kingdom visible by faithful
obedience to God’s Word throughout culture–in every area of life,
and every realm of society including the family, the community, the
arts, sciences, media, law, government, schools, or business. . . .14
[emphasis added]Disciple the Nations
3.
PATRIOTIC AMERICAN movement:
Patriotic dominionists, most of whom are not
Reconstructionists, teach that political action will advance the kingdom
of God in America. Using the vehicle of Christian media, they have
taught evangelicals for the past three decades that America is a
Christian nation and needs to return to its roots. Almost every
evangelical in the pew has been influenced in one way or another by this
sect. Patriotic dominionist leaders and their organizations have been
closely interlocked financially and politically with the conservatives
from the political Right. The secular conservatives purport to uphold
morality, which appeals to evangelicals. The combined force of
conservatives and evangelicals flexes its political muscles in
Washington. One of its most powerful leaders is James Dobson of Focus on
the Family. Patriotic dominionism was widely disseminated through the
activities of Jay Grimstead, founder of Coalition on Revival (COR). From
its earliest inception COR managed to successfully bring together key
leaders from all three dominionist sects, including the
Reconstructionists, to promote the most ruthless doctrines of
dominionism.15Grimsteads COR
Steering Council letter, dated May 19931. The Kingdom of
God was inaugurated and the King was installed and seated in the
First Century A.D. and we need not wait for the King’s second coming
to get the Kingdom started here on earth.4. At this moment of
history, all humans on earth, whether Jew or Gentile,
believer or unbeliever, private person or public official, are
obligated to bow their knees to this King Jesus, confess
Him as Lord of the universe with their tongues, and submit to His
lordship over every aspect of their lives in thought, word and
deed.5. Biblical
evangelism according to the Great Commission of Matt. 28:18-20 is
not truly accomplished unless that message of Christ’s lordship from
point #4 above is given to the person being evangelized so that they
know that an attempt at personal neutrality before King Jesus is
sin and treason in this universe.16 [emphases added]
Dominionism goes globalSince the latter
half of the 1990s the three major dominionists sects have openly
converged into an ecumenical force. These three branches
of dominionism are linked historically at many levels, and there is
solid documentation to support the idea that the current convergence was
planned and intentional.17While Leftists
focused their attentions on political dominionists in American politics
and what was going on in Iraq, the three movements went global. This new
confederation of dominionists has been rapidly advancing its kingdom
across the globe through economic, social, political and spiritual
transformation.18 To achieve this paradigm shift, the global
dominionists have employed sophisticated psycho-social methodologies,
statistical research, socio-economic development tools, marketing
research, strategic planning, assessments, databanking and monitoring,
and technical assistance. They are also aggressively forming alliances
with national and international governments, corporations, individuals,
private agencies, philanthropic groups and other entities. Below are
some key examples of this rapid convergence around a global kingdom
worldview.1.
Global
spheres.
Observers from the Left were infuriated when the Coalition on Revival
political dominionists cranked out documents during the 1980s addressing
a Christian worldview in seventeen spheres of life and ministry
education, health care, the family, the arts, sciences, law, media,
government, business, etc. This is because COR didnt just write a
philosophical statement. COR determined that it is mandatory for all
Christians to implement that worldview in society, particularly as it
applies to the dominionist interpretation of the Great Commission.19
These spheres didnt disappear when COR began to fade off the radar
screen. They have a new life. The worldview sphere documents have now
gone global by becoming incorporated into mission agendas. Mission
groups are now partnering with national and international governments,
business corporations, NGOs, humanitarian entities and others to build
their kingdom in the cultural spheres of selected nations around the
globe.Mission
incorporates CORs spheres
The seven spheres of influence described below will
help us shape societies for Christ. God gave us these handles to use
in carrying out
Matthew 28 and
discipling nations for Him. We believe He is wanting all His people
to see the importance of these seven areas and work in them to
extend Christ’s reign throughout the earth.
The Family & Health Care;
Commerce, Science and Technology;
The Church;
Government;
Education;
The Media;
The Arts, Entertainment and Sports20Disciple the Nations
2. The 3-legged stool.
The
dominionists kingdom must be advanced on Earth by gaining control of
governments (State), utilizing business (Corporations) and
partnering with social sector (Church) institutions. New bridges
are being built based on triangular relationship between all three
sectors of society. The Church is forming partnerships (or
collaborations) with State and/or Corporate interests in order to
implement dominion. Peter Drucker, the management guru, was instrumental
in overseeing the implementation of this agenda to create a
three-legged healthy society globally via Rick Warren of
purpose-driven fame.
Warren
was mentored by Drucker, as were a number of other evangelical leaders
such as Bob Buford of Leadership Network. Buford trained an entire
generation of aspiring megachurch pastors in Druckers social
philosophies. The megachurches are based on the Drucker corporate
business model. Druckers ideas also undergird the faith-based
(Church-State) movement which has been politically championed by the
neoconservatives in Washington.21 Dominionism is
significantly breaking down the walls between Church and Corporations
(see point 4 below). In brief, the three-legged stool of dominionism
looks like this:CORPORATE + STATE =
FascismSTATE + CHURCH =
Faith-basedCHURCH + CORPORATE =
Fusion: the Merchant ChurchDruckers
3-legged stool model. . .[The Peter F.
Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management], created ten years ago
to honor Peter Druckers contributions to management and leadership,
believes that a healthy society requires three vital sectors: a
public sector of effective governments; a private sector of
effective businesses; and a social sector of effective community
organizations, including faith-based organizations. It furthers its
mission to lead social sector organizations toward excellence in
performance by providing educational opportunities and resources.22Leadership Network
3. The phenomenon of
Rick Warren.
Rick Warren has single-handedly accomplished more to bring about a
public convergence between the three sects of dominionism than any other
individual. Warren received his doctorate from Fuller Theological
Seminary under the tutelage of his advisor, C. Peter Wagner of the
spiritual warfare dominionists.23 Dubbed Americas Pastor
by the media, he is now embarking on an aggressive marketing campaign to
set up a model of Peter Druckers healthy society in Rwanda,
ostensibly under the banner of missionary and charitable endeavors.
Warren has launched a grandiose plan to transform Africa to cure
AIDS, end poverty and fulfill the Great Commission.
Warren
transcends evangelicalism. He easily moves in internationalist circles
(Aspen Institute) and aligns himself with rock stars (Bono). Warren has
audaciously called for a Second Reformation based upon his global
P.E.A.C.E. Plan, which is a study in dominionism.24 Leftists
who fret over Warrens foray into AIDS25 may miss the more
serious dominionist ramifications of his overall global plan. Warren
intends to amass the worlds largest volunteer army of one billion
foot soldiers to implement his global P.E.A.C.E. Plan.26The global
P.E.A.C.E. plan to make disciplesIn addition to its
message of compassion, the [Saddleback Church AIDS] conference
sought to impart several other points emerging from Warrens
global P.E.A.C.E. plan.Based on the
Great Commission to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) and
the Great Commandments to love God and to love our neighbors (Mark
12:28-34), the plan is Warrens approach to attack what he
calls the five global giants — spiritual emptiness, egocentric
leadership, extreme poverty, pandemic diseases and illiteracy and
poor education, by Planting churches, Equipping servant leaders,
Assisting the poor, Caring for the sick and Educating the next
generation. [emphasis added]27Involvement in AIDS
crisis urged at Saddleback conference, Baptist Press
4. Marketplace
ministries.
Corporate business ventures are cloaking themselves in missionary garb
to enter a nation and effect change. Creating an outpost for new
corporate markets in undeveloped Third World countries, particularly
those rich in natural resources, is being done in the name of
kingdom-building. In order to establish a spiritual aura for these
activities, a high-tech Global Day of Prayer was established in May 2005
by the Spiritual Warfare sect working together with Rick Warren.28
This annual event is designed to promote the dominionist agenda
worldwide. Corporate marketplace ministry expansion is being done with
claims of sustainable development, free-trade, and other community
development activities that could screen the dominionist agenda. An
influential marketplace mission organization is Transform World, which
is one of the most patent examples of dominionism.29 Mission
groups are taking up the quest for corporate expansion and financial
gain by linking with business corporations, who are taking up the
mission to expand their markets in the name of kingdom-building.
Meanwhile, C. Peter Wagner has cooked up a new definition of ekklesia
(Gk. church) to fuse the Church with the Corporate workplace.30Marketplace
DominionismWhat is required is
a change of heart. The heart of the nation is the marketplacethe
combination of business, education and government, the
three arteries through which its life flows. If we take Gods
power and presence to the marketplace we will see nations changed
. . . .To change a man you
must first change his heart. This approach, of course, is typical of
missionary organizations. Silvosos idea, though, is far more
radical. Cities can be changed in nature. Countries can be
redeemed. Entire cultures can be brought to “salvation.” The land
itself, in fact, can be healed.And such a
miraculous change is brought about through one primary avenue:
God working through the marketplace. . . .The primary means to
true revival, though, takes place first in the marketplace.31
[emphases added]Business Reform
interview with Ed Silvoso of Harvest EvangelismThe business
mission companyTo achieve its
purpose, the business mission company must develop and invest in
Great Commission efforts that are synergistic with and leveraged
by the company’s presence in strategically selected markets.
It must set standards for evangelism and discipleship, measure
results, and evaluate results per dollar invested for every
sphere of influence identified in the market analysis. Company
spheres of influence and the spheres of influence of
each team member are specific market segments targeted for impact….
Any parts of the company that do not produce to standards are
pruned. An axe is laid to the root of those that do not produce
at all.32 [emphasis added]John Cragin,
On Kingdom Business:
Transforming Missions Through Entrepreneurial Strategies
5.
Militant rhetoric.
There is
a notable increase in the stridency and urgency of strategic level
prayer warfare rhetoric which is linked to global transformation (dominionism).33
False prophets regularly pump out new prophecies and decrees to
shore up the kingdom mandate. These prophecies function like oracles
they are a major avenue for communicating Gods plan for the next step
in kingdom-building. False apostles have been anointed, appointed as
leaders of regions around the globe, and charged with wielding the
kings authority. The doctrines of the New Apostolic Reformation have
been promulgated throughout the mission movement by C. Peter Wagner,
Cindy Jacobs, Chuck Pierce, Bill Hamon, a group known as the Kansas
City Prophets, the Vineyard Fellowship, and many others. At the highest
echelons these organizations all have interlocking boards of directors.
Two noteworthy internal organs for disseminating false prophecies and
new doctrines include The Elijah List and Joel News.A militant
false prophecyWe are coming to the
times when passive Christianity and passive Christians will cease to
exist. There is a maturity, a discipline, and a divine militancy
coming upon the people of God. Those who have succumbed to
humanistic and idealistic theologies may have a hard time with this,
but we must understand that God is a military God. The title that He
uses ten times more than any other in Scripture is “the Lord of
hosts,” or “Lord of armies.” There is a martial aspect to His
character that we must understand and embrace for the times and the
job to which we are now coming.34Rick Joyner, TAKING
THE LAND
6. Neoevangelical and
neoconservative allies.
The
December 2005 issue of Mother Jones magazine was devoted to
examining the Patriotic dominionists. It included an article about the
National Christian Foundation, a philanthropic group linked to
neoconservative organizations. This brief article called attention to a
vast network of interlocking boards of directors and financial ties
between neoconservatives and neoevangelicals.35 The website
www.mediatransparency.org
explores Patriotic dominionist financial ties to neoconservative groups,36
but it does not delve into the considerable linkages between the other
two sects and the neoconservatives. Some of the bonds between these
individuals and organizations go back over half a century, and some
connections are alarmingly anti-semitic.37 Corporate acts of
charity, especially through the influence of the philanthropic groups,
are supplanting the traditional doctrine of let not thy left hand know
what thy right hand doeth (Matthew 6:3). Marketplace transformation is
also forging many new political alliances. Dennis Peacocke of COR is an
influential marketplace transformation leader who is also a member of
the International Coalition of Apostles (the spiritual warfare
dominionists).38 Peacocke, who easily moves in all three
sects, has suggested changing global economic structures.39
The new
Apostles move into governmentsApostle
Jim
Hodges took the stage on Wednesday evening to introduce an exciting
new venture for FMCI: a permanent presence in Washington, D.C.
called the International Leadership Embassy (I.L.E.). The I.L.E.
will position FMCI more directly to affect our government, our
nation, and world nations by establishing contacts with government
officials, D.C. citizens, and international diplomats. The ILE will,
further, facilitate on site intercession efforts in D.C., host
visiting prayer teams, sponsor Kingdom oriented teaching for
government officials, employees and interns, and Christian
leaders.40 [emphasis added]Federation of
Ministers and Churches International
7. Whose kingdom come?
There has been a significant rise of cross-pollination between
evangelical dominionists and New Age Theosophists.41 Since
the late 1970s there has been a closeted fraternization between
dominionists and Theosophists for the purpose of finding common ground
for the future. Both groups seek to bring in a Christ figure to solve
the worlds problems. Both groups have grand utopian plans to create
peace on earth. During the past decade, the two groups began borrowing
doctrinal terminologies from one another and working on common
theologies. The events of 9/11 gave a new impetus to this effort.42
Jay Gary, who has been a leader within all three sects of dominionism
has had close ties with the Theosophists43 and is adopting
new theologies, including a hybrid of preterism called
transmillenialism.44 Bob Buford of Leadership Network
(mentioned in point 2 above) has been working since the mid-1990s to
create a youth culture based on emergent theologies called the
Emergent Church a mixture of New Age paganism, eastern mysticism and
evangelical dominionism.45 And Patriotic Dominionist leaders
have long-standing, close ties with the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, who has his
own messianic kingdom ambitions.46
Christs Law
The crime of
separation, of division, of lawlessness must go from the world. All
that hinders the manifestation of mans divinity must be driven from
our planet. My Law will take the place of separation.47Maitreya the
Christ
8. The stewardship
deception.
The Transformational
Covenant48 by Luis Bush is a key document which outlines the
new theology of stewardship dominion. Bush has held very influential
positions in the mission movement as a leader in AD2000, World Inquiry,
and the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization. He now serves as
the international facilitator of Transform World. By linking a
reinterpreted
Genesis 1 stewardship of
the earth mandate to the reinterpreted Great Commission doctrine, there
is a volatile new doctrine of dominionism doctrine rising. This
stewardship mandate was actually first proposed as a deceptive
strategy in the late 1970s by Jeremy Rifkin in his book The Emerging
Order.49 Rick Warren and others have now picked up the
theme.50 George Otis of the Sentinel Group (spiritual warfare
dominionist), suggests that by taking dominion of the Earth (he calls it
transformation), paradise can be restored (as in
Genesis 1 before the
Fall) an old Latter Rain cult heresy that presents an alternative
eschatology of dominion.51
Cultivating
the Great Commission EcosphereEFMA exists to
cultivate the Great Commission Ecosphere so that it bears good and
abundant fruit and God is glorified among all people. To this end
the Fellowship works in depth with members to enhance mutual
effectiveness and increase capacity as we work to extend Christ’s
Kingdom. EFMA works broadly within the mission community who
share a commitment to Christ, the Scriptures, and obedience to God’s
command to disciple the nations.52Evangelical
Fellowship of Mission AgenciesThe
Genesis 1 stewardship
mandate. . . [W]hen God
created man, he gave man dominion over the earth. Adam relinquished
mans dominion by disobedience. Redemption and restoration of
mans dominion over the earth, as well as his
reconciliation with God, was made possible by Jesus.53International
Christian Chamber of Commerce
9. Leftist dominionists.
Evangelical Leftists (Tom Sine, Ron Sider, Jim Wallis and others) have
always hobnobbed with the dominionists.54 Many of the key
Leftist dominionists have been coalescing around an agenda to eradicate
world poverty, laboring with Rick Warren to
implement the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Micah
Challenge is one of the key organizations operating in this realm. A
number of international mission networking agencies have formed
alliances around these mutual kingdom aspirations. Working to end
poverty may seem laudable on the surface. But scratch the surface and
dominionism appears.55 Charity is not what it seems. Charity
is a vehicle to maneuver dominionism into the best possible
international publicity spotlight. And altruistic appeals for charitable
sacrifice are a mechanism to sign up recruits in the billion man army.WEA, Micah
Challenge and WolfowitzThe Church is “God’s
primary instrument of transformation within the local community,”
says Tunnicliffe, chair of
Micah Challenge Canada
and international director of the
World Evangelical Alliance
(WEA). Canadian churches and Christian organizations must evaluate
what they’re doing to serve the poor. They must keep themselves
informed about issues surrounding poverty, and strive to find
meaningful, practical outlets for people to respond. . . .While in Washington,
the group also met with the new president of the
World Bank, Paul
Wolfowitz, who reportedly told the Christian leaders that the Church
could become a more significant player in the role of responding to
global poverty.The World Bank, a
source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries
around the world, has traditionally worked with governments. But
Tunnicliffe says they want to evaluate the possible role that could
be played by the faith-based community in such work. A small body
has been set up by the faith-based community to advise the World
Bank in setting policy. The WEA has been asked to participate.56
This is a shortened version of this
article by Sarah Leslie. You can read the entire article at
http://www.discernment-ministries.org/ChristianImperialism.htm
The
Merchant ChurchThis kingdom being
built is not of Jesus Christ OF the Bible. It is not
FOR the Jesus of the Bible. It has nothing to do with Him, but
everything to do with an antichrist zeitgeist that is
frightening, appalling and massive in its build-up.At the present
time it is still possible for seekers after truth to access the old
doctrines and old sermons in books and on the Internet. The time has
nearly come when these traditional Gospel doctrines will be declared
heretical and a threat to the false king and kingdom that are being set
up.The Bible speaks
of a latter day heresy called mystery Babylon which is a merger of
Commerce and Church. This unholy dominionist mixture a modern-day
alchemy is what appears to be forming before our very eyes:The global
merchantsAnd he cried
mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen,
is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of
every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For
all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,
and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and
the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the
abundance of her delicacies . . . .And the
merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man
buyeth their merchandise any more: The merchandise of gold, and
silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and
purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner
vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and
of brass, and iron, and marble. And cinnamon, and odours, and
ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and
wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots and
slaves, and souls of men. (Revelation 18:2-3; 11-13)
Endnotes:1.
Dominion Theology, Sara Diamond, article posted at
http://zena.secureforum.com/Znet/zmag/articles/feb95diamond.htm).
Sara Diamond authored Spiritual Warfare: The Politics of the
Christian Right (South End Press, 1989) which provides some
history of the rise of modern evangelical dominionism. Her
perspective comes from the political Left.2.
Editors Note, special issue God and Country: Where the
Christian Right Is Leading Us, Dec. 2005 p. 5.3.
Michael M. Phillips, In
Swaziland, U.S. Preacher Sees His Dream Vanish,
Wall Street Journal,
12/19/05. Bruce Wilkinson, author of The Prayer of Jabez, is
closely associated with Rick Warren; see Deceived on Purpose
by Warren Smith, (Mountain Stream Press, 2004). Their efforts in
Africa were connected with the other dominionist movements mentioned
in this article. See also
articles posted
at
http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NLMayJune_2005.htm
and
http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NLJulyAugust_2005.htm4.
Sara Diamond, Ibid, Internet article.5.
Matthew Henry Study Bible,
A. Kenneth Abraham, Ed., (Tyndale House, 1986), p. 1207. Henry is
commenting on
Psalms 149:6 Let
the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in
their hand which has been given a new dominion connotation.6.
Al Dager, Vengeance Is Ours: The Church In Dominion
(Sword Pub., 1990), p. 87. This book is a historical encyclopedia
of the history of modern dominionism, clearly demarking the various
sects. Dager approaches the subject from a Christian perspective.
His book is available through
http://www.discernment-ministries.org.7.
Lynn & Sarah Leslie, Resurrecting Pagan Rites,
http://www.discernment-ministries.org/ResurrectingPaganRights.pdf.
This article series examines the roots and rise of the Promise
Keepers movement.8.
http://www.tribeissachar.com/.
The mixture of contemplative spirituality with the spiritual warfare
sect is coming in through the Emergent church, mainline
denominations and purpose-driven. See
http://www.whitedoveministries.org/content/NewsItem.phtml?art=254&c=0&id=30&style=1;
or
http://tinyurl.com/87b4v.9.
Sandy Simpson, The New Apostolic Reformation: What is it and
where is it going?
http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/nardvd.html. See
also, Strange Fire: The Rise of Gnosticism in the Church by
Traverse & Jewel van der Merwe (Conscience Press, 1995)
http://www.discernment-ministries.org/StrangeFire1.htm
10.
See documentation at
http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/addendum-haggard.html
and
http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/haggardelected.html
for the history of Haggards entanglement with this sect of
dominionism.11.
11/01/05, Global Link
newsletter Global Harvest Ministries.12.
Al Dager, The World Christian Movement, (Sword Publ.,
2001). This book reads like a sequel to Vengeance Is Ours by
the same author (see footnote 5). It is a cursory look at the rise
of the modern mission movement, its roots and doctrines, from a
Christian apologetics perspective. Available at
http://www.discernment-ministries.org website.13.
President of the International Christian Chamber of Commerce,
speech given at an International Coalition of Workplace Ministries
banquet, Oct. 2004
http://tinyurl.com/bngcn
or use
http://www.tinyurl.com/a9db2.
For more information about ICCC see
http://www.icccreg.net/pages.asp?pageid=20404. This
organization appears to be wielding tremendous influence in the
marketplace transformation movement that believes it is possible to
operate in Gods Kingdom rule on earth here and now.14.
Disciple Nations Alliance (DNA) Online Course summary at
http://tinyurl.com/afdkj.
This quotation is an example of the spheres mentioned in point 1
below in the text entitled Global spheres.15.
Vengeance Is Ours,
pp. 235-258.16.
The author has a copy of this letter. A subsequent COR
conference was attended by Cynthia Weatherly and reported upon in
The Christian Conscience magazine, From SPIRITUALIST and
Spiritual TWIST? Nov. 1996, pp. 64-65.17.
Vengeance Is Ours
documents the rise of the dominionists and their interconnections.
At
http://www.discernment-ministries.org
there is an archive of past newsletters that focuses on the Latter
Rain dominionists. The World Christian Movement documents the
history of the mission dominionists. Also see
http://www.herescope.blogspot.com
which frequently posts historical material.18.
http://www.transform-world.net/article_read.asp?id=7 or
use
http://tinyurl.com/bynaw19.
Vengeance Is Ours,
p. 235-236.20.
Disciple the Nations,
http://disciplethenations.org/LMEMNVision.html#Discipling.
21.
See The Pied Pipers of Purpose: Human Capital Systems and
Church Performance, a monograph by Lynn & Sarah Leslie and Susan
Conway. This monograph details the influence of Peter Drucker over
Rick Warren, including a look at his political, social and economic
philosophies. Monograph posted at
http://www.discernment-ministries.org/Purpose_Driven.pdf22.
Explorer,
No. 23, 11/06/00,
http://www.leadnet.org/epubarchive.asp?id=41&db=archive_explorer.
The Leadership Network has been a pivotal organization to turn
Christian pastors into change agents through its leadership
training.23.
This point is documented at
www.deceptioninthechurch.com/ditc12-10.html.24.
See article posted at
http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NLMayJune_2005.htm,
The Global Day of Prayer and its sequel, The Second Reformation
at
http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NLJulyAugust_2005.htm,
both authored by Sarah Leslie. These two articles present the
current history of Rick Warrens connection to the Global Day of
Prayer, and his Africa project.25.
Wayne Besen, Purpose-driven lies, 12/09/05,
http://www.washblade.com/2005/12-9/view/columns/lies.cfm26.
http://www.christianpost.com/article/ministries/1615/section/purpose.driven.network.opens.new.aids.conference.to.address.church/1.htm
is a news account. The transcript of Rick Warrens interview with
Larry King Live at
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0512/02/lkl.01.html.
And a critical review of this from an African perspective at
http://www.bibleguidance.co.za/Engarticles/Africanvision.htm27.
Involvement in AIDS crisis urged at Saddleback conference,
Shannon Baker, Baptist Press, 12/07/05,
http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/bpnews.asp?ID=2223028.
See
http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NLMayJune_2005.htm
and its sequel
http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NLJulyAugust_2005.htm
(see footnote 22).29.
http://tinyurl.com/dyv8w
or
http://www.transform-world.com/focusgroupall.asp?id=2.
Also see A Call to Transformation, Australian Prayer Network,
http://tinyurl.com/b5v5y30.
See a transcript of Wagners speech posted at
http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/arise.html.
Also see
http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=5682&columnid=743,
C. Peter Wagner’s Foreword to Faith@Work Movement book by Os
Hillman. Os Hillman is a key player in marketplace transformation.31.
Business Reform
interview with Ed Silvoso of Harvest Evangelism, The Heart of A
Nation, (01/07/05) at
http://tinyurl.com/akwd2.
Ed
Silvoso, from both mission and spiritual warfare sects, is one of
the architects of global marketplace reform.32.
John Cragin, Chapter 15, “The Business of Missions — The
Missions of Business,” On Kingdom Business: Transforming Missions
Through Entrepreneurial Strategies (Crossway, 2003), edited by
Tetsunao Yamamori and Kenneth A. Eldred. The quote is a perfect
example of the influence of Peter Druckers ideology.33.
See
http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NLMayJune_2005.htm
and its sequel
http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NLJulyAugust_2005.htm
(see footnote 22).34.
Rick Joyner, “TAKING THE LAND–We Are Establishing Our
Eternal Place And Position Here On Earth” 11/29/05,
http://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word.html?ID=3617.
Rick Joyner was one of the Kansas City Prophets who now wields
considerable influence through his prophecies about a coming
militant church.35.
Michael Reynolds, Rendering Unto God, Mother Jones,
Dec. 2005, p. 43.
http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2005/12/rendering_unto_god.html.
For other articles see:
http://www.motherjones.com/search/category_religion.html36.
Eric Alterman,
Neoconning the Media:A Very Short History of Neoconservatism,
04/22/05 at
http://www.mediatransparency.org/story.php?storyID=2.37.
Vengeance Is Ours
documents the
ties with Identity, e.g., p. 67. Also see Russ Bellants three
books: Old Nazis, the New Right and the Republican Party
(South End Press, 1988); The Coors Connection: How Coors Family
Philanthropy Undermines Democratic Pluralism (South End Press,
1988) and The Religious Right in Michigan Politics (Americans
for Religious Liberty, 1996). Bellant approaches the subject from
the political Left perspective. His historical research goes back
over sixty years.38.
International Coalition of Apostles website at
http://www.apostlesnet.net/index.asp?action+introduction.
ICA is designed for Apostolic Leaders who are kingdom builders. . .
.39.
Strategic Christian Services (Dennis Peacocke), Co-Managing
the Earth: The Foundational Work of the Christian Marketplace
Ministry,
http://www.strategicchristianservices.org/0903article.asp40.
Federation of Ministers and Churches International, Spring
2005, FMCIs November 04 Leadership Conference,
http://www.fmcapostolicnetwork.com/articles_view.asp?articleid=10858&columnid=172741.
Warren Smith, Evangelicals and New Agers Together, article
posted at
http://www.erwm.com/EvangelicalsandNewAgers.htm. It must
be noted that there is a common Gnostic link between Theosophists
and the Latter Rain cult. See Strange Fire (footnote 8) for
more information.42.
Warren Smith, Reinventing Jesus Christ, book posted
on-line at
http://www.reinventingjesuschrist.com. This book
chronicles the recent connections between Theosophists and leading
evangelicals. A second edition with updated information will come
out this Spring.43.
Warren Smith, Evangelicals and New Agers Together, Ibid.
44.
http://www.presence.tv is
an example of an entire ministry built around a new doctrine. Jay
Gary has been a significant player, cloaking his dominionism in the
rhetoric of futurism. He openly networks with the Theosophists. He
is part of the World Network of Religious Futurists, an influential
organization with theosophical underpinnings. See
http://www.wnrf.org/cms/associates.shtml and
http://www.wnrf.org/cms/faq.shtml.45.
See postings at
http://www.herescope.blogspot.com
for historical documentation.46.
In addition to the information on this topic which could be
found at
http://www.mediatransparency.org
website, this author has personal experience in this realm and was
an eyewitnesses during the 1980s to the Christian Rights close
financial and organizational ties to Moon.47.
Maitreya, Messages from Maitreya the Christ, (Share
International Foundation, 2001), p. 248.48.
http://www.transform-world.net/article_read.asp?id=749.
Rifkin, Jeremy with Ted Howard. The Emerging Order: God in
the Age of Scarcity (G.P. Putnams Sons: New York, 1979), See
introduction, pp. ix-xii. The book is a blueprint on how to network
charismatics and transform their theology.50.
Lynn & Sarah Leslie, What Is Transformation? article posted
at
http://newswithviews.com/Leslie/sarah.htm.51.
George Otis is part of a new group called FUSION, which
exemplifies many points made in this paper. See
http://www.prayerbydesign.com/transformation.php52.
Evangelical Fellowship of Missionary Agencies, a key
networking mission group with very dominionist goals
http://community.gospelcom.net/Brix?pageID=711553.
The Vision: THE KINGDOM FOCUS, International Christian
Chamber of Commerce,
http://www.icccreg.net/pages.asp?pageid=20404. See
footnote 12.54.
For example, see a series of posts on
http://www.herescope.blogspot.com
(Sept/Oct. 2005) pertaining to Evangelical Consultations about the
future held in the late 1970s. These Consultations not only linked
Leftist evangelicals to the emerging dominionist mandate, but also
brought in leading Theosophist Willis Harman to help create new
theologies for the future.55.
See
http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NLMayJune_2005.htm
and its sequel
http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NLJulyAugust_2005.htm
(see footnote 22)56.
Patricia Paddy, Christian leaders propose partnering with UN
to fight poverty,
http://www.canadianchristianity.com/cgi-bin/na.cgi?nationalupdates/051027povertyexplores the
content of the covenants that must be signed in the purpose-driven
church movement.
Grateful
acknowledgement is made to independent researcher Susan J. Conway
and Steve Muse of Eastern Regional Watch Ministries (http://www.erwm.com)
for their invaluable research assistance in this project.Sarah H. Leslie
is a former Christian Right leader in homeschooling and right to
life. She has authored many articles on education reform and
Christian apologetic issues. She and her husband Lynn published
The Christian Conscience magazine and several books They
currently sit on the board of directors of Discernment Ministries,
Inc.
© 2005
Discernment Research Group
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