The Wall Removed
TimeWatch Editorial
August 16, 2017
On September 12, 2015, Lanie Fields published an article on the Reverb Press.com website. The title of that article is “When Church Becomes State: Theocracy Here and Now.” She opens up the article this way.
“There is a subversive movement going on right now in the U.S., and every citizen should be aware of it. It’s called “Christian Dominionism,” and its followers seek to overthrow our government and transform it into a theocracy. This is NOT hyperbole or hysteria. This is well-documented, and has been brewing for decades. Why doesn’t anyone want to talk openly about it? God, that’s why.” Lanie Fields, “When Church Becomes State: Theocracy Here and Now.”
What is most amazing about the article written by this suburban mom is that she has given a thorough treatment of the subject. She makes the point that many would prefer to avoid the subject because is at first glance might appear conspiratorial, and thus unbelievable. But a careful study of the words and attitudes of the far right in this country will soon reveal exactly where they are seeking to go. Here is how she continues.
“What we are seeing – particularly in Republican politics – is known as Christian Dominionism. The ultimate objective of Christian Dominionism in the U.S. is to abolish Separation of Church and State and establish a distinctively Christian Nation based on Old Testament law. Dominionism goes by many names: Christian Dominionism, Theocracy, Old Testament Christians, Creationism, Christian Reconstructionist, The Seven Mountains Dominionists, Kingdom Now, Quiver full, and yes, much of The Tea Party. These sects all have the same basic motives; to overtake American government and culture, and eventually convert the world to their brand of Christianity, so Jesus can come back and rapture all the good people to heaven.” Lanie Fields, “When Church Becomes State: Theocracy Here and Now.”
The author here makes it clear that these Dominionists plainly misquotes the text found in Genesis 2 verse 26 which says “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” Here is how she describes the Dominionist interpretation.
“Dominionists interpret that verse not as most Christians are taught – God entrusting humans with the stewardship of the earth and a food supply – but instead as an order to harness the power of the world and break it. Every creeping thing? For them, that includes people. This verse, in context, is only a small part of the Christian creation myth. One simple word, for these groups, lends it an entirely different meaning. Dominion equals control. Dominate. Dictate. Conquer. Subdue.” Lanie Fields, “When Church Becomes State: Theocracy Here and Now.”
The author further identifies with specificity the beliefs of these Dominionists. She makes three main points that we need to pay attention to.
1. Dominionists celebrate Christian nationalism, in that they believe that the United States once was, and should once again be, a Christian nation. In this way, they deny the Enlightenment roots of American democracy.
2. Dominionists promote religious supremacy. They generally do not respect the equality of other religions, or even other versions of Christianity.
3. Dominionists endorse theocratic visions. They believe that the Ten Commandments or “biblical law” should be the foundation of American law; that the U.S. Constitution should be seen as a vehicle for implementing biblical law.
Moving on from the term Dominionism, she then deals with a belief system that is linked to the Dominionist, Christian Reconstructionists.
“Christian Reconstructionism has a more intellectually high-minded worldview, and is most popular with the more conservative branches of the Christian faith, particularly the Presbyterian Church in America and Southern Baptists. Reconstructionists believe in a limited government with tasks such as building and maintaining roads, and enforcing land-use contracts. Public schools should not exist: one of the movement’s greatest successes has been promoting homeschooling and publishing texts used by those homeschooling families. They also believe that the state is “God’s minister.” taking vengeance out on those who do evil. Christian Reconstructionists envision fielding armies for conquest in the name of Jesus. Onward, Christian soldiers.” Lanie Fields, “When Church Becomes State: Theocracy Here and Now.”
When you consider these points of view in the light of where the present administration is leading the country today you can clearly see the influence that is being exerted. At long last they have been able to find a president and for that matter an administration that is willing to give them what they need. Lanie Fields also describes another branch of this kind of thinking, The New Apostolic Reformation. She then lists the seven areas that these Dominionist, Reconstructionist, New Apostolic Reformers have begun their work.
1. Business: These movements are backed by wealthy radical right-wingers (Koch Brothers) who advocate for open discrimination in the workplace based on religious beliefs.
2. Government: Politicians who literally believe that they can speak to God and vice versa. This is common, particularly with some Tea Party Republicans, who speak openly about receiving messages from God – basing their campaigns on inserting religion into policy making and the belief that this nation was founded on Christian principles.
3. Media: They constantly attack any and all media entities that do not agree with them (lame-stream media) while using only their media (Fox, right-wing radio, blog sites) to push the belief that only they can be trusted.
4. Arts and Entertainment: With their political representatives and celebrity spokespeople often bought by the National Rifle Association, they are quick to blame the epidemic of gun violence on video games, movies, and television. They claim its entertainment (not guns) that needs more regulative control. Also notice the “Christian” movies that are being released – Left Behind, Fireproof, God Is Not Dead. There is also a website called CNDb, a rip-off of IMDb, that lists and details Christian-themed movies.
5. Education: They continue to cut funding for public education to such low levels that in some locations private and charter schools (often religiously based) are the only alternative for a decent education.
6. The Family: They use social policies which are crafted on fundamentalist religious ideology to define what constitutes marriage, and when life is created.
7. Religion: They strive for a government controlled by those who believe this is a “Christian Nation”.
It is clear that the process has begun. Let us therefore be warned.
Cameron A. Bowen
