How Extremist Christian Theology is Driving the Right-Wing Assault on Democracy

Introduction

• Progressive Policies: Rooted in reality and evidence but challenged by cultural wars, especially since evangelical support for Trump in 2016.
• Dominionism: A hardcore anti-democratic theology influencing the Christian right.
• Key Figure: Rachel Tabachnick's work explains dominionism's impact on politics.

Key Points from Tabachnick's Webinar

• Texas Anti-Abortion Law SB 8: Illustrates vigilante justice.
• Disruption of Governance: Includes movements like constitutional sheriffs, red-state revolt against national COVID policies.
• Accusations of Tyranny: Anti-democratic minority accuses opponents, including democratically elected officials.

Dominionist Ideas

• Biblical Extremes: Some ideas like death by stoning are fringe; others foundational to the religious right.
• Understanding Theological Frames: Essential for progressive activists in strategy.
• Intersectional Faith: Current religious faith views attacks on various social issues as interconnected.

Definitions and Branches of Dominionism

• C. Peter Wagner's Definition: Dominion relates to control and rulership in society.
• Frederick Clarkson's Definition: Christians are to exercise dominion over all aspects of society.
• Branches:
  • New Apostolic Reformation (NAR): Focus on taking dominion over "seven mountains" of society.
  • Christian Reconstructionism: Focus on biblical law, strategic organizing, and providing blueprints for right-wing movements.

Christian Reconstructionism

• Key Figures: Rousas John Rushdoony and Gary North.
• Government Under Biblical Law: Continuation of Mosaic law, includes extreme punishments.
• Impact on Politics: Influence on religious right's attacks on public education, social safety net.

Doctrine of Lesser Magistrate

• Historical Context: Right-wing opposition to federal authority, rooted in defense of slavery and segregation.
• Reconstructionist Ideology: Rights come from God, not government; "human rights" are not legitimate.
• Application in Modern Politics: Used in anti-abortion and other right-wing activism.

Impact on Current Politics

• SB 8 and Vigilantism: Aligns with lesser magistrate doctrine by empowering private citizens as enforcers.
• COVID Policies and Dominionism: Resistance against government authority under the guise of fighting tyranny.
• Rejection of "Human Rights": Emphasizes divine sovereignty over humanist concepts.

Conclusion

• Reconstructionism's Goal: To reconstruct society based on biblical law.
• Influence on Right-Wing Movements: Strategies and tactics shape larger religious right and anti-statist actions.
• Appeal to Libertarians: Theocratic libertarianism attracts new generations unaware of its full implications.