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Christian Dominionism's Threat to Democracy

May 6, 2025

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.