My friend Warkitty believes there is a threat to our way of life called Dominionism. The threat is real but I don’t know exactly how much we need to worry about it. While I’m positive that our president, George W. Bush, is at least sympathetic to the cause I’m not sure he actually is a Dominionist. Judge Roy Moore, the ex-Alabama Supreme Court Justice, most assuredly is a Dominionist. Regardless of how much of a threat these people are right now they need to be addressed.
Dominionist see a need to return the world to a Christian based legal system and Old Testament law. While most of them believe that this can and should be done through the political process without violence a number of them believe this should be done with arms and militar actions if necessary. Most of them base their beliefs on the teachings and writings of R.J Rushdooney (see also here) and other modern Calvinistic theologians.
Now I’m all for individuals trying to get closer to God and as a Christian I’m in full support of the upfront stated goals of organizations such as Promise Keepers but to try to codify any of this into actual laws of this nation or of the various states goes against my understandings of the teachings of Christ. While Matthew 28:19-20 says: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (NIV) I’ve got to also look at Matthew 10:14 where Jesus instructs his disciples: If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. To me this is saying force nothing on no man.
So how do you fight the Dominionist? Very simply you quote scripture to show them exactly where they are wrong. You also do so with love and without beating them over the head with a Bible. Don Feder, himself a conservative Republican, notes that currently those on the left who are opposed to Dominionism are doing it wrong. Try to demonize a Christian and you are demonizing the faith of the majority in this country. You can’t do it this way. It’s also doubtful that non-Christians will have much success in fighting the onslaught of Dominionism. The only hope is for Christians to see what is happening, understand that Dominionism is a false teaching of the words of Christ and gently but continuously point this out to other Christians who may be swayed by the charismatic leaders of this movement.
I like your take on the dominionist vs. the teachings of Christ. It has always seemed to me (based on unsystematic readings of the Bible) that the transition between the Old Testament to the New Testament presentation of Jesus’ ministry was from a faith of nations to a faith of individuals. The special relationship of the Hebrews with their god, manifested in theocratic governments of their God-given lands, became a personal faith between each believer and Jesus.
You cited a couple of passages from the NT then said:
“To me this is saying force nothing on no man.”
I agree. I always think of the example of the young rich man who asked Jesus what he must do to follow Jesus’ teachings. Jesus told him to sell all he had and follow in Jesus’ path. The young man could not reconcile himself to giving up his wealth, and walk off sorrowing. Jesus felt sadness for the young man as well, as he loved him. But Jesus let him go. Acceptance is an individual choice, not to be forced on any person, not even by Jesus himself. Much less by a Dominionist.
Felix, I will have a lot more to say about this over the coming few weeks. Funny but it ties in with some other things I’ve been thinking about while considering my faith.