Mainstreaming Dominionism (Tim Keller is involved...)

"We are approaching a season of crisis, and in a season of crisis, the strategies of heaven must invade your sphere of authority. What does this mean?

"You have been positioned by God in a particular sphere of authority....

"...My favorite definition of a sphere is 'a circuit of action, knowledge or influence that is linked both to the functional area of your involvement and to every territory that is affected by you exercising authority.' Within this expanse is an order of society that you can influence.

"There is much about war that we do not understand. War always involves casualties, and, at the same time, divine interventions of which we're unaware. Sometimes war makes no sense to us. Yet, war is a part of life.... [W]e face the unfolding war that lies ahead in both the natural and the spiritual realms,..." --Chuck Pierce, May 11, 2010.[1]

The quotation above is an example of the more extreme language of Dominionism, commonly used by those who claim to be latter-day "prophets" and "apostles," who believe they can bring heaven to earth via a war, by building an endtimes "Dread Champion Army" (often called "Joel's Army") that cries, "Take dominion! The war is over your taking dominion!"[2]

This full-fledged Dominionism mandate gets worse. It also calls for a "worldwide purification" of the planet:

"Worldwide purification is preceded by the purification of a people of Christ prepared to be planted into the world to fully shine forth the glory of God during and after the worldwide dark season of dissolution. God will not fully drive out the enemy until He has a holy kingdom people to inherit the land. Sons of God are being purified and brought to maturity to eventually possess the land (this world)....

"God is destroying and will destroy all that He has not planted. The season is at hand for the beginning of the purification of the world. God is sending and will send holy angels to remove (dissolve) from the world all that the enemy and prideful flesh has established in this present world. The kingdom of God, New Jerusalem government of God cannot coexist with the lofty pride of man that exalts itself against God. The day (season) of earth cleansing judgment of God is before us. The great shaking and roaring fire of God is beginning and will prepare the way for the people in whom Christ abides to inherit the land...."[3]

Dominionism isn't always presented in such brazen openness, however. It doesn't always sound so violent. It doesn't quite so obviously parallel the New Age call for planetary "cleansing." Which is precisely why it is rising so rapidly in popularity in evangelical circles. The dark side of Dominionism is cleverly disguised! What people typically encounter is Dominionism Lite, a term we coined in a November 26, 2006 Herescope column.

You might be surprised to learn about who is now connected to the 7 Mountain "mandate" of Dominionism.[4] It has become a widespread teaching in the evangelical world, and many of its adherents aren't fully aware of how dark and dreadful the full-blown Dominionist agenda truly can become. One of the common denominators for Dominionists is the belief that the church should change the world - not just impact the world as salt and light, but actually control the world, particularly the State (government). This theology appeals to many, and has deep roots in church history.

A key feature to look for in identifying Dominionism is a de-emphasis on the Cross of Christ and His dying for our sins. The humble Gospel of Salvation is sidelined by a gung-ho gospel of the Kingdom, which talks about doing things and supporting causes.

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