Five Facts about Dominionism

(RNS) In recent weeks, an arcane and scary-sounding religious term has
crept into the lexicon of the 2012 campaign, tripping from the tongue of
everyone from MSNBC broadcaster Rachel Maddow to conservative Christian
leader Ralph Reed.

Depending on whom you ask, "Dominionism" either signifies a
Christian plot for world domination, or the latest liberal bugaboo.
Here are five facts about Dominionism to help you decide for
yourself:

What is "Dominionism"?

The term "Dominionism" was popularized in the 1990s by scholars and
journalists, who applied it to conservative Christians seeking political
power. It derives from the Book of Genesis, in which God tells Adam and
Eve to have "dominion" over the Earth and its animals. "Dominionism"
generally describes the belief that Christians are biblically mandated
to control all earthly institutions until the second coming of Jesus.

Experts identify two main schools of Dominionism: Christian
Reconstructionists, who believe biblical law, including stoning as
punishment for adultery and other transgressions, should replace secular
law; and the New Apostolic Reformation, which advocates for Christians
to "reclaim the seven mountains of culture": government, religion,
media, family, business, education, and arts and entertainment. 

Who are "Dominionists"?

Very few Christians identify themselves as "Dominionists." But
experts say the New Apostolic Reformation has gained traction among
charismatic Christians and Pentecostals under the influence of C. Peter
Wagner, a church-growth guru and prolific author. Prominent "apostles"
in the NAR include Lou Engle, co-founder of TheCall assemblies and Mike
Bickle, director of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City,
Mo.

Where are Dominionists?

Experts say the New Apostolic Reformation has chapters of "prayer
warriors" in all 50 states and in foreign countries where Pentecostalism
and charismatic Christianity are popular. Membership numbers are
difficult to ascertain, however, since adherents are not required to
officially join any church, seminary, or ministry.

Some experts say Dominionism is more a school of thought than a
social group. Its influence can be seen in textbooks that portray the
Founding Fathers as devout evangelicals, in an anti-gay bill in Uganda
and in the home-schooling movement, they say. Evangelical experts,
however, say they see no evidence of Dominionist thought among
conservative Christian elites.
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When did Dominionism arise?

Christian Reconstructionism is the brainchild of the R.J. Rushdoony,
a Calvinist theologian who died in 2001, leaving behind several dense
tomes and a small band of followers. The New Apostolic Reformation
traces its roots to several Pentecostal movements that proliferated in
the second half of the 20th century.

Why are people talking about Dominionism now?

The topic has bobbed up almost every four years since evangelical
broadcaster Pat Robertson, who has espoused Dominionist ideas, ran for
president in 1988. During the 2008 election, for instance, a video
surfaced of a pastor active in the New Apostolic Reformation praying
over Sarah Palin, raising questions about her involvement with the
group.

In August, several pastors affiliated with NAR helped organize and
delivered speeches at Texas Gov. Rick Perry's prayer rally in Houston.

Perry is expected to need strong support from conservative Christians in
his run for the presidency, as is Minnesota Congresswoman Michele
Bachmann, who has expressed admiration for writers accused of espousing
Dominionist ideas.

Many conservative Christians dismiss the attention on Dominionism
as liberal fearmongering. They wish to participate in American culture,
they say, not dominate it.