Dominionism

A Religious Movement Shaping Our Political Discourse

Dominionism, a religious movement that emerged in the late 20th century, has gained significant attention due to its influence on sociopolitical discourse. Rooted in Christian theology, Dominionism advocates for the belief that Christians should actively engage in shaping society according to biblical principles. This essay aims to explore the origins, key tenets, and implications of Dominionism, shedding light on its impact on contemporary society.

The roots of Dominionism can be traced back to the early 20th century, primarily within conservative evangelical circles in the United States. Influential theologians such as Rousas John Rushdoony and Francis Schaeffer played pivotal roles in shaping the movement's theological foundations. Rushdoony's concept of "Christian Reconstructionism" and Schaeffer's emphasis on cultural engagement laid the groundwork for Dominionism's emergence.

R. J. Rushdoony

Rousas John Rushdoony was a prominent theologian and intellectual figure who played a significant role in shaping the Christian Reconstructionist movement. Known for his influential writings and teachings, Rushdoony's ideas continue to impact conservative Christian thought and activism. This biography explores Rushdoony's life, his theological contributions, and the lasting legacy of his work.

He was born on April 25, 1916, in New York City to Armenian immigrant parents. Growing up in a devout Christian household, Rushdoony's faith played a central role in his upbringing. He attended public schools in New York and later pursued higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1938.

His theological journey was shaped by a diverse range of influences. He studied under the renowned Reformed theologian Cornelius Van Til at Westminster Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree in 1944. Van Til's presuppositional apologetics and emphasis on the sovereignty of God greatly impacted Rushdoony's theological framework.

Another significant influence on Rushdoony's thinking was the Dutch theologian and politician Abraham Kuyper. Kuyper's concept of "sphere sovereignty," which advocated for the autonomy of various societal spheres under God's authority, resonated with Rushdoony's developing worldview.

His most notable contribution to Christian thought was the development of Christian Reconstructionism. In the 1960s and 1970s, he articulated his vision for a society governed by biblical law, seeking to apply the principles of the Old Testament to contemporary life. He argued that Christians had a responsibility to transform society according to God's moral standards.

In 1973, he published his seminal work, "The Institutes of Biblical Law," which laid out the theological and philosophical foundations of Christian Reconstructionism. This comprehensive treatise advocated for the implementation of biblical law in all areas of life, including politics, education, and economics. Rushdoony's writings and teachings became the cornerstone of the movement, inspiring a generation of Christian activists and intellectuals.

In the realm of theology, Rushdoony's writings have sparked discussions and debates on the role of the Old Testament law in the lives of Christians. While his views have been met with criticism from some theologians who argue for a more nuanced approach to biblical interpretation, Rushdoony's ideas have undeniably left a lasting impact on the theological landscape.

Politically, his advocacy for the implementation of biblical law has influenced conservative activism. His teachings have inspired individuals and organizations to engage in political processes, seeking to shape legislation and policies in accordance with their religious beliefs. The influence of Christian Reconstructionism can be seen in the formation of Christian political organizations and the support of candidates who align with its principles.

In education, Rushdoony's ideas have contributed to the growth of Christian homeschooling and the establishment of Christian schools. His emphasis on the importance of education in shaping future generations has motivated many Christian families to take control of their children's education, ensuring that it aligns with their religious convictions.

His impact on the legal sphere is evident in his advocacy for the application of biblical law in the judicial system. While his views on this matter have been met with significant criticism and legal challenges, his writings have influenced discussions on the relationship between religion and law, particularly within conservative circles.

He was a theologian and intellectual figure who played a significant role in shaping the Christian Reconstructionist movement. His writings and teachings continue to influence conservative Christian thought and activism, particularly in the areas of theology, politics, education, and law. While his ideas have garnered both support and criticism, Rushdoony's legacy remains a significant part of the ongoing discussions surrounding the intersection of religion and society.

But, despite the influence and following Rushdoony garnered during his lifetime, it is important to note that his ideas and the Christian Reconstructionist movement are not without controversy. Critics argue that the movement's emphasis on biblical law can lead to the erosion of religious freedom and the marginalization of non-Christian or minority religious groups. Additionally, the movement's rejection of certain scientific theories and social progress on issues such as gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights has drawn criticism from those advocating for inclusivity and individual autonomy.

Francis Schaeffer

Francis Schaeffer was a renowned theologian, philosopher, and cultural critic who played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Christian intellectual engagement in the 20th century. Through his writings, lectures, and personal interactions, Schaeffer challenged Christians to actively engage with contemporary culture, offering a thoughtful and compassionate Christian perspective. This background essay explores Schaeffer's life, his intellectual contributions, and the lasting impact of his work.

He was born on January 30, 1912, in Germantown, Pennsylvania. Raised in a nominally Christian home, Schaeffer experienced a crisis of faith during his teenage years. However, his encounter with a group of Christian young people during a summer camp led to his conversion to Christianity at the age of 17.

Schaeffer pursued higher education at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, where he studied under the influential theologian J. Gresham Machen. After completing his undergraduate studies, Schaeffer attended Westminster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, where he further developed his theological foundation.

In 1935, Schaeffer married Edith Seville, and the couple embarked on a journey of ministry together. They served as missionaries in Europe, initially in Switzerland and later in France, where they established L'Abri Fellowship. L'Abri, meaning "the shelter" in French. It became a place where individuals could engage in intellectual and spiritual discussions, seeking answers to life's deepest questions.

His L'Abri Fellowship, which began as a small ministry in Switzerland, grew into an international network of study centers. These centers continue to provide a space for individuals to explore questions of faith, philosophy, and culture in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.

His contributions encompassed various disciplines, including theology, philosophy, and cultural analysis. He sought to bridge the gap between faith and reason, emphasizing the importance of a robust Christian worldview that engages with the complexities of contemporary culture.

One of his most influential works is his trilogy: The God Who Is There (1968), Escape from Reason (1968), and He Is There and He Is Not Silent (1972). In these books, he explored the decline of Western thought and culture, tracing its roots to the abandonment of a biblical worldview. He argued for the necessity of a Christian perspective that addresses both the intellectual and existential needs of individuals.

His approach to cultural engagement was marked by a deep empathy and understanding of the struggles and questions faced by individuals in a postmodern world. He believed that Christians should not only engage intellectually with the ideas and philosophies of the day but also demonstrate love and compassion towards those who held different beliefs. Schaeffer's emphasis on the importance of both truth and love in engaging with culture continues to resonate with many Christians seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

His writings and lectures inspired a generation of Christians to think critically about their faith and engage with the broader culture. Schaeffer's emphasis on the integration of faith and reason, as well as his compassionate approach to engaging with others, has influenced countless individuals and organizations.

His influence extended beyond the realm of theology and philosophy. His writings on the sanctity of human life and the importance of defending the vulnerable played a significant role in shaping the pro-life movement. Schaeffer's advocacy for the value and dignity of every human being, regardless of their stage of development or abilities, continues to inspire those engaged in the fight for human rights.

Schaeffer's legacy also lives on through the numerous individuals he mentored and influenced. Many of his students went on to become influential Christian thinkers, writers, and leaders in their own right, carrying forward his vision of engaging with culture from a biblical perspective.

He was a theologian, philosopher, and cultural critic who left an indelible mark on Christian intellectual engagement. His emphasis on the integration of faith and reason, his compassionate approach to engaging with culture, and his writings on a wide range of topics continue to inspire and challenge Christians to think deeply about their faith and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. Schaeffer's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of intellectual rigor, empathy, and love in the pursuit of truth and the engagement with contemporary culture.

What is Dominionism?

At its core, Dominionism asserts that Christians have a divine mandate to exert influence over all aspects of society, including politics, education, and the arts. While Dominionism encompasses a diverse range of beliefs, several key tenets are commonly shared among its adherents:

They believe that God has granted humanity dominion over the Earth, as stated in Genesis 1:26. They interpret this as a call to actively participate in the transformation of society, guided by biblical principles.

They also emphasize the importance of Christians engaging with the world, seeking to influence societal structures and institutions. This involvement extends to politics, law, education, and media, with the aim of establishing a society aligned with biblical values.

Dominionists advocate for the adoption of a biblical worldview, asserting that all areas of life should be interpreted through the lens of Scripture. They believe that this perspective provides a moral compass for decision-making and societal transformation.

The rise of Dominionism has sparked debates and concerns regarding its implications for society. Critics argue that the movement's influence can lead to the erosion of the separation between church and state, potentially marginalizing non-Christian or minority religious groups. Additionally, some fear that Dominionism's focus on biblical literalism may hinder scientific progress and impede social progress on issues such as gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights.

Proponents argue that it promotes moral values, social stability, and a return to what they perceive as a more virtuous of God and the application of biblical principles to all areas of life has resonated with many within the conservative evangelical community. Rushdoony's work has influenced various spheres, including theology, politics, education, and law.

Dominionism, or Christian Reconstruction is more of a threat today than at any point in our history. Understanding the movement, it's background and policy views are important tools to resist theology into our civic discourse and laws.