Due to heavy request for an article “What Is Dominionism?” that appeared in the Nov/Dec 2010 Discernment Newsletter by Sarah Leslie, we are publishing several links to sites where the article can be easily accessed.
The newsletter version is posted here as a pdf file:
http://www.discernment-ministries.org/Newsletters/NL2010NovDec.pdf
A more complete version of the article is posted here. This version includes the video by Eric Swanson of Leadership Network, whose graphic illustration is at the top of the previous post. In this video he repudiates the Gospel of Salvation and explains the Gospel of the Kingdom (Dominionism):
http://apprising.org/2011/01/26/what-is-dominionism/
Below is a snippet from the article:
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A WORKING DEFINITION of DOMINIONISM
The belief that we (mankind) have a mandate to build the “kingdom of God” on earth, restoring paradise, by progressively and supernaturally transforming ourselves and all societal institutions, through subduing and ruling the earth by whatever means possible, including using technology, science and psycho-social engineering; and then and only then will a “Christ” manifest his presence on earth.
Al Dager in his book VENGEANCE IS OURS: The Church In Dominion (Sword 1990) lists two further definitions of Dominionism:
A basic premise of dominion theology is that when Adam sinned, not only did man lose dominion over the earth, but God also lost control of the earth to Satan. Since that time, some say, God has been on the outside looking in, searching for a “covenant people” who will be His “extension” or “expression” in the earth to take dominion back from Satan. According to the dominionist interpretation, this is the meaning of the Great Commission.
Some teach that this is to be accomplished through certain “overcomers” who, by yielding themselves to the authority of latter-day apostles and prophets, will take control of the kingdoms of this world. These kingdoms are defined as the various social institutions, such as the “kingdom” of education, the “kingdom” of science, the “kingdom” of the arts, and so on. Most especially there is the “kingdom” of politics and government. (Dager, p. 44)
THE DOMINION MANDATE
Dominion theology is predicated upon three basic beliefs:
- Satan usurped man’s dominion over the earth through the temptation of Adam and Eve;
- The Church is God’s instrument to take dominion back from Satan;
- Jesus cannot or will not return until the Church has taken dominion by gaining control of the earth’s government and social institutions. (Dager, p. 87)
SYMPTOMS of DOMINIONISM
What follows is a comprehensive list (although not complete!) of potential things to watch for that indicate that a particular teaching may be Dominionist.…..