Fact Check: "The New Apostolic Reformation promotes the idea of Christians dominating all aspects of society."
What We Know
The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is a controversial movement within Christianity that advocates for a form of Christian dominionism. It combines elements of Pentecostalism and evangelicalism, particularly through the framework known as the Seven Mountain Mandate, which posits that Christians are called to take control of seven key societal spheres: government, arts, education, business, family, media, and religion (source-2). The movement has been described as "Christian supremacist" and is often associated with far-right ideologies (source-2).
C. Peter Wagner, who is credited with coining the term NAR, characterized it as a radical shift in church practice and emphasized its political ambitions, particularly in the context of spiritual warfare aimed at societal transformation (source-2). The NAR has gained prominence in recent years, especially following the election of Donald Trump, with many of its leaders actively seeking to influence political outcomes and promote a Christian agenda (source-4).
Analysis
The claim that the NAR promotes the idea of Christians dominating all aspects of society is supported by multiple credible sources. The Southern Poverty Law Center has labeled the NAR as a significant threat to American democracy, highlighting its goals of diminishing the separation of church and state and establishing a Christian governance model (source-8). Additionally, André Gagné, a theology professor, has noted that the NAR is "inherently political" and poses risks to democratic structures (source-2).
Critics of the NAR argue that its teachings encourage a worldview that is dismissive of pluralism and individual rights, with many followers believing they are part of a divine mission to reclaim societal institutions for Christianity (source-4). This aligns with the movement's emphasis on "spiritual warfare" and the belief that Christians must actively engage in societal battles to fulfill their divine mandate (source-6).
While some groups within the broader Apostolic-Prophetic movement have distanced themselves from the NAR due to its controversial positions, the core beliefs of the NAR remain influential among a significant segment of American Christians, particularly those aligned with Christian nationalism (source-5).
Conclusion
The claim that the New Apostolic Reformation promotes the idea of Christians dominating all aspects of society is True. The movement's foundational beliefs and practices explicitly advocate for Christian influence over various societal domains, aligning with the principles of dominionism and spiritual warfare. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the NAR seeks to establish a Christian governance model, thereby undermining democratic principles and promoting a specific religious agenda.
Sources
- Is the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) a Departure from ...
- New Apostolic Reformation
- What is the New Apostolic Reformation?
- The Army of God Comes Out of the Shadows
- How NAR Christianity Leads to Religious Political Extremism
- What is the New Apostolic Reformation? How a Religio ...
- The New Apostolic Reformation Wants God's Government ...
- The New Dominionism Tries to Rule