focus on family james dobson conversations with god book

And only so will we take back government from the state and put it in the hands of Christians.' As Rushdoony stated, 'The Christian theonomic society will only come about as each man governs himself under God and governs his particular sphere. In keeping with Christian Reconstructionism, Rushdoony believed that the federal government should concern itself with national defense, while education and social welfare should be handed over to the Christian churches. It was this book, more than any other, that gave rise to the Christian Reconstruction movement. The Institutes of Biblical Law, promoted a social philosophy shaped by biblical law-a philosophy that advocated a return to the Old Testament. Yet while Rushdoony unabashedly advocated a Christian theocracy, this is a far cry from Schaeffer's views.Īn ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Rousas John Rushdoony (1916-2001)-often referred to as the father of Christian Reconstructionism (aka 'post-millennialism,' the idea that Christians will bring in the kingdom of God on earth and Christ will then return to a triumphant church)-dedicated much of his adult life to working to restore the historic Christian doctrines of post-millennialism and Christian dominion in the church. Rushdoony as supporting the notion that there should be no separation of church and state, that in fact the United States should be a Christian nation. As Sonia DeWitt noted in her article 'An American Agenda' (November/December 2005): 'Many Christian leaders and organizations have adopted the position that the concept of separation of church and state was never intended by the Founding Fathers and is an impediment to the righteous, godly society they are intending to create in America.' 2 DeWitt, like many writers, cites both Francis Schaeffer and R. The heart of the debate is over whether or not the United States is a Christian nation. As the vice regents of God, we are to exercise godly dominion and influence over our neighborhoods, our schools, our government, our literature and arts, our sports arenas, our entertainment media, our news media, our scientific endeavors-in short, over every aspect and institution of human society. Our job is to reclaim America for Christ, whatever the cost.

The Emergence of a Dominionist Philosophy

Many perceive this as a campaign to use the United States to create a global, Christian empire.

It actually dovetails neatly with the dominionist philosophies seemingly espoused by modern-day evangelicals such as Pat Robertson, that is, the belief that Christians are destined to take over and rule the world by taking 'dominion' over the political process and reinstituting biblical law. Yet this mind set signals more than just widespread evangelical support for a president who has professed to be a Christian. In fact, in examining the war sermons delivered by influential evangelical ministers during the lead up to the Iraq war, Marsh, a professor of religion at the University of Virginia, came to the conclusion that the 'single common theme among the war sermons appeared to be this: our president is a real brother in Christ, and because he has discerned that God's will is for our nation to be at war against Iraq, we shall gloriously comply.' The result has been a fusion of the Christian Right and the Bush administration.

As Charles Marsh notes in a New York Times editorial, 'Wayward Christian Soldiers,' American evangelicals 'have amassed greater political power than at any time in our history.' 1 This power, which can be traced to a handful of evangelical leaders with decided political agendas, reaches into the Oval Office and deep into the bowels of Congress. We are going to say, 'we want freedom in this country, and we want power.''įrom Harper's magazine to Vanity Fair and a host of other mainstream publications, the ever-expanding role of the Christian right in shaping the policies and politics of the nation is making headlines. There'll be a reformation.We are not going to stand for those coercive utopians in the Supreme Court and in Washington ruling over us any more. extend His dominion.And the Lord says, 'I'm going to let you redeem society. He wants His people to reign and rule with Him. God's plan is for His people, ladies and gentlemen, to take dominion.What is dominion? Well, dominion is Lordship.

Focus on family james dobson conversations with god book