Between SueinCA’s amazing posts on Dominionism, especially the lovely folks at C Street, and all the flap over C Street’s abetting of adultery and every other form of perverse Christian “exceptionalism”, we at the Planet are probably better informed than most about the threat of fundamentalism to American democracy.

Now we have another, highly-readable offering that brings us up to date on current happenings.  God, Guns, and Greed: A Dangerous Path for America by Leah Burton outlines and details political threats to democracy from Dominionism as they are being embodied by the current crop of GOP presidential and other candidates.  The book is available today Sept. 4.  Leah is my friend and colleague, and, truth in advertising – I have content in the book but am NOT making money from it.

Drawing from years of research and a personal familiarity with the Alaskan politics that spawned the Star of Dominionism – Sarah Palin – Ms. Burton offers accessible insight not just to C Street but to the breadth and depth of the New Apostolic Reformation as it seeks power, high and low, throughout America.   Quoting from participants, she lets their words show the passion and commitment Dominionists have to taking over America– and the world.

Because Dominionists believe that they are “the chosen” they seek not an expanded view of democracy but a narrowed one.  They seek to make America either a theocracy or at least a Christian country, in either case with them at the helm of the seven essential parts of the nation – The Seven Mountains – including government, the military, family, education, culture, media, and business.  The elect will make happy alliances with the non-saved or even non-believers (think Dick Cheney, Rupert Murdoch, the Koch brothers) just so long as the infidels defer to and promote the interests of  the True Believers.

Americans tend to respect other people’s religions.  We have been immune from holy wars, and while discrimination (restrictive covenants etc.) are part of our history, the gradual movement has been to fulfill Constitutional promises of a land free for all believers and non-believers alike.

That is the key target of Dominionism – undoing the first amendment and imposing a religiously-biased government upon everyone.  God, Guns, and Greed explores the range of successes from school boards to campaigns for the White House that has brought Dominionism perilously close to capturing power over the nation.

This is a must-read for everyone who wants to understand who got elected in 2010 and is vying for power in 2012.  These are not your “values voting” candidates who can occasionally forge compromises.  These are the absolutists who will never back down, never share power, never yield to the idea of universal rights, full democracy, and a more equal nation.

Read this book.  And be very afraid – then work to stop this march of the theocrats.  Act as if your very life depends on stopping this force because it does.

You may order God, Guns, and Greed online at www.godgunsandgreed.com.  It will be in chain and independent bookstores in early October.

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Emerald1943
Member

We have not been discussing the issue of Dominionism in the past several days…lots of other fish to fry. But I feel this is too important to let it fall between the cracks.

Here is a link to an article and an excerpt of it that I found over at “Talk to Action” today regarding C. Peter Wagner, who is not particularly happy about the press the New Apostolic Reformation has been receiving lately.

=============================

http://www.talk2action.org/story/2011/9/9/133916/9724

“…(Wagner’s)responses are to the complaints of conservative evangelicals, Charismatics, and Fundamentalists, who are objecting to: 1) NAR-initiated changes to the internal structure of churches and reorganization under the authority of apostles; 2) the NAR’s specific brand of spiritual warfare and obsession with demons; and 3) the use of this concept of spiritual warfare for the purpose of taking “dominion” over institutions of society and government in the natural world.”

===============================

There could not be any group, movement, or organization (religious or otherwise) that is any more antithetical to everything we as American liberals hold dear. There could not be any more dangerous movement than that of the New Apostolic Reformation and the goals they seek! They now have candidates, plenty of money, and the votes of the faithful. We simply cannot take our eyes off the ball here! If left to their own devices, they will make the tea party look like a bunch of rank amateurs as they set about wrecking our democracy!

I know I’m not alone here at PPOV in thinking that these people and their “Seven Mountains” need to be under constant scrutiny!

ADONAI
Member

choice and Sue, I hope you don’t mind but I’d like to put this debate on pause. You are right. I don’t know enough about your side and it’s not fair to just dismiss it without learning more. So I’m gonna do some reading and get back to you.

SueInCa
Member

Adonai
Not a problem. Choice and I could probably recommend a library to you for reading. Just let us know. I realize we are passionate abut this but like CL says we have been following this for awhile. If after reading you still hold the same opinion, then we just have to agree and respect each other’s opinions.

Emerald1943
Member

Hey Adonai, may I suggest that you read Sue’s series here on PPOV? This is, I believe, the most comprehensive over-view you will find. She did an amazing job! This is an issue that she was working on a couple of years ago. Only now is it becoming “front and center” again because of Rick Perry’s association with these people. IMO, enough cannot be said about it. Everybody needs to know what these people are up to!

Also, Jeff Sharlet’s book “The Family” is another good place to begin. Sharlet actually infiltrated the C Street group and learned what they were doing, something that I believe could be dangerous considering the powerful men involved. I think that after you check this out, you’ll understand that CL and Sue both are not exaggerating at all…these people are really dangerous! They have a really ugly and destructive agenda…and they are winning in many areas. You gotta’ hand it to them for thinking “big”…world domination! And that’s not hyperbole!

I am interested in knowing what you think after you have checked it all out! 🙂

KillgoreTrout
Member

The first amendment is pretty clear in it’s implications regarding the separation of church and state. BUT, I truly fear it is not clear enough for a number of Americans who see no problem with mixing religion and legislation and religious judicial activism. I think we need a possible amendment that leaves no doubt what-so-ever about separation of church and state. Of course, the first amendment should be clear enough, for anybody with a high school education. But I think the “establishment clause” is seen by these theological manipulators as a reason to cast doubt about our founders intent. There should be no room for doubt about this issue. The dangers to our government and our society are just too great.

M Cubed
Member
M Cubed

Kilgore, I have heard their argument as being: it prevents the state from interfering in my religion, but it says nothing about my religion interfering with the state. This frightens the oatmeal out of me!

KillgoreTrout
Member

M, that is my point. I know it will never happen, to have to write a new amendment in the Constitution, but I really do think it should leave no doubt as to the meaning of the Establishment Clause. For the very reason you mention.

KQµårk 死神
Member

Cheers for posting this CL. Sounds like a must read. We have a great deal of people who read the planet and never post so hopefully people become more aware about how dangerous these people really are. I just fear voters are not so overloaded by the crazy ramblings of these people that they become numb. I’m sure during the early ’30s in Germany people who thought groups like the Nazis and brown shirts were crazy too. But the desperation of the times made people overlook their good common sense.

SueInCa
Member

KQ and these people, especially the family, have studied the tactics of the Nazis in great detail. They worked with churches in Germany that were involved in the Third Reich or have a history of how it was all accomplished with the Christians of that time.

KillgoreTrout
Member

Most of the people in 1930s Germany who opposed the NAZIs were older people who could view them against a democracy that they knew and lived in for years. The NAZIs really went after the young people because they realized that their minds were still quite malleable. And I believe these Dominionists are most likely doing the same thing. They want to hypnotize all they can, but they know that they will be most successful with the young.

bito
Member

The Socialists and Unions were strongly opposed to the Nazi’s and their leaders were among the first arrested and “disappeared.” The Union leaders were replaced by Nazi’s and the membership was “salted” with workers loyal to the Nazi’s.
Do I dare to try it in German? Saltzengleich.” (sp)
If you look at old Union photos you will see Union members giving the Nazi salute with one hand and the other one in their pocket, their verzion of the middle finger/I’m not a Nazi follower.

The technique of ‘salting’ business, Congress, school boards, city and town councils and the Texas board approving books would make the Nazi’s proud.

PatsyT
Member

CL,
Thank you, for your dedication to this.
I ran across this on npr.
Radio Interview with Rachel Tabachnick on Aug 24, 2011

http://www.npr.org/2011/08/24/139781021/the-evangelicals-engaged-in-spiritual-warfare

SueInCa
Member

Ms Patsy
Rachel writes for Talk To Action. This is Bruce Wilson’s website. Max Blumenthal and Chris Hedges also write for this site. It is one of my favorites.

http://www.talk2action.org/

PatsyT
Member

Thanks Sue

kesmarn
Admin

c’lady, let me add my thanks to the other commenters’. We’ve been waiting for this book to come out and I’m so glad it’s now available.

As to dismissing the potential threat of the dominionists, I think we need only take a very brief trip back in time to the glorious days of Dubya to see what happens when there’s a religious fanatic in the White House. And many have credibly argued that Dubya fit right in with this group.

Erik Prince of Blackwater undoubtedly does.

The congressmen who are involved with C-Street? Yup.

It’s not only a question of will these people do damage. They already have. And they’d like to do a lot more.

Check out the Hagee agenda: bomb Iran, make sure the entire ME is in flames, provoke armageddon, ensure the Second Coming. And voila! Before you know it, the whole world is “Christian.”

In the mean time, they plan for — in their words — “a massive wealth transfer into Christian hands.” When Christians hold all the money, all the positions of power, and other religions have been eliminated, that will be their version of heaven on earth.

Is that the version Christ taught and prayed for? No way.

But they don’t see things that way at all. It’s Prosperity Gospel all the way, baby, for them.

And everything is on the down-low. They’re very secretive, and that’s deliberate. Their methods are infiltration and stealth take-overs of various elements of society. By the time people wake up and realize what’s happened, it’s already too late.

You may know people near you who are “just very good Christians,” who are totally in to this mentality and they will never mention it to you. This is discussed behind closed doors only. And it is real.

Emerald1943
Member

Kes, thanks for reminding me about Eric Prince! I really don’t understand why that man is not in prison!

The prosperity for Christians is another angle that gets missed in the greater conversation. The thing that really ticks me off is the John Hagees of the world who prey on the ignorant faithful, telling them to send money to support his “work” and in return, God will send them that new refrigerator that they need! These people are despicable! They are predators, plain and simple! They tell these poor folks that God will provide all that they need…just keeping praying and tithing!

It was exactly people like these crooks and predators that first turned me away from my protestant upbringings. I was not always a “heathen”! 🙂

Emerald1943
Member

CL, thank you so much for keeping this issue front and center. Since Sue began her work outing these dangerous people, I have been interested in keeping track of their movement. The recent Perry prayer/fasting rally in Texas brought it all back out into the light again with sponsors like John Hagee and Bryan Fischer.

It appears to me that there are two separate “branches” of this movement. The John Hagee/Bryan Fischer evangelical branch appeals to the typical “low information voter”, the southern “bible-thumper”, short on education and long on absolute, unshakable belief in a verbatim bible. They believe whatever they are told, both from the pulpit and from Fox news…and of course, the republican politician who panders to them.

The other “branch” of the movement would be what I would characterize as “the elite”, the Congressmen and Senators, judges and other officials in the government who actually hold elected office and wield power. The elite sit in Congress and on the Bench, making our laws and pulling their strings. These men/women are the most dangerous of all. They operate in secret (the C Street group), minimizing their involvement if discovered, and believe that they have been chosen by God to rule over the rest of us. Therefore, anything they do, legal or otherwise, is sanctioned by God. They operate above and outside the laws that apply to all others. Remember the John Ensign affair and Tom Coburn’s involvement in the payoff and cover-up?

Both “branches”, although loosely associated, still have basically the same goals…the take-over and elimination of our form of democracy and the replacement of it with a theocracy. Sarah Palin’s church in Wasilla is reportedly associated with the C Street organization in some way. How could we forget the African preacher who prayed that she be protected from witchcraft?? She might be eligible for membership in both branches!

The “Seven Mountains” that the NAR plans to conquer includes the government. Perry is now their guy to take the white House. If we look at recent laws passed in republican-controlled states, we see their influence on the other six, such as repeal of abortion rights, defunding of Planned Parenthood, and support for the Defense of Marriage Act (family), the de-funding of the National Endowment for the Arts and NPR (Arts/culture), the consolidation of RW controlled media (Fox/Murdoch), and massive cuts in education as well as taking over the school boards (Wake Country NC). Their effects can already be felt in any number of republican dominated states. Further republican wins in the next election will only serve to advance their agenda, something that we CANNOT allow!

C Street was extremely secretive for many years, avoiding media coverage at all costs. But these new NAR extremists are not necessarily shy about announcing their plans. I am glad that they don’t shun the attention. This may be their undoing! It is hard for me to believe that the majority of the American people would subscribe to their take-over. The more information that is available in the mainstream, the better!

Adonai makes a good point…they cannot “seize control”…it must be given to them! And I, for one, am not ready to relinquish that control. The rest of the Left should be made aware that this is the “other option” to voting President Obama a second term!

Congratulations on your contribution to Ms. Burton’s book! I can’t wait to read it and will definitely be buying a copy! 🙂

SueInCa
Member

Em
In the past couple of years I think we have seen where the American people are laying down against all that has happened. If the loss of trillions in savings is not enough to bring them out, what will be? Wake County stopped the resegration attempts for a time but when will it rear it’s ugly head again? Especially with the RR on the school board? They will find an end-around the citizens to implement their plans. They have done it with creationism and I don’t look for them to stop, they will just change tactics. Because their schtick was outed with the rightwing trolls, they changed it. Trolls claiming to be former Obama supporters now clogging up the internet with their anti-Obama rhetoric, your average blogger will not even know what is going on. Until it is too late. Same for Americans, they are in a situation now where there is just too much to worry about. It happened in Germany and people were wide awake there. I would never underestimate their ability to deceive. They are students of the Nazi regime.

ADONAI
Member

They’ll never “seize control” of the country. It has to be given to them.

And as far as changing the First Amendment, good luck with that. They’ll never get enough states to ratify it. Ever.

If their plan is to take over America then they’ve already failed. If teaching intelligent design in school has freaked so many out, I doubt they’ll be able to hide future endeavors. Again, if outlawing liquor was their high water mark, I’m not impressed. Definitely not scared.

But every movement needs a boogeyman. I guess they’re as good as any.

SueInCa
Member

Adonai

I certainly respect you right to believe what you want but I will call you on your assumptions.

On creationism around the country and school adoptin it in spite of supreme court rulings……….

http://www.adl.org/issue_religious_freedom/create/creationism5.asp

Attempts to bring back segregation in Wake Co, NC(all but one or two board members were radical christians)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/14/the-battle-for-wake-count_n_926799.html

As to ratifying the 1rst amendment, the Bush administration is baby steps if someone like Bachmann, Romney, Perry or even Christie obtain the Whitehouse. Bush’s tactics will look like child’s play. And yes the mormons will work in conjunction with the dominionists. Palin and Beck are true examples. All you have to do is look behind the scenes to verify any of it. You don’t have to worry about state’s rights when you declare marshall law and in order to do that, the republicans have shown they can create the atmosphere. 9/11 is the perfect example. They ignored the warnings and let it progress to it’s natural conclusion.

ADONAI
Member

Article seems to say they shot down the creationism disclaimers. Again, I trust the people. Democracy does not scare me.

Segregation? Again, good luck with that.

who cares how crazy they are? They’ll NEVER get enough states to ratify the Constitution. Invade a Muslim country? Hell Yeah! Take away our porn? Hell No!

9/11 is not a good example. No one care about this war. No one has any attachment to it. It hasn’t allowed Republicans to take over the country.

And your worst nightmares are already true. In 2006 President Bush signed an act broadening the President’s ability to declare martial law unilaterally and place troops in American borders, repeal trial and habeas corpus and all that.

A bill passed by Congress, opposed by 42 of 231 Democrats in the House and 2 of 50 Democratic Senators. I don’t think the United States government needs a lot of help stripping your rights from you. And they don’t share power.

SueInCa
Member

Adonai
I is not about if they succeeded but that they tried and will continue to try until they get it passed. I know Bush passed that law which is why I cannot agree with you. You tell me if losing trillions in savings cannot bring out the American people to protest, a declaration of Marshall Law will not either. You seem to think your fellow citizens are as accomplished in their knowledge as your are, where I see the dumbing down of America really taking hold.

You can test it with almost any acquaintence, just ask them what a Dominionist is, they will not be able to answer. Those are the people it will sneak up on and they will be sorry they made fun of the people trying to enlighten them.

ADONAI
Member

Of course no one knows who they are! They haven’t effected them in any way.

Dominionists didn’t ruin the market. Dominionists didn’t invade 2 countries. Dominionists haven’t cost us millions of jobs. Dominionists didn’t invent the debt ceiling or downgrade our imaginary credit. Dominionists don’t keep our military dying in the desert.

Protest what? Some people lost their job. Most didn’t. Some people have to commit to the war. Most don’t. I want the American people to see the real problem. Themselves. Not a “shadow government” that succeeds less than half the time.

SueInCa
Member

Adonai
I think you better do some checking. A Koch is on the board of S&P. And they are not going to do it with a shadow government, it will be right in front of your eyes. And if you think dominionists have not cost jobs, you are not looking too hard. The Koch brothers have a market in that already. And are you sure the owners of the manufacturing plants that left and went oversees are not run by Dominionists? Without researching them all, you can’t possibly be sure. Can you name all the dominionists in Congress right now? I could with very little research.

Emerald1943
Member

Adonai, take another look…there are C Street members sitting in Congress as we speak here…on the repub side of the aisle! They may not be the majority, but they certainly have influence in both the House and the Senate. For instance, Senator Tom Coburn is one of them. He certainly has some power there. Also, Jim DeMint is reported to be associated. He was just called “King Maker” with his influence. These are certainly not ineffectual men!

Emerald1943
Member

Sue, I did not see this comment from you before I wrote my reply above. My brother-in-law is a prime example. He, as I stated, is highly educated and keeps up with politics. He had NEVER heard of Dominionism and the NAR. He most certainly is NOT your low information voter! If HE didn’t know about this threat, then how do we expect the true “dumbed down” people to know enough about it?

bito
Member

Sue, who’da thunk that by a 5-4 vote, corporations became people and allowed them to spend unlimited corporate funds on elections. By a 5-4 Roe v. has been both saved and altered and a comma ignored to restrict enforcement of firearm ownership. Will they allow organized prayer in public schools with another 5-4 vote? Interpret the commerce clause more conservatively? Privacy clause?

SueInCa
Member

Bito
Dr. Kennedy Pastor of Coral Ridge Ministries made that statement. He said whoever controls the Supreme Court controls the law of the land. They are proving him right. Dr. Kennedy was a member as well.

Look at Clarence Thomas and his wife directly involved in the Tea Party and not a word is spoken.

Emerald1943
Member

Sue, Clarence Thomas should be impeached, or whatever they do to naughty boys on the Supreme Court! There seems to be enough evidence against him for at least conflict of interest. Why is this getting no traction? Is this another one of those problems that Americans can’t get their heads around??

SueInCa
Member

Em
I think people are just basically lazy or perhaps they are afraid if they take on this bunch, they will lose or no one will back them up. The media is in love with the tea party, look at how CNN has gotten on the bandwagon bigtime. I barely watch any of it anymore. And, yes a judge at any level can be impeached. There was a dem congressman who was impeached. I can;t remember his name

agrippa
Member
agrippa

Thanks for the information.

This group is new to me.

Emerald1943
Member

Agrippa,

I highly recommend Jeff Sharlett’s book about the C Street gang. It is a stunning eye-opener that will certainly shock you. The influence of these people goes way up, including ties to the Supreme Court. This “movement” is very diffuse and as CL states, they are working at many different levels. Make no mistake…they are effective and are making headway with their agenda!

Also, you would be well advised to go back and read Sue’s great work on this subject in her series. She is the most knowledgeable among us, having done some extensive research.

SueInCa
Member

Cl Thanks for the call out up there. I do this for fun LOL. In the process of having fun with my research, I get to enlighten other progressive people willing to listen. I also do what I do because I fervently believe all the pieces are now in place for them to succeed. Naomi Wolf wrote an article on Sarah “Evita” Palin just before the 2008 election and while she was really looking at it from a political prospective, the underlying issue was Palin’s religion. That scared me and that was when I started doing my research. Wit every click, you learn more. You just have to be willing to click back and forth that is all.

Look around you, while we may not all be happy with everything Obama does, I think he just may be our last hope for a continued democracy. Look around, who do you see as the next party leader? I don’t see anyone. I see alot of real compassionate good people, working to do their best for the people but I do not see any strong leaders. I will be buying Leah’s book. I can’t wait to read it.