This is in response to a post on the supposed "cult" of the 7 Mountains message popular in many Christian circles. The full post below from this link as well as the author's incredibly deficient response.

I read with interest your article on "Dominionism."

Although I am very much against a Ted Cruz presidency for objective reasons you can read at my site, I believe you have made some serious errors in your conclusions about the "7 Mountains" teachings.

First, a little about myself, I began a personal (albeit tumultuous) relationship with Jesus Christ when I was 19. I had been raised in the Methodist church. After my conversion in college, I attended a Baptist church until I was propositioned by two gay men in the choir. My real Christian growth came in a Louisville, Kentucky church that was part of the "shepherding" movement of Derek Prince, Don Basham, and Charles Simpson. This movement birthed Integrity (Hosanna) Music of which the promotion and distribution of Hillsong Music was it's most widely known success. Unfortunately, many in the movement (not those at the top) distorted the message of operating under authority of leaders - a very scripturally sound principle - into more of a cult. I personally know ppl who were amazing Christians, but in their sincere devotion to please God, ended up accepting the direction of their pastor rather than seeking God for decisions. A few books have been written about the movement objectively, but it shows a single idea can be perverted by man's will or misunderstanding. What I learned from this is that we all can be like the Apostle Peter (who had the distinct advantage over us by being directly educated by Jesus) who was misapplying scripture that the Apostle Paul had to rebuke.

I happen to personally know many of the leaders in the 7 Mountains movement. You grossly misrepresent the thoughts and views of MOST leaders (not all I admit) by inferring that there is some sinister plan for theocratic rule to take control of all aspects of society and manipulate the masses. NOTHING could be further from the truth. The "Seven Mountains" concept came from prayer insights of a few men including Dr. Bill Bright (who sold his very successful candy company and started Campus Crusade for Christ) and Loren Cunningham (who started acclaimed worldwide charity organization Youth With a Mission.)

Reagan signs Natl Day of Prayer Declaration
Vonette Bright in red

I personally knew Dr. Bright and his lovely wife Vonnette who started the National Day of Prayer. They NEVER had any of these motives in their writings, speeches or personal views.

The message of the Seven Mountains message is very simple. Some will cringe at my example but i would summarize it this way.

"Someone, or many someones, are currently influencing Hollywood through leadership, ownership or talent. Instead of someone like radical gay activist David Geffen, why shouldn't that be someone who is sympathetic to Christian values?"

It's not rocket science. God instructed Adam to "take dominion" of the earth. Jesus repurchased the rights to earth back from satan and Jesus has a legal right to see followers of His run it. But as He showed at Calvary, He didn't call down a million angels to take it by force. He bought the right of Christians to take it over by grace - through faith - being led by the Spirit of God which IS love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, meekness (great strength under control), and self-control.

This is why the pastor who felt he had a right to kills gays (and who introduced Ted Cruz who did not rebuke him) is seriously off in the land of Beelzebub. Under this theory the "cowardly" and "unbelieving" would go first as well as robbers, liars and anyone "who looked at a woman with lust" since these are thrown into the hell of fire. Remember that Jesus said thinking about sinning and doing it was the same thing. But it's not the complete picture of what Jesus said, since He also said that, for those who trust in Him as their Lord, He would take the punishment of what we deserve in our place.

I personally know Mike Bickle. I disagree with with some of Mike's viewpoints. But I can tell you his heart is to ONLY follow Jesus Christ. He gets a lot wrong in my opinion and the controversy about God sending Hitler is extremely distorted. You can read the excerpt here. God does say he will send fishermen and hunters to restore the nation of Israel. Scripture says that the age of grace that Jesus brought WILL come to an end when Jesus brings judgement to those who don't believe. That is not today and that is why I believe Bickle is wrong. But never does he advocate for Jews to be hunted or forced to conversion. He is one of the biggest supporters of Israel and his ministry prays (literally) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for Israel.

In fact it was a Jewish couple who sold the property from Harry Truman (the President who made the modern day nation of Israel possible) at an obscenely low price - way under market value - in large part due to the amazingly positive impact Bickle's organization has had on Kansas City and especially young people.

If you are a Christian and believe the inerrancy of the Bible you likely agree with Mike Bickle on 90% or more of what he does. But even Jesus, said that those who are operating with the same goal of Jesus "in Jesus name" should be "left alone" by His disciples. Not attacked mercilessly by those who claim to serve the same God. (This also is the problem I have with religious Cruz supporters who make the same error with Donald Trump's faith in my opinion.)

Two influential Christian leaders who embrace the concept of the "Seven Mountains" are very big Trump supporters. Lance Wallnau and Paula White. Wallnau has said multiple times that he would not necessarily be for Trump if he hadn't felt God had spoken to him about Trump's use in God's purpose as a "wrecking ball." He suspects that means the White House but is very clear that he does not know that for a fact, and wants WHOMEVER God wants - even if it doesn't fit his own preferences.

What you will find with most of all of these pastors is something similar. They operate under what they believe is the leading of God and all of them make mistakes. The bible said that as many 'are led by the Spirit' are sons of God. Listening to God and making decisions based on what and how you believe He is leading you is encouraged by God. Paul also said that some prophecies will fail. This leads to a lot of confusion not only with secular people but Christians as well.

Indeed there are a minority of pastors who advocate for Christians "running" the spheres of influence in every area of society before Jesus returns. That does not necessarily (and should not) mean that there is any sordid process to gain those levels of influences. If they are Christian living by Christian principles they should be trusted to obtain those positions more righteously than Islam (which advocates lying to achieve it's ends) or atheists who can change their moral code to fit what they want or believe.

Just as there are medical doctor abortionists who took a Hippocratic oath to protect life, there are also Christian pastors who don't fully understand the "good news" or gospel of grace, the gospel of peace (shalom - completeness) or the gospel of the Kingdom. Many, like Paul wrote of the Galatians, are errantly attempting to put Believers back under bondage of rules, and laws. In fact a change of mind comes through blessing, not fear. I often forget that when I am trying to convince someone who doesn't hold my view.

But the attempt to demonize "Dominionism" is hypocritical to anyone who wants someone with THEIR views in a place of power and influence. And it simply is inaccurate if the aberrant views of a few are monolithicly applied to fellow Believers who have a sincere heart for God.

As appalled as you might be that other conservatives think you condone the past of Mike Tyson because he endorsed Donald Trump, so are those of us who are attempting to influence culture for good.

Mischaracterizations of this movement by fringe proponents is really is a distraction from the real values of each candidate that come from their own actions or words.

Thanks for listening.

PolitiJim

*****************************************************

You can often tell where someone is coming from by the tone of their reply - if not the actual words. Here am I, someone being very respectful who has signficiant knowledge about a subject. Unfortunately, the author showed know objective response on the merits but - like so many - suppresses any intelligently arguments under broad emotional bias. It is unfortunate that there is sometimes more reasoned communication in secular discussions like here - than among Christians.

*******************************************************************
My response:

That's not factual as your whole article falsely accuses many of these leaders of heresy. Forget that, unlike my response to you, you exhibit no love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, meekness or self-control.

Suggesting that Bill Bright or Loren Cunningham (or Lance Wallnau) used R.J. Rushdoony as a source is complete conjuncture and absolutely ignorant of the entire "movement." If you were even journalisticly responsible, you would reach out to these people for comment before publishing. You didn't. You copied lots of research from legalistic sources who themselves exhibit questionable theological theories.

Worse, in addition to attacking other Christians, you show no intellectual ability to defend your position or spiritual maturity to rationally discuss your problems. Well, it is only a wise man who accepts rebuke so perhaps that tells us something right there.

The worst is that you smear Dr. Bill and Vonnette Bright who are now deceased and who were very good friends to many of us. Ronald Reagan worked with Vonnette to being the National Day of Prayer and I have quite a few friends who not only accepted Christ through Dr. Bright's Campus Crusade for Christ, but dozens of major Christian leaders attribute their ministry to him as well including Josh McDowell (Evidence that Demands A Verdict). Over 25,000 staff work for Campus Crusade worldwide and there are over half a million trained volunteers. Campus Crusade for Christ, International is a canopy for more than seventy other ministries operating in an array of contexts in the United States and abroad. One of Campus Crusade’s most successful projects, The Jesus Film has been viewed by more than 5.5 billion people in over 800 languages spanning across 235 countries and provinces.

The sheer numbers associated with Bright’s ministry boggle the mind. Bright’s tract, the 4 Spiritual Laws has been used in innumerable presentations of the gospel in hundreds of languages. For good or for bad when many people think about or are asked to explain the gospel they will resort to the four points Bright wrote over fifty years ago.

Here I give you many specific instances in which you have attributed evil motives to good Christians. ALL CHRISTIAN LEADERS are imperfect. Martin Luther tended toward writings that could be deemed anti-Semitic. Billy Graham and his daughter admit he wasn't a very good father. He also suggested that there was more ways to heaven than Jesus at one time.

If you call yourself a Christian, there is nothing that gives you the excuse to not operate according to Matthew 18 at the very least, or embrace humility to even show a WILLINGNESS to make sure you are not in error yourself.

As I said in my response, NONE of these men, or us, are perfect. However, you are acting as if you are the only one with special wisdom or knowledge. That in itself is the first sign of a cult.

Luke 9:50 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵⁰But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us^[a] is on our side.”^[b]

Footnotes:

Luke 9:50 NU-Text reads you.
Luke 9:50 NU-Text reads your.

****************************************************

Original Post:

TED CRUZ AT “KILL THE GAYS” DOMINIONISM RALLY

By Kelleigh Nelson
March 11, 2016
NewsWithViews.com

"Why stoning? There are many reasons. First, the implements of execution are available to everyone at virtually no cost." Thrift and ubiquity aside, "executions are community projects--not with spectators who watch a professional executioner do `his' duty, but rather with actual participants. That modern Christians never consider the possibility of the reintroduction of stoning for capital crimes, indicates how thoroughly humanistic concepts of punishment have influenced the thinking of Christians." ~Gary North, Reconstruction leader

Dominionists provide the most enthusiastic constituency for stoning since the Taliban seized Kabul.

He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. ... John 8:7

No matter how simplified I try to keep the definition of Dominionism, it is such a huge topic, that it’s difficult to make it concise, or even use the K.I.S.S. method. I constantly receive emails from people asking me to explain this aberrant doctrine in Christianity. Despite my previous efforts, many still do not understand. There are wonderful researchers who I’ll link to for your perusal, hoping this will help. It is really of the utmost importance because one of the candidates is steeped in this false doctrine, as are his close supporters, Glenn Beck, David Barton, and Ted’s father, Rafael Cruz, Sr.

What is Dominionism?

There are three basic tenets to Dominionism

• Dominionist wants a theocracy (government) of their form of Christians leading the country.
• Dominionists wants a theonomy (Old Testament Law) in this theocracy, which means, their beliefs are based on Old Testament Mosaic laws, minus a few dietary restrictions, which will govern/rule the society.
• Dominionists want to use Old Testament law, including “stoning” to rid the country of sinners such as homosexuals, adulterers, disobedient children, those who take the Lord’s name in vain, etc., although not all Dominionists subscribe to this tenet of the doctrine.

Dominionists believe 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)

Dominion theology is predicated upon three basic beliefs:

1) Satan usurped man’s dominion over the earth through the temptation of Adam and Eve;
2) The Church is God’s instrument to take dominion back from Satan;
3) 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)

Dominionism Popularized

The term “Dominionism” was first popularized in the 1990s by researchers, including Chip Berlet, scholar Sara Diamond, and Fred Clarkson, who needed a term to describe the political aspirations of Christian Rightists who believed that they have a biblical mandate to control all earthly institutions –including government – until the second coming of Jesus. But the idea of conservative Christians gaining political power sufficient to take dominion over society predated their use of the term by decades.

The two main schools of Dominionist thought include Christian Reconstructionism, founded by the late R.J. Rushdoony, which advances the idea not only of the need for Christians (of the right sort) to dominate society, but institute and apply Old Testament “Biblical Law.” Again, a theocracy (ruled by Dominionist Christians only), will be on Old Testament law, (a theonomy) and this includes all 613 Mosaic laws, other than a few dietary laws. Those hardcore Dominionist leaders, like Gary North, believe in stoning sinners in the street.

The other, closely related form of Dominionism is advocated by the Pentecostal New Apostolic Reformation, which exuberantly advocates for Christians to “reclaim the seven mountains of culture”: government, religion, media, family, business, education, and arts and entertainment. [Link]

Yet, both forms cross over into each other’s territory. In the 1980s, the Reconstructionist leaders—despite their pretensions of theological integrity, worked compatibly alongside Charismatic leaders in the Coalition on Revival (COR) for political action, spelling out how they planned to rule over 17 “spheres” of society in America. These 17 spheres are a direct precursor to the 7 mountains taught by C. Peter Wagner and his group of “apostles” who claim they will reign as “kings.” (See KINGS and PRIESTS) Rafael Cruz’s sermons have spoken of the “seven mountains and kings and priests.”

Seven Mountains Mandate

Sarah Leslie, has just completed research on these doctrines in dominionism, and written an article on the Seven Mountains Mandate with Dr. Orrel Steinkamp. It is titled, 7 Mountain Politics and Theology. It is an in-depth overview and is important in understanding the entire culture of this apostasy in the church today. The Herescope website states:

Herescope has published many articles about the 7 mountain theology. Our critical perspective is distinctly biblical, and thus distinguishable from the criticism of the seven mountains coming from the political Left, although we do share some of their concerns about this radical agenda for the church to transform society and/or government(s) into a church-state via cultural, political and/or “warfare” activism. In our articles, we clearly articulate our theological differences with this 7 mountains teaching.

I urge readers to delve into this article in order to understand the full ramifications of this heretical doctrine. Sarah Leslie is one of the finest researchers on aberrant doctrines in today’s church, and I cherish her friendship and her work.

Dominionists Who Support Ted Cruz

Pastor Kevin Swanson - Colorado pastor Kevin Swanson was the keynote speaker at the National Religious Liberties Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. In his speech, the infamous “Kill the homosexuals” pastor called for the murder of homosexuals saying, “They are worthy of death.”

Swanson then introduces Ted Cruz as the next president of the United States after his diatribe against homosexuals. In addition to Ted Cruz, Mike Huckabee and Bobby Jindal were also at this conference as speakers.

Swanson actually said he would give some time for homosexuals to repent, but he didn’t say how long before the executions would begin.

Cruz claims he doesn’t know what Swanson has said or not said, but he certainly didn’t take time to find out about this very controversial pastor. Neither did Huckabee nor Jindal. Swanson’s supporters also distributed “death to gays” pamphlets at the event.

Swanson bragged on his radio show about the “amazingly successfully” National Religious Liberties Conference held in Iowa in early November, during which he declared he was “not kidding” when he said he’d spread excrement all over himself if his son ever married another man.

“I’d spread it all over my body,” he preached. “That’s what I would do and I’m not kidding! I’m not laughing!”

Cruz’s Rally for Religious Liberty

After appearing at the Kevin Swanson Iowa rally last November, candidate Cruz hosted his own anti-LGBT hate fest in South Carolina.

Cruz’s “Rally for Religious Liberty” was held at Greenville’s Bob Jones University, which once famously argued that its racist policies were protected under the First Amendment.

Among the speakers at Cruz’s event were Dominionist Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, would-be reality TV stars the Benham brothers, also Dominionists, and anti-gay Houston activist and Dominionist, Dave Welch. Perkins is also a United Nations Non-Governmental Organization member.

Other Dominionists Endorse Cruz

Phillip “Flip” Benham, another Dominionist pastor, once arrested and prosecuted for stalking the judge who heard Kim Davis’s case, is also endorsing Ted Cruz.

And, Senator Ted Cruz, isn’t backing away from the endorsement of Mike Bickle, a controversial evangelical pastor who once characterized Hitler as “a hunter” sent by God to go after Jews who don’t to convert to Christianity. [Link]

Despite calls from Jewish groups to denounce Bickle’s interpretation of scripture, a senior advisor to Cruz instead welcomed the pastor’s support in a statement published in the Jewish Journal.

Cruz trumpeted Bickle’s endorsement in a post on his website. Sadly, Christians do not do any investigation into these endorsements.

Bickle’s IHOP/New Apostolic Reform

Here is a brief synopsis of the IHOP/NAR history from Herescope.com:

• IHOP is just one arm of a multi-faceted group (with many names, entities and offshoots) known as the "Kansas City Prophets" that has been around since the mid-1980s.
• These Kansas City "prophets" are leaders who track a direct lineage back to the old Latter Rain cult.
• John Wimber became an overseer of the KC group in the late 1980s when their cult excesses became public and controversial, and set them up under his Vineyard denomination.
• John Wimber was a mentor to C. Peter Wagner and vice versa, and the two of them have a history that tracks back into the mid 1970s at Fuller Theological Seminary where they concocted doctrines together.
• C. Peter Wagner's "Third Wave" movement, the predecessor to the NAR, was founded on Wimber's signs and wonders mysticism.
• C. Peter Wagner's "New Apostolic Reformation" was founded on the convergence of the mystical streams of John Wimber, the Kansas City group, and Fuller Theological Seminary.

Be sure to click on this link:

In January, 1990, Ernie Gruen, a Charismatic pastor in Kansas City for 27 years released a 233-page document listing erroneous prophecies, statements, doctrines and incidents involving the Kansas City Prophets. Gruen’s shocking report on the Kansas City Prophets, “Documentation of the Aberrant Practices and Teachings of the Kansas City Fellowship (Grace Ministries),” is filled with evidences of spiritual abuse and theological excesses of Bickel, et al.

Conclusion

In several previous articles, I’ve exposed the Dominionist teachings of Rafael Cruz Sr., David Barton, and now, even Glenn Beck who seems to have joined the Dominionist ranks. Ted Cruz masquerades as a Christian, yet his actions speak otherwise. Cruz has openly lied about other candidates, he’s used tactics via Jeff Roe, his campaign manager, that are deceitful and dangerous.

Cruz lied about Dr. Carson dropping out during the caucus in Iowa, and then lied again about Rubio dropping out in the latest Hawaii vote. His actions speak louder than his words and his public prayers. The Lord tells us to judge them by their fruits, yet today’s Christians seems to swallow the hollow words and accept everything as gospel. The lack of discernment is telling.

The doctrine of Dominionism is heretical according to God’s Word. Like Islam, they want a theocracy, based on their form of theonomy, with stoning still in practice. Surely we all know folks who have led lives that were unchristian, only to later come to realize the error of their ways. Repentance and salvation can come any time up to your very last breath, and it is faith alone that saves. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 We are all sinners, just saved by grace.

Take the story of Pastor Jack Morlan. He was radically saved out of a homosexual lifestyle by Jesus Christ. He and his wife, and their two sons boldly proclaim a Gospel of Salvation. Jack’s ministry was treated very badly during the 1990s by the Christian Right leaders, who told him frankly that they found much more enjoyment in bashing gays, and that they made much more money attacking gays in their fundraisers. They informed Jack that they didn’t WANT to share the Gospel with homosexuals. Pointing a finger and screaming “SINNER,” wins no one to Christ and salvation.

With Dominionist theology, there is no grace, and the opportunity to change would be cut short with their punishment. When Ted Cruz said as a teenager that he wanted to rule the world, people found it humorous and the silly statements of youth. But, his form of aberrant doctrine truly believes he should rule the world.

WHERE IS THE REAL GOSPEL, TED? This isn’t the Gospel of Salvation!

Thanks to the diligence of Paul Walter, CEO of NewsWithViews, many ideas for my articles have come from him. Paul immigrated from communist Yugoslavia, providence of Slovenia, and therefore he sees more clearly the dangers to our Republic than those who have always known free America as home. Please support NewsWithViews.com

[P.S. In order to help Mr. Trump we need to increase the hits to reach more people. Please use this material, and call into talk radio programs (like Rush Limbaugh) and mention NewsWithViews.com on the air while discussing the content of this article, write letters to newspaper editors, and speak to your friends. Spread the word, and in doing so, we have a chance to save America.]

Please, click on "Mass E-mailing" below and send this article to all your friends.

Share This Article
Click Here For Mass E-mailing

Kelleigh Nelson has been researching the Christian right and their connections to the left, the new age, and cults since 1975. Formerly an executive producer for three different national radio talk show hosts, she was adept at finding and scheduling a variety of wonderful guests for her radio hosts. She and her husband live in Knoxville, TN, and she has owned her own wholesale commercial bakery since 1990. Prior to moving to Tennessee, Kelleigh was marketing communications and advertising manager for a fortune 100 company in Ohio. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, she was a Goldwater girl with high school classmate, Hillary Rodham, in Park Ridge, Illinois. Kelleigh is well acquainted with Chicago politics and was working in downtown Chicago during the 1968 Democratic convention riots. Kelleigh is presently the secretary for Rocky Top Freedom Campaign, a strong freedom advocate group.
Website: www.rockytopfreedom.com

Blog: http://exposingmodernmugwumps.com/
E-Mail: Proverbs133@bellsouth.net

Posted in: