Dominionism

Some people are freaking out over the supposed influence on political candidates of an esoteric theological position they creatively label "Dominionism." [Remember when George W. Bush was allegedly ushering in a theocracy?] Hunter Baker notes that what the most prominent conservative candidates affiliated with the faith "would like to do is reduce the size of government, which, incidentally, is not all that great a danger to individual freedom."

Michelle Goldberg has a column up at the aptly named Daily Beast letting us all know that we really need to worry about something called “Dominionism” which supposedly prevails among Michelle Bachmann, Rick Perry, and folks who support their campaigns. Reinhold Niebuhr once warned of the dangers of religious illiteracy. Here we have exhibit A.

Goldberg claims Bachmann and Perry are “deeply associated” with this “theocratic strain” of Christian fundamentalism. Yes, they are probably so deeply associated with it that neither one of them has ever heard of R.J. Rushdoony (whom Goldberg tags as the father of this theocratic movement).

I have been part of organizations of Christian conservatives for many years and can assure Ms. Goldberg that Rushdoony and Christian Reconstructionism (making Hebraic law obligatory upon the broader society) exert very little influence. In fact, I think I can probably argue empirically that Rushdoony has captured the attention of many more liberal reporters with an axe to grind than it has evangelicals. .... [more]

Touchstone Magazine - Mere Comments: Wringing Hands Over Dominionism