Chances are you really don't know what the Dominionists are all about, and that's just the way they like it. They like to operate under the radar screen, and become downright evasive when you ask about Dominionism. Dominionists are members of one of the most extreme forms of Fundamentalist Christianity, and their goal is to replace the American democracy with a theocratic form of government. It is estimated that 35 million Americans who call themselves 'Christians' adhere to Dominionism, some without really understanding its dangers. However, those trying to advance the Dominionist cause know how important it is to remain low key."This Republican Party of Lincoln has become a party of theocracy."
-US Representative Christopher Shays, Republican, New York Times, March 23, 2005
In 1986, Pat Robertson - a Dominionist and once a presidential candidate - distributed a memo to the Iowa Republican County Caucus entitled "How to Participate in a Political Party." Here's what it said:
"Rule the world for God.
"Give the impression that you are there to work for the party, not push an ideology.
"Hide your strength.
"Don't flaunt your Christianity.
"Christians need to take leadership positions. Party officers control political parties and so it is very important that mature Christians have a majority of leadership positions wherever possible, God willing."
Bush has taken very good care of those who helped get him elected. His faith-based initiatives have provided $2.2 billion to churches. He has stifled stem cell research. Bush even has his own form of legal blackmail, holding back funding for schools unless they teach abstinence-only sex education. George Bush actively sought a Constitutional ban on gay marriage more than once. As Congress continued to fund Bush's personal playground in Iraq, the war faded from the radar screen and Americans seemed to sink back into their apathetic state. For a while, people weren't sure how the final political drama would play out. Hell, had the economy not imploded when it did, John McCain may well have been elected, bringing Sarah Palin with him.
Barack Obama's election may have temporarily derailed the Dominionists, but they are not going away. In fact, they are already looking ahead. A post-election Rasmussen Poll shows that 64% of Republicans view Sarah Palin as their top presidential choice in 2012. Dominionists will diligently continue to work toward their goal, Barack Obama notwithstanding. They are a very determined lot.
Dominionism defined
Dominionism is a natural extension of 'Social Darwinism' and is often called 'Christian Reconstructionism.' Dominionists are charged with replacing our democracy with a theocratic elite ruling class who will impose their interpretation of Biblical Law. Here's an easier way to understand Dominionism: Think Sharia, or Islamic law based on the Koran. In other words, American government would look suspiciously like many of the countries we are supposedly in the process of liberating.
If Dominionists are allowed to succeed, here's how American society would change:
The first task would be to eliminate religious choice and freedoms, and create a 'Kingdom of God' where much of the nation would be converted to Christianity. All religious organizations, congregations and churches other than those that are strictly viewed as 'Fundamentalist Christianity' would be suppressed. Nonconformist Evangelical, main line and liberal Christian religious institutions would be forbidden from organizing or holding services. Because society would revert to the laws and punishments of the Hebrew Scriptures, those practicing other religions outside their homes would be tried for idolatry and executed if convicted.
Dominionists will eliminate labor unions, civil rights and public schools.
Blasphemy, adultery and homosexuality would be treated as crimes, and those found guilty would be executed.
Womens' role in society would be relegated to homemaker (and baby maker, of course).
The only silver lining in all of this is that Dominionists have come a long way in their method of execution. We heathens wouldn't be stoned (thank God; I hate the thought of a slow, painful and bloody death). Instead the Dominionists would use either the electric chair or lethal injection (my choice, thank you very much).
The points listed above are not the only characteristics of a theocratic, Dominionist society, but they are the most frightening. Others have spent a considerable amount of time studying Dominionism, so I urge you to read the links I've included.
The master plan
Dominionists operate in stealth mode. Their goal is to peacefully convert US laws to match those of Hebrew Scriptures (aka, The Old Testament). They will use America's freedom of religion to train children in private Christian religious schools and universities. These trained soldiers will then go out and form a new Bible-based political, religious and social order. Why children? The idea is to indoctrinate when future soldiers are the most subject to suggestion. Their educational approach appears to be working.
Regent University, founded by televangelist Pat Robertson, provides "Christian leadership to change the world." As of 2007, there were 150 graduates of Regent working in the Bush administration. The most famous of these graduates is Monica Goodling, a top aide to former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and a central figure in the firing of the US Attorneys. Goodling, ever the good Christian soldier, has announced that she will take the Fifth rather than testify to Congress.
Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia, where faculty must sign a pledge that they share a literal belief in the Bible, trains young Christians to be politicians. Of the sixty graduates in 2004, two found work at the White House, six were on the staffs of conservative members of Congress and eight were working in federal agencies. Two also joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and at least one worked for the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq. In 2004, Patrick Henry College also began offering a major in strategic intelligence, where students learn both the history of and tactics used in covert operations. Students majoring in strategic intelligence take on internships that allow them to graduate with a security clearance. Seniors must also complete a directed research project that is designed to mimic the work of an entry-level congressional staffer. According to Michael Farris, the school's founder, "If you want to train a new generation of leaders, you have to get in on the ground floor.
The 2008 election
Although I've mentioned this before, I'll mention it again because it's that important. Sarah Palin was not John McCain's first choice for the vice presidency. It has now been revealed that McCain and Palin barely spoke during the campaign. McCain himself was never the Christian rights first choice as president either. It was Mike Huckabee, a Dominionist who wanted to reclaim the land for Jesus, if you will remember. When it became evident that McCain was going to be the presumptive nominee, the Christians moved to Plan B, which was to control the game via the vice presidency and prepare for 2012. McCain was told that if he chose Joseph Lieberman (aka Benedict Arnold), he would not receive their support. The Council for National Policy vetted and chose Sarah Palin for him. She did what she was expected to do: She energized the Christian base and it's an energy that will live on in anticipation of 2012 when they believe Sarah Palin with replace Barack Obama as president of the United States.
Since Barack Obama's election, there have been stories about Sarah Palin becoming a rogue candidate, not adhering to the campaign's strategy, giving unapproved interviews, and attacking Obama with the Ayers allegation without the McCain camp's approval. That's because Sarah Palin has her own agenda. The mainstream media has interpreted this as Sarah Palin's own ambitiousness, and they are right to a certain point. She wants to be president in 2012 and the Christian right wants her to be president in 2012. What the mainstream media is missing is why she's driven. She's driven because she's a Dominionist, a woman who believes that she will be chosen by God as the next president.
Here's what Palin had to say to Greta Van Susteren of FOX News when asked about a 2012 presidential run, "You know, I have - faith is a very big part of my life. And putting my life in my creator's hands - this is what I always do. I'm like, OK, God, if there is an open door for me somewhere, this is what I always pray, I'm like, don't let me miss the open door."
In keeping with that theme, she also hasn't ruled out a run for a Senate seat. When Larry King asked if she'd serve out her term as governor, Palin replied, "I will do what the people of Alaska want me to do." Then she added, "if they call an audible on me, and if they say they want me in another position, I'm going to do it...My life is in God's hands. If he's got doors open for me, that I believe are in our state's best interest, the nation's best interest, I'm going to go through those doors." Should Senator Ted Stevens retain his seat, he will almost certainly be ousted for his felony convictions. Palin could run for his seat in a special election. Or, she could challenge Republican incumbent Senator Lisa Murkowski in 2010.
Do not expect Sarah Palin to fade into obscurity. That is not part of the master plan and she clearly is not going away. Since losing the election, Palin has been interviewed by Greta Van Susteren (FOX), has appeared on Larry King Live and has done a two-part interview with Wolf Blitzer (CNN). Some Republicans believe she is the future of the Republican party while others believe she will be its downfall. With the leverage the Christian right has in Republican party politics, many believe that Sarah Palin will be a big part of the GOP retooling.
It's no easier to listen to Sarah Palin today. She is no eloquent speaker. However, listen I must and I have noticed a marked difference. Sarah Palin references God and her faith much more than she did during the McCain campaign. She is no longer restricted by McCain's campaign strategy.
Pre-Palin Dominionist politicians
Republicans have already elected Dominionist public servants, perhaps unwittingly. US Senator Sam Brownback, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Colorado Representative Tom Tancredo are all Dominionists. All three ran for president in 2008, with varying degrees of success. Perhaps the most infamous, however, is former Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris - famous for helping George Bush win the presidency in 2000. She later went on to win a seat in the US House of Representatives.
In 2006, Harris went into a rambling, run-on explanation about how religion fits into government that rivals anything Sarah Palin said during this election season. Harris said, "The Bible says we are to be salt and light. And salt and light means not just in the church and not just as a teacher or as a pastor or a banker or lawyer, but in government and we have to have the faithful in government and over time, that lie we have been told, the separation of church and state, people have internalized, thinking that they needed to avoid politics and that is so wrong because God is the one who chooses our rulers." Thankfully, God did not choose her return to the House of Representatives.
Amen, Katherine. You could almost miss the salient points if you became distracted and spent your time constructing sentences for her.
Today, Tancredo and Brownback still serve in the House and Senate. Tom Tancredo has announced that he will not run again. Mike Huckabee is still active in conservative Republican politics and will, no doubt, be back himself in 2012. Katherine Harris went from being Florida's Secretary of State to serving in the US House of Representatives from 2002 to 2007. She lost a Senate bid in 2006.
In the face of mixed results and a 'loss' in the presidential race, the Christian right and the Dominionists will regroup. As their schools turn out soldiers for the radical Christian cause, their ranks will increase and tactics sharpen. They must not be ignored.
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