On Aug. 24 I listened to a fascinating interview conducted by Terry Gross on National Public Radio's Fresh Air program. She interviewed an author, Rachel Tabachnick, who writes about an emerging religious/political movement called Dominionism. The gist of it was that a growing network of people is working to make possible the return of Christ by removing various barriers that are standing in His way.

The interview listed a whole raft of barriers needing to be removed, most of them topics of modern controversy (abortion, homosexuality, Islam, conversion of Jews to Christianity, conservative vs. liberal politics, big government vs. small government, public schools vs. private schools, and so on).

The Dominionist solution to removing those barriers was said to be for Christians to take dominion over popular culture, business and politics by unifying the Protestant world under one banner, supporting conservative Christian politicians and energetically working for change at every level of society.

The interview also outlined some of the theology involved (fighting the demonic principalities controlling individuals, groups and nations; end-time scenarios of a one-world religious and economic system called Mystery Babylon, the Antichrist, the Millennial rule of Christ and other tenets).

Dominionism: More than just a Christian movement

What makes this different from just another religious grouping? Several political figures of national stature in the United States were named as being associated with the Dominion movement, or supported by it. As the U.S. election year heats up, I think we'll be hearing a lot more about this topic.

A simple search on the Internet turns up dozens of websites devoted to the pros and cons of Dominionism, and the rhetoric is pretty fiery on some of them. The NPR website that hosts the transcript of the interview, had 700+ comments posted in just two short days after the interview aired!

As you'd expect regarding a movement that proclaims strong teachings on subjects as fundamental as the balance of church and state, the end times and the return of Christ, the comments covered a wide range of opinion. Atheists and believers squared off, with both sides offering well-written and thoughtful posts and ripostes (some were respectful, some sophomoric—all an energizing read either way though). There is plenty to think about, pro and con.

But what does the Bible say?

The Bible is the only authority—not political or religious movements

Followers of this website, readers of The Good News magazine and viewers of Beyond Today television all know that's the first question a Christian should ask.

Jesus Himself said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). The apostle Paul wrote, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). And the prophet Isaiah wrote, "To the law and to the testimony: If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20).

The Bible does prophesy about the end times, warning us about the ever-increasing troubles leading up to the crisis at the close of this age of man. Read Matthew 24 for a hair-raising synopsis. And numerous Scriptures do promise a wonderful, world-ruling Kingdom of God, administered in power and in love by Jesus Christ Himself.

But the Scriptures reveal that it won't happen according to the scenario painted by Dominionism, or any major or minor religion for that matter. The god of this world, Satan the Devil, has spread confusion and contradiction and a cloud of mystery over these vital truths of the Kingdom and the awful events immediately preceding Christ's just-in-time arrival here on earth.

Dominion of this earth belongs to Jesus Christ alone

History (and current experience!) shows us there's danger when any given religion has the power of the state behind it. Think Spanish Inquisition, sharia law under the Taliban or the Salem witch trials. When mankind, however well-intentioned, attempts to bring about some version of the Kingdom of God on earth, it always falls short.

When evaluating the specific beliefs behind Dominionism or any system of religion or government, our only sure guide is God's Word, the Holy Bible. Be sure you don't get swept up in a movement that isn't in alignment with the Scriptures!

For more information and a clear understanding of these prophesied events, you need to be sure you're not getting your point of view from any source other than the Bible and literature in alignment with the Bible. You owe it to yourself to read your Bible and look up all the scriptures laid out in order for you in the pages of the various booklets offered free of charge on this website. To learn more about the dominion Christ will have at His return, read The Gospel of the Kingdom. Watch Beyond Today on WGN, read The Good News magazine and take our free Bible Course.

In addition, why not plan on coming to one of the Kingdom of God Bible Seminars being held in a city near you beginning in mid-September? They're free; there will be no commitment solicitation or requirement, and no follow-up or request for money. Time and location information is easily found on this website, just type in your ZIP code and see the details.