Dominionism in American Politics – "Expanding the discussion behind the Headlines"
What IS Dominionism?
In a word - theocracy.
Think of this word as a big umbrella. Under the umbrella of Political Dominionism are numerous "franchises" or sects of radical Christian belief whose goal it is to take "dominion" over all things secular.
Last week my friend Mikey Weinstein filed a law suit in Dallas, Texas naming both he and his wife as plaintiffs in a land mark case against religious extremism. I am honored to have been asked by Mikey to do what I can to help in his efforts to shed light on the practice of imprecatory prayer and the dangers that lie within them. I have tremendous respect for what he is doing…and total disdain for the ‘c’hristians who are praying for harm to come to him and his family, in all manner of violence.
For those of you not familiar with Mikey, allow me to introduce him to you. He is the champion of religious freedom in the military. He came from a lineage of Air Force and military officers, graduated the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; went on to law school; worked as legal counsel in the Reagan White House; private attorney for Ross Perot in business and now offers legal services to military personnel who are battling a loss of religious freedoms in the military.
His organization is the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, and the work they are doing is extraordinarily important. There are many of us behind the scenes that will carry this fight along with Mikey in our efforts to stop dominionism in America, and specifically in the military where they control our weapons. Here are a few excerpts from the Dallas News…
Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, said he wants Gordon Klingenschmitt, a former U.S. Navy chaplain, to “stop asking Jesus to plunder my fields … seize my assets, kill me and my family then wipe away our descendants for 10 generations.”
The suit also asks the court to stop the defendants – Gordon Klingenschmitt and Jim Ammerman, the founder of the Dallas-based Chaplaincy of Full Gospel Churches – from “encouraging, soliciting, directing, abetting or attempting to induce others to engage in similar conduct.”
Weinstein, 54, said his family has received death threats, had a swastika emblazoned on their home in New Mexico, animal carcasses left on their doorstep and feces thrown at the house.
Weinstein, who is Jewish, said the harassment started several years ago when he began protesting Christian proselytizing at his alma mater, the Air Force Academy. Weinstein started his foundation shortly after that to battle the influence of extremist evangelical Christians in the armed forces.
“I morphed from being a lawyer and a businessman to this thing called a civil rights activist,” he says. He is an unlikely activist, Weinstein said: a Jewish Republican from a long line of military members.
“I never prayed for any ones death,” he said. “I never prayed for anyone’s violence. All I did was quote the Scriptures.” His prayers are available on his Web site and for radio broadcast.
Ammerman
Ammerman, an 84-year-old retired Army chaplain, declined an interview, but said in a prepared statement he “believes the allegations are unfounded.”
Klingenschmitt
Weinstein said he also hopes to cripple the Chaplaincy financially and to have the organization stripped of its status with the Department of Defense.
He [Klingenscmitt] “would never pray evil upon my enemies,” he said, “but the justice of God is not evil.”
Does he want Mikey Weinstein to die? “I pray the Psalm that his days are few,” he replied.
Both of these guys are “weird and weirder”! Here are a few examples of the beliefs Ammerman holds that are public, and will give you an idea of just how mentally unstable these people are…
“Ammerman has made his positions quite clear in publicly available speeches and articles. He believes that the United States government is planning to turn over sovereignty to the United Nations. He believes that they are secretly hidden throughout the United States, especially in inaccessible parks of the National Parks, foreign troops ready to take over. He further believes there are anywhere from 400,000 to 1,300,000 foreign troops here, including a contingent of Russian tanks in the Great Smokey National Park, all of which are under United Nations control. He believes that Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico has been given to the Russians; and that Fort Bliss in El Paso has been given to the Germans.
He believes all of this is under control of eight ruling families of the world, including Rothchilds, Warburgs and Rockefellers, who own the United States Federal Reserve and who dictate who is elected in this country.
He believes that our highest government officials are traitors and has called for the hanging of President Obama, Vice-President Biden, Secretary of State Clinton and Senator Dodd of Connecticut.
He knows to stop [the call to violence] just short of that. Rather by spouting all of this hatred and intolerance, he whips his crowd into a frenzy and then nods and smiles while members of the audience make the actual threats of violence.”
This is just a snippet of their beliefs that give you a glimpse into the minds (or lack thereof) of the these two named defendants. Jim Ammerman and Klingenschmitt. I have written about them in the past and the subject of imprecatory prayer. But before I go further, I have to ask you…does any of this sound somewhat familiar?
Like how Palin whips the fringe into a froth and watches them go? Or Bachman on her high horse about the census that results in a hate crime in Kentucky where an innocent census taker was found hung with the word “FED” across his chest?
This isn’t simply free speech. These are delusional people inciting violence in the name of God…all the way to the President of the United States! And this isn’t about the words…it is about the actions. Mikey and his family have been baraged with numerous threats and acts against them and their property…and we need to rise up in a unified voice and say STOP!
Why is it that any wingnut can put a scarf around their neck, call themselves “Dr.”, hold an open bible in their hands and we all suddenly freak out and act like they are a divine incarnation of God standing before us. I call bull****! We let them hide behind that protection.
This entire week will be dedicated to this topic and the one of REAL privatized armed forces – not “the United Nations are coming after us” version that these dangerous zealots believe in.
Thanks Leah. This is such an important story, and points out the hate, danger and insanity of the religious extremists. At the same time, this story exposes their infiltation into our government and military. I have posted this on Democratic Underground, with a link to your site. I think Rachael Maddow would jump on this if she sees it – hopefully, you can e-mail her.
I continue to be astounded at just how insidious these fringe groups have become. It is almost wrong to refer to them as fringe anymore – they are multiplying faster than rabbits!
It is easy to understand how young soldiers, particularly if they are serving far from home and in a war zone, would fall under the spell of religion. Unfortunately, it is often those who have not been part of an organized and *normal* church prior to deployment. Every military unit has its own assigned Chaplain, but regardless of their particular religion, they are supposed to offer non-denominational services and counseling if no Chaplains of other religions are available. As we traveled the US and world as an Army family, we occasionally came across a Chaplain who was obviously far-right. They didn't stay in one place for long, but whether they chose to ask for a new assignment or were quietly shuttled off elsewhere, I haven't a clue. We have been retired now for over 20 years, but during our 20+ years, extremists were not tolerated.
It is a sad sign of the times that they have successfully turned that around to a large degree. This is why Mikey is fighting so hard to reverse this. And even though they will give lip service to the "open to all faiths" Chaplain approach, what is happening in practice is quite another matter. If you haven't had a chance to read Mikey's book, "With God on Our Side", I would encourage you to read it. It is well worth your time…
Caught Mikey on Thom Hartman this morning. It was short and I wanted to hear more, but Thom also mentioned Dominionism. This is very good! Need to get them all talking more and more about this. Hearing Mikey (and even Thom) discuss what these "religious" people have been doing is just frightening.
That is progress! When I spoke with Thom Hartmann in February, he was not familiar with the word "dominionism"…so that makes me smile! And yes…they are by definition truly the American Taliban!
I'm so glad that you published this. I saw this story in the Dallas Morning News yesterday (an "exclusive" it said) and could not find anything online in order to bring it to your attention. Little did I know that you know Mr. Weinstein.
I am very interested in the military chaplain matter and the imprecatory prayer matter. These type of "prayers/curses" are being used against Pres. Obama. I've even done some legal research into the federal statute prohibiting threats against the President.
I sincerely hope that "imprecatory prayer" asking for violence can be stopped, somehow.
Several years ago, Dr. Larry Dossey (M.D.) wrote a book on this type of "prayer/curse."
The latest figures given to me from Mikey are out of 1.4 million military personnel, 500,000 claim to be evangelical. Evangelical alone is not the issue, it is the extreme evangelical dogma of the dominionists that cause alarm. That is a disturbingly high number!
How horrible that Mikey and his family are the recipients of such hateful acts. I wish them well. As for the xtian taliban, looks like they threatened the wrong person. Given Mikey's unique experience, the lawsuit and Mikey's organization will get well-deserved national attention and, hopefully, turn a curse into a blessing for the whole country.
I expect the proceedings could be quite challenging for the judge.
Perhaps these chaplains believe "all faiths" means only their faith because to them there is only their faith, and no others are real? (sorry if that sounded a bit confused)
Oh no…you said perfectly! That is a huge disconnect with these devout believers…they do indeed think that their faith IS the only faith, therefore breaking rank, rule or regulation has little consequence them in their quest for souls.
I have heard that the Air Force is the worst. I wonder sometimes if it has anything to do with Dobson's power and his being in Colorado Springs. Maybe I'm being paranoid after having read "Republican Gomorrah." It scared the sh!t out of me.
I wish the ACLU would do something about this in the prison system in Alaska, but they don't even do anything about the lack of medical care or the torture.
The Air Force is the worst, and there is an explanation for that. The Dominionists have a special place for warfare from the air. I know that R Gom focused on Dobson but know this…Dobson is not the kingpin, but rather a "general" in their army. You aren't paranoid, and don't be afraid. Just be vigilant! It gets better…no worries
Good going Leah for being involved in this and super duper good going for Mr. Weinstein taking this to court! We must push back against this behavior and call it out for what it is. There is no freedom to incite violence.
That number you shared of the number of evangelicals in the military is beyond frightening – that's really the most frightening thing I have read in a long time.
Leah, this imprecatory prayer, is "black magic"! He might want to fight it on a "energy" level, by surrounding himself with "white light" or a "shield of white light" and visualize anything negative as bouncing back whence it came! These idiots don't understand you reap what you sow and they will get their damn prayers back x3!
I have another Idea, but its radical! Also works on the energetic level. He can try this for now. But he is dealing with black magic here! These people are evil!
Pledge Your Support & Help Expose Religious Extremism in American Politics
Last week my friend Mikey Weinstein filed a law suit in Dallas, Texas naming both he and his wife as plaintiffs in a land mark case against religious extremism. I am honored to have been asked by Mikey to do what I can to help in his efforts to shed light on the practice of imprecatory prayer and the dangers that lie within them. I have tremendous respect for what he is doing…and total disdain for the ‘c’hristians who are praying for harm to come to him and his family, in all manner of violence.Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, said he wants Gordon Klingenschmitt, a former U.S. Navy chaplain, to “stop asking Jesus to plunder my fields … seize my assets, kill me and my family then wipe away our descendants for 10 generations.”
Thanks Leah. This is such an important story, and points out the hate, danger and insanity of the religious extremists. At the same time, this story exposes their infiltation into our government and military. I have posted this on Democratic Underground, with a link to your site. I think Rachael Maddow would jump on this if she sees it – hopefully, you can e-mail her.
Go get 'em Mikey. Stop the American religious extemists. NO Theocracy in America!
I will pass your message on…I will be talking to Mikey this afternoon…there is no choice but to push on!
Spread it far and wide my friend! This is the gauntlet…and it is thrown.
I continue to be astounded at just how insidious these fringe groups have become. It is almost wrong to refer to them as fringe anymore – they are multiplying faster than rabbits!
It is easy to understand how young soldiers, particularly if they are serving far from home and in a war zone, would fall under the spell of religion. Unfortunately, it is often those who have not been part of an organized and *normal* church prior to deployment. Every military unit has its own assigned Chaplain, but regardless of their particular religion, they are supposed to offer non-denominational services and counseling if no Chaplains of other religions are available. As we traveled the US and world as an Army family, we occasionally came across a Chaplain who was obviously far-right. They didn't stay in one place for long, but whether they chose to ask for a new assignment or were quietly shuttled off elsewhere, I haven't a clue. We have been retired now for over 20 years, but during our 20+ years, extremists were not tolerated.
It is a sad sign of the times that they have successfully turned that around to a large degree. This is why Mikey is fighting so hard to reverse this. And even though they will give lip service to the "open to all faiths" Chaplain approach, what is happening in practice is quite another matter. If you haven't had a chance to read Mikey's book, "With God on Our Side", I would encourage you to read it. It is well worth your time…
Caught Mikey on Thom Hartman this morning. It was short and I wanted to hear more, but Thom also mentioned Dominionism. This is very good! Need to get them all talking more and more about this. Hearing Mikey (and even Thom) discuss what these "religious" people have been doing is just frightening.
Thom called them the C'hristian Taliban.
That is progress! When I spoke with Thom Hartmann in February, he was not familiar with the word "dominionism"…so that makes me smile! And yes…they are by definition truly the American Taliban!
I'm so glad that you published this. I saw this story in the Dallas Morning News yesterday (an "exclusive" it said) and could not find anything online in order to bring it to your attention. Little did I know that you know Mr. Weinstein.
I am very interested in the military chaplain matter and the imprecatory prayer matter. These type of "prayers/curses" are being used against Pres. Obama. I've even done some legal research into the federal statute prohibiting threats against the President.
I sincerely hope that "imprecatory prayer" asking for violence can be stopped, somehow.
Several years ago, Dr. Larry Dossey (M.D.) wrote a book on this type of "prayer/curse."
The latest figures given to me from Mikey are out of 1.4 million military personnel, 500,000 claim to be evangelical. Evangelical alone is not the issue, it is the extreme evangelical dogma of the dominionists that cause alarm. That is a disturbingly high number!
How horrible that Mikey and his family are the recipients of such hateful acts. I wish them well. As for the xtian taliban, looks like they threatened the wrong person. Given Mikey's unique experience, the lawsuit and Mikey's organization will get well-deserved national attention and, hopefully, turn a curse into a blessing for the whole country.
I expect the proceedings could be quite challenging for the judge.
I am sure there will be the requisite claims of persecution of Christians by the Jews without a doubt. But we are banking on great success from this!
And you are correct…I would not want to be on the wrong side of Mikey…he is determined, knowledgeable and pissed off!
Perhaps these chaplains believe "all faiths" means only their faith because to them there is only their faith, and no others are real? (sorry if that sounded a bit confused)
Oh no…you said perfectly! That is a huge disconnect with these devout believers…they do indeed think that their faith IS the only faith, therefore breaking rank, rule or regulation has little consequence them in their quest for souls.
You/we are moving… Long live the Movement Towards Real Rationality and Logic… All capitalized!
Indeed we are! And the momentum shift is on our side!
I have heard that the Air Force is the worst. I wonder sometimes if it has anything to do with Dobson's power and his being in Colorado Springs. Maybe I'm being paranoid after having read "Republican Gomorrah." It scared the sh!t out of me.
I wish the ACLU would do something about this in the prison system in Alaska, but they don't even do anything about the lack of medical care or the torture.
The Air Force is the worst, and there is an explanation for that. The Dominionists have a special place for warfare from the air. I know that R Gom focused on Dobson but know this…Dobson is not the kingpin, but rather a "general" in their army. You aren't paranoid, and don't be afraid. Just be vigilant! It gets better…no worries
Everyone seems to think we're the paranoid ones…
I would welcome the label paranoid…if only that were true.
You mean imprecatory prayer in the prison system? Tell me more of what you are saying Celia…
Good going Leah for being involved in this and super duper good going for Mr. Weinstein taking this to court! We must push back against this behavior and call it out for what it is. There is no freedom to incite violence.
That number you shared of the number of evangelicals in the military is beyond frightening – that's really the most frightening thing I have read in a long time.
Leah, this imprecatory prayer, is "black magic"! He might want to fight it on a "energy" level, by surrounding himself with "white light" or a "shield of white light" and visualize anything negative as bouncing back whence it came! These idiots don't understand you reap what you sow and they will get their damn prayers back x3!
I have another Idea, but its radical! Also works on the energetic level. He can try this for now. But he is dealing with black magic here! These people are evil!