What a great discussion we had! I really want to thank all those who came out last Friday night and participated in our conversation about Sarah Palin and Christian Dominionism. And a heartfelt thanks to Jan Goodman and Jerry Manpearl for opening their home to Ilene Proctor’s Great Mind Series speakers, and to Chris Bennett for sharing her talents and providing us with wonderful music. A huge thank you to Cenk Uygar, host of The Young Turks, a pioneering online political webcast that streams a live news show Monday through Friday, and so much more.
There is too much information to fit into one discussion, but we gave it a good go and traversed some wide territory. Because this was promoted by Ilene Proctor Public Relations as a look at who and what is behind Palin, I intentionally brought all points back to Palin and her extreme religious dogma. I was able to introduce Christian Dominionism, and people were genuinely interested.
There has been such an effective job of minimizing the influence of the Religious Right and in fact, declaring it disbanded that most of us have not realized they regrouped, rebranded and resurfaced in a far more threatening incarnation – that, of a cult of religious extremists who use Christianity as their platform to go forth and divide and conquer.
The majority of Americans are completely unaware of this extreme Christian sect. When I first learned of it I sought out someone, anyone, in my circle of diverse friends and acquaintances…from politicians and politicos to those who can’t stand politics. From religiously devout and faithful church-goers to atheists. From those with lots of letters and periods after their names, to those who are lucky enough to have even gotten a G.E.D due to extra-curricular distractions in their earlier years. And those in the “know” (we think) who work in the media. Out of all those people, I ran across only one individual who said, “Oh, I know about dominionism…I had a shop teacher in High School who introduced us to that”. He is the fellow who I enjoy chatting with weekly when he comes to caretake my neighbors yard.
Why do I point this out? Because one of the ways that they have been able to flourish and grow, is that they can do it right in front of us and we don’t pay attention. Even when they get boisterous, our tolerance of intolerance dictates that we accept divergent views and in that process inadvertantly overlook what is truly forming before our eyes. So if you think to yourself, “I’ve never heard of it, therefore it cannot be happening”, be careful. There are many of us who have been yelling into a vaccuum about this, now we have to change the delivery and get people’s attention.
And I think as overwhelming as this discussion can get very quickly, there were many great questions. An example, “What is the relationship between the wealthy corporatists in America and Christian Dominionism?” That is a question that could easily prompt a discussion forum all unto itself, but I attempted to explain that they do indeed share common goals – privatization, deregulation and power.
These goals weave together these groups for divergent reasons, but they need each other to succeed. Joint successes means more money for the corporations and less government. Less government means subverting the restrictions of church and state, allowing for wider proselytizing by Christian Dominionists. These joint goals also work hand in hand with the 7 Mountains Mandate which pursues reclaiming America for Christ by taking dominion over the secular institutions.
Religion – Government – Business/Banking – Education – Media – Arts/Entertainment – Family
We discussed how C. Peter Wagner is the virtual CEO of Dominionism, and that his Apostles spread this 7MM around the world. How Palin’s own spiritual advisor, Mary Glazier, is one of those Apostles and in charge of the Northwest Sales District (as I like to refer to it). That Pastor Mutthee of Kenya, who while at Palin’s Wasilla church, anointed Palin as Queen Esther and ceremoniously cast the witches out of her. How Mutthee is a “Transformations Associate” of the Transformations Network which infested Uganda, directly contributing to the Death to Gays legislation before the Ugandan government. And that Transformations, based out of Louisiana is lead by a mix of dominionists such as Cindy Jacobs, a high level Apostle in – C. Peter Wagner’s Global Harvest Ministries, a New Apostolic Reformation ministry.
You get the picture. No matter where we took off, we would always wind our way back to Palin and her Christian cult and their End Times politics, and that is my message relating to an understanding of Palin’s Brain. It is a matter of what the forces are behind this woman and who provides the momentum and power, because we know that this is not a solo journey by Palin and her own self-actualized aspirations.
I can’t possibly recreate the entire discussion here because I would end up writing a book! Oh…but wait…I AM writing a book. That’s where I will bring all of this together and more. More in the sense that we need to also discuss those in this cult that are overshadowed by the Palin spotlight. Her constant media addiction creates a distraction that is no accident in how it takes our eyes off the GOP 2012 ball and the roster of other unseemly characters lingering in the wings…like Haley Barbour.
So, I had best get back to work. Research never ends, writing is essential and your attention is necessary in disseminating this information as far and as wide as you can spread it. I will be sharing several new stories with you as we increase our arsenal of information. Thank you all for your ongoing support, it truly will take ALL of us.
"I've never heard of it, so it can't be happening". This one sentence describes the problem with half the populace of this country. It also fits many different scenarios, not just the dominionist agenda remaining underground. It applies to any societal issues that don't affect white, hetero males.
Well done, on getting the message to eager ears. Let's hope it gets some legs.
Speaking of Palin – I see where Palin is going to stump for Michele Bachmann. Bachmann is another one to watch – she doesn't even try to hide that she is a dominionist! Hopefully that will be her downfall as people become more aware.
That is just the most ironic aspect of this…that they do NOT try to hide. It is as if the more brazen they are, the more hidden they remain. Go figure! And Bachmann is a Palin twin. Don't you love how these common gals…moms just like the rest of us who are stumping for "rell" America won't invite you to hear their message unless you can ante up an average of $500 for dinner?
For characters who rail against the "elite"…they sure like their money!
Thanks, Leah. So sorry I missed the event. Hope there is a “next time” soon. Sounds wonderful, and I appreciate your sharing with us here.
I just wonder, how much more exposure does the religious rightwingnuttery need before the majority of the American public says “ENOUGH!”
Interesting developments at Focus on the Family: looks like Dobson is being ousted. The board would like FoF to develop a “softer image” on issues from Obama, homosexuality …
That seems hard to fathom o.o;
Steve…you are correct. Very hard to fathom…and frankly we are not buying what they are selling via the press. Alex is looking into this.
A LOT more! The majority of people have never heard of this…that is why we may have to be creative in bringing attention to this. It amazes me that 6 weeks ago a Facebook page can be created announcing the "Coffee Party", garner over 100,000 fans and be reported on CNN today.
What do we have to form and do to get that same attention drawn to these zealots? Bring on suggestions my friends…I have my own ideas in the works, but I can never hear too many.
Might I suggest a Facebook page with a really clever title? Then all the information you can cram into it.
A facebook page seems like a pretty good idea actually. A lot of the networking on the web happens there now. I'm not exactly certain about how the layout could work, as far as cramming the info in, but it's worth looking into. After doing a search I could only come up with a few hits. There are quite a few anti-quiverfull pages and an ex-fundies against Palin page, but not too much more.
Wow, Leah! Sounds fascinating. I wish this issue would get the attention of 60 Minutes and get it out to people who are clueless…like I used to be! It is particularly important to people who call themselves Christians…like I do! They sometimes make me feel embarrassed to admit I'm a Christian, and then I slip on my Big Girl Panties and say, "Fuck that!"
Keep up the good fight, Leah. We're with you.
mainstream Christians are truly in need of catching on to these extremists. It does, indeed give the whole religion a bad image and this is not about all Christians by any means. Thanks SJ!
Glad you are home safe and sound. Cenk was sitting beside you…………how great was that. I love Young Turks…the program calls a spade a spade. Tell us what he is like (besides brilliant because we already know that). What was the most fascinating thing you learned? What was the greatest point you got across to others. Dying to hear all about it and really wish I could have been a fly on your shoulder.
Welcome home.
It was great, Geraldine! I very much enjoyed the opportunity to meet him and so many others that evening. He definitely shares my no-nonsense approach to calling it as he sees it. There is no time to dance around this and play politically correct, many have been doing so for years and that clearly has fallen on deaf ears…
I learned that their is definitely a yearning to understand how a Palin-type arose, but that the answers are not always comfortable for some. I learned that I must continue to hone my message because there is frankly just too much information to try and pack into one sitting.
I hope that the most important point I got across is that Palin is a blessing in disguise because if not for her, and her unquenchable need for attention, she has given us a face and pseudo-celeb persona to attach this notion of Dominionism to. And that we CAN do something about this. I sure hope that came through…
Thank you, G
I have been a fan of this blog for several months now, thanks to a link on theimmoralminority.blogspot.com (Gryphen). You have provided information, insight, and inspiration for which I and my husband are grateful. Your postings have given us a foundation for further research and deeper understanding. Thank you.
Information and education are crucial as we move forward to face what seems to be an inevitable show-down with this power-crazed movement. I cannot bring myself to accept that they are religious any more than I can accept that the Taliban are religious because religion or spirituality represents a way to call forth the best in the human spirit. These folks are just too rooted in the secular quest for money, power, and control, and their rants and beliefs bring forth the worst in people.
Do you foresee a potential for violent confrontation at some point? I am beginning to worry about that because I simply do not see our legislative or judicial branches of the government being aware of the threat. If these fanatics are ignored, as you wisely point out is natural for tolerant people are inclined to do, the fanatics become emboldened.
I cannot praise you highly enough for your efforts to generate interest in and a spotlight on the dominionist movement because, I believe, it is the only way we can quash their growing influence.
For example, The Family and its indoctrinating nest on C Street has been outed and seems to be twisting in the wind as more information is being disseminated to the public. Their hypocrisy is now out in the open for all to see. Every month now seems to bring new scandals connected to their activities, the latest being Rep. Massa.
I truly believe these scandals would not have seen the light of day, nor the credibility of The Family challenged were it not for courageous journalists writing books, doing cable news exposes and writing blog essays and holding seminars exposing the dark side of this latest and most alarming incarnation of the far-right fanatics.
Remember to take care of yourself on all levels because this work must be taking its toll. Dredging up the truth on these people has got to leave a depressing figurative stench. As I would counsel our daughter: eat, hydrate, rest and keep a sense of humor insofar as you can so you stay strong in both mind and body. We need you now more than ever, because as more of us become educated to what has been and is going on, we can stand with you against this movement. However, I fear, that the larger our numbers become, the more desperate the movement leaders and followers will become. That's why I join Geraldine in saying how glad we are you got home safe and sound. It's not idle praise or polite chatter; it is heartfelt gratitude.
We look forward to your book being published, and in the meantime, will continue to encourage everyone we know to come read your blog.
I agree…it is why I have such a difficult time referring to them as Christian because they are truly a sect unto their own. I fear that any time their is devout dogma combined with a quest to dominate that we are always at risk for the most extreme followers to engage in violence and justify it as a means to the ends. But…the more we awaken to this, the greater chance we have of neutralizing the zealots. You are correct in assessing that some are even threatening and aggressive and we are mindful to be cautious. It is a sad statement to even have to make.
It is an uphill climb to expose this movement and get people to take it seriously. It is a natural reaction for us to not want to incorporate the notion that something like Dominionism not only exists, but exists on such a widespread level. Our brains reject it as so fantastic that it tries to protect us from the reality.
Thank you for your sincere concern, it is a topic that can certainly drain us and there are days when I have to re-energize…but we will continue onward. Your readership and continuing efforts to direct people to sites like mine and others is so crucial in expanding this discussion and I thank you for your ongoing efforts.
Comments such as yours are exactly what fuels me to push on because you reward me with the knowledge that we are truly making a difference!