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.
It is time for the most recent journalings of Pastor Bess. Many of you have written me to express your appreciation for his writings. What I have enjoyed is that the appreciation is coming from all faiths and no faith readers.
Why does that make me so happy? Because to stem the tide of religious extremism, and in this case Christian Dominionism in America, we need to all join together as one voice. A voice that stands up to our homegrown zealots and unitedly say “ENOUGH!” Enough of what you are doing in this country, and enough of spreading your fanaticism like a virus to countries worldwide.
THE GROWING ROLE OF NATURAL THEOLOGY
Pastor Howard Bess
By Howard Bess
A few weeks ago I wrote a column entitled “The World Is Talking to Us.” In it I referred to natural theology. This column is an expansion on the theme of natural theology.
Natural theology has a rich history. It is full of ups and downs in influence and popularity. During the middle and late 20th century neo-orthodoxy was in vogue. Its most notable proponents put natural theology on the back burner. In the late 20th century and early 21st century the influence of natural theology has come roaring back.
And what is natural theology?
Natural theology is the pursuit of an understanding of God through reason and ordinary experience. The classic antithesis of natural theology is revealed understandings of God and life apart from reason and ordinary experience. The tradition of revealed truth was the tradition in which I was raised. The Bible was the revelation of God to human kind; or at least it was the tool to carry the revealed message of Jesus Christ, the incarnate son of God, the second person of the Holy Trinity. For me that point-of-view was not effectively challenged until graduate studies at Garrett Theological Seminary.
The faculty at Garrett was a world class group of theologians, philosophers, sociologists, historians and Bible scholars. While studying at Garrett I had an enormous change of mind and perspective. I learned that every word of the Bible had a human (male) author, who could be fixed in history and who wrote for a particular purpose for a particular audience. Even Jesus could be fixed in time and place and his messages could be placed in relationship to particular audiences that could be defined by social status, religious beliefs, and economic circumstance.
The Bible was no longer a Holy book that stood above critical study. I was handed the almost overwhelming challenge of sifting through the entire body of Bible material with a critical mind. But the challenge was even larger. A critical, inquiring mind had to pursue the significance of our world, a solar system, a galaxy, and endless space.
I have been forced to natural theology for my basic understandings of life.
The first message of the natural world is that everything is in motion. Everything is evolving. Nothing is fixed. All static understandings of life are at least questionable if not totally unacceptable. The next step is mind boggling for most. If all things are evolving, any reasonable understanding of God must be of a God who also is constantly changing. Every static understanding of God is out of sync with actual operation of the universe.
Such thinking not only brings up the names of Darwin and John Scopes, but also philosopher Alfred North Whitehead and theologians Charles Hartshorne, John Cobb Jr., and Schubert Ogden. They all have one thing in common. They are natural philosophers/theologians who take their basic understanding from observing a world in constant changing evolution.
A new generation quote by Rachel Held Evans
Today there is a flood of young Americans who know that what was will never be again. In earlier days, this conclusion about the nature of life took people toward uncertainty, skepticism, agnosticism, atheism, and hedonism. A new crop of thoughtful Americans is not buying the skepticism. Our new crop of thinkers is a hopeful bunch. Knowing that the evolving process brings new understandings, they are embracing the challenges that are presented by a new kind of world.
This, I believe, is the driving force behind the emergent church and proposals for a new Christianity.
In the earlier column I wrote that natural theology reveals a consequential world that sets limits on the amount of abuse that human beings can heap upon it. This consequential reality sets limits, makes judgments and imposes penalties. This is not simply a physical reality. It is a spiritual message about the way we live.
Another truth that we learn from natural theology is that new opportunities to do life right are always emerging. In an evolving life, the old is constantly passing away and the new is constantly arriving. The Bible message of new birthing and new beginnings is as modern as the latest electronic technology.
Darlene and I attended the college graduation of a grandson in May. In July a grandson married. A granddaughter begins study on her PhD in September. Yet another granddaughter is a university academic counselor. Then there is a granddaughter who teaches music in an elementary school. Two other grandchildren are about to enter their second year of college education. Four other grandchildren are making excellent progress on their educational journey. Natural theology says that an incredible array of creative possibilities await each of them.
And we hear a voice from the heavens say “Behold I make all things new.”
THE END
The Rev. Howard Bess is a retired American Baptist minister, who lives in Palmer, Alaska.
This is what we need, a more hopeful message. It is not enough to point out what isn’t right in the battle of good religion vs. bad religion. We have to emphasize what it is on the good religion side that sets it apart from the bad. In this case, whether you are a mainline non-Dominionist Christian – or not – Pastor Bess leaves us with a very uplifting message revealing a kind and compassionate side of this good religion.
I was just asked to join theCalifornia Council of Churches and California Church IMPACT organizations as a consultant this past week. This is a tremendous opportunity in so many ways. CCC is an advocacy group of mainline Christians who fight the fight for social justice programs and do educational outreach. They have approximately 1.5 million members. This is no small happenstance. It is the direction we all need to be going and I am humbled by this opportunity. Developing inter-faith coalitions as a show of solidarity and strength in numbers and voice.
No matter what our personal spiritual beliefs are – this is about freedom. And if we continue to look at this with myopic blinders on, thinking to ourselves that this is not relevant to our personal little piece of this world, these devout believers will win this battle. In order for us to diffuse them we must look to each other and find our common grounds in order to be a force that will shut them out.
That means embracing each other whether mainline Christian (such as Pastor Bess), Atheist, agnostic, Buddhist, mainline Muslim, Wiccan or a person who really doesn’t care enough about any of it to even take the time to pick a label! All of us in these respective groups make up 70% of America. We ARE America. And when we start looking at what we CAN do – instead of what we can’t do – we will start making a difference that will benefit generations to come.
And THAT is what it will take to preserve our freedoms…
Woo hoo Leah. I think no religion is good religion. Belief is a whole other kettle of pickles. To me religions are corporations and they should understand that that is how they will be viewed. Me thinks the different beliefs would do well to dump the brick an mortar churches and go back to where it all started which was folklore. Yeah right like they would ever give up the money!
They would have to give up their power and control as well…not gonna happen. I wish they would go BACK to brick and mortar….rather than the stadiums and performance halls. This whole cult indoctrination by Dominionist sects is frightening.
As one who helps lead the progressive people of faith, we just wish we HAD money! It's a darned sight easier to get people to loosen their wallets if you promise heaven and terrify with hell. It's very hard work caring about all the world's people and the world itself. It's outside the favored notions of hyper individualism. We are closer to anyone who believes in justice regardless of what they think about God or no God than we are to the Dominionists and hyperChristians who see faith as all about them and nothing about their obligations to the world. We are not the corporations – we're the neighborhood churches and people that feed the hungry, hold free clinics, stand up in city council meetings to end homelessness, and struggle to create a world that is better for all. Money? Hah! Corporate? Never! We are the majority, but in our modest congregations, people forget we are the fount of the 2000-year tradition. Don't throw us in the same pot with the megachurch big dollar folks – and don't throw us away since we're who stand between you and them.
I find it the height of hypocrisy that the republican/religious right tea baggers are fighting that a Mosque not be built near the site of 9/11.
It really shows the religious intolerance of these people. They are in essence saying, only our kind of faith is worthy, the 'christian' faith.
They are not 'Christian' in any sense of the way I know that word. They are not 'Christ-like'.
They are hateful, bitter people who will stop at nothing to have their agenda become law of the land.
You nailed it! They scream freedom of religion but absolutely only mean that for the Christian Dominionist sect. Period. You know as well as I do they are not trying to fight for freedom of American Muslims, Buddhists, Mormons, etc. It never ceases to amaze me how so many cannot see through their transparent fabricated garbage. And I agree…they certainly grew up in a different Sunday School class than I did.
Leah: here is my somewhat emotional addition to your next-to-last paragraph:
My husband, who left this Earth Walk a couple of decades ago, had a "saying" which our daughter and I quoted just yesterday:
"Do not give me ten reasons why you cannot… just give me one reason why you can!"
All of us who exercise our minds to "reason" with religions/philosophies/belief systems other than those with which we were raised will have to pull together to put "Reason" back into the public discourse. Dogmatic rhetoric always has been and shall continue to be self serving.
Congratulations upon the widening of your audience and sphere of influence! Love and Peace, Ing
Wow, it is so hard to believe someone so insigtful and intelligent as Pastor Bess is in Alaska. I know some may find that insulting, but you have to understand what I have been through here. I have been aware there are young people who realize information and reality is constantly evolving also. They have an attitude that they will adapt no matter what happens. They feel life is an ever changing journey. They are shedding materialism for a personal spirituality and responsiblity for the earth. I have been researching some of their ideas and have found hope for mankind. Leah, congratulatons on consulting for CCC.
Perhaps i was a bit zealous? Being brought up Irish catholic outside of Boston was part of my demeaner. One could understand my revulsion of their tenets. Not to forget their money grubbing ways.
At one time i thought a new religion was in order. One for the aware society that was emerging.
I can laugh about that now. Those here know full well that giving of the heart is not of any denomination. It is inherent in the individual. And those numbers are few. Could we just teach "Do good be good" and let the later people find their religion should they chose to.
Had I been exposed to pastor such as Pastor Bess, perhaps my attitude towards organized religion might be different. As it is, I feel more comfortable exploring and implementing my spiritual beliefs on a solitary path. I have as the best advisers in this quest, this journey, essays such what Pastor Bess has produced, books, lectures, and discussions with people of various faiths and with those who have no faith. It is through reflection upon what I observe, experience, hear and read that I find guidance, comfort and inspiration. To listen to only one voice, one expert, one dogma is to limit my understanding. No one person or one faith can address the myriad of circumstances that the spirit must endure and respond to because life and the world is so complex and subtle.
I know if I come here I find intelligent, inquisitive souls who do not judge, condemn or limit each other preferring instead to share their opinions and insights and listen to those of others. This is a warm and stimulating haven, unlike so many that purport to address these issues.
I think that is why so many organizations are approaching Leah to be an adviser and speaker. She has created a special haven, a nurturing, challenging environment to explore some of the toughest issues we face as a society. We see her doing the same spiritual research, asking the same questions we have, and fighting against intolerance and bigotry in a manner we wish to emulate.
I don't always post a comment because I tend to write long ones, but I am always here reading, thinking and growing with each post and every comment.
I just came up with what might be a great idea: There are many AM and short wave radio stations that are run by so-called Christian conservatives. And they get explicitly political too. I don't understand why progressives of all spiritual traditions can't have at least one radio station of their own. Heck, we could have a liberal Rabbi, Rev. Al Sharpton, Prebyterian Minister Jamie Spahr to preach to the LGBT community, and anti-war activist and Catholic priest Father Bourgeois. Listening to the shortwave band, I heard one alleged preacher state that Barack Obama had been funded by the Saudis since birth and that the President was the Anti-Christ. If that isn't political, I don't know what is.
No matter what our personal spiritual beliefs are – this is about freedom. And if we continue to look at this with myopic blinders on, thinking to ourselves that this is not relevant to our personal little piece of this world, these devout believers will win this battle. In order for us to diffuse them we must look to each other and find our common grounds in order to be a force that will shut them out.
Woo hoo Leah. I think no religion is good religion. Belief is a whole other kettle of pickles. To me religions are corporations and they should understand that that is how they will be viewed. Me thinks the different beliefs would do well to dump the brick an mortar churches and go back to where it all started which was folklore. Yeah right like they would ever give up the money!
They would have to give up their power and control as well…not gonna happen. I wish they would go BACK to brick and mortar….rather than the stadiums and performance halls. This whole cult indoctrination by Dominionist sects is frightening.
As one who helps lead the progressive people of faith, we just wish we HAD money! It's a darned sight easier to get people to loosen their wallets if you promise heaven and terrify with hell. It's very hard work caring about all the world's people and the world itself. It's outside the favored notions of hyper individualism. We are closer to anyone who believes in justice regardless of what they think about God or no God than we are to the Dominionists and hyperChristians who see faith as all about them and nothing about their obligations to the world. We are not the corporations – we're the neighborhood churches and people that feed the hungry, hold free clinics, stand up in city council meetings to end homelessness, and struggle to create a world that is better for all. Money? Hah! Corporate? Never! We are the majority, but in our modest congregations, people forget we are the fount of the 2000-year tradition. Don't throw us in the same pot with the megachurch big dollar folks – and don't throw us away since we're who stand between you and them.
I find it the height of hypocrisy that the republican/religious right tea baggers are fighting that a Mosque not be built near the site of 9/11.
It really shows the religious intolerance of these people. They are in essence saying, only our kind of faith is worthy, the 'christian' faith.
They are not 'Christian' in any sense of the way I know that word. They are not 'Christ-like'.
They are hateful, bitter people who will stop at nothing to have their agenda become law of the land.
You nailed it! They scream freedom of religion but absolutely only mean that for the Christian Dominionist sect. Period. You know as well as I do they are not trying to fight for freedom of American Muslims, Buddhists, Mormons, etc. It never ceases to amaze me how so many cannot see through their transparent fabricated garbage. And I agree…they certainly grew up in a different Sunday School class than I did.
Leah: here is my somewhat emotional addition to your next-to-last paragraph:
My husband, who left this Earth Walk a couple of decades ago, had a "saying" which our daughter and I quoted just yesterday:
"Do not give me ten reasons why you cannot… just give me one reason why you can!"
All of us who exercise our minds to "reason" with religions/philosophies/belief systems other than those with which we were raised will have to pull together to put "Reason" back into the public discourse. Dogmatic rhetoric always has been and shall continue to be self serving.
Congratulations upon the widening of your audience and sphere of influence! Love and Peace, Ing
Wow, it is so hard to believe someone so insigtful and intelligent as Pastor Bess is in Alaska. I know some may find that insulting, but you have to understand what I have been through here. I have been aware there are young people who realize information and reality is constantly evolving also. They have an attitude that they will adapt no matter what happens. They feel life is an ever changing journey. They are shedding materialism for a personal spirituality and responsiblity for the earth. I have been researching some of their ideas and have found hope for mankind. Leah, congratulatons on consulting for CCC.
Perhaps i was a bit zealous? Being brought up Irish catholic outside of Boston was part of my demeaner. One could understand my revulsion of their tenets. Not to forget their money grubbing ways.
At one time i thought a new religion was in order. One for the aware society that was emerging.
I can laugh about that now. Those here know full well that giving of the heart is not of any denomination. It is inherent in the individual. And those numbers are few. Could we just teach "Do good be good" and let the later people find their religion should they chose to.
Had I been exposed to pastor such as Pastor Bess, perhaps my attitude towards organized religion might be different. As it is, I feel more comfortable exploring and implementing my spiritual beliefs on a solitary path. I have as the best advisers in this quest, this journey, essays such what Pastor Bess has produced, books, lectures, and discussions with people of various faiths and with those who have no faith. It is through reflection upon what I observe, experience, hear and read that I find guidance, comfort and inspiration. To listen to only one voice, one expert, one dogma is to limit my understanding. No one person or one faith can address the myriad of circumstances that the spirit must endure and respond to because life and the world is so complex and subtle.
I know if I come here I find intelligent, inquisitive souls who do not judge, condemn or limit each other preferring instead to share their opinions and insights and listen to those of others. This is a warm and stimulating haven, unlike so many that purport to address these issues.
I think that is why so many organizations are approaching Leah to be an adviser and speaker. She has created a special haven, a nurturing, challenging environment to explore some of the toughest issues we face as a society. We see her doing the same spiritual research, asking the same questions we have, and fighting against intolerance and bigotry in a manner we wish to emulate.
I don't always post a comment because I tend to write long ones, but I am always here reading, thinking and growing with each post and every comment.
I just came up with what might be a great idea: There are many AM and short wave radio stations that are run by so-called Christian conservatives. And they get explicitly political too. I don't understand why progressives of all spiritual traditions can't have at least one radio station of their own. Heck, we could have a liberal Rabbi, Rev. Al Sharpton, Prebyterian Minister Jamie Spahr to preach to the LGBT community, and anti-war activist and Catholic priest Father Bourgeois. Listening to the shortwave band, I heard one alleged preacher state that Barack Obama had been funded by the Saudis since birth and that the President was the Anti-Christ. If that isn't political, I don't know what is.
That is a great idea! It would take money and influence. But it is a great idea…