Experts discuss origins, evolution of New Apostolic Reformation

Group grew out of earlier Dominionism sects. It demonizes liberal voters and those who support abortion rights.

A panel of experts convened for a webinar about a rapidly growing anti-democratic movement that is closely linked to antiabortionism. 

The New Apostolic Reformation and the Threat to Democracy, which was presented for the first time this week and will again be available to watch at 1 p.m. on Aug. 21, featured Anthea Butler, Frederick Clarkson, Andre Gagne, Julie Ingersoll, Rev. Naomi Washington-Leaphart, Peter Montgomery, Rachel Tabachnick, and Joe Wiinikka-Lydon. Those who want to watch the webcast can click on this link here. 

The New Apostolic Reformation draws on earlier movements like Pentecostalism, evangelism, and Christian Reconstructionism.  They take a warfare approach to spiritualism that seeks to demonize most of their political opponents, whom they see in demonic terms. It was founded by C. Peter Wagner, a missionary and writer who believes Christians should take dominion over society.

At its core is the seven-mountain mandate, which holds that believers seek to influence seven aspects of society: family, religion, education, media, arts and entertainment, business, and government. 

Gagne, who wrote American Evangelicals for Trump, is one the nation’s leading experts on the NAR. He was featured in a recorded video at the event. He said that many in the NAR had started portraying Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris as representing Jezebel, a biblical figure who was depicted as promoting promiscuity. 

“Those that practice spiritual warfare see Jezebel not as a person anymore, but a spirit that is alive again today,” Gagne said. 

They link Harris’ candidacy to the massive increase of pornography and sexual temptation, the militant spirit of abortion, the rise of radical feminism, and, more importantly, the attempt to silence prophetic voices.

“So they see Jezebel as a demonic force representing what Jezebel did in the Old Testament, but now Jezebel is a supernatural entity that tries to impede on what the Church wants to do in America, to bring the kingdom of God on earth, essentially in America,” Gagne said. 

Montgomery, senior research director for People for the American Way, has studied the Christian right for decades. He also spoke at the event. He dispelled the notion that the NAR is a fringe group. It’s closely connected to power. Members have appeared at speeches with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. They had steady access to Trump during his time in the White House. 

Next month, Christian Right activists will kick off a 50-day fight to mobilize spiritual warfare leading into the election. 

Ingersoll, a professor of religious studies at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, also presented. She spoke about the history of Christian reconstructionism, from which Dominionism and later the NAR grew. Ingersoll explained how the theology worked. 

“Dominionism and the NAR is a fluid assemblage of ideas, traditions and practices, invoked in a kind of ad hoc manner as they are applicable to any particular circumstance,” Ingersoll said. “The NAR is incredibly diffused by design. Part of this is because it provides a level of plausible deniability.” 

Rachel Tabachnick, a researcher and writer on Christian Zionism and dominionism, also spoke about the threats the NAR posed to the principles of separating church from state affairs. 

“It's important for us to understand how a movement can be anti-democratic, anti-pluralistic, theocratic, but also market itself to the public as in pursuit of freedom and liberty and in a battle against tyranny,” Tabachnick said. 

My friend Frederick Clarkson spoke next. Clarkson is a longtime leading expert on antiabortion and Christian right movements. He was a trailblazer in the 1990s for his work on violent theological extremism. For more on that period, check out his book Eternal Hostility: The Struggle Between Theocracy and Democracy. 

Clarkson spoke about Project 19, the NAR’s effort to mobilize Christians to swing some key urban counties for Trump in 2024. Project 19 seeks to advance the Seven Mountain Mandate. They have sought to get pastors to register their parishioners as Republicans in suburban areas in 19 swing state counties. 

While this may seem like normal campaigning, the people who engage in Project 19 often demonize people who have different political differences, especially women.

“The tour sought to embolden reluctant conservative evangelicals in blue suburbs and make them feel part of a religious and political cause far greater than themselves,” Clarkson said. 

I had to cut out early on the presentation because I had scheduled a conflicting interview with an abortion fund director. However, for those who want to see these experts present their findings in greater depth, I would tune in to the Aug. 21 presentation.