Why Is It Important To Vote? Your Country Needs You Too, That's Why!

In the mid-term elections traditionally, the president's party doesn't do well. Low voter turn-out has been the reality of modern-day politics for the Democratic Party in off-year elections. The Republicans are still reaping the benefits from the last mid-term elections held in 2010. Not only, did the Republican's gain in the House and Senate. They also gained control in the state and local governments in the South especially. What resulted? Gridlock!

Now that the Republican's have power look what they have done. They have ruined state economies with their policies prime example Gov. Sam Brownback from Kansas.[ See Article]

Republicans have been able to control agriculture and education policy.
They have completely gerrymandered political safe zones creating a major uphill fight for the Democrats, in the House especially. The reality of this is the Democrats taking back the House in the for-seeable-future is at best vague. The Republicans have been able to " tip the playing field."

This Is Why Its Important To Vote!

In addition, the Republican Party backed by deep-pocketed factions like the Koch Brothers and others have waged a flat-out-assault on Voting Rights. Since the 2010 mid-terms, 18 Republican-controlled states acted to restrict voting.[See Source] So, in 18 states it is now harder to vote because of the Republican Party. For example, in the state of North Carolina you can no longer enjoy same day voter registration. In Wisconsin, lawmakers there passed new laws making it much harder to vote. Just recently, those laws were overturned by the Supreme Court. 

Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI)

Wisconsin Is One Walker Of A Mess!

Something has happened on the Voting Rights front that never has happened in the past. The Government Accountability Office [GAO] which is a non-partisan arm of Congress. Reported, once these republican states starting changing these voting rules  five U.S. Senators wrote the GAO requesting a study of state legislative actions that may affect voter registration or voting. In states where these type voter suppression laws have passed there was a clear indication that it lowered the voter turnout. The GAO looked at six states. Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Kansas, Maine, and Tennesse. They looked at these states from 2008 to 2012. Between the two presidential elections, the overall turn-out declined in 2012 from 2008. In Kansas and Tennesse the turn-out dropped more than the other mentioned states. During the study period, it was both Kansas and Tennesse who enacted very strict voting laws. The study found  voting suppression measures effected young voters and African-American voters between the ages of 18 and 23 the most.

This Is Why Its Important To Vote!  

How do young voters tend to vote? Democratic. How do African-American voters tend to vote? Democratic. The finding of this study was more verification than surprising. What is ridiculous is that the purpose of these laws were to stamp out a non-existent voter fraud problem. These new over the top voter ID laws are being reversed in some states. However, even so, they will be allowed to stand in this coming election in particular states that puts the Democrats at a disadvantage. It is the position of the House of Public Discourse if you are an eligible voter and a duly registered voter you should not be weeded out of the process by some new over and beyond voter ID requirements. These actions are not fair, legal, or American. In America, we encourage people to vote, not to disenfranchise themselves from the process. It is clear the Republican Party does not want a fair system of voting. They want a system that tips the scale in their favor in spite of the Constitution. Honestly, we must call this for what it is, 'cheating, because using political power to change the rules and disrespect our Constitution is not in the best interest of this nation.

Democrats Need To Grow A Backbone!  

As a progressive liberal, this writer is perplexed on how Democrats have just sit back and let the Republicans "getaway" with this behavior. By not getting out to vote we play right into a political design that has worked for the Republicans time and time again. What we have seen over the last six years is a consequence of disenfranchisement from the process. Gridlock, Obstruction, Dysfunction have been the order of business in Washington D.C. Yes, Democrats have put up some resistance, but; for the most part, we have watched them do it. So, as we near the 2014 mid-terms no matter what, we will still feel repercussions from our lack of involvement in 2010. It is enough to make one swear. Democrats must get engaged and stop taking things for granted. Democrats must take a let's do something as opposed to nothing approach, and take back our country from radical right-wing factions who are running rough-shod in the present. Why is it important to vote? Your country needs you too that's why! Take part in the process. Get out to vote.
               

Who Are These People; Taking Over The GOP?

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Who Are These People; taking Over The GOP? They are not strangers to the American political experience. The Radical Right. The Christian Coalition! The John Birch Society! The Tea Party. These people are the Radical Right. There are many faces to these politically extreme people.  Sadly, these people desperate as they might be to hold power often win.

"We are not coming up against just human beings to beat them in elections. We're going to be coming up against spiritual warfare." (Pat Robertson at a 1994 Christian Coalition national strategy conference)[Source: Theocracy Watch]

With the mid-term elections upon us, we here at the House of Public Discourse could not help but notice that many politicians on the upcoming ballot for November 4th, are products of the Radical Right.

The most notorious of these is  long-time Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, who is being opposed by Alison Lundergan Grimes. McConnell's campaign manager has already resigned amid a allege bribery deal. " The ole Washington two-step [See Article]

Alison Lundergan  Grimes

According to the latest polls, Grimes holds a slim lead over McConnell. Grimes is the current Secretary of State in Kentucky. 

The Progressives  know Mitch McConnell well. There is a history. Being from North Carolina, I liken McConnell a modern-day Jesse Helms look-a-like. Its has been McConnell that has led the charge of obstruction against the Obama Administration. It has been McConnell who has been caught with his " pants-down," lying in bed with the Koch Brothers.

Case In Point.






It was McConnell who wasted the money of tax-payers on the bogus IRS scandal and was a washout when questioned by the press. The big question now is, are the people of Kentucky fed up with McConnell enough to show him the door at the ballot box. With the overall approval rating of Congress somewhere in the low-teens and McConnell being the face of that disapproval, many feel this could be the end of the line for McConnell.  So, with all this said, who supports a guy like Mitch McConnell? The Radical Right that is who? The Koch Brothers. It's time for the people of Kentucky and say no to these politics by mob in Kentucky. To many Progressive Democrats and Independents alike feel that Mitch McConnell's behavior and actions during the Obama years has bordered on sedition. One thing is for certain the outcome is still very uncertain. Which begs the question, who are these people taking over the GOP!

Why Understanding The John Birch Society Is Important

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What is the John Birch Society? Founded, in Indianapolis, IN in 1958, it was chartered under the general laws of Massachusetts. The society presented itself as a non-profit educational organization. The John Birch Society made no bones about who they were, and their sense of entitlement to the American way of life. They were the molders and shapers of public morality. Some early declarations made by the JBS were false. The JBS was inclusionary to all races. Not true. They insisted their membership reflected the cross-section of America on all social and economic levels. Not true. The JBS marched around proclaiming themselves an individualist. However, the JBS never minced words when it came to the common thread of. " defeating communism."

"I knew how much my father hated John Kennedy, and Kennedy was not the first or last Communist my father hated. With the help of his arch-right-wing friends, in and out of the JBS.  Dad could recite a list of " dirty Reds." [Wrapped In The Flag Author, Claire Conner]

 In a nutshell, the John Birch Society over the years till this present day has been the leader of the anti-federal government movement. They are the faction that all modern-day factions aspire to. They were clear and upfront about their desire to control public morality. [See Article]

Less Government---More Responsibility---A Better World 

The JBS set the organization up as a vocal grass-roots stopgap against the spread of Communism. When Sen. Joe McCarthy went on his famous political witchhunt, in the 1950s. McCarthy became an instant superstar with the now growing JBS. When McCarthy announced, he was naming names about 200 total who were all commies he [McCarthy] became JBS hero. The JBS wanted it known they were taking the lead on the fight against Communism. The JBS proclaim themselves the protectors of western-civilization.

         
The JBS was the most useful, best-funded largest radical right-wing group in the history of America. The JBS was not the first radical right-wing organization and has not been the last. However; the JBS did something no other such group had ever done before which involved a coordinated effort to get all of its members doing the same thing at the same time. The JBS got a populist political activism organization started and organized by mail-order for lack of term. The JBS has a top-down authoritarian approach. Robert Welsh, the founder of the John Birch Society, always proclaimed that the JBS is monolithic. He often boosted there will be " no democracy here."

   So, let put Welsh's comment into perspective. A political faction claiming to be both the defender and avenger of our democratic way of life will have none of it within their organization. This element begs the question; what type of government would these people run?  In digging to find the answer to the question, our research ran dead into the question now slogan. " we are a republic, not a democracy." Is this mindset not the rallying cry for many Americans today. What is very interesting is this political philosophy question is the very one many people have said turns on the light switch that these people may have it wrong.

Why Understanding The John Birch Society Is Important?

Right now, the question of voter turnout and the rights of people to vote have been- challenged across the country. We have seen right-wing radical groups that have infiltrated every level of local-state, and federal government, control legislation and legislative bodies as well. The JBS from its inception has proclaimed everyone does not have the right to vote. 

For example, the JBS advocated the repeal of the 17th amendment.

The JBS believed there was a secret communist around every corner and in every facet of government. At the time, the 1950's there was a very real fear of communism and the spreading thereof. This fear was used by the JBS to make everyone afraid of the Reds. McCarthy started naming names. Do we see a return to McCarthyism in the Republican Party today? The JBS felt that 70% of the Federal Government had to go. So, what does that mean what would have to be cut and in what order?

• Social Security, right off the bat.
• Unemployment Benefits
• Welfare Programs 
• Public Education

 This hatred of the Federal Government would put cuts on many less-publicized departments of government as well. Like, Dept of Highways, the JBS were against the repeal of the " Jim Crow," laws in the South. The JBS held a position that the government had no place in the enactment of civil rights laws. With the JBS, any thought of government regulation goes ' down the drain.' The overall rallying cry of the Bircher is the Federal Government is evil. The JBS solution was the dismantling or privatization of the Federal government. We are seeing these solutions being implemented in many states across the country. We have seen a move to privatize prisons and education. Most of this radical legislation has passed in bright red legislatures. Public funds being diverted from public schools to charter schools has turned into a disaster.

There are myriad of reasons why we should understand the mindset of the radical- right-wing and the crazy proposals they put forth. I think an insider's view of this subject matter is invaluable. From Wrapped In The Flag, Author: Claire Conner.

 

In closing, it is important [in this writer's view] to be aware of the motives of these rogue elements of our political sphere. There is a connection between people who are " Birch minded," and the Dominionist. They both quest to dominate or lord their mortality over us to the point of censorship and unconstitutional laws being passed. That why it's important to understand the John Birch Society.

James Madison On Church and State

There is one thing for certain when reporting on the issue of church and state; there will be those people no matter the evidence will insist that the American Constitution is founded on Christian principles. These same people are the very ones who totally disregard the existence of the separation of church and state. In our past reporting, here at the House of Public Discourse. We have provided evidence and quotes from our founding fathers that show clearly and without any ambiguity that their empathic intentions were not to co-mingle government and religion. We intend on taking a look at one of our most prominent founding fathers James Madison and go where the research takes us on his position regarding this much in the spotlight effect of our modern times.[See Source]

Who Was James Madison? 

James Madison  is widely known and recognized as the " Father of the Constitution." Madison more than any other founding father is responsible for the construction of the First Amendment. Our first example of Madison position on church and  state is his, "Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments"    document. This document was in response to him opposing a bill  that would have allowed tax-support for Christian ministers in the state of Virginia.

Here is James Madison first point of a fifteen-point memorandum concerning this proposed legislation.

Because we hold it for a fundamental and undeniable truth, "that religion or the duty which we owe to our Creator and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence." The Religion then of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man; and it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate.
This right is in its nature an unalienable right. It is unalienable, because the opinions of men, depending only on the evidence contemplated by their own minds cannot follow the dictates of other men: It is unalienable also, because what is here a right towards men, is a duty towards the Creator. It is the duty of every man to render to the Creator such homage and such only as he believes to be acceptable to him. This duty is precedent, both in order of time and in degree of obligation, to the claims of Civil Society. Before any man can be considered as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the Universe: And if a member of Civil Society, do it with a saving of his allegiance to the Universal Sovereign. We maintain therefore that in matters of Religion, no man's right is abridged by the institution of Civil Society and that Religion is wholly exempt from its cognizance. True it is, that no other rule exists, by which any question which may divide a Society, can be ultimately determined, but the will of the majority; but it is also true that the majority may trespass on the rights of the minority. [ Source: James Madison]

There are many sources that give us a window into the mind of James Madison concerning the separation of church and state. One such source is his letter to Jasper Adams.

Jasper Adams was president of the College of Charleston. He had sent Madison a copy of his pamphlet, The Relation of Christianity to Civil Government in the United States, and requested Madison's comments. Adams contested the view "that Christianity had no connection with our civil government." Rather, he argued, "the people of the United States have retained the Christian religion as the foundation of their civil, legal, and political institutions." Adams sent the pamphlet to numerous other statesmen, including John Marshall and justice Joseph Story. Marshall replied, "The American population is entirely Christian, and with us, Christianity and religion are identified." Story went further, writing, "I have read it with uncommon satisfaction. I think its tone and spirit excellent. My own private judgment has long been (and every day's experience more and more confirms me in it) that government can not long exist without an alliance with religion; and that Christianity is indispensable to the true interests and sold foundations of free government."
Madision, of course, disagreed. In his reply, Madison argues that history demonstrates that religion flourishes most freely when it is not supported by the state, and that the state should not impose religion on its citizens.

Madison Argued That Religion Should Survive on Its Own Merits.

In fact, James Madison advocated a strict separation of church and state because he felt distrust for the appeals of irrational sources of authority in the American Republic.[(James Madison on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, p. 150] [See Source]
   



It's important to remember that James Madison considered himself a Christian. Whereas Franklin, Jefferson, and Thomas Paine did not. So, we here at the House of Public Discourse have chosen a founding father who, in fact, considered himself to be of the faith. Madison's summary of the First Amendment clearly pointed out that Congress should not establish a religion and enforce the legal observation of it by any law. [See Source]  Madison went on to express that no act of Congress should compel anyone to worship God in any manner contrary to their conscience. Moreover, no one sect of religion might obtain a pre-eminence over another. That no religion should be established that would force the citizenry to conform too. [Annals of Congress, Sat Aug 15th, 1789 pages 730-731] [See Source] What James Madison has expressed over and over is that religion is and should be distinct from civil government and exempt from its cognizance.

"The settled opinion here is that religion is essentially distinct from Civil Government, and exempt from its cognizance; that a connexion between them is injurious to both; that there are causes in the human breast, which ensure the perpetuity of religion without the aid of the law; that rival sects, with equal rights, exercise mutual censorships in favor of good morals; that if new sects arise with absurd opinions or over-heated maginations, the proper remedies lie in time, forbearance and example; that a legal establishment of religion without a toleration could not be thought of, and with toleration, is no security for public quiet and harmony, but rather a source itself of discord and animosity; and, finally, that these opinions are supported by experience, which has shewn that every relaxation of the alliance between. " [James Madison]

The Tyranny of Religion.

How many heads have been chopped off by the Catholic church in the name of God.? How many blacks in America have been hung on a tree limb in the name of God? How many millions of souls have died in so-called Holy-Wars in the name of God? How many people have been swindled by so-called preachers of the faith in the name of God? How many children have been molested by clergy representing themselves as agents of God? Concerned.  I am.

I am very concerned about the behavior and the actions of the Christian Right in our country. In our exhaustive research here at the House of Public Discourse, we have uncovered the fact our founding fathers were concerned about religious fanatics of their times as well. There is such a widespread misconception among the populist on what the founding fathers like James Madison intentions for America would be. Ever since the implementation of the Southern Strategy[ See Article] by the Republican Party to garner support from the social conservatives we have seen nothing but a downward slope of radical Christian dogmas manifest.

 Much of this manifestations took the form as political " faith-based- programs," for example George Bush's, Sr. thousand-points of light.

Bush, Sr. program was nothing more than a request to give our tax dollars to religious groups. The same exact thing that James Madison rebuke back in Virginia that we aforementioned in this article. I can remember Jerry Falwell being with hands out. Pat Robertson was there with hand out. Truth be told both Falwell and Robertson got rich off this religious facade.  To the point, they got rich off the government money. Now, in the present we are giving tax- payer money to religious schools were wide-spread misallocation of said monies is commonplace. Many of these religious schools are indoctrinating our young people with  misinformation based on interpretation of the agendas of the "religions "denominational mandates. In fairness, Bill Clinton continued the program cause the bottom-line this entailed votes. When George Bush, II got into office he put these religious terms on super-steroids.[See Article] And, current president Obama has inherited all this religious hog-wash. As, of the rendition of this article has done nothing to stop it. We have a far-reaching problem in this country, and this problem all harkens back to the very fears many of our founding fathers had like James Madison. What was that fear?

That Religious Zealots Were Going To Get Inside Of Government!

With these false man-made religious doctrines flourishing and being propagated by people with questionable motives, it is apparent there is a tranny being opposed on the minds of the people. As we reported in our last article which highlighted David Barton. When it comes to quoting the Bible to apply it to a secular situation context is everything. Radical right-wing preachers and pundits like David Barton, John Hagee, Glenn Beck, and Pat Robertson have made a living on quoting our founding fathers and the Bible out of context.

In closing its time to put the sources to the side and write from the heart. It is not our mission here at the House of Public Discourse to bash religion. In fact, we feel we are doing what God's unabated word instructs us to do. As liberal thinkers, it's not our intentions to bring you to Christ. We are not qualified or do we have the authority to do so. Our motives are to make one aware that our present day society is being over-ran with what our research reveals to be false teachings, and out and out fakes preaching from the pulpits. Moreover, that these people through their very design have infiltrated our government in direct contradiction to our Constitution.

People are sitting in church Sunday after Sunday. Year after year. Listening to the pastors in every aspect of religion from the little brown church in the dale to massive mega-churches set up in old basketball arenas. These modern day religious quacks are, in fact, fulfilling a Bible prophecy.

Jesus Explained:

When you are being preached to and are following false teaching according to Jesus, these so-called holy-men are leading you to your self-destruction. It's the blind leading the blind. People love their pastors and churches. The facts tend to show that many love their pastors and churches more than Jesus. Just because a person is standing behind a pulpit or has a TV ministry does not mean they are preaching in spirit and truth.

Modern Day Pastors Pervert God's Word For Their Purposes.

And the burden of the Lord shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the Lord of hosts our God. [ Jeremaih 23:36]

The Bible instructs us not to believe every spirit, but to examine the motives and pay attention to their actions.[See Source] Because many false prophets have gone unto this world to prey on the vulnerable. Be aware of these priests who want to preach a message of prosperity by following them to Christ. Be aware of preachers who say following them will be your means of self-improvement. If a pastor approaches you with a message of following, him will teach you life-skills in a word, run.
In this writer, five-year study of the Bible I independently documented how many of the most famous preachers in modern-day Christendom follow their teachings and not that of the Bible. Naming names would only inflame the topic and take away from the overall goal and motivation from the House of Public Discourse, which is to encourage one to examine what their preachers are teaching them. 

See, their motivation is clear. They want to have large congregations and massive amounts of TV followers to contribute to their ministry and then claim their good fortune is due to their diligence in Christ that backs up this bogus prosperity ministry hearsay. Our mission is to shake the apple tree, to awaken the mind to this misleading religious dogma.

What these modern-day brood of vipers are doing in practice is spoiling man salvation based of the Bible with vain philosophies and deceit after the traditions of men. The Bible fore-told of these men and that because these priests, pastors,  reverends, and self-proclaimed prophets speak of things of this world that many will fall to their snare.

What is very troubling is that this is the very thing our founding fathers were afraid would happen. Religious organizations would find its way into our governance. We have seen this religious cancer grow over the years. We have seen these factions use and abuse and misrepresent the intentions of our founding fathers. Let us not be fooled any longer.  

Dominionist, The Players Past And Present. [Part 2]

According to the Dominionist, government has a role as " God's Avenger."

"...Government... derives its moral authority from God. It is the minister of God with powers to 'avenge,' to 'execute wrath' including wrath even by sword." [See Source]

It is just this type hearsay that has come to be commonplace with many adherents of Dominion Theology. One recent example of  this gossip came in the form of a book entitled, " Jefferson Lies." It's author, David Barton, [Dominionist] in a word 'rewrote' history in his now debunked book.

The World According To David Barton.

David Barton

It is imperative to make a quantified comparison here on the " Pilgrim America." Which based on our research was ultimately a religious- based society. And,"Revolutionary America,"which based on our research wasn't. These were two entirely different America's. So,what does this American history have to do with David Barton? Firstly, David  Barton is a very well-known religious author who has promoted America as being a nation founded on Christian principles. One of his calling cards is to come out on stage with some old looking documents claiming them to be original. Barton contends that the founding fathers formed the American government as a vehicle to spread the gospel. The problem with Barton's contention is that it's grossly wrong. Provable wrong. Secondly, Barton's argument is a false one based on the evidence. What David Barton does is skew the facts to a Christian Right slant by manipulating the data. Barton attempts to make it appear the founders believed certain things when in fact they did not. What Barton does is to detach individual quotes from a broader text and manipulates them to fit his purpose. It is very easy to persuade the right-wing authoritarian follower. They not only tend to be under- educated they tend to be anti-this and anti-that and are easy targets. [See Article] Read, " Personality Traits Of The Right-Wing Extremist."

David Barton is the Pastor to the Tea Party crowd. Michelle Bachman (R-MN) calls Barton a " treasure to our nation," former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee stated that Barton was the " single best historian in America today." [See Source]  Nutball journalist, Glenn Beck once called Barton, the " most important man in America".

What is very troubling is David Barton's growing influence with Republican and Libertarian politicians. He distorts history and the Constitution for political purposes. He promotes religiously non-Biblical doctrines which divide and give no preference to religious minorities. Barton has made a living on feeding the toxic political climate in America. Barton preaches that political opponents are not just wrong they are evil and anti-God. [See Source]

Hear David Barton At Work.

You shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses, one from among your countrymen you shall set as king over yourselves; you may not put a foreigner over yourselves who is not your countryman. [Deuteronomy 17:15] As you can see Barton likes to skew the meaning of the scriptures to manipulate them to serve his purpose. Last time I checked we got a president and not a king. Moreover, President Obama has fully vetted his birth-certificate for the whole world to see. However, Barton wants to influence the least common denominator of our society poor under- educated white people who tend to vote for the Republican Party. What is important here is to learn how David Barton operates. In doing so, you can get a clear indication on how the entire Dominion Theology works. Barton has been found to put out false quotations from the founders. In short, accuracy is not Barton's watchword. Why should we be worried about the likes of David Barton? For starters, many Americans have not heard of Barton. However, the people driving the Republican agenda have. To the Republican Party he is not on the fringe. In the past, Barton was used by the Republican Party to get the evangelical vote.

In addition, Barton has been recently embraced by Republican presidential candidates like Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich, Michelle Bachman, Rick Santorum, Rick Perry, and Sara Palin. [See Source]  Barton has been welcomed into the halls of Congress and had influence over these lawmakers. Another thing that is dangerous about David Barton is his making every issue a religious one. Claiming that God has a particular position on every secular issue of our time. In fact, Barton contends if you disagree with him you disagree with the " God Almighty," himself. If you don't fall in step with his thinking, you are anti-God. In this writer's view, nothing is more dangerous than a Christian zealot on steroids.

David Barton Wants To Remake America.    

  

" Money does not belong to the government, it belongs to individuals, and to steal money from individuals through whatever government spending program is taking private property."

I wonder what the position of the Republican Party is on tax money going to subsidize the oil and gas industry or the tax money that has gone to war profiteering companies like Haliburton. Or the largest spending government program period, the military.[See Article] As a person who studied the Bible for five straight years, I found nothing that even remotely advocates the type of things spewing from Barton's rhetoric. The bottom-line this behavior by Barton is typical among Dominionist. Our research here at the House of Public Discourse has analyzed this to the point where the fact is as follows. With the infiltration of Dominionist into our public sphere at all levels of government [See Article] whether it is spoken or unspoken these factions debate every issue from a theological perspective in total disregard to our nations Constitution. How this viewpoint plays out in the practical is that God wants them to oppose the minium wage, God wants them to oppose Obamacare, God wants them to oppose same-sex-marriage, and so forth. This attitude creates an almost impossible atmosphere for compromise. What we are seeing is a concerted effort by Republican political activist and planners. To merge the Religious Right, with the anti-government Tea Party, and right-wing white hate groups to fight all progressive agendas in the name of ' God Almighty. David Barton then comes along claiming there is a Biblical basis for this practice.

James Madison

   

In closing, the House of Public Discourse would draw our readers to the attention of  one of our nations founders James Madison. Who we will be writing about in our next article dealing with the separation of church and state. 

"I must admit moreover that it may not be easy, in every possible case, to trace the line of separation between the rights of religion and the civil authority with such distinctness as to avoid collisions and doubts on unessential points. The tendency to a usurpation on one side or the other or to a corrupting coalition or alliance between them will be best guarded against by entire abstinence of the government from interference in any way whatever, beyond the necessity of preserving public order and protecting each sect against trespasses on its legal rights by others." (Letter Rev. Jasper Adams, Spring 1832).      

Dominionist, The Players Past And Present. [Part 1]

Back earlier this month here at the House of Public Discourse we posted an article titled: Separation Of Church and State, Unplugged. As a political writer, I find no greater issue in our present- day discourse than the infusion of religion into our political system. In my mind, this issue was settled at the inception of America becoming a free nation and the framing of the Constitution.  There have always been factions in America. In the last 40 years, there has been an all out assault on the idea known as " separation of church and state." The factions behind this assault have successfully infiltrated the Republican Party and are influencing political policy at the local, state, and federal levels.

These factions go by many names. The Christian Right. The Religious Right. Christian Reconstruction and lastly Dominionism. 

What we have seen being played recently with America electing its first person of color to the White House is  the return of the Christian Right to its racist past. There has always been a conflict in America between church and state. What we have seen transpire here in the last 10 to 15 years is a water down Reconstructionist world- view into a relatively  new theology called Dominionism. Hence, Dominionist.

The Conflict.

   

Dominionist, The Players Past And Present.

The origin of Dominionism and the Dominionist. 

Rousas Rushdoony

The late Rousas Rushdoony had a vision for this country and the world that was very extreme. Rushdoony wrote some 30 books and created a religious movement in this country called Christian Reconstruction. His vision was to reconstruct American laws back to the Hebrew scriptural law.[Old Testament] Rushdoony advocated that Christianity and Democracy were enemies. [ R.J. Rushdoony, The Independent Republic, 1964, p. 122] His Institute for Biblical Law book series is a rendition of how the ten commandments should apply to modern day law. Rushdoony instructed his flock to "... subdue all things and all nations to Christ and His law-word." [See Source] Rushdoony advocates the death penalty for anyone who sins against the 'Ten Commandments.' Homosexuals, anyone  involved in abortion, blasphemy, adultery,  disobedient children, and others would " get the gas," or now, the injection. Rushdoony was so extreme that at first many organized denomination in Christendom did not take him serious. In the beginning, the Christian Reconstruction movement had few followers and many critics.

  Enter Rushdoony's son-in-law Gary North, founder of the Institute for Christian Economics. And, what do we have? A family affair. North has been given credit as being a prolific Christian Reconstructionist writer. Gary North said of his Father-in-law:

"Rushdoony's writings are the source of many of the core ideas of the New Christian Right's political activism."[Source: talk2action.org]


Although Christian Reconstruction may seem far-fetched to many Americans, the philosophy has, in fact, provided the basis for  much of the Religious Right's thinking and activism.[Source: Theocracywatch.org] Stripped of some of its more extreme features many of the dogmas of Christian Reconstructionist are the driving forces behind factions like the Christian Coalition. What our research and narrative here at the House of Public Discourse intends to reveal is how this water-downed version of Christian Reconstruction has reinvented itself in the form of Dominionism. Moreover, how the Dominionist has infiltrated all facets of local, state, and federal government even the White House.[See Article]

Marvin Olasky

Marvin Olasky is an elder in the Redeemer Prebsybitarian Church. A church that embraces a Christian Reconstruction world-view, Olasky had a profound influence on George Bush. Olasky was a major player in Bush's faith- based programs. It was Olasky who wrote a book in 2000 called " Compassionate  Conservatism."  George Bush II wrote the forward. The book was well written and very moving. You feel reading the book that Olasky is a warm and loving father. I think its fair to say the people who follow Christian Reconstruction are not bad people. From our research we find many beautiful, caring and decent people. Christian Reconstructionist believes deeply in what they are doing. They just believe the world would be a better place if everyone believed the way they do.

In his book, Olasky didn't see any problems with government that funds charities that proselytize. He is not concerned about poor, vulnerable people having to embrace a particular faith to receive help. Olasky influence over Bush demonstrates how Christian Reconstructionist has infused  itself into  the political sphere.

Professor William Martin, Ph.D. while, chair of the Dept. of Sociology at Rice University conducted interviews with over 100 leaders of the Religious Right including Christian Reconstructionist. Professor Martin published a book that later became the basis for a PBS documentary
called, “With God on Our Side." Professor Martin envisioned a reconstructed America. What does that mean.[ See Article ]

• The Federal Government would recede into the background. 
• Churches would assume responsibility for welfare and education.
• The U.S. Constitution would conform to Biblical Law.

There are many other facets to their agenda. Woman would be demanded to a subservient role. They would oppose any form of common sense gun-control. While George Bush II [Dominionist] was president the ban on assault rifles was allowed to expire [See Source], and the Religious Right dominated Republican Party senate did not even allow a vote to extend the bill. Christian Reconstructionist and Dominionist both passionately oppose any regulation on business. These regulations  protect the environment, workers safety, public health, and advocate much more use of the death penalty,  They believe and support massive tax-cuts for the wealthy. 

What is Dominion Theology?

In 2004 author Kevin Phillips wrote a book titled; American Dynasty: Aristocracy, Fortune, and the Politics of Deceit in the House of Bush. This book points out that two of then president George Bush II religious advisers Reverend Jack Hayford and Anthony T Evans were adherents of Dominion Theology. It is important to remember that Christian Reconstructionist and Dominionist are interchangeable. However, our research here at the House of Public Discourse has found Dominionism as a water-down form of Christian Reconstruction. They share the same goals with the latter being less punitive. Dominion Theology is not affiliated with a particular denomination. For the most part, their followers are people from all denominations. Their belief is that Christians have the responsibility and are mandated to take power over the world. The term dominion means “to take control over." The Dominionist wants to take control over all Democratic institutions that govern our country. 

“Christians are mandated to gradually occupy all secular institutions until Christ returns."  

What spurred my interest and gave this writer concern about Dominion Theology other than it being [in my view] a false teaching and un-biblical was the track record of some of its followers who reached high levels of position in our government.

Tom Delay (R-TX)

  Tom Delay, (R-TX) and former House Majority Leader had a Dominionist world-view. He said:

He [God] is using me, all the time, everywhere, to stand up for a biblical world view in everything I do and everywhere I am. He is training me. [Source: Worldview Weekend, Pearland, TX , April, 2002]   

Pat Robertson

According to televangelist Pat Robertson, founder of the Christian Coalition said at a banquet in 1984:

" Our aim is to gain dominion over society"

" Rule the world for God"

That is Dominion Theology in a nut-shell. Rule the world for God. A dominionist organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ' The National Reform Association,' in their mission statement made the following proclamations: 

1. Jesus is Lord in all aspects of life, including civil government.
2. The civil ruler is to be a servant of God, he derives his authority from God.

This mission statement is based on Romans in the Greek scriptures[New Testament]. 

In this Dominionist rendition and interpitation the Dominionist presents this scripture in the following context.

It [government] is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. [Romans 13: 1,3.4] 

Here is where this writer takes issue and poses questions into the Dominionist motives. Christian Right organization have a serious flaw in their theology. " They cherry-pick the Bible," " they tweak and twist scripture to placate their agenda's and motivations." What Romans chapter 13 verses one, two, three, and four are about is. " Submission to Authorities." Let's break this down and put it in the context that was the motivation of its author the apostle Paul. 

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. [Romans 13: 1, NIV]

If the government is the minister of God, and God is responsible for the 

establishment thereof and the people in the office are there because God put them there why have we seen the Republicans obstruction to Americas first black president reach seditious levels? In fact, according to Matthew Henry famous Bible commentator all good-Christians should:

Matthew Henry

"We are here taught how to conduct ourselves towards magistrates, and those that are in authority over us, called here the higher powers, intimating their authority (they are powers), and their dignity (they are higher powers), including not only the king as supreme, but all inferior magistrates under him: and yet it is expressed, not by the persons that are in that power, but the place of power itself, in which they are. However the persons themselves may be wicked, and of those vile persons whom the citizen of Zion contemneth, yet the just power which they have must be submitted to and obeyed."

 When reading the Bible you can pick and choose, which passages to emphasis. This cherry picking and twisting can shape someone's world-view. In fact, the very image of Jesus Christ can be shaped to conform to one's motives. There is an image of a gentle loving Christ and an image of Christ, the avenger. The Christ of Dominion Theology is the avenger. The Reverand Tim LaHaye describes that moment when Christ returns in his best-selling " Left Behind." series. Tim LaHaye Christ does awful things to non-believers. Their eyes are melted-out. Flesh boils. Sounds a lot like the effects of a nuclear blast.

Jerry Falwell

The late Reverend Jerry Falwell depicts a similar event.

What Robertson, LaHaye, and the late Falwell are implying goes back to a central point concerning Dominion Theology. Believe as we do or your doomed. These people rest their entire mindsets on the false assumption America was founded on Christian principles. As we reported here at House of Public Discourse [ See Article] the facts of these assumptions are incorrect and blatantly untrue. In part 2, we will dig deeper into these false assumptions and how they are shaping public policy in the present.

   

Written by: Johnny Hill

Research: Roni May

Article Source: Cornell University Theology Watch.