Art Jipson, University of Dayton

A growing movement, President-elect Donald Trump fighting a spiritual war Against the evil forces in the United States. In his acceptance speech on November 6, 2024, Trump said that “God spared my life” because “making America great.”

Me too studied various religious movements They seek to shape and control American society. One of these is the New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR, whose followers believe they are waging a spiritual war for control of the United States. NAR is a branch of Protestant Christian evangelism.

NAR advocates claim to have received divine guidance as they rebuild modern society based on Christian spiritual beliefs. In 2015, an estimated 3 million adult Americans attended churches that were explicitly part of NAR. Some scientists estimate the number active NAR supporters could be largerBecause the movement may also include members of Protestant Christian churches that are not directly affiliated with the NAR movement.

beginning of movement

NAR emerged in the late 1990s when theologian C. Peter Wagner popularized the term “New Apostolic Reformation.” Wagner argued that God exists. creating today’s apostles and prophets Who will lead Christianity in reshaping American society?

Roots of the New Apostolic Reformation It can be traced to the broader charismatic movement, which sees spiritual forces as an active part of daily life.

This view does not separate sacred experience from ordinary daily life. For much bigger network of charismatic Christians and Pentecostal movements that emphasize a personal relationship with God, where the world is filled with the active presence of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and direct divine experiences.

core beliefs

At the core of the NAR is the belief that Christian religious leaders should be the primary source of cultural and political authority in America.

NAR advocates argue that elected leaders receive direct revelation from God, directing the direction of churches and fighting spiritual warfare against demonic influences that they believe corrupt the behavior of individuals and nations.

NAR, religious leaders and their Political allies have authority in society.

“They believe”Seven Mountain BuffaloA way to represent Christians’ control over society through a strategy in which Christians are supposed to infiltrate, influence, and eventually control seven key areas in society: business, government, media, arts and entertainment, education, family, and religion. cultural transformation.

By doing so, NAR advocates believe they can create a pure and true form of what they believe is a society governed by divine guidance and strict adherence to biblical ideas.

Lance WallnauA well-known Christian author, speaker, social media influencer, and consultant affiliated with NAR, NAR promoted the idea that such participation, in which Christian leaders have authority through a government subject to divine will, is necessary to advance social transformation.

wallnau a Vocal supporter of Trumpsees him as an important figure in NAR’s vision.

spiritual warfare

Followers of NAR believe that they should participate in these activities spiritual warfareIt includes prayers and actions aimed at combating perceived demonic influences in society.

Evangelist Lance Wallnau speaks at a rally for Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, September 2022.
Doug Kapustin/via Getty Images for the Washington Post

This practice often involves identifying “strongholds” of evil around cultural issues such as gay marriage, transgender rights, and LGBTQ+ activism and attempting to dismantle them. An example of this is the recent series of religiously based political rallies led by NAR leaders, known as the “Tour of Courage.” Directly defended Trump’s second election.

NAR emphasizes that Christians should expect to see miraculous signs of extraordinary events. Trump surviving assassination attemptIt is interpreted to be explained only by divine or spiritual intervention.

Supporters of the movement also believing in faith-based healing and supernatural experiencesLike prophetic words and speeches.

Trump is divinely commanded

Many NAR leaders and followers support Trump, viewing him as a divinely appointed person who will facilitate NAR’s goals of social reconstruction. chosen by God to fulfill his prophetic destiny.

They position Trump as a warrior against the “deep state,” said to be demonically controlled and therefore corrupt; This is consistent with NAR’s emphasis on spiritual warfare and cultural domination as outlined in the “Seven Mountains” mandate. NAR leaders followed Trump’s view of corrupt government.

NAR pioneered:Million WomenAt a worship rally in Washington, DC, on October 12, 2024, organizers sought to encourage 1 million female NAR supporters to pray, protest, and support Trump’s campaign. The event was promoted as a “last stand moment” to save the nation by helping Trump Win the election as champion against dark, evil forces.

including prominent politicians, legislators and members of the judiciary. House Speaker Mike Johnson And Supreme Court Justice Samuel AlitoHe flew the NAR-based “Application to Heaven” flag.

According to NAR Evangelicals, the presidential election is interpreted through Christian apocalyptic rhetoric. In this rhetoric, one of the candidates is ruled by the power of good, God’s warrior Trump, and the other is led by evil forces like Harris. Trump’s 2024 victory seen as a critical moment in spiritual warfare Where the forces of God defeat the forces of evil.

Criticism from many Christian denominations

Despite its growing popularity, NAR faces significant criticism. Many mainstream Christian churches argue that the movement’s teachings deviate from traditional Christian orthodoxy.

Critics point to abuse of power People who claim that God directs their actions and the potential for those claiming an apostolic role to abuse their authority. Trump’s embrace raises concerns about blending evangelical faith with political ambition.

Critics charge that NAR’s support for Trump compromises the integrity of the gospel and prioritizes political power over spiritual integrity. events around you January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol has further complicated this relationship by revealing the potential dangers of combining religious beliefs with partisan politics.

Furthermore, the NAR’s emphasis on spiritual warfare and the idea of ​​taking control over society raised concerns about the potential for other Christian groups to develop an “us versus them” mentality, which in turn increasing polarization in society.

The New Apostolic Reformation represents a significant development that blended charismatic practices with a strong emphasis on political and cultural transformation.

But the vast majority of Americans disagree that society needs to be restructured based on religious theology. So for now, the NAR movement’s basic views on religion and government are completely at odds with most Americans.

Art JipsonAssociate Professor of Sociology, University of Dayton

This article is republished from: Speech It is under Creative Commons license. Read original article.