Post by Daniel on May 29, 2015 8:41:43 GMT -5
by Joseph Mattera
5/29/2015
There have been some in the Christian camp who have labeled themselves Christian dominionists, possibly because they refer to the original covenant found in Genesis 1:26-28 as "the Dominion Mandate" and because they advocate a top-down approach regarding the imposition of biblical ethics on secular society.
Regarding my teachings on the kingdom, some with an anti-Christian bias have no doubt referred to me as a Christian dominionist even though I preach against it. These folks try to label and intimidate any Christian leader who believes biblical ethics belong in the public square.
Since I am not in agreement with Christian dominionist language, methodology and/or conceptual framework, I will use this missive to give seven reasons why I am not a Christian dominionist. Some reasons are theological and some methodological.
1. The word "dominion" in Genesis 1:28 is not referring to the exerting of dominion over humanity.
As we examine this passage we realize God never commanded Adam to exert dominion over other human beings, but to have stewardship over the created order. (Read the context in Genesis 1:29-30.)
Consequently, I have theological issues with those who use language like "God has called the church to take our cities!" The church is never called to force the gospel message upon the general public. Of course, when a law that reflects biblical ethics becomes public policy, the civil authorities should enforce its application, which is much different from forced conversions.
In a pluralistic society such as the United States, only those who win the public's perception earn the right (meritocracy) to frame culture with their worldview. Instead of using force or depending upon mere political coercion, Christians are called to prove that their biblical values best serve society in the context of everyday life.
2. The New Testament model for gospel influence is through service, not through coercion...
3. I do not believe politics is the primary means to kingdom influence...
4. I do not vote for a political candidate just because he/she is a Christian...
5. God uses non-believers to fulfill His purposes...
6. I believe God has called believers to work toward having flourishing communities...
7. I do not believe all nations will be Christianized before the bodily return of Christ...
please read full article
www.charismanews.com/opinion/the-pulse/49861-7-reasons-i-m-not-a-christian-dominionist
5/29/2015
There have been some in the Christian camp who have labeled themselves Christian dominionists, possibly because they refer to the original covenant found in Genesis 1:26-28 as "the Dominion Mandate" and because they advocate a top-down approach regarding the imposition of biblical ethics on secular society.
Regarding my teachings on the kingdom, some with an anti-Christian bias have no doubt referred to me as a Christian dominionist even though I preach against it. These folks try to label and intimidate any Christian leader who believes biblical ethics belong in the public square.
Since I am not in agreement with Christian dominionist language, methodology and/or conceptual framework, I will use this missive to give seven reasons why I am not a Christian dominionist. Some reasons are theological and some methodological.
1. The word "dominion" in Genesis 1:28 is not referring to the exerting of dominion over humanity.
As we examine this passage we realize God never commanded Adam to exert dominion over other human beings, but to have stewardship over the created order. (Read the context in Genesis 1:29-30.)
Consequently, I have theological issues with those who use language like "God has called the church to take our cities!" The church is never called to force the gospel message upon the general public. Of course, when a law that reflects biblical ethics becomes public policy, the civil authorities should enforce its application, which is much different from forced conversions.
In a pluralistic society such as the United States, only those who win the public's perception earn the right (meritocracy) to frame culture with their worldview. Instead of using force or depending upon mere political coercion, Christians are called to prove that their biblical values best serve society in the context of everyday life.
2. The New Testament model for gospel influence is through service, not through coercion...
3. I do not believe politics is the primary means to kingdom influence...
4. I do not vote for a political candidate just because he/she is a Christian...
5. God uses non-believers to fulfill His purposes...
6. I believe God has called believers to work toward having flourishing communities...
7. I do not believe all nations will be Christianized before the bodily return of Christ...
please read full article
www.charismanews.com/opinion/the-pulse/49861-7-reasons-i-m-not-a-christian-dominionist