The national and international anguish we’re experiencing right now might be more about religion than politics. Fundamental changes in the world order are being promoted or forced by a faith family that’s gathered around wispy Scriptural evidence, and historically connected to evangelical or fundamentalistic theologies. The leaders self-identify as “prophets” and “apostles”. They see themselves as new reformers of the Church and of society—the basis of their authority and legitimacy.
One of the over-arching theological goals for this branch of Christianity is to hasten the return of Christ—and an end to the world as we know it. This would take place after the ultimate battle between good and evil. (Spoiler alert: The raptured upright will win!)
They think of their detractors as evil enemies who must be defeated by any means, physical and metaphorical violence included. As unprecedented as this variety of nihilism might be, these warriors are willing to risk temporary chaos, however widespread, in order to fulfill the biblical conditions they think are necessary to bring about the Kingdom’s final dispensation.
This Kingdom will be a governed by Christian leaders—a theocracy guided by the extra-Scriptural revelations of modern-day apostles. “Signs and wonders”—supernatural in nature—will add proof and luster to the Kingdom’s glory for millennia.
Another quiet factor that connects the dots between politics and religion: Some of the actors in this religious drama include governmental decision-makers scattered among high-level positions. When collected in a unified strategy, these leaders cement together political and economic rulings that ensure outcomes matching their fiercely fervent hopes.
All of this might seem far-fetched at this moment in history. On the other hand, these observations could describe the shape of what’s actually happening under the surface of our national turmoil!
Of course I could be wrong, right?….
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