My initial thought upon reading of Hegseth's confirmation was, "Surely, at least one of the 50 senators who voted for him believes he is deeply unqualified for the role, lacking the character, experience, and expertise to lead the armed forces of a world superpower." They suppressed their lack of trust out of fear of Trump and his mob, and their desire to keep their position of power and influence, even at the cost of their integrity. Sen. Joni Ernst comes to mind; to echo comments I made elsewhere, I am thunderstruck that a survivor of sexual assault and harassment could sell their soul and vote for this adulterer, excessive drinker, and accused abuser, just to keep from losing their seat in "the world's greatest deliberative body." Incidentally, their acquiescence to Donald Trump, who they failed to convict twice after he was impeached, and for whom they confirmed this man, means they should never refer to themselves by that lofty phrase ever again. They have chosen capitulation over deliberation. It would have taken only one of those 50 to be true to themselves and vote "no," but they failed, and history will note their profile in cowardice.
Sen. Ernst is a good example of someone who almost did the right thing, and we need to keep the bar that high for the male Senators who know better.
"Profiles in Manly Cowardice"
Notice how female leaders are disproportionately acting bravely? Even the January 6th traitor who refused the presidential pardon is acting more honorably than the capitulating cowards in the senate.
May the Good Lord give us the courage to walk in the way of the Master.
I have noticed that too. How often have we heard that "men are called to protect their family" and instead they have become cowards and yes men in this age? This is just another hypocrisy being exposed in this movement, along with "character counts" and "pro-life."
Yes, I've been surprised to learn survivors (incl of sexual assault) have wholeheartedly supported people like Hegseth & 47th pres--minus any concern of losing a political position. Maybe the fear of losing "white-privilege" societal position " or the cost of chocolate & eggs trumps. There seems to be a real hunger for power & exclusivity with dominionism, of which Dr. Jemar Tisby writes.
We will need to educate people about dominionism. Most have no idea what it is and the danger it has always presented to the genuine church. In that movement, Jesus is not Lord, only white men in authority.
You're absolutely right—dominionism is a concept that many people are unfamiliar with, yet its influence on politics and the church is profound and far-reaching. Educating people about dominionism—its history, theology, and impact—is critical to helping the church stay rooted in justice, humility, and true discipleship. Thanks for raising this important point!
I just finished my second reading (well, this time I listened to you read your book on Audible) of The Color of Compromise. Your frequent note that racism doesn’t go away it just adapts is so true. It seems to me that dominionism is a super charged concoction of white supremacy and patriarchy, seasoned with misogyny, xenophobia, and homophobia. It’s dangerous and we must call it out.
Thank you for reading The Color of Compromise again! You're absolutely right—dominionism amplifies the worst aspects of white supremacy and patriarchy, and it’s crucial that we continue to expose and challenge it.
I hear your heartbreak, and it’s deeply painful to see these injustices continue. Keep seeking ways to pursue Jesus and justice—your efforts, no matter how small they seem, matter more than you know.
My heart is beating so fast! I support a YWAM couple and reading that the YWAM founder is a key promoter of the Seven Mountains Mandate! Yikes, the thought of my money supporting such an ideology, I’m appalled right now! I will immediately begin a deeper dive into what my support is actually supporting. Thank you so much for bringing this to light! Your work is so important and I’m so grateful for it!
Unfortunately, the connection is there and well-documented. Cunningham spoke openly about it. But from what I understand YWAM is very decentralized. It may be that folks on the ground simply want to go to the world and talk to people about Jesus.
I feel like I'm watching a horrible car accident in slow motion. And just when I think it can't get any worse, it does. I don't recognize our country anymore.
I was deeply troubled by Pete Hegseth's personal history and how unprepared he is to lead our armed forces. His religious views and connections to Doug Wilson's theology make him terrifying. Thank you for writing on this. As a veteran's spouse, I'm very concerned.
I share your concern—Hegseth’s background and affiliations raise serious questions about his readiness and the broader implications of his leadership. Thanks for speaking up, and I appreciate your perspective as a veteran’s spouse.
I am among those who had no idea of this sect- and and needed to read and learn this. Thank you once again Dr. Tisby. It makes this gut-punching confirmation result all the more dreadful. I remain at a loss to understand the acceptance of his blatant immorality. Dominion over women? Is that a tenet too? Ah yes the patriarchy. Oh Lord Jesus help us please!
I’m glad this was helpful, even though the reality is so hard to witness. Dominionism thrives on patriarchy and control, which is why understanding it is so important. Let's keep praying and working for change.
I am dismayed and appalled that Bill Bright, C. Peter Wagner and Lauren Cunningham are agreeing with anything related to that extremist Doug Wilson. I knew that Wagner had gotten rather fringe with his ideas on territorial demonic powers, but I respect many YWAM and Cru staff and those organizations had for many decades been Biblical in their approaches. Thank you for alerting us to look more carefully into our leaders.
I hear you—it's disheartening to see figures and organizations we once trusted aligning with harmful ideologies. Staying vigilant and discerning about our leaders is more important than ever. Appreciate you reading.
Thank you Dr Tisby for all your work in grounding us on the true nature of Jesus. Your work has been such a big part of my eyes being open and I have learned so much from you! I am grateful
this piece needs to be shared widely - asap. I am doing my best to send it to family, friends and people in religious ministries. Thanks again for your scholarship, insight and leadership.
Some of the key promoters of the Seven Mountains Mandate include—C. Peter Wagner, a leading figure in the New Apostolic Reformation; Lance Wallnau, a preacher whose work has spread the ideology far and wide; Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, and Loren Cunningham who started Youth With A Mission (YWAM).
I must confess that I have respect for this group and some of the fruits of their labor. I also understand the call for Christians to be active in places of influence. I guess it is a question of how you exercise that influence. Are you Jimmy Carter or Donald Trump, right?
The toxic combination we have right now is not Christians who want to have influence, but Christians who want to have dominance and believe that there is only one person who can get it for them. (and it's not Jesus).
You’ve captured it well. The difference between influence and control is crucial, and right now, too many are choosing power over true Christlike service.
Thank you Jamar for educating us all on the dark and dehumanizing forces of dominionism - there is no more urgent work in this new reality we can no longer ignore.
My initial thought upon reading of Hegseth's confirmation was, "Surely, at least one of the 50 senators who voted for him believes he is deeply unqualified for the role, lacking the character, experience, and expertise to lead the armed forces of a world superpower." They suppressed their lack of trust out of fear of Trump and his mob, and their desire to keep their position of power and influence, even at the cost of their integrity. Sen. Joni Ernst comes to mind; to echo comments I made elsewhere, I am thunderstruck that a survivor of sexual assault and harassment could sell their soul and vote for this adulterer, excessive drinker, and accused abuser, just to keep from losing their seat in "the world's greatest deliberative body." Incidentally, their acquiescence to Donald Trump, who they failed to convict twice after he was impeached, and for whom they confirmed this man, means they should never refer to themselves by that lofty phrase ever again. They have chosen capitulation over deliberation. It would have taken only one of those 50 to be true to themselves and vote "no," but they failed, and history will note their profile in cowardice.
"Thunderstruck." That's the word.
Yes Ron Miller, yes!
Sen. Ernst is a good example of someone who almost did the right thing, and we need to keep the bar that high for the male Senators who know better.
"Profiles in Manly Cowardice"
Notice how female leaders are disproportionately acting bravely? Even the January 6th traitor who refused the presidential pardon is acting more honorably than the capitulating cowards in the senate.
May the Good Lord give us the courage to walk in the way of the Master.
I have noticed that too. How often have we heard that "men are called to protect their family" and instead they have become cowards and yes men in this age? This is just another hypocrisy being exposed in this movement, along with "character counts" and "pro-life."
Yes, I've been surprised to learn survivors (incl of sexual assault) have wholeheartedly supported people like Hegseth & 47th pres--minus any concern of losing a political position. Maybe the fear of losing "white-privilege" societal position " or the cost of chocolate & eggs trumps. There seems to be a real hunger for power & exclusivity with dominionism, of which Dr. Jemar Tisby writes.
We will need to educate people about dominionism. Most have no idea what it is and the danger it has always presented to the genuine church. In that movement, Jesus is not Lord, only white men in authority.
You're absolutely right—dominionism is a concept that many people are unfamiliar with, yet its influence on politics and the church is profound and far-reaching. Educating people about dominionism—its history, theology, and impact—is critical to helping the church stay rooted in justice, humility, and true discipleship. Thanks for raising this important point!
I just finished my second reading (well, this time I listened to you read your book on Audible) of The Color of Compromise. Your frequent note that racism doesn’t go away it just adapts is so true. It seems to me that dominionism is a super charged concoction of white supremacy and patriarchy, seasoned with misogyny, xenophobia, and homophobia. It’s dangerous and we must call it out.
Thank you for reading The Color of Compromise again! You're absolutely right—dominionism amplifies the worst aspects of white supremacy and patriarchy, and it’s crucial that we continue to expose and challenge it.
The United States has become the Romans in the Gospels
Read the Gospels and the book of Acts and ask who we resemble : the chronically violent Romans or the Jesus people?
And we have chosen Caligula to lead
I am heartbroken
Our church was ready to welcome a refugee family through Refugee One and now they have been turned away
I am searching for what I can do to change the narrative
Thank you Jemar for all your efforts
I hear your heartbreak, and it’s deeply painful to see these injustices continue. Keep seeking ways to pursue Jesus and justice—your efforts, no matter how small they seem, matter more than you know.
My heart is beating so fast! I support a YWAM couple and reading that the YWAM founder is a key promoter of the Seven Mountains Mandate! Yikes, the thought of my money supporting such an ideology, I’m appalled right now! I will immediately begin a deeper dive into what my support is actually supporting. Thank you so much for bringing this to light! Your work is so important and I’m so grateful for it!
Unfortunately, the connection is there and well-documented. Cunningham spoke openly about it. But from what I understand YWAM is very decentralized. It may be that folks on the ground simply want to go to the world and talk to people about Jesus.
I feel like I'm watching a horrible car accident in slow motion. And just when I think it can't get any worse, it does. I don't recognize our country anymore.
It’s overwhelming and disheartening to witness. Let's keep working for change and lean on each other for support.
Thank you for giving clear definition of dominionism. I first read about it in relation to Ted Cruz and his father.
This is plain old dominance with religious cover.
I hope more people read your post and follow you. What you provide is important.
Thank you for your kind words and support. You're right—dominionism is about power disguised as faith, and raising awareness is key to resisting it.
I was deeply troubled by Pete Hegseth's personal history and how unprepared he is to lead our armed forces. His religious views and connections to Doug Wilson's theology make him terrifying. Thank you for writing on this. As a veteran's spouse, I'm very concerned.
I share your concern—Hegseth’s background and affiliations raise serious questions about his readiness and the broader implications of his leadership. Thanks for speaking up, and I appreciate your perspective as a veteran’s spouse.
I am among those who had no idea of this sect- and and needed to read and learn this. Thank you once again Dr. Tisby. It makes this gut-punching confirmation result all the more dreadful. I remain at a loss to understand the acceptance of his blatant immorality. Dominion over women? Is that a tenet too? Ah yes the patriarchy. Oh Lord Jesus help us please!
I’m glad this was helpful, even though the reality is so hard to witness. Dominionism thrives on patriarchy and control, which is why understanding it is so important. Let's keep praying and working for change.
I am dismayed and appalled that Bill Bright, C. Peter Wagner and Lauren Cunningham are agreeing with anything related to that extremist Doug Wilson. I knew that Wagner had gotten rather fringe with his ideas on territorial demonic powers, but I respect many YWAM and Cru staff and those organizations had for many decades been Biblical in their approaches. Thank you for alerting us to look more carefully into our leaders.
I hear you—it's disheartening to see figures and organizations we once trusted aligning with harmful ideologies. Staying vigilant and discerning about our leaders is more important than ever. Appreciate you reading.
Thank you Dr Tisby for all your work in grounding us on the true nature of Jesus. Your work has been such a big part of my eyes being open and I have learned so much from you! I am grateful
Thank you so much for your kind words! Glad my work has been helpful to you—let’s keep learning and growing together.
Jemar
this piece needs to be shared widely - asap. I am doing my best to send it to family, friends and people in religious ministries. Thanks again for your scholarship, insight and leadership.
Thank you for helping to spread the word! That's one of the best ways to push back against these ideologies.
Hegseth has a huge White Christian Nationalist flag tattooed on his chest!! Scary!!!
Yes. That's the cross they used as a symbol during the Crusades. Now Hegseth thinks he is called by God to continue that legacy.
Some of the key promoters of the Seven Mountains Mandate include—C. Peter Wagner, a leading figure in the New Apostolic Reformation; Lance Wallnau, a preacher whose work has spread the ideology far and wide; Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, and Loren Cunningham who started Youth With A Mission (YWAM).
I must confess that I have respect for this group and some of the fruits of their labor. I also understand the call for Christians to be active in places of influence. I guess it is a question of how you exercise that influence. Are you Jimmy Carter or Donald Trump, right?
The toxic combination we have right now is not Christians who want to have influence, but Christians who want to have dominance and believe that there is only one person who can get it for them. (and it's not Jesus).
You’ve captured it well. The difference between influence and control is crucial, and right now, too many are choosing power over true Christlike service.
Jemar, thank you for your response, not only to my comment but to several others. We appreciate you...
Thank you Jamar for educating us all on the dark and dehumanizing forces of dominionism - there is no more urgent work in this new reality we can no longer ignore.
PA: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/02/new-apostolic-reformation-christian-movement-trump/681092/ (Same county in which its Convention Center hosted a presidential-candidate's rally. Rally-goers walked past the construction of the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History & Democracy, https://stevensandsmithcenter.org/