Kingdom Now theology
Kingdom Now theology is a
theological belief within the
Charismatic movement of Protestant Christianity, mainly in the
U.S.This
theology begins with the belief that
God's control over the world ended when
Adam and Eve sinned. Since then, the theology goes, God has been trying to reestablish control over the world by seeking a "Covenant people" who will then spread across the earth. Through these "Covenant people," social institutions (including
governments and
laws) would be brought under God's authority. These "covenant people" or "overcomers" would be regarded by believers in this theology as the new
Apostles. Proponents of Kingdom Now theology believe
Christians are required to "conquer" the world before
Christ can return.
One of the most controversial tenets of the theology is the belief that secular or non-Christian society will never succeed, since, according to their beliefs, the only valid legislation, social theory, spiritual beliefs, and economic theory are those derived from the
Bible. Hence, Kingdom Now opposes a
separation of church and state and
freedom of (non-Christian) religions.
Kingdom Now theology has some beliefs in common with the
Latter Rain Movement. It also has a lot in common with
Dominion theology which is the belief that this world can be conquered for Christ by the temporal political, military, and religious powers of a present day Christian superpower. Its
Eschatology it is a dominionist belief that a church-state takeover of the world is awaitingfulfilment. Typically the belief comes on the scene whenever a superpower comes to the apex of international wealth and power. Some evangelicals call the belief "deceitfulness of riches". Those on the political left are inclined to call it "jingoism". This optimistic, (some call it high minded), spirit moves across from the state or a booming merchant world to affect the church. It brings with it a new optimistic ecclesiastical mindset for world takeover. This [[
1] historical overview] outlines Dominion Theology as it was seen and demonstarted in the Edwardian era of the British Empire at the dawning of the 20th century.
This religious movement is held by a minority of people within the
Charismatic and
Pentecostal movements. However, some of the theology's most strident critics are also from within the Pentecostal movement.
Some have claimed that the non-Charismatic movement known as
Reconstructionism holds similar beliefs and that the two movements largely complement one another. There are, however, some major differences. Doctrines such as
theonomy (the continued validity of the Old Testament) and
Calvinism (particularly
predestination and the sovereignty of God) are central to Reconstructionist doctrine. Additionally, Reconstructionists nearly always teach
cessationism. Reconstructionists strongly disagree with many of the doctrines of "Kingdom Now" theology and related theologies such as the Latter Rain Movement and typically consider these movements to be heretical.
The
election of
George W. Bush as
U.S. President and his appointment of the now-departed
John Ashcroft as
Attorney General of the United States, both
Born-again Christians, is seen by many proponents of Kingdom Now as the advancement of their beliefs into the public sphere. However, no publicly-elected figures have ever openly endorsed the theology.
*
Christian right*
Clerical fascism*
Christian fascism*
Dominionism*
Dominion theology*
Christian Reconstructionism*
Theonomy*
Theocracy*
Apologetics Index (Contra)*
Ten Reasons to Reject Kingdom Now Teachings*
Additional Criticism*
History
