Democracy and Dominionism

Christian Nationalism has moved from the margins of American life to the centers of political power. Behind much of that ascent lies the Seven Mountain Mandate, a Dominionist theology that calls Christians to seize control of the institutions that shape religion, family, education, media, arts and entertainment, business, and government. Democracy and Dominionism traces how this once-fringe theology became a political project. Political scientist Andrew M. Ward charts its rise from pulpits and prophetic ministries into school boards, statehouses, courtrooms, and the federal government. Drawing on decades of research and fieldwork, he reveals a movement that has built its own parallel institutions, cultivated political allies, and learned to turn religious conviction into political power. The result is a sobering account of what happens when a movement certain of its own divine authority collides with a democracy built on pluralism, compromise, and the peaceful contest of ideas. Democracy and Dominionism asks what becomes of democratic governance when some of its most powerful participants are working to dismantle it from within.