Friends:
Here is an important piece by Eric Lane on End Time believers (ETBs). What is important to consider is that ETBs are a mixed bag unto themselves. Back in the 1980s, as I recall, they were termed "Millennialists," referring to Christ's anticipated one-thousand-year reign. I remember focusing on the book of Revelation and end times when I was young and finding it fascinating although simultaneously distressing and ultimately exhausting psychically and emotionally.
I would have lasted longer as an ETB had this not been so draining. In retrospect, I'm glad it was because it took me to a place of redemption that opened my eyes to the vast beauty of life in the moment where individual and group differences became opportunities for me to be more compassionate, loving, and caring.
On a personal level, this meant truly embracing the notion that every way in which I am different is every way in which I am strong. This is an ethic of not just tolerance, but acceptance, that I take into each and every class I have ever taught, as well as into my work in the community.
Lane is correct in linking violence and threats of it to ETBs but what should really get named are "dominionists" who are actually pro-society (not democracy) albeit according to their narrow vision of so-called "Christian principles" as long as they're the ones who are also in charge.
The two go hand in hand. They must be in charge—and not just in the U.S., but globally. This is what makes Trump very dangerous as he is the means to dominionists' perverse agenda a cornerstone of which is indeed controlling women's bodies. It's already playing out in our country.
Look no further than Texas where anti-abortion activists are not happy with families traveling to New Mexico for abortions and women's health care because Texas doctors fear performing certain procedures for which they could get sanctioned. These activists are pushing for restrictions in New Mexico and with some success in some counties. Read"Texas anti-abortion activists pushed abortion restrictions in New Mexico, records show."
Consider, as well, Governor Greg Abbott's pro-voucher legislation as caught up with dominionism and theocracy. Learn about this from an earlier post, "Texas: Two Billionaires Want to Destroy Public Education and Replace It With Christian Schools by Diane Ravitch." And do take time to see CNN documentary, "Deep in the Pockets of Texas," which explores this toxic agenda.
I've already referred readers to a great source on the dominionist agenda via an earlier blog titled, "BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Alberta, Tim (2023). The kingdom, the power, and the glory: American evangelicals in an age of extremism." Relatedly, if you haven't seen The Handmaid's Tale, I encourage you to do so it as it captures through fiction what an extremist dystopian society of their making would look like. It is based on Margaret Atwood's book by this name. You can see all five seasons on Hulu, Prime Video, or Apple TV right now. I also highly recommend listening to Dr. Kevin Kumashiro's keen exposition of dominionism on Bill Ayers' podcast, Under the Tree: A Seminar on Freedom, with Bill Ayers Episode #105, "Project 2025 with Kevin Kumashiro."
Dominionists are the more serious group as far as I'm concerned because they are perhaps witting or unwitting white supremacists who see themselves as having a God-given mandate to establish a theocracy—that is, a system of government led by those that these theists see as "divinely guided." The antithesis is, as Lane mentions, "democratic pluralism," which is a foundation for peace for which many, if not most, of us advocate—to which I might add the hope and promise of a multi-ethnic and multi-racial democracy.
One might argue that as opposed to ETBs, neoliberals, or global capitalists, are ultimately in control. I wouldn't disagree with that as they profit from the divisions that extremist agendas enable. They are playing with fire, however, a potential runaway train that is combustible and dangerous.
The irony in all of this is a lack of Christ's love, caring, and compassion which are so central to the gospel that it's crazy—yet understandable—that this gets overlooked.
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“Entre los individuos, como entre las naciones, el respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz.” ("As between individuals, as well as nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.")
-Angela Valenzuela
How End Time Beliefs Undermine Democracy
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| Photo by Shubham Dhage on Unsplash |
The rhetoric employed by End Time believers is not just forceful language but an expression of an extreme apocalyptic worldview. This way of thinking perceives the world as embroiled in a cosmic battle between good and evil. In the End Time narrative, political and cultural opponents are not merely individuals with differing opinions but enemies of God, often viewed as agents of Satan or participants in a divine showdown.
Framing Opponents as Evil or Godless
End Time believers operate within a stark black-and-white world. In this dichotomy, they and their allies are seen as the forces of God, while their political or ideological opponents—be they secularists, liberals, progressives, or members of other religions—are depicted as being aligned with evil.
This rhetoric transforms political disagreements into moral and spiritual battles, demonstrating the profound impact of End Time believers' conviction on their perception of reality.
Leaders in this movement use demonizing language to describe their adversaries. Terms like “godless,” “anti-Christian,” “Satanic,” or even “demonic” are common. Political opponents are painted not as people with different viewpoints but as existential threats to the survival of Christian values and, by extension, to God's plan for the world.
Religious Warfare Rhetoric
For End Timers, the Culture war is Spiritual warfare. Many End Time believers see contemporary political struggles, such as the battles over abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, or secular education, as part of a larger spiritual war. These issues are framed not as policy disputes but as clashes between the forces of God and the forces of Satan.
By placing current events within the framework of the apocalypse, End Time believers heighten the stakes, portraying each political confrontation as a precursor to Christ’s return or the arrival of the Antichrist. This sense of urgency makes compromise or negotiation a betrayal, as they see themselves fighting for God’s ultimate plan.
The "Enemy Within"
End-Time believers target secular and liberal politicians. Their rhetoric frequently focuses on politicians who advocate for policies that contradict their perceived Christian values. These figures are often painted as either unwitting pawns of evil forces or as consciously working against God's will, leading to the vilification of the Left.
Progressive movements, particularly those advocating for social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, or reproductive freedom, are often depicted as prompting the charge in a moral and spiritual decline. For example, political leaders who support abortion rights are commonly framed as agents of evil, facilitating a modern-day ‘holocaust’ or acting under the influence of Satan.
Christian Nationalism and Divine Authority
End Time believers claim they defend their political preferences and act under a divine mandate. They believe their political actions align with God’s will, while their opponents oppose both them and God. This gives their movement a theocratic and authoritarian edge as they seek to implement what they believe are God’s laws in place of democratic laws.
By asserting that God's law should take precedence over human-made laws, Christian nationalism inherently undermines democratic pluralism, which depends on the coexistence of diverse viewpoints and the peaceful negotiation of differences.
In this worldview, dissent is not seen as part of healthy democratic debate but as opposition to divine authority, fostering an environment that erodes democratic values in favor of authoritarian control.
They believe God chooses leaders. Thus, certain political figures are often characterized as chosen by God to lead during this critical period before Christ’s return. For example, End Time believers frame figures like Donald Trump as divinely appointed leaders, despite his conduct, because he is advancing a Christian nationalist agenda.
Hostility and the Threat of Violence
When political opponents are cast as enemies of God, it becomes easier for believers to justify extreme action. This rhetoric inspires hostility and, in some cases, violence. For example, the rhetoric surrounding abortion, often framed as "murder sanctioned by the state," has led individuals to justify violent acts against abortion providers, as seen in numerous attacks on clinics and the murder of providers.
Some End Time believers have connections with militia movements and paramilitary groups that prepare for literal battles. They interpret Biblical prophecies about war and persecution as mandates to prepare for armed conflict, especially against what they see as a corrupt or evil government. This is particularly dangerous when combined with contemporary political polarization.
Biblical Justifications for Hostility
In an earlier writing, I described two Jesuses: the Peaceful Jesus and the Warrior Jesus. While many Christians focus on Jesus's peaceful teachings (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount), End Time believers emphasize apocalyptic depictions of Christ, particularly from the Book of Revelation, wherein a militant Christ returns to lead armies. This violent, retributive image of Jesus is used to justify a more aggressive stance against perceived enemies.
By prioritizing this militant Christ in political discourse, believers frame modern political struggles as literal spiritual warfare, escalating rhetoric and fueling conflict. This not only intensifies polarization but also promotes a mindset in which violence is seen as a divinely sanctioned means to achieve political ends. When faith is tied to the belief that physical battles must be fought for divine purposes, it diminishes the possibility of compromise and undermines the democratic process.
End Time rhetoric invokes divine judgment and punishment, implying that those who oppose the End Time worldview will face not just political defeat but eternal damnation. This sense of cosmic justice encourages hostility towards anyone who thinks or believes differently. They are depicted as working against God’s plan.
Consequences of this Rhetoric
By framing every political battle as a holy war, End Time believers not only contribute to the intense polarization in U.S. politics but are also the primary instigators. This makes civil discourse and compromise impossible, as their opponents are wrong and evil.
The dehumanization of political opponents and the apocalyptic urgency surrounding End Time beliefs can lead to acts of violence. The January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol is a prime example. Many participants carried Christian symbols and saw their actions as part of a divine mission.
When political opponents are framed as enemies of God, End Time believers justify rejecting democratic norms, such as free elections and the peaceful transfer of power. They claim that following democratic processes is less important than ensuring that "God’s will" is carried out, even if that means undermining democratic institutions. This puts End Time believers at war with the U.S. Constitution as it undermines democracy.
End Time believers' rhetoric of framing opponents as enemies of God creates a highly toxic environment that threatens democratic principles like compromise and peaceful governance alongside social stability.
By dehumanizing their opponents and viewing politics through the lens of divine warfare, they create an atmosphere of hostility, leading to radicalization and violence. This is not just a spiritual or religious issue—it’s a political one that poses a direct challenge to the foundations of secular democracy.
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