Dominionist - The Government is Meant for Moral People to Run It - LOL By Anthony Wade

Found here. Our comments in bold.
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It is with a great deal of reluctance that we once again comment on another Rev. Wade screed. We have long since abandoned any hope that Rev. Wade would be a competent Bible teacher. He's not a exegete. He's not a thinker. He's not even a very good writer.

Rev. Wade is a leftist political operative. And an inept one at that. Yet he still enjoys a certain amount of access to discernment websites who publish his articles. It's astonishing that they would do so, but considering the low quality of many of these websites, we should not be surprised.

His reason for writing is what he always writes about: Dominionism. Nearly every article is about this. But he never gets around to properly explaining dominionism, why it's wrong, or how the ones he targets are Dominionists. 

Dominionism isn't political involvement. Advocating for candidates isn't dominionism. Running for political office isn't dominionism. Praying for America isn't dominionism. Patriotism isn't dominionism. Dominionism is the idea that Christians should take over government and society and install the Kingdom. 

So we are here today to document more of his foolishness for the primary reason that hopefully readers of this blog will be armed with the truth if they ever encounter a Rev. Wade article. 

Lastly, we will note that this is labeled as a devotional. But Rev. Wade explains no biblical precept, quotes no Bible verse (except for the opening Scripture), and does nothing to increase our devotion.

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What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." "Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive." "The venom of asps is under their lips." "Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness." "Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known." "There is no fear of God before their eyes." - Romans 3:9-18 (ESV)

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The local paper, the New York Post, has never turned a profit since 1976 when it was purchased by conservative billionaire, Rupert Murdoch. (For some unknown reason, Rev. Wade opens with a gratuitous shot at a right-leaning newspaper. The profitability of this newspaper is completely unrelated to anything else Rev. Wade will write.

But since he's on the subject, let's look at the left-leaning New York Times. Here's their profitability:

Not a very auspicious performance. But of course this is also irrelevant, but serves to illustrate Rev. Wade's leftist predilections. He has never criticized a Democrat or a leftist. Ever. So his mention of a right-leaning newspaper is continuing evidence of a political agenda.)

Recent estimates have the paper losing upwards of 70 million dollars per year. Why does Murdoch insist on being ok with losing that kind of money? So that he can keep his conservative ideology on the streets of liberal New York City. This propping up of political viewpoints is also seen in the apostate church. Dominionists idolize and worship this country. They think that they are creating a theocratic state and cannot see how they are being used, manipulated and cop-opted by the Republican Party. To prop up the "dominionist is good" teachings, they routinely publish books on the subject to be used to buttress their arguments. Because they know people do not wish to hear from the same old all the time, they come out with new authors and fresh faces to show how relevant their failed positions are. The latest is from someone named Terri Hasdorff who has a new book selling dominionist theology. The above link is from Charisma News this week as they are actively pushing this nonsense, as usual. Let us reason once more beloved. (A stock buzz phrase, which Rev. Wade never actually embraces.)

"As I look back, I realize that God has given me a career path with some rather unique experiences. I have built bridges at the intersection of faith and government my whole life, and I have learned that serving people through a role in government can be just as important as serving them through a role in the church. To be involved in our communities is also to be involved in the political processes that impact them. Is it not better to prevent tragedy before we must race in and help heal it? The tragedy of corruption and betrayal of the people is happening every day in our modern system, and we do have the power to do something about it! Many Christians have quite simply forgotten our enormous collective power. The United States has the largest Christian population in the world and, more specifically, the largest Protestant population globally, with more than 200 million Christians." - Terri Hasdorff

I understand why Hasdorff wants to believe this is sound theology. (We wait with bated breath for Rev. Wade to respond with a biblical explanation of what he considers sound theology. We will certainly turn blue as we wait.)

She has been involved politically for some time now and wants to merge her faith with her work. It does not help that over the span of her career the NAR dominionist force has taken the church hostage. (Undocumented claim.)

She remains seriously wrong however and it is highlighted by her underlying belief stated here as the government serving people can be just as important as the church. While probably agreed to by most dominionists, this is wildly absurd and borders on blasphemous. (Rev. Wade's Bible remains closed. If what he wrote is true, he should be able to document the blasphemy. But he won't bother.)

Let us be very clear. The government deals with solving carnal problems in this world and the church should be about solving eternal problems of the kingdom, namely salvation through Jesus Christ. Hasdorff believes wrongly that Christians would somehow be exempt from the corruption of this world if they were to get involved politically and we know this to be pure fiction. (Undocumented claim.)

The inherent problem with all 200 million Christians banding together to vote is that the candidates will always remain flawed, sinful human beings. There is no righteous choice. That is why politics and faith do not mix. There are things both parties stand for that align with what we believe and both parties have things that are horribly out of alignment. (Undocumented claim.)

God does not ask us to choose the lesser evil but rather to resist all evil. (What this has to do with Ms. Hasdorff's claims is a mystery. How does being involved in politics mean one is not resisting evil? What Bible verse tells us to avoid politics? Rev. Wade has an opportunity to explain, but he punts.)

Some simply do not believe that politics is something Jesus would call them to do, so they take no action other than prayer. But the truth is, He has given us the authority and ability to govern. The truth is that the government is designed for moral people to run it." - Terri Hasdorff

Here we come to another fundamental underpinning of Hasdorff' s beliefs that are simply wrong. The government is designed for moral people? Great, where do plan on getting them? (Being a leftist, Rev. Wade is probably unacquainted with the Founders. John Adams wrote: 

Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

Now, one can debate whether or not this is true, but one cannot assert that everyone on earth is completely corrupt and immoral and therefore unworthy of occupying positions of leadership. If Rev. Wade is correct, then we should reject pastors for the same reason. We should not pay attention to men who advocate for righteousness. And, we should dismiss Rev. Wade.)

Read the key verses! Morality is a measuring stick for the law (It is? Where does the Bible tell us this? Actually, he has it backwards. The law of God is the measuring stick for morality.)

and according to the law - none are righteous! (Notice the faulty logic: Morality determines the validity of the law. The law says none are righteous. Therefore, none are moral. However, morality and righteousness are not the same thing. Righteous is the status given to believers in the sight of a holy God. Morality is a code of ethics that defines proper behavior. One can be righteous yet fail morally. One can be moral yet not righteous. And, the law defines righteousness, but doesn't make people moral or righteous.

Lets take it a step further. If none are righteous, then there is no point in advocating for morality in business, the family, or the church. All of these are populated by immoral people, so they are all similarly corrupt and to be avoided. Of course, this doesn't make sense, but that is Rev. Wade's lake of reasoning skills in opertation.)

All have turned away! The venom of asps is upon our lips! Our throats are open graves! The sinless perfection of Christ is what will keep us from eternal punishment but do not be confused. As long as we are in this mortal flesh on this mortal coil, we are sinful. (Another undocumented assertion. In actual fact, our sinful flesh is crucified in Christ. We are now sons, not sinners. 

But more to the point, Rev. Wade adds a new term, sin. Immoral, righteous, the law. This only further obfuscates the issue, and Rev. Wade again punts on an opportunity to explore a significant topic.)

Sure, we strive to keep the moral code but all fall short. Don't believe me? Just look at our history. Look at someone like Dennis Hastert, who was saved in high school and became a conservative stalwart in Congress for many years. He was often railing against the moral failings of then President Bill Clinton and was named to the Honor Roll of the Moral Majority. Turns out that Hastert was a serial child rapist prior to getting into politics. We can do this about nearly anyone. Even the current leader of the party Hasdorff would endorse is three times married and three times unfaithful. (Notice that Rev. Wade focuses on failed Republicans, with nary a criticism of Democrats.)

Jesus has not called us to politics. (Undocumented claim.)

His entire life He was apolitical. (Spectacularly false. He had much to say about the unrighteousness of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law.

But is Rev. Wade telling us that we should not be political? Then why does he give himself a pass?)

His kingdom is not of this world. He came to deliver us from a far more formidable enemy, sin.

"I am reminded of Matthew 7:3-5, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." It is time to get the plank out of your eye when it comes to political involvement. Before you complain about the problems you see with the government, ask yourself, "What am I doing to get involved and make a difference?" Everyone can do something. To have a moral, efficiently running political system is as important as having clean water and healthy food." - Terri Hasdorff

This is the sad end for dominionists. In order to try and sound biblical, they are forced to mangle scripture. (Irony alert.)

The cited verses are very important for believers and they deal with hypocrisy regarding sin, not politics. In other words, if we were to call out our brother for infidelity while being unfaithful to our own spouse, then we need to remove the plank in our own eye first. In her ridiculous example, complaining about how the government is run is raised up to the level of sin, as is not being involved politically. (We can read the quote for ourselves. Ms. Hasdorff did not do this.)

Beloved, Jesus will not be reviewing your voting record when you stand before Him, I assure you.

"Christians understand the concept of tithing, but they seem to be totally disconnected from the fact that just as money is needed to run a church and feed orphans, money is needed to run campaigns to elect the right kind of people to office. I have seen firsthand that people of faith can make an incredible difference in the needs of suffering communities here at home and all over the world. I have witnessed them fighting problems such as homelessness, youth violence, drug addiction, HIV/AIDS and malaria. I have seen them respond to disasters, provide education, deliver food assistance, and so much more. That degree of caring, commitment, and organization can also work toward strengthening our democracy and governance." - Terri Hasdorff

No, it really can't. (Undocumented claim.)

Hasdorff is now comparing acts of charity to working in government as an elected official. There is a vast difference between volunteering at a homeless shelter and resolving a city's homelessness problem. (What might that difference be? Rev. Wade punts again.)

The truth is that tithing is also not Christian but that is a subject for another devotional or check out the book I wrote on the subject (yes, shameless plug). Listen, if you think you have found a righteous politician and you want to donate to their campaign, knock your socks off. Just do not pretend it was a Christian endeavor and do not act surprised when they turn out to be Dennis Hastert. Or Bob Livingston. Or Newt Gingrich. Or Donald Trump. (Republican. Republican. Republican.)

To be clear here, I am not suggesting Christian cannot run for office or have a career in politics. (Well, yes he did. Jesus has not called us to politics.)

I am saying it is not required from our faith. (Who has said it is?)

The real sin here is in trying to link our faith to one political party, pretending they are somehow the righteous choice and demonizing anyone who disagrees. (Irony alert. But notice that Ms. Hasdorff has not mentioned or advocated for a particular party. Neither has she demonized a political party.)

"First and foremost, we must humble ourselves and pray, for this should always be where we start. "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chron. 7:14, emphasis added). It doesn't stop there however. Saying to our leadership, "I'm going to pray for you," and then going on about our lives just isn't enough. To restore the country and preserve our freedoms, including our religious freedoms, you are going to have to get involved." - Terri Hasdorff

I want you to seriously consider what that says about the God we claim to serve. Sure, you can pray but to really see change? You have to get involved. So, I am more powerful than God? I don't think so. (What an odd assessment. Again, we can read Ms. Hasdorff's remarks for ourselves. She did not say that praying was ineffective, she said it wasn't enough. 

James would disagree with Rev. Wade:

Ja. 2:16-17 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

James is clear. Being "spiritual" is not enough, it needs to be connected to action.)

The application of the Chronicles verse is entirely wrong as well. First of all, it is intended for Israel, not the church. (So we should not humble ourselves and pray? What? This only applies to Israel? It's vapid statements like this that gall us.

We discuss this passage in detail here.)

Allowing it to somehow become prescriptive for the church means examining the SIN of the church! That is what must be turned from if we want to see God heal our land. (??? But Rev. Wade just told us the passage was intended for Israel!)

That means the church must repent of all of the prevailing false teachings that have infected the her so badly. That means repenting of prosperity gospel, word faith, false signs and lying wonders, gold dust, gemstones, angel feathers, glory clouds, grave sucking, dead raising teams, sneaky squid spirits, angels of abundant harvest, motivational schemes, self-help encouragement, purpose driven heresies, seeker friendly and of course, dominionism. That is just off the top of my head. Hasdorff skips the most crucial part of using the Chronicles verse and pretends if we just get involved that all of problems would disappear. Spoiler alert! They won't! (Rev. Wade totally misrepresents what Ms. Hasdorff wrote. She clearly said that prayer isn't enough, that involvement is needed. Nor does she say anything about problems disappearing.

This kind of dodging and weaving typifies Rev. Wade's writing.)

"What would have happened if Elisha stopped with prayer in 2 Kings 4:32-35? "When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch. He went in, shut the door on the two of them, and prayed to the Lord. Then he got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. As Elisha stretched himself out on him, the boy's body grew warm. Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out on him once more. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes." Prayer was just the start of the miracle that was performed through Elisha!" - Terri Hasdorff

This is completely true about Elisha and of course has absolutely nothing to do with the church and politics. (Irony alert.)

I might add here again how poorly Hasdorff seems to view prayer. (Which she does not do.)

The story he relates regarding Elisha starts with prayer. True, he does lay himself upon the boy twice, but we do not know why he does this. We do not know if God compelled him to or if he thought that it was important, but the overall question is which part was vital for the miracle? The prayer or the physical machinations? Obviously, the prayer since it preceded everything else. (Which is exactly what Ms. Hasdorff wrote.)

It is quite telling that Hasdorff wants to focus on the carnal machinations and downplay the true power on display that day, prayer. (Which she clearly did not do.)

"We pray first that we are guided to make the right choices at the polls. Too often we blindly vote for the career politician because we recognize their name. Are we biased just because we've heard about them for years, sometimes most of our lives? But what do we really know about them? Are they serving the people who sent them there? Many of these folks are good at getting elected, but they are not very good at serving their constituents. Perhaps you feel like God has been nudging you to get more involved politically or to even consider running for office.

Are you concerned about what you see happening around you but don't know what to do? Thinking differently about how you approach the arena of government may be what God is encouraging you to do." - Terri Hasdorff

No, He isn't. Certainly, pray to be led regarding the vote but do not assume any choice is righteous. (Rev. Wade seems to insist on arguing things not on the table.)

Do not assume that not voting is somehow unchristian. (Who has said this?)

It is not. We are but pilgrims and sojourners through this world. Our citizenship is in heaven and God does not allow dual citizenship - just read the first commandment! (Who is advocating for "dual citizenship? What does this have to do with what Hasdorff wrote?)

Hasdorff's last salvo here is entirely carnal. From a political viewpoint his (sic) arguments have merit but not from an eternal perspective. Beloved, when Jesus Christ walked the earth His people were suffering REAL political persecution under the rule of the Roman Empire. It was so bad that all of His disciples hoped He was there to deliver them from this oppression, but He was here for a different matter of oppression. The oppression of Satan and sin. The bible does not promise the revival that Terri Hasdorff so desperately seeks. (Undocumented claim. Rev. Wade is wrong. We explain here.)

It does however promise the great apostasy that Hasdorff is a major part of. (Undocumented claim. )