Fishers and Hunters - the Continuing Saga of Christian Zionism
Rachel Tabachnick printable version print page     Bookmark and Share
Thu Oct 02, 2008 at 11:51:53 AM EST
Palin's Churches and the Third Wave series

Two controversial stories featuring Sarah Palin were published in Jewish news sources last week. One was in coverage by JTA, a Jewish news service, of Palin's anointing ceremony in which Thomas Muthee, before "imparting" the anointing, made statements implying control of the financial world by "Israelites." [Link here.] The other was an article by Caroline Glick in the Jerusalem Post in which she accused American Jews of risking Israeli lives by disinviting Sarah Palin to speak in the recent rally protesting  Iranian President Ahmadinejad at the United Nations. The article was titled "Our World - your abortions or your lives."

There is an interesting intersection between these two stories that demonstrates the dangers of Christian Zionism to Jewish communities worldwide as well as the uncertainty of the meaning of Christian Zionist activities as they become increasingly dominated by Apostles and Prophets of the New Apostolic Reformation. [Continue below the fold.]

For decades apocalyptic Christian Zionists have demonized Jews as the source of evil in American society while wrapped in the protection of an Israeli flag.  No single source demonstrates this better than the book "Let My People Go," written by Tom Hess, a major Christian Zionist figure for three decades.  Bruce Wilson wrote about this book in his December, 2007 article linked here. Hess claims that American Jews have failed to fulfill God's purpose because of their attachment to the fleshpots of America:

...the Jewish people today are in slavery to many false gods in America.... My prayer is that American Jewish people become aware of the bondages to these gods and break free from them..  They must make Aliyah (return) to Israel before greater judgment or plagues come upon America.  The Jewish people in America must be freed from this slavery to materialism in all of its forms in order to escape to Israel.  Because of the way the Jewish people have prospered and been blessed in America, this struggle is even greater than it was to leave Europe more than seventy years ago.  
Page 12

This demonizing of  "liberal or secular" Jews has become such an acceptable part of Christian Zionism that this rhetoric is now widely used by those Jewish leaders and writers who partner with them.  This is apparently done without consideration of the danger to all Jews, left and right, secular or observant, as these slurs become more acceptable and are increasingly applied to any Jewish person that does not support the Christian Zionist agenda.  Caroline Glick, deputy managing editor of the Jerusalem Post, attacked Jewish Democrats for allegedly "disinviting" Sarah Palin to speak at a rally protesting Iranian President Ahmadinejad's  visit to the United Nations and implying that Democrats are putting politics ahead of Israel's safety.  The title of her September 22 article went even further.  "Our World - your abortion or your lives," could have come directly from the pages of Hess' book.  Chapter three, titled "A Warning of Progressive Judgments on America" catalogues the sins of American society and the coming judgment of God, while ascribing much of this evil to Jews.  Hess says on page 32 of the 2004 edition,  

There is so much blood on American soil, it is a miracle we have not already been destroyed as a nation!  Many secular, reformed and conservative Jews have encouraged abortion despite the fact that the killing of their future generations will affect the future of the Jewish people.  There is little difference today between child sacrifice in the Old Testament and abortions today.

Hess goes on to warn his "Jewish friends" of what will happen to them if they do not leave their attachments to the sins of the United States.  He uses the now infamous fishers and hunters example, claiming that Christian Zionists are the fishers trying to encourage Jews to leave the United States and other countries around the world before the hunters come after them.  There are echoes of John Hagee's "Hitler as God's hunter" sermon, also exposed in a video by Bruce Wilson.

Hess states, starting on page 76,

People ask:  Why did God allow the Holocaust in Europe?  For years, a loving God warned the Jews to leave through Jewish Zionist prophets, but ninety percent of them refused to leave before it was too late!  If more than ten percent of the Jews leave America before it falls or becomes a lesser power, it would be one of the first times in history.  Zechariah 12:8 said that two thirds of the Jews in the world would be killed. One third of them, six million have already been killed in the Holocaust.  I am concerned that six million more could be devastated in America unless they return soon.

God says in Jeremiah 16:16 that he will send for many fishers to warn and help them return to Israel.  In Europe, the fishers were the Zionist and the hunters were the Nazis.  Today in America the fishers are the Jewish prophets as well as the Christian Zionists.  May the Jewish people respond to the fishers today or the hunters may soon come.  In America they could be the KKK, Islamic terrorists or others.

This book is written with a deep love to warn the Jewish people to escape the Daughter of Babylon (USA) because it is about to be greatly devastated.  Precious Jewish people, if you don't leave immediately, you may go back with no money, you may be killed or may not be able to go back at all.

The book was first published in 1987 with six additional editions published in several languages.  The warning of the coming wave of anti-Semitism if Jews do not flee their respective countries, is a common theme throughout much of apocalyptic Christian Zionism increasing in the last several decades. Incidents of anti-Semitism around the globe are excitedly reported and viewed as fulfillment of their prophecy and as authentication of the accuracy of their prophetic narrative.  It was for this reason that those who held these particular end time beliefs in the 1930s and 1940s remained silent when Hitler's persecution of Jews became known. They viewed it as part of the prophetic plan and some even went so far as to participate in the publishing of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion because it appeared to closely parallel their own end time narrative and their personal view of Jews.

For these apocalyptic Christian Zionists, "good Jews" are those who act in accordance to the role assigned to them in this end time drama while "bad Jews" or those that stay in their respective countries for reasons of greed, materialism, and other evils. Likewise, they view Jewish leaders who work in conjunction with Christian Zionists as doing God's will, while those Jewish leaders who resist their assigned roles in this apocalyptic drama are supposedly avoiding God's will due to their attachment to evil, usually described as being of a liberal or secular nature.  Those Jewish leaders who veer from the Christian Zionist narrative become vilified as obstacles to God's will, regardless of  their previous partnership.

Hess' book has been used in Russia and Eastern Europe in coordination with extensive Christian Zionist efforts to encourage Jews to make aliyah as well as  proselytizing Jewish communities.  On page 86 Hess describes a vision:

One day when I was praying, I saw a vision of a train leaving the station.  The locomotive was the Lord leading the exodus form the "land of the north" (Jeremiah 16:15).  The attached cars represented the Jewish people from all the other cities and nations, immediately following the locomotive.  It is time for the Jewish people to get on the train coming out of Russia and the Ukraine, but also for them to get on the cars from New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, San Francisco, Cleveland, Paris, Beunos Aires, London Capetown, Toronto, Montreal, Budapest, Sydney.  Train , cars, and planes are bringing His people home to Israel!  

Like John Hagee, Hess and other Christian Zionists have included anti-Semitic memes in their sermons and writings that encourage the view of Jews as the manipulators of the financial system.

The introduction to Let My People Go was written by the late David A. Lewis, founder of a previous organization called Christians United for Israel.  From the introduction:

Very frankly, if I were a Jewish person, I would take Tom Hess message very seriously. Having a love for Israel and the Jewish people, it would give me deep pain for some of my Jewish friends to leave these shores and make aliyah to Zion.  I think, however, that the pain of staying could conceivably be worse.  I do recall that the Jews of Germany were saying that it couldn't happen right up until the time of the unleashing of the Holocaust.  After 911, the USA will never be the same.  Also, if we should see a financial collapse in America, there will be a search for a scapegoat.  The history of western civilization demonstrates that the scapegoat usually, if not always, turns out to be the Jew.

The other news story of the week referred to in the introduction to this article, was the anointing of the Sarah Palin by three pastors including Thomas Muthee of Kenya.  During the anointing ceremony Muthee expresses the need for Christians to take control of government and society.  While discussing the need for Christians to take over the seven "Kingdoms" Muthee says,

The second area whereby God wants us, wants to penetrate in our society is in the economic area. The Bible says that the wealth of the wicked is stored up for the righteous. It's high time that we have top Christian businessmen, businesswomen, bankers, you know, who are men and women of integrity running the economics of our nations. That's what we are waiting for. That's part and parcel of transformation. If you look at the -- you know -- if you look at the Israelites, that's how they work. And that's how they are, even today.

So, what is the intersection of the above two stories? Both Tom Hess and Thomas Muthee are major figures in the New Apostolic Reformation, the movement featured in the series of articles on Palin's Churches and the Third Wave.  

Several previous articles in this series featured Muthees' role in the Transformations videos that have been used to advertise the ideas of possessing cities for "true" Evangelical Christianity through spiritual warfare.  Muthee's  story of saving Kiambu, Kenya for Christianity by expelling a witch is a one of four stories on the first Transformations video.   See link here.
Muthee has held major leadership positions in the network of the New Apostolic Reformation including the board of the World Prayer Center International.

Tom Hess is one of several Apostles residing and working in Israel who are part of C. Peter Wagner's International Coalition of Apostles.  These 500 Apostles from 42 countries around the world are at the top layer of the international network.  Hess, along with other Apostles in the International Coalition of Apostles, are well known for their promotion and assistance to the Messianic Jewish branch of the Christian Zionism through support for the Messianic movement in Israel and in the United States.  Other Apostles in ICA include Melva Beacham of Christian Friends of Israel, and Daniel Juster of Tikkun International in Israel.  Charisma Magazine, which celebrates Messianic Jewish growth and evangelization in Israel is published by Stephen Strang of Strang Publishing, and Strang is also a member of Wagner's International Coalition of Apostles, as is Charisma editor, Lee Grady.   Strang also serves as a director of Region Six of John Hagee's CUFI or Christians United for Israel.

The above quotes from Let My People Go were taken from the 2004 edition.  A 2003 edition was published by Morningstar Publishing. (Notice the glowing endorsements by Rabbi Joshua O. Haberman and Zalman Shoval, former member of the Knesset at the previous link.) Morningstar Ministries, founded by Rick Joyner, has close ties with Wasilla Assembly of God and its Master's Commission program documented in previous articles and videos. Link here to master document with links to the series of articles and videos. The book is marketed
at Morningstar and Rick Joyner has contributed to another book authored by Hess titled "Restoration of the Tabernacle of David." The latter book also features entries by Mike Bickle, formerly of Kansas City Prophets and now IHOP or International House of Prayer and the IHOP Israel Mandate.  See information on the Israel Mandate here. Others with entries in Hess' book include Rabbi Boris Grisenko of the Jewish Messianic Congregation in Kiev; Avner Boskey of Final Frontier Missions in Israel; and Ana Mendez, previously featured in other articles in this series.  (Mendez was part of a group of inner circle Prophets and Apostles who traveled to the Himalayas for an intensive spiritual warfare battle against the Queen of Heaven.  Mendez later stated that she believed their efforts may have helped to kill both Princess Diana and Mother Theresa, both whom they believed were influenced by the demon they were fighting.) See link to her testimony  here.

As documented in previous articles in this series, The New Apostolic Reformation is not waiting around idly for the Rapture, the rebuilding of the Third Temple, the coming of the antichrist, or any of the things that we normally associate with the Christian Zionist narrative.  The New Apostolics have altered the theology to enable them to be the spiritual warriors who take the United States and the world, including Israel, for the Kingdom, in the here and now, in this generation. They are the "sword of the Lord," or "Joel's Army" and they believe they have the mandate to wage the war on evil before the Rapture so that Jesus returns to claim a purified and triumphant church. The urgency of the imminent return of Jesus is still there and frequently the Rapture is left in the narrative, but this belief is melded with the conviction that they have the mandate to begin the ultimate battle with evil now, in the present, and in the earthly realm. Link to previous article "Lions in the Pews."

This continuing shift in theology also means a shift in Christian Zionism, as well as a change in their assigned role for Jews in this particular permutation of the end time narrative.  What does this mean for the future of the relationship of Christian Zionist and those Jewish and Israeli leaders who have partnered with them?  What are the expectations now for all the Jews that Christian Zionists have tried to frighten into making aliyah?  If there is no need for "unconverted ethnic Jews" in Israel for the end time drama in this  narrative, what does it mean for Jews who refuse to convert?  What does it mean when major Apostles and Prophets of the New Apostolic Reformation are organizing prayers for Jerusalem in cities around the globe, including Pentecostal megachurches in Germany?  If they believe they have a mandate to build their Apostolic kingdom on earth now, through a partnership of Apostolic Christians and Messianic Jews, what exactly are they attempting to accomplish when millions of people worldwide gather to pray for the peace of Jerusalem?

These questions will be addressed in Part Two.



Links to the previous articles in the series Palin's Churches and the Third Wave.
http://www.talk2action.org/story/2008/9/5/114652/6239
 

Below are quotes relating to the Jewish Messianic Restoration of Israel and the coming Kingdom of the New Apostolic Reformation.

From the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus
 

The International Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem will take place this year on October 1, 2006 at 9:00AM at Migdal David, inside Jerusalem's Jaffa Gate and is hosted by Reverend Robert Stearns' Eagles' Wings and Dr. Jack Hayford's King's College and Seminary.  Since the KCAC's inception in 2004, our caucus has pledged its support to this annual international initiative.  Through this event, tens of thousands of Christians throughout the world pray and demonstrate their desire for the strength and well-being of Israel annually each October.

Robert Stearns and Jack Hayford co-chair the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem beginning in 2002. They now claim participation of 200,000 churches in 175 nations.


From Jack Hayford's King's College and Seminary mentioned in above announcement:
"Dear Fellow Talmid-Yeshua, Disciple of The King!

The King's Seminary has recognized what Chancellor Jack Hayford, Rabbi Jonathan Bernis, Dr. Ray Gannon, Dr. Dan Juster and Dr. Wayne Wilks have all understood for many years, e.g., the Messianic Jewish Movement's critical need for a fully-accredited, inexpensive, and universally accessible educational opportunity for Messianic Rabbis, Jewish laymen, and Anointed Spirit-filled team players in the Redemption of All Israel.
The door of opportunity for Messianic Jewish ministry training at bachelors, masters, and even doctoral levels has now swung wide-open for Jewish believers and Spirit-filled disciples of all backgrounds who are feeling a strong urgency from heaven to successfully reach All Israel for Yeshua in our own generation.
In addition to regular classes on The King's Seminary campus as desired, students are privileged to take Messianic Jewish Studies courses either ONLINE or through 3-day modules. You will find the six-week online courses stunningly informative and useful. The often two back-to-back 3-day modular courses are frequently preferred for face-to-face intensive sessions with some the best teachers in the Messianic Jewish movement."

The King's Jewish Voice providing a seminary for Messianic Rabbis to be trained in the "Anointed Spirit-filled" Christianity of the Apostolic movement and to evangelize other Jews.  The Kings Jewish Voice is part of Jack Hayford's Kings Seminary.

About Tom Hess and the All Nations Convocation

The theme of the convocation was "Thy Kingdom Come." Tom Hess, as part of the first evening, felt that when Israel was reborn in 1948, there was also a paradigm shift toward the King retuning and The Kingdom being restored to Israel...After the Six Day War in 1967 the Jews began coming to their Messiah and there are now more than 300,000 Messianic Jews.  While the majority of these are in the USA, the numbers in Israel have doubled in the last five years and continue to grow steadily...Following 11 days of teaching, prayer, and all of the above,  17 buses left for prayer journeys to various parts of Israel.  Every bus met with local Messianic believers to support and encourage them.
From Heal New Zealand newsletter, 28 November, 2006
 
Tom Hess is the founder of JHOP, Jerusalem House of Prayer for all Nations.  He also founded the All Nations Convocation Jerusalem and the Worldwide Watch Jerusalem 24/7 Link here and here.

JHOP has a relationship with IHOP (International House of Prayer) and their Israel Mandate.

The International House of Prayer is committed to seeing the nation of Israel walking in their full destiny at the end of the age. Our primary role is to pray for and partner with Messianic Jews who are living in Israel.  The operation and visitation of the spirit in Israel is a vital part of releasing the great end-time harvest among the nations (Ezekiel 36:23-36). However, this full release will only come as a result of a body of believers who are committed to a life of night and day prayer living a fasted lifestyle.

All of the quotes below are excerpts from the website of Bob Colver of Morningstar Ministries:

Prophet/Pastor/Author Rob DeLuca of Auckland, New Zealand delivered this word on God TV the evening of June 8, 2008, which was at Sunrise in Israel. He then called upon those in the audience of Jewish descent to come to the stage to be anointed and commissioned to fulfill their destiny, and stand in the gap for impartation to go to Israel. This is a transcription of his message to Israel.

And then I heard the Holy Spirit say, "Son of Benjamin". And then I heard the name, "Benjamin Netanyahu". This is a word for Benjamin Netanyahu. "Salvation has come to you. You heard the words of salvation concerning the Lamb of God, concerning Jesus the Messiah. And the Lord has been touching your heart and He's going to use you mightily to protect your people. As God's people, Israel, begin to receive the saving grace of Jesus [Yeshua] the Christ [Messiah], there will be a great revival that takes place in Israel. Revival fire is coming to Israel."

"The Holy Spirit is moving through the streets and the cities and towns of Israel. Arenas shall be filled and God's healing power shall move mightily among the Children of Israel." Jesus loves you, Israel. Jesus loves you Israel. Every Jewish person, every son of the 12 tribes of Israel, we bless you in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Let's begin to bless Israel. Let's begin to bless God's people. "And God will fight on your behalf. And God will protect your nation."

The American Jews, the German Jews, every Jewish person concerning the decent (sic) of your bloodline, concerning the descent of your name and your linage(sic), if you're watching right now, lift up your hands, right their(sic) in the room where you are watching on God TV. We release the fire of the Holy Ghost! On every American Jew! On every European Jew! On every African Jew! On every Russian Jew!

Hundreds of Rabbis and Rabbinical Students have received a revelation of Yeshua Messiah over these past 40 years and perhaps the numbers will reach into the thousands now on this Yom Kipper October 9th. The walls of Mea Shearim are coming down as they did for Joshua's Jericho generation, in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and also in every city, town, and village of Israel.

Jerusalem Rabbi Asher Intracter received an Apostolic Mantle Anointing through Chuck Pierce at the Beginning of the Year Glory of God Conference to move into the Fire of the Holy Spirit signs, wonders, and miracles. Could this manifest at Pentecost June 9th, 2008, only time will tell. But I believe this appears to be "such a time as this."

I met Asher and Rabbi Daniel Juster at the 1990 Atlanta World Congress on the Kingdom of God where Daniel was a major speaker representing the Messianic Movement.

The purpose of our website triumphalrestoration.com is to form an Army of intercessors to intercede for the revelation of Messiah Yeshua/ Jesus to the ultra Orthodox and Orthodox Rabbis of Jerusalem. Messiah spoke in Matt. 23:39; "For I say to you, from now on you shall not see Me until you say, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord ! '''

Bob Colver states on his site that “he has been involved in the Prophetic movement since 1987. He has been a part of the MorningStar ministries in Charlotte, N.C.and Fort Mill SC since 1996 in Conferences, Schools of Prophetic Ministry, and the MSM Correspondence Course.”
Chuck Pierce referred to in one of the above quotes is the heir to C. Peter Wagner’s Global Harvest Ministries. C. Peter Wagner is the Convening Apostle of the International Coalition of Apostles.

From Dan Juster, Tikkun Ministries,

In November, I had the privilege of speaking at Dr. Jack Hayford's annual pastoral leadership conference. Jack Hayford is a preacher with great depth and balance. If you have heard his story, then you know that even though he had no intention of leading a mega church, God established one under his leadership…

…I was greatly honored to be invited to attend King's College's leadership conference but circumstances were such that it was going to be difficult for me to leave Israel; still, I had a strong sense that I was to be part of this conference and so I went. I really did not know what to expect when I came to California, but I was amazed at the opportunity to be able to bring two messages to Jack's leadership gathering. To my surprise, I found out that Jack had dedicated his whole conference to the subject of Israel and the Messianic Jewish restoration. I have personally been in the Messianic Jewish ministry for almost 35 years and never, to my knowledge, has a denominational leader given his whole leadership conference to the subject of Israel and Messianic Jews.

Tikkun Ministries

From Revive Israel,Tel-Aviv / Jerusalem

Revive Israel Ministries is led by Asher and Betty Intrater. Revive Israel Ministries is affiliated with Tikkun International. The Tikkun International Board consisting of Dan Juster, Don Finto, Eitan Shishkoff and David Rudolph functions as an apostolic oversight and accountability board for Asher and Betty. In Israel, Asher and Betty work in partnership with Ari and Shira Sorkoram and Eddie and Jackie Santoro.

The primary goal of Revive Israel Ministries (as suggested by its name) is to help foster revival in the land of Israel. Our ministry is focused on the basic methods of 1) personal evangelism 2) discipleship training, and 3) congregational planting. Our area of operation is centered in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. We believe in the simple and direct preaching of the gospel of Yeshua (Jesus) in the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Revive Israel at Gratefullygrafted.org(See tips for witnessing at the bottom of the site.) The Intrater have “apostolic covering” or oversight from Dan Juster, one of C. Peter Wagner’s Apostles in the International Coalition of Apostles.

From “Overcoming Evil in the Last Days” by Rick Joyner:

The Jew is the embodiment of the humanistic spirit. They are a barometer of Humanity- embattled within and without. As Paul said, “From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for you sake…” (Rom. 11:28). They were hardened, or made hard to reach, for the sake of the gospel. This is, the Jew represents the “acid test “ of our message. Until we have a gospel that will make the Jew jealous, we do no really have it right.This means not only having it right doctrinally, but practically in the way that it changes us and that we reflect it in our preaching of the gospel. Perhaps this is why we are exhorted to preach the gospel to the Jew first, becaue when we preach to the Jew, we will quickly find out the quality of our message.
From “Confronting the Enemy” by Rick Joyner:
Paul asserts that the hearts of Jews were hardened so that they would not accept the gospel until it was time for them to be grafted back into the tree which God had planted He also declares that if the curring off of the Jews for a time resulted in blessings for the Gentiles, the greatest blessing of all will be their being grafted back in, which is, “life from the dead.” This nothing less than victory over the last enemy.

In Romas 11:28 Paul makes the remarkable statement, “…concerning the gospel, they (the Jews) are enemies for your sake…(NKJV). The Jews have historically represented the greatest test for the gospel, but it is for our sake. In a sense, Jews are the “acid test” of our message. Until the church comes to the spiritual stature where she provokes the Jew to jealousy, we have not yet attained to what we have been called.

From August 1994 Morningstar Ministries

Rick Joyner is head of Morningstar Ministries. Morningstar was the publishing house for Tom Hess’ 2003 edition of Let My People Go. Wasilla Assembly of God, the Master’s Commission program, and Ed Kalnins, have a close relationship with the leadership of Morningstar. In May 2008 Kalnins brought back an anointing from Rick Joyner to his Wasilla church and delivered this anointing during the service on May 25, 2008. He later anointed Sarah Palins on June 8th at the One Lord Sunday Service.




Display:
While I have been in wonderment over the last several years as to how we have seen the light and changed the error of our ways and are now completely anti-anti-Semitic, like we turned off a light switch or something, I have at the same time understood that it is only an illusion. The truth is we have become the best of buds with some Jewish people because we perceive it as being in our interest and in the interim we have found another group of Semites to vent our hatred on, Muslims. (Semite refers more to language than a group of people and since the majority of Muslims speak a Semitic language they are now the Semite de jour to hate) Not to mention the Muslims political utility of being a scapegoat for a common enemy whose threat requires that we give up all of our rights without question.

Having grown up in a fundamentalist church, (however I am no longer having to attend therapy to deal with that part of my life and it only took 20 years to accomplish!) I grew up with the understanding that Jews we just evil, period. Although it was not clearly stated, at least not to my satisfaction as to why they were evil, besides of course not believing in the savior, it was just a de-facto truth, they were evil. And as a child if you want to get ostracized quickly in the fundamentalist church of the time period just ask the question, "Wasn't Jesus a Jew"? From that point forward my being a cute boy in the church went straight downhill never to recover.

I have over the last couple of years started asking some of my Jewish friends about these organizations in Israel who are jumping in bed with these Christian Zionist groups and inquiring, do they just not know how dangerous these people are? I have tried to explain to them that if you think these people are your friends you are seriously mistaken and at some point are in for a very rude awaking. Just let Israel one day decide that fighting with their neighbors in the Middle East is just not getting them where they want to go and then decide that they are going to stop killing each other and find a way to get along and you will find anti-semitism will return at warp speed and with a vengeance.

However, I finally had to conclude that they, like many liberals around the country I have talked with over the last several decades, really just do not understand how depraved Christian fundamentals are and just how really dangerous that makes them, especially now that they have some political power and clout. It is just not part of their experience and they tend to think they are just eccentric religious fanatics but their rhetoric of claiming the world for Christ is just ideology. Having been raised that it was my obligation as a Christian that, post secondary schooling, to focus all of my available time, talent and energies to obtain that goal I can attest that it is not just empty rhetoric.

While it may be a news flash to some, their having obtained some political control of government today is what was being advocated as a requirement of being a real Christian in the 60's and we were obligated to accomplish at all cost, that is if we wanted to be right with Christ on judgement day. So no, it is not just ideology, it is a plan of action which from my perspective they have been frighteningly successful at. Let there be no mistake, these people really do want to take over the world and make it a Christian theocracy and have no qualms as to methodology utilized to reach said stated goal.

by Neotheo on Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 05:39:17 PM EST

As an atheist, I have had to come to grips with the fact that Christians and Religious Right fundamentalists are two very different birds. I must periodically inject into the conversations at atheist sites, that people like those here at T2A are our allies; We atheists would be in a world of hurt were it not for Christians fighting for freedom from religion. They are surprised to learn the MRFF's documented instances of military religious indoctrination complaints are made overwhelmingly by Christian soldiers.

The same can be said for Jews who seem to think that Christian Zionists are looking out for their well-being. They do a grave injustice to Israel by allowing the Christian Zionists to promote propaganda unmolested. Could Hagee, Hess and their ilk be any more UnChrist-like?

Thank you sincerely for all the hard work, Ruth.



by trog69 on Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 02:17:10 AM EST
[ Parent ]


Dear Ruth,

Thank you for your enlightening posts.  I have been reading up on Palin and her quite frightening associations and activities and enjoy reading your articles.

However, other than this site, I have been unable to find a definite link between Pastor Muthee and the New Apostolic Reformation.  The Transformations video does not clearly state the fact.  Would you be willing to share your source?  I don't doubt your claim, I'm just curious as to where this connection comes from.

Thank you, and keep up the good work.

by Warner on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 11:19:59 AM EST

As being a personal friend of C. Peter Wagner who has played a central role in Wagner's theories on "Spiritual warfare". To begin with :

"
Central to the description of Kenya's Spiritual Mapping is the Prayer Cave Church in Kiambu, a suburb of Nairobi, under Thomas Muthee, who was hailed by the movement as `one of the best examples of power prayer'. After having been introduced to Wagner by Otis, he became a personal friend of the Wagners, East Africa Director of SWN, and one of the 13 board members of the World Prayer Center International Board.

"

From " Spiritual Mapping: The Turbulent Career of a Contested American Missionary Paradigm, 1989-2005 " by R. Holvast.

by Bruce Wilson on Tue Oct 14, 2008 at 09:52:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]




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Repent Amarillo, a Texas ministry which refers to itself as an "Army of God,"  is making news for its spiritual warfare and vigilante tactics.......
By Rachel Tabachnick (17 comments)
Whale Tale: AFA Staffer Says Bible Mandates Death For SeaWorld Orca
On Feb. 24, a tragedy occurred at SeaWorld in Orlando, Fla. A six-ton killer whale known as Tillikum pulled trainer Dawn Brancheau underwater to......
By Rob Boston (5 comments)
A Call to Censor the Religion Blogosphere
Some time ago, I filled out a survey from the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) in connection with an academic study they were doing......
By Frederick Clarkson (8 comments)
Prayer Warriors of the New Apostolic Reformation Getting Some Exposure
Yesterday Alternet published an article by Bill Berkowitz including an interview with me about the New Apostolic Reformation, or the "largest religious movement you......
By Rachel Tabachnick (8 comments)
Role Models of Remonstrance
I recently called for mainstream Catholics to offer remonstrance -- an earnest presentation of reasons for opposition or grievance against the reactionaries now fomenting......
By Frank Cocozzelli (8 comments)

Publicizing the existence of the NAR -- some suggestions
Some regular columnists here on Talk to Action have complained about difficulties in getting the mass media to notice the existence of a new but rapidly growing - and already highly influential - religious......
Diane Vera (3 comments)
School Board, State and school prayer
Now both the Polk County School Board and the state of Florida are trying to push prayers in the schools! ......
ArchaeoBob (0 comments)
City in trouble for sectarian prayers
The city of Lakeland, Florida has been challenged by Atheists of Florida and the local synagogue for having sectarian prayers before public meetings. ......
ArchaeoBob (0 comments)
The Blind Side's Blind Spot
The hit movie, The Blind Side, is all about the Christian values of being your "brother's keeper." Or is it? ......
John Sheirer (3 comments)
When Christianity is Un-American
Just thought readers might be interested in linking to this article at The Yurica Report: ......
TMurray (1 comment)
Violence increasing
I think people should read this article- and realize that the dominionists are becoming more and more violent.  If something isn't done to counter their hate, this country is in deep trouble! ......
ArchaeoBob (3 comments)
His "Freedom" Means Denying Yours - With Your Own Taxes
Referring to recent political skirmishes over the rights of gays and lesbians to marry, Cardinal Francis George called five rocks thrown at empty buildings and the theft of a few lawn signs "quasi-fascism."  He......
bettyclermont (0 comments)
Rome has spoken....Man the lifeboats!
When Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, it was widely reported that he preferred a smaller, more obedient flock in his Church. Once again, he is proving those reports to......
bettyclermont (0 comments)
Your children will be forced to shower with gays! (says the AFA)
I've just received the following American Family Association email, which claims that the Obama administration has a nefarious plan to force gays and straights in the US military to shower together ! Donald Wildmon......
Bruce Wilson (3 comments)
Pope John Paul II's Penitential Practices: The Opus Dei Connection
We are pleased to once again welcome theologian William Lindsey as a guest front pager. This piece is crossposted from the new progressive Catholic group blog, The Open Tabernacle: Here Comes Everybody. -- FC......
William Lindsey (0 comments)
WallBuilders, Inc., Promoting a dominionist "Christian Nation"
Cherry Hill Seminary Supports Patrick McCollum in 9th Circuit Case Against California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation http://snipurl.com/u8kcj ......
Dragonzmajick (2 comments)
Roeder verdict sparks fears of more anti-abortion violence
cross-posted at dKos Scott Roeder is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison for the murder of George Tiller.  At the very least, he'll by 75 years old before he can......
Christian Dem in NC (0 comments)
The dark underside of the Latter Rain--a walkaway's view
cross-posted at dKos I read Bruce Wilson's posts on dKos and Talk To Action regarding the "Pray For Newark" initiative with particular alarm.  While Pray for Newark appears to espouse an admirable goal--community empowerment--it's......
Christian Dem in NC (2 comments)
Bishops as Provocateurs
In a thinly-veiled reference to the campaign of President Barack Obama, Archbishop Emeritus of St. Louis, Raymond Burke, charged that Americans are "embracing a totalitarianism which masks itself as the 'hope,' the 'future' of......
bettyclermont (0 comments)
The Vatican v. Children
Yesterday was not a good day for children seeking justice from the Roman Catholic Church. The internet brought the following news: ......
bettyclermont (0 comments)
Religious bigots control supermarket chain
Well, they've won again.  The religious bigots have forced Publix Supermarkets into bowing to their wishes. ......
ArchaeoBob (11 comments)
Manhattan Declaration is to Theology what Fox is to Journalism
The December 20, 2009, New York Times ran a lengthy article by David D. Kirkpatrick about Robert P. George, "The Conservative-Christian Big Thinker." The occasion was release of George's "Manhattan Declaration" signed by the......
bettyclermont (2 comments)
Merry Freakin' Christmas: I'm Taking Your Stuff, and you Can't Stop Me!
A humorous look at the larger implications of a seemingly harmless holiday tradition. ......
John Sheirer (1 comment)
Lou Engle, September 25, 2007, Los Angeles: "Holywood"
[This is a partial transcription of a sermon/speech Lou Engle, Founder of TheCall gave on September 25, 2007, in Los Angeles. The full sermon is slightly over 63 minutes. This partial transcript is of......
Bruce Wilson (0 comments)
Rick Warren Tweet complains my videos of his "Hitler/Lenin/Mao" speech are unfair
It's gratifying to know "America's most powerful pastor" seems to have taken notice of my videos, showcasing Rick Warren's 2005 speech at California's Anaheim Angels Stadium, during which Warren outlined a "stealth" program to......
Bruce Wilson (4 comments)
Blurring Reproductive Rights and the Religious Right
The principle of the Hyde Amendment, which restricted federal funds from paying for abortion back in 1976 -- is now seen as an acceptable, "abortion neutral" position for the prochoice Democratic Party. How did......
Frederick Clarkson (0 comments)
Rick Warren Calls on Followers To Be Dedicated as Followers of Lenin and Mao
[note: for more recent news on Rick Warren, see Rick Warren's Dissertation Advisor Leads Network Promoting Uganda Anti-Gay Bill] Video, below contains audio recording, photos, and transcript from Rick Warren's April 17, 2005 speech......
Bruce Wilson (6 comments)
Julius Oyet Touts The College of Prayer
A new Talk To Action story identifies Apostle and bishop Julius Oyet as a major player in the recent effort in the Ugandan parliament to pass a draconian anti-gay bill. In this video [transcript......
Bruce Wilson (1 comment)
Mark Silk on the Hagee / Rodriguez Entente
Mark Silk, at Spiritual Politics has picked up on my notice of the Hagee-Rodriguez embrace and zeroes in on what's certainly one of the most notable aspects: "The key thing to understand about the......
Bruce Wilson (1 comment)
Inscribing Christian Values in our Children Before Birth?
Following the evolution of evangelical discourse as it re-defines homosexuality as evidence of "fallen creation", Terri Murray looks at how the Christian right have shifted their rhetoric to adapt to empirical research showing that......
TMurray (1 comment)
US News & World Report Showcases Creationist Ray Comfort
US News and World Report's Dan Gilgoff has charitably provided evangelist Ray Comfort a media platform in the form of a US News & World "exclusive" through which Comfort defends his efforts to distribute,......
Bruce Wilson (0 comments)
Atheist billboard in Central Florida
The organization "Atheists of Florida" sponsored a billboard promoting atheism in Lakeland, Florida.  I, however, have some concerns. ......
ArchaeoBob (4 comments)
Transcript: Billy Graham and Richard Nixon, February 21, 1973
The following is my own transcript of a 20 minute phone conversation between Richard Nixon and Billy Graham, on February 23, 1973. As far as I am aware this is the only publicly available,......
Bruce Wilson (0 comments)
Rifqa Bary being sent back to Ohio now
Well, there's a change in this case.  After the judge gets immigration documents and so on from the parents, he will send her back. ......
ArchaeoBob (2 comments)

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