What is Dominionism?

One of the more influential Doctrines within the Christian Nationalist Umbrella is Dominionism. Sometimes used as a synonym for Christian Nationalism, Dominionism (or Dominion Theology) is a unique teaching with distinct beliefs that not all Christian Nationalists support. It is certainly worth examining in closer detail and breaking down into its basic elements so that we may better understand what exactly we’re arguing against.  

Dominionism, also known as Dominion Theology, is the belief that God calls the church to exercise earthly authority and govern the masses according to biblical principles. Bill Johnson is a pastor with Bethel Church and a Major supporter of Dominion Theology. In his book, Invading Babylon, he writes:

“In simple terms, dominion theology is the idea that Christian believers are called to not only preach the Gospel and win converts to Christ but also to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.” 

In Summary, Dominionism Teaches:

1. The kingdoms and earthly authorities were created and ordained by God in the original creation as instruments for mankind to exercise its authority over the earth.
2. The authority that once belonged to Adam now rightfully belongs to the church. Christ’s Church is commanded by God in the Great Commission specifically to take up positions of earthly authority so we can mold the culture into Christ’s Image.
3. Evangelism is to prioritize disciplining the wealthy and powerful “The kings of this age”. 
4. By shaping the culture in this way, we can “Christianize” the nations. In the short term bringing prosperity, in the long term manifesting the kingdom of God on Earth. 

World View 

The name Dominionism is a reference to Genesis 1:28 in which God gives mankind “Dominion over all the earth”. In the beginning, God gave Adam authority over the earth; this authority was lost in the fall and given over to Satan. Christ reclaimed this through his death and Resurrection and gave all earthly authority to his Church so that The Church may continue Christ’s Work.

“We have been given authority over this planet. It was first given to us in the commission God gave to mankind in Genesis (see Gen. 1:28 – 29) and was then restored to us by Jesus after His resurrection (see Matt. 28:18).” – Bill Johnson, Dreaming With God

While this authority has been reclaimed by Christ, it is not fully ours yet. Rather, the demonic forces that currently hold these positions have been made vulnerable through the death and resurrection. So that the Church may conquer and occupy these positions ourselves. Then the kingdoms of the earth may once again become Godly tools for manifesting Christ’s divine will for mankind as was intended in creation.

Discipleship

Dominionism redefines and rethinks Evangelism. Rather than sharing the truth of Christ with all we come across and bringing them into the Church, Evangelism calls us to take up positions of authority so we can transform nations as a whole. 

“The business of shifting culture or transforming nations does not require a majority of conversions. We make a mistake when we focus on winning a harvest to shape a culture.” This quote is from The Seven Mountains Mandate, by Lance Wallnau, an excerpt from The Reformers Pledge, by Che Ahn. Wallnau is a televangelist who is referred to as the father of Modern Dominionism. In the same book, Wallnau goes on to say: “As long as the church thinks the purpose of the great commission is anything less than penetrating and occupying the mind molders of the nations in order to bring about a sustained influence that shapes the culture, we are asleep.”

According to Dominion Theology, we reclaim this authority not just by taking up positions of leadership in the government but by taking up positions of authority in corporations, the media, and all other aspects of our culture as well. By conquering these “high places,” we are reclaiming what were divine tools of God’s will that had been perverted by demonic powers. “Reshaping the culture” is not just evangelism, it’s a matter of spiritual warfare.

“The fact that high-level spiritual powers guard these realms is indicated in the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. Satan showed the Prince of Glory all the kingdoms of the world and said, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish” (Luke 4:6 NKJV). Mountain kings wield incredible influence and power, and they need to hear the gospel!” – Lance Wallnau,  The Seven Mountains Mandate

Seek The Welfare of The Nations

Proponents of Dominion Theology frequently reference the prophet Jeremiah: “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7). Saying we have a God gives responsibility to oversee the welfare of the nations. That by taking up these positions of authority, we can bring about prosperity and well-being for all the people of the earth.

“Matthew 28:16 – 20 says “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Disciples, not just converts of all nations but disciples, care about the welfare of the nation you are in. We are called to be disciples to Christ.”  – Charlie Kirk, Should Christians Get Involved In Politics? 

Kingdom Authority

This Christianization of the culture will lead not just to prosperity, however, but to something far greater. Dominionist teachers believe that when the Church takes its proper position and begins exercising its earthly authority, we begin to claim something called Kingdom authority. “It is the authority to set people free from torment and disease, to destroy the works of darkness. It is the authority to move the resources of Heaven through creative expression to meet human needs. It is the authority to bring heaven to earth. It is the authority to serve.” – Bill Johnson, Dreaming With God

This idea that by exercising earthly authority we can manifest heaven on earth is central to Dominion Theology. The Dominionists believe that it is by the church taking up this authority that the kingdom of God will eventually be realized. 

“We who have tasted the powers of the age to come have authority to bring the power of that age into the present (see Heb. 6:5)” – Lance Wallnau,  The Seven Mountains Mandate

This is only a very brief exploration of Dominion Theology, and I realize there is already a lot to take in. We will go into greater detail in the future, but for now, this has been a good primer so that we can better understand what exactly we are arguing against. If you are a believer in Dominion Theology and feel my understanding is incorrect or that I have misrepresented your beliefs in any way, please email me through the contact page or leave a comment. I want to do my best to represent everyone properly. Thank you.

Sources:

Johnson, Bill and Lance Wallnau. Invading Babylon. Destiny Image, 2016. 

Johnson, Bill. Dreaming with God: Secrets to Redesigning Your World through God’s Creative Flow. Destiny Image, 2007. 

Kirk, Charlie. “Should Christians Get Involved In Politics? (URGENT) | Charlie Kirk.” YouTube, YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWQEj18xJuA&t=1020s. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025. 

Wallnau, Lance. “The Seven Mountains Mandate.” In The Reformer’s Pledge, edited by Che Ahn et al., 177-194. Shippensburg: Destiny Image Publishers, 2010