I don't have any use for organized religion. Although I am Jewish by heritage, I am also an atheist. But I don’t begrudge anyone else their beliefs.
I believe, as is enshrined in the constitution, that we all have the right to worship - or not. But I also believe in the other tenets of our democratic society including the separation of church and state. That one is being challenged by the current administration, but it’s not news. Trump has only capitalized on this effort that's been a goal of the “religious right’ for many years.
I've done interviews before about the New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR, over the years. But as with many other dangers to society, in the Trump administration, this perverted quest is now on steroids.
I was alerted by a friendly acquaintance- a journalist who covers religion and politics -to an article at The Conversation titled "What is the ‘Seven Mountains Mandate’ and how is it linked to political extremism in the US?". In it, Dr. Art Jipson explains how much progress (in their view) they've made toward their goals to gain influence, or dominion, over seven major cultural spheres of influence - the ”Seven Mountains' Mandate" - and particularly government.
We just finished a wonderful, even cathartic, conversation. I knew Art would be interesting, but frankly, I’m blown away. He’s a fascinating man. Art is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Dayton - but there’s so much more to him I know I’ll be inviting him back on the show. I wish I had professors like him in college.
And, to put the icing on the cake, he’s hosted a weekly music show on the campus radio station for the last 21 years! It’s Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative on WUDR. I know I’ll be checking it out.
I began the show with some of the latest news, then got deep into the warped religion goal of taking over the world. I’m really not exaggerating.
Tomorrow, we’ll wrap up the week’s news on Emptywheel Fridays with the great Marcy Wheeler.
Peace out…
Watch today’s show via YouTube:
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