Mike Johnson, known for his connections to New Apostolic Reformation and young earth creationism, is examined. Dr. Bradley Onishi joins to discuss Johnson's extreme brand of Christianity and its influence in American politics. Topics include election denial, Dominionism, NAR's support for Trump, and Johnson's involvement in a Noah's Ark theme park. The episode also delves into conspiracy theories, religious movements' impact on democracy, and Christian Zionism's stance on Jewish people.
Mike Johnson's connection to the New Apostolic Reformation raises concerns about his theological beliefs and political agenda.
His involvement with young earth creationism reflects a resistance to science and a questioning of the legitimacy of other Christian denominations.
Christian Zionism, embraced by Mike Johnson and his theological circles, prioritizes religious beliefs over the rights and well-being of others.
Deep dives
Mike Johnson's Rise to Speaker of the House
Mike Johnson, a relatively new Republican Congressman from Louisiana, was elected as Speaker of the House with the help of several Republican votes. This surprised many given his relatively short tenure in Congress. Johnson's first speech as Speaker indicated that he saw his rise to power as a result of God's will and plan. This belief in divine appointment raised questions about his connection to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a movement within Christianity that emphasizes prophets and apostles as spiritual authorities. The NAR seeks to revolutionize Christianity and challenges the authority of denominations. Johnson's involvement with the NAR and his alignment with controversial figures like Dutch Sheets and Ken Ham raise concerns about his theological beliefs and political agenda.
Theological Dimensions of Young Earth Creationism
Mike Johnson's connection to the new apostolic reformation includes his involvement with young earth creationism. Young earth creationism is the belief that the earth and the universe are only about 6,000 to 10,000 years old, based on a literal interpretation of the Bible. This belief aligns with Johnson's theological perspective of regarding the Bible as the infallible word of God. Young earth creationism also reflects a resistance to the authority of science and a questioning of the legitimacy of other denominations within Christianity. Johnson's work with Ken Ham and the creationist organization Answers in Genesis demonstrates his commitment to promoting and defending young earth creationism, even through legal battles for economic subsidies for creationist theme parks like the Ark Encounter.
Christian Zionism and the Conflation of National and Religious Identity
Mike Johnson and many within his theological circles also embrace Christian Zionism, a belief that supports and fetishizes the state of Israel based on a particular interpretation of the Bible. However, this support often fails to reflect genuine love and understanding for Jewish people. Rather, Christian Zionism reflects a supersessionist view where Jews, as the chosen people in the Old Testament, are seen as having missed the arrival of Jesus and therefore lacking in the ultimate salvation. Christian Zionists emphasize the role of Israel in the end times and believe it plays a significant part in God's plan. However, this belief can be problematic and can contribute to the perpetuation of violence and harmful policies, as it prioritizes religious beliefs over the rights and well-being of others.
Influence of Dutch Sheets and Christian Dominionism
Dutch Sheets, an influential figure in the new apostolic Reformation, and his connection to Congressman Mike Johnson are discussed. They have strategized at the White House and share beliefs in Christian dominionism, which aims to conquer all domains of society for God.
Threat to Democracy and Christian Supremacy
The rise of Christian supremacy and its connection to the threatened nature of white Christians is explored. This ideology rejects democracy and seeks to control various domains for religious dominance. Mike Johnson's involvement in election overturn efforts and his alignment with Christian nationalism is highlighted.
New Speaker of the House, new freak to examine. In Mike Johnson's case, we'll be looking at his connections to the New Apostolic Reformation, Christian dominionism, election denial, young earth creationism, and a Noah's Ark theme park in Kentucky. Our guest is Dr. Bradley Onishi, a scholar of religion who teaches at the University of San Francisco. His writing has been published in the New York Times, LA Review of Books, and Religion & Politics, among other outlets. He is also the co-host of the podcast Straight White American Jesus and the author of the book Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism And What Comes Next.
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QAA x Goosecult Party on Saturday December 16th: https://dice.fm/event/e8pkd-qaa-podcast-x-goosecult-party-w-john-vanderslice-16th-dec-the-goldfish-los-angeles-tickets
Straight White American Jesus Podcast: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC
Bradley Onishi: https://twitter.com/bradleyonishi
Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism And What Comes Next: https://www.bradonishi.com/books/
Music by Max Weber & Pontus Berghe. Editing by Corey Klotz.
http://qanonanonymous.com
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