Theology on Mission

S10: E8 The Violent Take It by Force with Matthew Taylor

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Episode notes

What happens when revivalist faith meets political power?

 

In this episode of Theology on Mission, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore sit down with scholar Matthew D. Taylor to uncover the startling rise of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)—a movement reshaping the landscape of evangelical Christianity and American politics.

Taylor reveals how this influential network of apostles and prophets has grown from obscure beginnings to a force wielding colossal sway, intertwining charismatic zeal with far-right rhetoric. From the Seven Mountains Mandate to the dramatic spiritual warfare on January 6, this conversation peels back the layers on how NAR’s vision of Christian supremacy is impacting both the church and democracy.

Brace yourself for a deep dive into the movement's roots, its rapid ascent, and what it means for the future of faith and public life.

Timestamps: 

01:49 Introducing Northern Seminary's New President

04:17 Meet Our Esteemed Guest: Dr. Matthew Taylor

05:49 The Violent Take It By Force: Book Overview

07:50 The New Apostolic Reformation and January 6th

09:24 C. Peter Wagner: The Man Behind the Movement

12:23 Signs, Wonders, and Church Growth

17:51 Strategic Level Spiritual Warfare

20:19 Theological Implications and Controversies

23:11 The Rise of Pragmatic Theology

24:11 From Fringe to Mainstream: The Evolution of NAR

26:16 The Seven Mountain Mandate

27:32 Sarah Palin and the NAR's Political Ambitions

28:10 Donald Trump: The Anointed One

30:57 The Theology of Christian Trumpism

32:02 The January 6th Insurrection

34:35 Theological Reflections and Critiques

38:11 Christian Supremacy vs. Democracy

44:44 Cultural Resentment and Conservative Christians

48:54 Final Thoughts and Future Directions