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

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 President04:17 Meet Our Esteemed Guest: Dr. Matthew Taylor05:49 The Violent Take It By Force: Book Overview07:50 The New Apostolic Reformation and January 6th09:24 C. Peter Wagner: The Man Behind the Movement12:23 Signs, Wonders, and Church Growth17:51 Strategic Level Spiritual Warfare20:19 Theological Implications and Controversies23:11 The Rise of Pragmatic Theology24:11 From Fringe to Mainstream: The Evolution of NAR26:16 The Seven Mountain Mandate27:32 Sarah Palin and the NAR's Political Ambitions28:10 Donald Trump: The Anointed One30:57 The Theology of Christian Trumpism32:02 The January 6th Insurrection34:35 Theological Reflections and Critiques38:11 Christian Supremacy vs. Democracy44:44 Cultural Resentment and Conservative Christians48:54 Final Thoughts and Future Directions