Overview of the Seven Mountains Mandate
The Seven Mountains Mandate encourages Christians to impact key societal spheres: religion, family, government, education, media, arts, and business. Advocates believe believers should extend biblical principles into these areas, influencing culture.
Definition and Core Beliefs
The Seven Mountains Mandate, also known as 7M, is a dominionist belief advocating Christian influence over seven key societal spheres: religion, family, government, education, media, arts/entertainment, and business. Proponents believe Christians are called to “retake” these “mountains,” shaping culture with biblical values. This mandate stems from interpreting Genesis 1:28 and Matthew 28:18-20 as calls to holistic cultural engagement.
Central is the conviction that believers must rise to leadership positions within these domains. They should promote righteousness and biblical truth, thereby transforming society. Some adherents see Revelation 17:9-10, where a harlot sits on seven mountains, as referencing a demonic force controlling culture, further fueling the desire to reclaim these areas for God. The mandate is particularly prevalent within charismatic and Pentecostal churches. The core belief is that Christians can and should exert significant influence on culture. This should be done to reflect God’s kingdom on Earth.
Origins and Key Figures
The exact origins of the Seven Mountains Mandate are debated, but it gained prominence within the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Key figures associated with the movement helped popularize the concept. While not solely responsible for its inception, they significantly contributed to its spread. The mandate’s roots can be traced back to earlier dominionist ideas, emphasizing Christian influence in society.
Prominent leaders within the NAR, such as Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson, have actively promoted the Seven Mountains Mandate through books, conferences, and ministry platforms. Their teachings focus on empowering Christians to take leadership roles in the seven spheres. They believe this will transform culture according to biblical principles. Other influential figures have also contributed to the mandate’s development and dissemination. They often emphasize the importance of spiritual warfare and strategic action to reclaim these areas for God’s kingdom. The mandate’s appeal lies in its vision. It is a vision of Christians actively shaping society.
Connection to Dominionism and the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)
The Seven Mountains Mandate is closely linked to Dominionism, the belief that Christians are called to exercise dominion over the earth. This connection is particularly evident within the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). The NAR is a movement characterized by its emphasis on spiritual warfare, prophetic ministry, and the restoration of apostolic leadership. The Seven Mountains Mandate serves as a practical strategy for achieving dominion by targeting key areas of cultural influence.
Dominionism provides the theological framework for the mandate, while the NAR offers a network of churches and leaders to implement it. The NAR’s emphasis on apostles and prophets as modern-day leaders lends authority to the mandate. They claim to receive divine strategies for taking control of the seven mountains. Critics argue that this approach can lead to theocratic aspirations and a disregard for secular governance. The mandate’s connection to Dominionism and the NAR raises concerns about its potential impact on religious freedom and the separation of church and state.
The Seven Mountains of Influence
The Seven Mountains represent key areas shaping culture: religion, family, government, education, media, arts/entertainment, and business. The mandate encourages Christians to influence these spheres with their values.
Religion
Within the Seven Mountains Mandate, religion is considered a foundational sphere. Proponents believe Christians should actively shape religious institutions and practices. This involves promoting specific theological viewpoints and moral values. They aim to revitalize faith communities and expand their influence within society.
The goal is to ensure that religious principles guide ethical and societal norms. Advocates often seek to increase religious participation and engagement. They may also focus on influencing religious education and leadership.
Some interpretations emphasize evangelism and outreach to spread their beliefs. Others prioritize reforming existing religious structures to align with their vision. This mountain is seen as crucial for establishing a moral foundation for the other spheres;
Ultimately, the aim is to see religious values permeate all aspects of life. This includes promoting faith-based initiatives and advocating for religious freedom. The religion “mountain” seeks a society shaped by Christian principles.
Family
The family sphere, within the Seven Mountains Mandate, emphasizes traditional family structures and values. Advocates believe strong families are essential for a healthy society. This involves promoting specific views on marriage, parenting, and family roles. They often advocate for policies that support these traditional family ideals.
The goal is to strengthen families as the fundamental unit of society. This includes promoting stable marriages and responsible parenting. Advocates may also focus on protecting children and supporting families in need.
Some interpretations emphasize the importance of parental authority and discipline. Others prioritize creating loving and supportive family environments. This mountain is seen as crucial for raising the next generation with strong moral values.
Ultimately, the aim is to see family values reflected in all aspects of life. This includes promoting family-friendly policies and supporting organizations that strengthen families. The family “mountain” seeks a society grounded in traditional family principles.
Government
The “Government” mountain within the Seven Mountains Mandate focuses on influencing political systems. Proponents believe Christians should actively participate in government. This involves seeking positions of authority to shape laws and policies. The aim is to align government with biblical principles.
Advocates encourage Christians to vote, run for office, and engage in political activism. They believe that righteous leaders can transform society. This includes advocating for specific policies on issues such as religious freedom and social justice.
Some interpretations emphasize the importance of upholding traditional values in government. Others prioritize addressing poverty and inequality through policy changes. The goal is to see biblical principles reflected in all levels of government.
This mountain is often associated with a desire to restore a perceived moral foundation. It involves advocating for policies that reflect Christian values. Ultimately, the aim is to see government as a tool for advancing God’s kingdom on earth.
Education
The “Education” mountain within the Seven Mountains Mandate centers on shaping educational institutions. Proponents believe Christians should influence schools and universities. The goal is to instill biblical values in students. This involves promoting a Christian worldview in curricula.
Advocates encourage Christians to become teachers and administrators. They seek to establish Christian schools and homeschooling programs. The aim is to counter secular influences in education. Some promote teaching creationism alongside evolution.
This sphere emphasizes moral development and character training. It also focuses on academic excellence. Advocates believe education should equip students to succeed. They also want to prepare them to impact the world for Christ.
The educational mountain is seen as crucial for shaping future generations. It involves advocating for policies that support Christian education. Ultimately, the aim is to see education as a tool for advancing God’s kingdom. This includes fostering critical thinking skills.
Media
The “Media” mountain, within the Seven Mountains Mandate, emphasizes Christian influence in media. It involves shaping news, entertainment, and information. Proponents believe Christians should create and control media outlets. This includes television, film, radio, and online platforms.
The goal is to promote a biblical worldview through media content. Advocates encourage Christians to become journalists, filmmakers, and broadcasters. They seek to produce content that reflects Christian values. This involves challenging secular perspectives in media.
This sphere emphasizes the importance of responsible media consumption. It also focuses on media literacy. Advocates believe media can be used to spread truth and inspire change. They aim to counteract negative influences in media.
The media mountain is seen as critical for shaping public opinion. It involves supporting Christian media organizations. Ultimately, the aim is to see media as a tool for advancing God’s kingdom. This includes using media for evangelism and discipleship.
Arts and Entertainment
The “Arts and Entertainment” mountain focuses on Christian engagement within creative industries. This includes music, theater, visual arts, and literature. Proponents believe Christians should excel and lead in these fields. The aim is to create art that reflects Christian values.
This involves producing content that inspires, uplifts, and challenges audiences. Advocates encourage Christians to enter artistic professions. They seek to influence the cultural narrative through storytelling and creativity. This includes writing, directing, acting, and composing.
The goal is to redeem the arts by infusing them with Christian truth. It also involves supporting Christian artists and performers. Advocates believe art can be a powerful tool for evangelism. They aim to counteract negative influences in entertainment.
This sphere emphasizes the importance of discernment in entertainment choices. It also focuses on creating positive role models in the arts. Ultimately, the aim is to see arts as a way to glorify God. This involves using creative gifts for spiritual purposes.
Business
The “Business” mountain centers on integrating Christian ethics into the marketplace. This involves operating businesses with integrity and honesty. Proponents believe Christians should excel in entrepreneurship and leadership. The aim is to create workplaces that reflect Christian values.
This involves treating employees with respect and fairness. Advocates encourage Christians to start and manage businesses. They seek to influence the economic landscape through ethical practices. This includes fair wages, responsible sourcing, and environmental stewardship.
The goal is to redeem the business world by infusing it with Christian principles. It also involves using business as a platform for ministry. Advocates believe business can be a powerful tool for social good. They aim to counteract greed and corruption in the marketplace.
This sphere emphasizes the importance of financial stewardship. It also focuses on creating opportunities for others through job creation. Ultimately, the aim is to see business as a way to glorify God. This involves using resources for kingdom purposes.
Criticisms and Concerns Regarding the Seven Mountains Mandate
Critics argue the Seven Mountains Mandate promotes biblical misinterpretations and dominionism. Concerns exist about its potential for political extremism and societal danger. The mandate’s goals may misunderstand Christ’s purposes.
Biblical Misinterpretations
A primary criticism of the Seven Mountains Mandate centers on its interpretation of biblical texts. Critics argue that proponents selectively use verses like Genesis 1:28 and Matthew 28:18-20 to justify a dominionist agenda. They contend that these passages, taken in context, do not mandate Christians to seize control of societal institutions.
Furthermore, some adherents misinterpret Revelation 17:9-10, suggesting that the “harlot” sitting on seven mountains represents a demonic entity controlling culture. This interpretation is viewed as a flawed and dangerous exegesis. Opponents argue that the mandate’s framework distorts the true meaning of scripture.
Many believe the mandate misunderstands the nature of the Kingdom of God, focusing on earthly power rather than spiritual transformation. The Bible is then, twisted to fit pre-determined beliefs.
Potential for Political Extremism and Societal Danger
The Seven Mountains Mandate raises concerns about potential political extremism. Critics fear it can lead to theocratic ambitions. The pursuit of influence within government, coupled with dominionist beliefs, may foster a desire to impose a specific religious ideology on society.
This raises alarm about the erosion of secular governance and religious freedom for those outside the dominant Christian group. Some worry that the mandate’s emphasis on cultural transformation could justify aggressive tactics, leading to social division and conflict.
Moreover, the mandate’s focus on achieving dominance in key sectors may incentivize the accumulation of power at the expense of democratic processes. When the 7M mandate reaches the center of political power, it becomes a source of real danger for the well-being of societies.
Concerns about Dominionism
The Seven Mountains Mandate is closely linked to dominionism, a theological perspective that seeks Christian control over societal institutions. Dominionism, at its core, promotes the idea that Christians have a divine mandate to establish God’s kingdom on Earth through political and cultural influence.
Critics argue that this dominionist agenda can lead to the marginalization of non-Christian perspectives and the imposition of religious values on a pluralistic society. The pursuit of dominance in the “seven mountains” raises concerns about religious freedom and the separation of church and state.
Some fear that dominionism may encourage a sense of superiority among its adherents, leading to intolerance and discrimination towards those who do not share their beliefs. The potential for religious nationalism and the suppression of dissenting voices are significant concerns associated with the dominionist underpinnings of the Seven Mountains Mandate.