Topic: Spiritual Warfare

NPR reports on the "uptick in rhetoric" from apostolic leaders who frame political issues like abortion as "ritual child sacrifice" and "spiritual warfare." Critics argue this language primes followers for real-world violence by dehumanizing political opponents as "demons." The investigation into the Minnesota shooting continues to explore the intersection of this theology and domestic extremism.

A report from France 24 examines the rise of "Christian Nationalism" and the "Pastors for Trump" movement. While critics view the movement as a threat to democracy, participating pastors argue that their biblical worldview must determine their politics, particularly regarding issues of gender and religious freedom.

Tucker Carlson delivered a speech at the RNC suggesting that the political conflict in America has shifted from "lawfare" to "spiritual warfare." Carlson argued that the group most targeted and "terrified" of by the current establishment is Christians, citing historical patterns of revolution. His remarks coincide with a surge in media coverage from the New York Times and Washington Post regarding the perceived threat of Christian nationalism to democracy.

Scholar Matthew Taylor and other critics are attempting to link the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and its rhetoric of "spiritual warfare" to the events of January 6th. They argue that the literal demonization of political enemies by religious leaders provided a theological justification for the Capitol riot. These claims are often used to advocate for increased monitoring of conservative religious groups.