Dominion Theology vs. Evangelical Theology

Attribute	Dominion Theology	Evangelical Theology
Belief in Dominion Mandate	Strongly believes in the mandate to have dominion over the earth	May or may not emphasize dominion mandate
View on Social Justice	May prioritize social justice as part of dominion mandate	May prioritize evangelism over social justice
Interpretation of End Times	May have a postmillennial view of end times	May have a premillennial or amillennial view of end times
View on Government	May advocate for Christian influence in government	May emphasize separation of church and state

Overview

Dominion Theology and Evangelical Theology are two distinct theological perspectives within Christianity that have gained attention in recent years. While both share a belief in the authority of the Bible and the importance of spreading the Gospel, they differ in their interpretations of scripture and their views on the role of Christians in society.

Beliefs

Dominion Theology, also known as Dominionism, is a belief system that teaches that Christians are called to take dominion over society and culture. This includes influencing politics, education, and the media to reflect Christian values. Proponents of Dominion Theology often cite Genesis 1:28, where God commands Adam and Eve to "have dominion over the earth," as justification for their beliefs.

Evangelical Theology, on the other hand, focuses on spreading the Gospel and making disciples of all nations. Evangelicals believe in the importance of personal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and emphasize the need for individuals to have a personal relationship with God. While Evangelicals may be involved in social issues, their primary focus is on evangelism and spiritual growth.

Approach to Politics

One of the key differences between Dominion Theology and Evangelical Theology is their approach to politics. Dominionists believe that Christians should be actively involved in shaping government policies and laws to align with biblical principles. They advocate for a Christian nation where the laws of the land reflect the teachings of the Bible.

Evangelicals, on the other hand, tend to have a more nuanced view of politics. While they may be politically active on certain issues, such as abortion or religious freedom, they generally do not advocate for a theocratic government. Evangelicals believe in the separation of church and state and recognize that not everyone in society shares their religious beliefs.

View on Culture

Another difference between Dominion Theology and Evangelical Theology is their view on culture. Dominionists see culture as a battleground where Christians must fight against secular influences and establish a Christian worldview. They believe that Christians should be at the forefront of shaping culture through art, music, and entertainment.

Evangelicals, on the other hand, may engage with culture but do not see it as a battleground in the same way that Dominionists do. Evangelicals may enjoy mainstream entertainment and participate in cultural activities without feeling the need to "Christianize" them. They believe in being in the world but not of the world.

Interpretation of Scripture

One of the underlying differences between Dominion Theology and Evangelical Theology is their interpretation of scripture. Dominionists tend to have a more literal interpretation of the Bible, believing that every word is inspired by God and should be followed without question. They may focus on Old Testament laws and prophecies to support their views.

Evangelicals, on the other hand, take a more contextual approach to scripture, considering the historical and cultural context in which the Bible was written. They may prioritize the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament and seek to understand the overarching themes of love, grace, and redemption in scripture. Evangelicals may also be open to different interpretations of certain passages.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dominion Theology and Evangelical Theology are two distinct theological perspectives within Christianity that have different beliefs, approaches to politics, views on culture, and interpretations of scripture. While both share a commitment to spreading the Gospel and living out their faith, they diverge on the extent to which Christians should be involved in shaping society and culture. Understanding these differences can help Christians engage in meaningful dialogue and reflection on their own beliefs and practices.