Shane Idleman continues to beat the Dominionism drum

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"The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. - Matthew 6:22-24 (ESV)

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Shane Idleman is a NAR dominionist pastor from California. He writes regularly for Charisma News and seemingly 99% of his writing is firmly entrenched in his political goals of obtaining all power for the Republican Party in this country under the guise of Christian righteousness. It must be very hard for pastors such as Idleman to even recognize that he no longer cares for the cause of Christ in his pursuit of the cause of the GOP. Jesus warns of this phenomenon in the key verses today. When we confuse the darkness within us for light, how deep indeed is that darkness! We have heard the "two masters" imperative before as it relates to money, but the truth is that the issue is anything that competes for prominence with God in out lives. The word money in the key verses can easily be interchanged with politics for Shane's case. Or glory and recognition. It matters not if it competes with God. We will see throughout this article linked above that Shane Idleman is not doing the work of the Lord but rather the bidding of a political party that blinds him from the truth right in front of him. Let us reason again together.

'We have forgotten God, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own" (Abraham Lincoln). Over the last few decades, Americans have seen the destruction of the institution of marriage between a man and a woman, the removal of God's Word in several areas, and the aborting of millions of babies. Ironically, many of the men and women who died for our freedoms did not die for what we are becoming today. Many gave their lives in order that we would be "one nation under God," not above God.' - Shane Idleman

While it is true that Abraham Lincoln displayed more leanings to the teachings of the bible than most presidents this habit of dominionists of quote shopping never works. It is far too easy to scour the Internet for quotes favorable to God from people who lived hundreds of years ago but they do not prove anything. Ironically, this quote is missing context but since Shane rarely bothers with biblical context it is unsurprising. Gee, what was happening in March of 1863 that might cause Lincoln to sign a proclamation for national fasting and humiliation? Maybe the Civil War? The Emancipation Proclamation was only two months earlier and not well received in many circles. Earlier in March was the first Conscription Act forcing a draft upon the populace to replenish the Union forces. The point for this discussion is that random quotes rarely happen in a vacuum. In this instance I will assume that Idleman does not even realize that Abraham Lincoln did not actually write this. It was written by Senator James Harlan of Iowa, who then asked Lincoln to sign and declare it after it was passed by Congress. So, Lincoln signed it. Maybe he even agreed with it. I don't know and neither does Shane Idleman. It made good political sense however in a time of dire importance for his war efforts. Context.

What Shane does, as is the usual for dominionists, is to tie this out of context quote to their cause. Specifically, to the Republican Party cause. As for his assertion regarding the military is also wrong. Those that serve in our military do so regardless of the political direction of the country. Their role is one of obedience not politics. I am sure many disagreed with Hiroshima, Saigon and the fake weapons of mass destruction in Iraq but they served in complicity because that is what their role requires. Not to mention the premise of trite phrases such as "under God" only serve to distract and woo people to his cause under sneaky circumstances because again there is no context. Do you know when "under God" was added to the Pledge of Allegiance? The same time that "In God We Trust" was added to currency. Our national slogan until the 1950's was always "E Pluribus Unum, which means out of many, one. In the 1950's however there was a vile, bottom-feeding Senator named McCarthy who fueled the "red scare" accusing many prominent and regular people of being communists, ruining many lives and careers. It was because of this fear that the nation changed the motto to in God we trust and added the bit about under God to the pledge. Not because of fidelity or piety but rather, fear.

A Fifth Division graveyard sign in Iwo Jima, Japan, states it well: "When you go home, tell them for us and say, 'For your tomorrows we gave our today.'" What a travesty when we fail to honor those who gave their lives for the freedoms we now enjoy. This Memorial Day, let's remember those who gave their lives and those who continue to defend our freedoms. In the words of Mr. O'Brien who served in World War II: "It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate." O'Brien continues: "It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag. Let's be very clear on this: "A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both" (Dwight D. Eisenhower). Historically, we know that God judged those nations who continually tolerated sin; wrong choices had devastating consequences. Arnold Toynbee, who wrote A Study of History, said: "Of the 22 civilizations that have appeared in history, 19 of them collapsed when they reached the moral state America is in today." Brace yourself...this is a quote from the 1960s. Most realize that a republican democracy, like ours in America, cannot last forever. Eventually, there is a collapse due to moral decay and financial irresponsibility"liberty often leads to abundance; abundance to complacency; complacency to apathy; apathy to a loss of freedom. Based on this, where are we today?"' - Shane Idleman

The church has long been in the business of exalting war and thus the warrior. Ironic since we worship the Prince of Peace but regardless, no is arguing that soldiers should not be given proper respect, even if Shane still misses the point. It is a cute "tell" that he inanely refers to the United States as a "Republican democracy" which would mislead people to think that somehow the Republican Party has prominence. We are actually a "Democratic Republic" Shane. Semantics aside however, Shane stands so close to the truth but cannot see it. This cycle he refers to is correct. Failed nations often fail the same way and we are seeing that fraying in this country. Yes, a great deal can be blamed on moral decline but the part Shane refuses to see is his role and how he is to blame. God put a device into this system to stem the tide. To provide hope to the hopeless. To provide a haven in the tempest. Those responsibilities fall to the church. It is here that the church has grossly failed and leads the way to the unraveling of society. Why? Because instead of hearing the gospel when they listen to the church they instead hear absurd quotes from proclamations delivered in 1863 or from a hallowed Iwo Jima graveyard sign. Moving and haunting yes but not life saving or altering like the words from Almighty God. Apply Idelman's cycle to the regression of the American church over the centuries. Moral decay and financial irresponsibility? Check! This might as well have been written specifically for the church! Every day there is another fall from grace that has to do with moral failings or financial impropriety. The lost sees no difference between the church and the world. They have been granted freedoms above the general populace including tax-free status and this has led to the purpose driven mega church movement resulting in great wealth and abundance. This has definitely led to a spiritual malaise and apathy throughout the apostate church. Let's be fair. The Osteens, Bill Johnsons and Brian Williams of the world have been mailing it in from the pulpit for decades while they write book after book to line their own pockets. Since they are carnal creatures pretending to be Christian leaders, I expect little more from them. The problem is that everyone else follows them and gives them credit and respect they have not earned nor deserve. They have to because those that follow them in leadership want the same level of wealth and abundance. This has created a grifter church trying to figure out the next score from their congregation of marks.

'"Unfortunately, countless people are confusing God's patience with His approval. "Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever" (Thomas Jefferson). God, not the government, has the final say! America has been desensitized one generation at a time, one court decision at a time, one compromise at a time, and we are drowning in a cesspool of relativism. "The wicked freely parade and prance about while evil is praised throughout the land" (Psalm 12:8).' - Shane Idleman

Just to give you a clearer sense of the stupidity of cherry-picking historical quotes Shane chooses to quote Thomas Jefferson. The same Jefferson who rewrote the bible, removing all of the miracles of Jesus and any reference to His deism. The bible actually says to let Jefferson be anathema to us because of his destruction of the word. Idleman is correct that the wicked freely parade while evil is praised throughout the land. The problem is he thinks this only occurs on the other side of the political spectrum. He can easily spot that log in the eye of a Democrat but republicans are righteous in his view and that is where he remains as wrong as the rest of the NAR dominionist crowd. The evil is in the world and it does not pick sides. None are righteous, not even one. All have turned away. Mario Murillo, infamous dominionist, recently said that anyone who votes Democratic is going to hell. Greg Locke soon after said that Democrats are all demonically possessed. The inference obviously is that their side is fine. Their side is good. Their side is righteous. It is not and is just as evil.

"There are times to encourage, motivate, and uplift, but there are also times to confront, challenge, and contend for what is right"that time is now! We are experiencing the rapid deterioration of a nation right before our eyes. This is not the time for passivity, but for prayer...to weep, fast, and petition God. Woe be to the church who is in a hurry to burn through a sermon, scurry through worship, and head to the nearest restaurant. We've heard these questions before, and we will hear them again: If not now, when? If not here, where? If not us, who? God said that He looked for a man from among the leaders who would build a wall and stand in the gap before Him on behalf of the land that He might not destroy it, but He found no one (Ezekiel 22:30). This was true in Ezekiel's day, and it's true today. God is still looking for men and women to do what is right." - Shane Idleman

This is the kick Shane has always been on. He sees the modern church as performative and rushing to the diner instead of wailing at the altar. The problem is that he is part right and part wrong. Sure, the church is performative but so is the travailing part if you are merely interceding for politics. As for the reference to Ezekiel, Shane seems to hope you do not bother checking but I have. Remember the context Shane provides is that this country is going to hell in a hand basket and God is looking for some good Christians to stand in the gap but has yet to find them - just like in the days of Ezekiel 22. Problem? Let's actually read the entire context from God's word:

'And the word of the Lord came to me: "Son of man, say to her, You are a land that is not cleansed or rained upon in the day of indignation. The conspiracy of her prophets in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing the prey; they have devoured human lives; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in her midst. Her priests have done violence to my law and have profaned my holy things. They have made no distinction between the holy and the common, neither have they taught the difference between the unclean and the clean, and they have disregarded my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, shedding blood, destroying lives to get dishonest gain. And her prophets have smeared whitewash for them, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, 'Thus says the Lord God,' when the Lord has not spoken. The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy, and have extorted from the sojourner without justice. And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. Therefore I have poured out my indignation upon them. I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath. I have returned their way upon their heads, declares the Lord God."' - Ezekiel 22:23-31 (ESV)

Who has conspired to devour human lives? The false prophets! Who has done violence to the law? The priests! Who has profaned the holy things of God? The priests! Who has taken the treasure and precious things? The false prophets! False visions and divining lies! Destroying lives to acquire dishonest gain! Smearing whitewash to try and cover up the egregious sins! Claiming God has spoken when He has not! Extortion and robbery from the pulpit! Extorting the sojourner without justice! Shane - God is speaking about the church! He is looking for people to stand in the gap against the sins of the church - not the sins of the country.

"For those who believe we should remain passive and silent, I challenge you to read the writings of the Old Testament prophets. They lamented, shed tears, and pleaded with the people and the leaders to turn from their sins and to turn back to God"they spoke the truth in love. Even Jesus wept for Jerusalem when He saw that her destruction was near. One of my great concerns is for the pulpits of America. Many are exchanging truth for tolerance, boldness for balance, and conviction for cowardliness. We don't want to offend; we might lose our audience. But we are not to seek the applause of men but the applause of God. Pastors (and Christian leaders alike) must take responsibility for the spiritual health of our people. The pulpit inevitably sets the tone of the religious climate of the nation. A culture void of God simply reflects the lack of conviction in the pulpit as well as the pew." - Shane Idleman

So, we come to the great biblical disconnect. Shane confuses matters belonging to the people of God with people who do not belong to Him. The prophets preach repentance to a faithless generation of God's people who turned from Him to idols (repeated throughout their history). Dominionism fails as a theology because it is based on a poor understand of history and a worse theology. The lost are just that, lost. The bible assures us the things of God are utter foolishness to them. Romans teaches us that the ONLY way they can be saved is by hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Not the politics of Shane Idleman. Lining folks up to tell them they are voting wrong is not the gospel. It never will be. Shane Idleman's truth is no better than the false complacency we see in many apostate churches today.

"I conclude with words from John Winthrop (1588-1649)"one of the leading figures in the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, "We shall be a city upon a hill, the eyes of all people are upon us; so that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a byword through the world." But hope is found in the famous Scripture that many love to quote but few want to obey: 2 Chronicles 7:14 calls out from the past with resounding clarity to America today: "If My people will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land." Without question, repentance, prayer, and humility before God is our only hope." - Shane Idleman

Why not? He started with a quote he thought was from Abraham Lincoln, went on to Thomas Jefferson and now concludes with John Winthrop. John is a favorite of Eddie Hyatt who likes to pretend America started in 1600 and not 1776. You see in 1776 things were largely about taxes and representation. There were a lot more deists than Christians and even some atheists sprinkled in for good measure. In 1600? Much more pious. Escaping religious persecution. So, it is of little wonder that Winthrop should have such a quote. You do see however that John Winthrop dies in 1649. That is over 125 years from the revolution. That is far, far away from the revolution. It is quite fitting that Shane should finish with another scripture he does not understand. 2Chronicles 7:14 is not about the lost. It is not about people who think the notion of God is foolish. It is about people called by HIS name! It is again a verse for Christians! It is for the church! No matter how much whitewash Shane Idleman tries to smear over the truth is keeps screaming out from within his own words; his own arguments. Dominionism is rooted in such fallacies that it will always end up here and no conspiracy of false prophets will stop God from speaking forth His truth, even through our lies.

Reverend Anthony Wade - May 31, 2022

Authors Bio:
Credentialed Minister of the Gospel for the Assemblies of God. Owner and founder of 828 ministries. Vice President for Goodwill Industries. Always remember that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.