The New Apostolic Reform Movement and Native Sovereignty
Genocidal Ideology and The Fastest Growing Christian Nationalist Sect
The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is a Christian movement that seeks to establish dominion over various societal spheres, including government, education, and culture. This movement has been identified as a potential threat to Native American communities and treaty rights through several documented actions and ideologies:
1. Targeting Indigenous Communities for Conversion
Spiritual Mapping and Demonization: NAR practitioners engage in "spiritual mapping," a practice where they identify areas and communities they believe are influenced by demonic forces. This has led to the targeting of Indigenous populations, with NAR leaders labeling Native spiritual practices as demonic. For instance, sociologist André Gagné has noted that NAR's spiritual warfare rhetoric involves viewing entire cities and institutions as possessed by demonic spirits, which can lead to targeting Indigenous communities for conversion efforts.
Cultural Insensitivity and Erasure: The movement's efforts to convert Indigenous peoples often involve disregarding and attempting to replace traditional spiritual practices, leading to cultural erasure. This approach undermines the rich spiritual heritage of Native communities.
2. Undermining Native Sovereignty and Treaty Rights
Dominion Theology: NAR adherents promote a belief system known as "dominion theology," which advocates for Christians to assert control over all aspects of society, including governance, land, and natural resources. This ideology can conflict with the sovereignty of Native nations, as it seeks to impose a singular religious framework over diverse cultural and legal systems. The movement's emphasis on establishing "God's Kingdom" on Earth often translates into efforts to override existing legal structures, including those that protect Native American treaty rights.
Political Influence and Policy Changes: The NAR's growing political influence has the potential to affect policies related to Native American lands and rights. By promoting leaders sympathetic to their cause, there's a risk of enacting legislation that may disregard or nullify existing treaties and agreements, further eroding Native sovereignty.
3. Historical Parallels and Ongoing Concerns
Continuation of Colonialist Practices: The NAR's activities echo historical efforts by religious groups to assimilate Indigenous populations forcibly. Such practices have historically led to significant cultural loss and violations of treaty rights. The movement's current strategies may perpetuate these injustices under the guise of spiritual salvation.
Global Implications: Similar movements worldwide have led to the suppression of Indigenous rights and cultural practices. The NAR's expansion raises concerns about the potential for increased marginalization of Native communities, both within the United States and internationally.
In summary, the New Apostolic Reformation's ideologies and actions pose tangible threats to Native American communities by targeting their spiritual practices for eradication, challenging their sovereignty through dominionist policies, and perpetuating a legacy of cultural assimilation and treaty violations. Awareness and proactive measures are essential to protect the rights and cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples in the face of such movements.