A recent essay published in The Atlantic uncovers the explosive rise of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a powerful and controversial Christian movement that is actively reshaping American politics and society. With its far-reaching goals of establishing God’s “Kingdom” on Earth, the NAR has become a formidable political force, deeply intertwined with the far-right wing of the Republican Party. The essay details how the NAR’s leadership and followers believe that their spiritual mission is to dismantle secular institutions and build a Christian-dominated world order, one that includes not only political domination but also a radical shift in societal values and norms.
Central to this movement are its prophetic leaders, such as Lance Wallnau, who has fervently promoted the “7 Mountain Mandate”—a doctrine that asserts Christians must take control of the seven major societal sectors: government, education, media, business, family, religion, and arts/entertainment. The goal is clear: Christians must dominate these sectors in order to bring about God’s Kingdom on Earth, which, according to the NAR, will require the complete eradication of secular and progressive influences.
The Atlantic essay takes readers behind the scenes of this growing movement, exposing how its leaders have used both political strategies and divine claims to mobilize a passionate and dedicated following. Wallnau’s partnership with the Trump-aligned America First Policy Institute to target key swing states in 2020, for example, reveals the deep political integration of the NAR’s faith-based activism. Wallnau’s efforts were part of a larger, coordinated campaign to ensure that Christian “warriors” would turn out to vote for Trump, believing that his election was divinely ordained and a step toward ushering in the Kingdom of God.
The influence of the NAR extends beyond the voting booth. The movement’s leaders have effectively weaponized spiritual language to bolster political rhetoric, often blending biblical prophecy with support for conservative policies. This creates an environment where the NAR’s followers view their actions not just as political participation but as part of a larger, divinely guided cosmic struggle. The essay details how the NAR frames its struggle as an apocalyptic battle between the forces of good and evil, with Trump positioned as a key figure in the fight to reclaim America for God.
One particularly disturbing moment the essay recounts occurs at Gateway House of Prayer, where a group of NAR followers gathered in 2023 to pray for a “full overturning” of the media, which they believe has been turned into a tool for propaganda rather than truth. The language used by these followers was chilling, calling for a “reformation” of the media, transforming it into an apparatus that would align with their understanding of God’s will. The rhetoric here was not just about policy or social change, but about a total remaking of American life according to a religious vision.
But the controversy and explosive nature of this movement aren’t just political—they’re deeply personal. Within the NAR, believers are taught to view the world through a lens of spiritual warfare, often leading to aggressive rejection of family members, friends, and communities who do not share their beliefs. The essay describes how NAR leaders openly encourage followers to “rebuke” and distance themselves from anyone who does not conform to their view of the Kingdom of God, even going so far as to suggest that such individuals are on a path to hell.
In one particularly disturbing example, Joseph Garlington, a prominent NAR figure, made a public statement suggesting that parents should be prepared to “rebuke” their children if they stray from the faith, even implying that the child’s path might lead to hell. This harsh rhetoric reflects the movement’s broader belief in the need for absolute loyalty to God’s plan, often at the expense of familial relationships and personal autonomy. This uncompromising stance has led many in the movement to see themselves as part of a “holy remnant” chosen by God, destined to prevail in an apocalyptic struggle against a secular society they view as increasingly wicked.
The essay also sheds light on how these beliefs manifest in the NAR’s political activism. During the 2020 election cycle, NAR leaders were heavily involved in pushing a pro-Trump agenda, with figures like Wallnau and Cindy Jacobs organizing rallies and prayer campaigns to rally support for Trump’s reelection. The NAR’s influence is not limited to the fringes but extends into mainstream conservative circles, as their message of religious domination resonates with a growing base of right-wing voters who feel alienated by a secular, liberal society.
While many Americans may be unaware of the full scope of the NAR’s reach, The Atlantic essay makes it clear that this movement poses a serious threat to democracy. Its leaders see themselves as a vanguard in a holy war, aiming to overthrow the secular government and establish a Christian theocracy in its place. The essay points to the NAR’s growing influence in shaping policy, from immigration to LGBTQ rights, as evidence that this is no longer just a fringe movement, but a serious force within American politics.
The influence of the NAR extends to media as well, with leaders like Wallnau building a vast media empire to spread their message. Podcasts, streaming shows, and prayer networks all function as tools to recruit followers, sway public opinion, and mobilize political action. The movement has created a parallel media universe that functions as both a religious and political machine, churning out content that reinforces its apocalyptic vision and calls for radical societal transformation.
In the end, the essay leaves readers with a haunting question: What happens when a religious movement gains enough political power to challenge the very foundations of democratic governance? With figures like Wallnau and Garlington pushing their agenda, and millions of followers willing to do whatever it takes to bring about God’s Kingdom, the future of American democracy looks increasingly uncertain. The NAR’s rise is not just a story about religion—it is a story about power, politics, and the unsettling way that faith can be wielded to reshape a nation.
As the movement’s reach continues to grow, the challenge for the rest of America is not just understanding the NAR’s beliefs but grappling with what happens when those beliefs are translated into real-world political action.
