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Witness Files 22's avatar

The concern here for those who know it deeply is the 7-mountain mandate used by Dominionists - not an accusation, just an observation and to be honest, realization as to its "miraculous vision-based creation".

Thank you for the article!

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Armor of Truth's avatar

Hi, thanks for your comment! Yes, for several years we have written and done videos about the 7 Mountain Mandate (7MM) / Dominionism / Kingdom Now / NAR to help warn the Church. The issue you raised, we spoke about in our video yesterday afternoon.

Christ’s kingdom is not established by human conquest but by His return (John 18:36, Rev. 19:15).

The church’s mission is to proclaim the gospel, not build a theocratic regime.

Authority over the nations is given to Christ alone, not the institutional church (Psalm 2; Rev. 12:5).

The true dominion of the saints comes after Christ returns, not before (Dan. 7:21–27).

Sphere Sovereignty is a doctrine of liberty under God’s rule.

Dominionism is a doctrine of conquest under man’s authority.

They are not only different—they are opposed in method, mandate, and spirit.

The coming world religion seeks to merge the church with the beast system, offering technocratic “salvation” through control, unity, and the illusion of progress.

But the true Church waits on the King of kings, not to conquer the world for Him—but to remain faithful until He comes.

Sphere Sovereignty (Kuyper/Sunshine)

“Sphere sovereignty holds that society consists of a number of autonomous spheres that should properly regulate their own affairs... Government in particular has a specific set of responsibilities... not to rule over all.”

—Glenn Sunshine, Slaying Leviathan, p. 15

Key Principles:

Rooted in Reformation thought, especially Abraham Kuyper and Johannes Althusius.

Recognizes that each sphere (church, family, education, etc.) has distinct God-given authority.

Seeks to limit the reach of government and prevent any single institution from claiming ultimate power—including the church.

Does not seek cultural conquest but seeks ordered liberty under God’s law, rooted in conscience and humility.

Affirms the church's mission as spiritual, not political: preaching the gospel, not taking over governments.

Seven Mountain Mandate (Dominionism)

“These segments of society should be seen as apostolic spheres... Whoever controls these mountains controls the direction of the world.”

—C. Peter Wagner, The Church in the Workplace, 2006

Key Principles:

Rooted in Latter Rain, New Apostolic Reformation, and postmillennial charismatic theology.

Teaches that Christians must “take dominion” over seven key spheres (religion, family, education, government, media, arts/entertainment, business).

Portrays the church as a governing force—an “army of apostles and prophets” to conquer the world before Christ returns.

Proclaims that Christ cannot return until the church has subdued these mountains.

Blurs lines between church and state, often merging spiritual authority with political rule.

⚔️ Why Sphere Sovereignty Is Not Dominionism

Though both concepts speak of societal structures or "spheres," Sphere Sovereignty and the Seven Mountains Mandate are fundamentally opposed in their origins, goals, and theology.

Sphere Sovereignty, based on sound biblical interpretation, refers to a society composed of distinct spheres—such as family, church, education, and government—each with its own God-given authority and boundaries. The goal is not to dominate but to ensure ordered liberty and protect freedom of conscience under God’s moral law. In this framework, the church serves as a witness, not a ruler. The state has limited responsibilities: to protect citizens, uphold justice, and restrain evil—not to redeem society or implement theological mandates. Culture is seen as a realm for faithful presence and engagement, not conquest. Influence happens through preaching, teaching, and principled reform. The world will face judgment and only Christ will bring true restoration at His return.

By contrast, the Seven Mountains Mandate is rooted in the Latter Rain movement, the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), and charismatic Dominionist theology. It teaches that Christians are called to conquer seven spheres of cultural influence—religion, family, education, government, media, arts/entertainment, and business—in order to establish the Kingdom of God on Earth before Christ returns. The church is portrayed as a triumphant, militant force, an army of apostles and prophets commissioned to rule society. The state is not merely restrained but repurposed as a tool of divine enforcement, subordinated to this “apostolic” church government. Culture is viewed as a spiritual battlefield, and influence is sought through decrees, warfare prayer, prophetic declarations, and institutional control. This system is deeply postmillennial, expecting the world to be “Christianized” and perfected through the church's efforts prior to Christ’s second coming.

In short, Sphere Sovereignty guards against tyranny and maintains institutional humility. Dominionism blurs church and state, exalts human authority, and misuses Scripture to justify cultural conquest. While one framework seeks to preserve liberty under Christ, the other seeks to enforce dominion in His name—without His return.

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Witness Files 22's avatar

Thank you for clarification in your stance. It seems to be something that is quickly seen and I followed you because of your solid foundation.

I do appreciate your hard work and am in prayer that your ministry assists many!

God Bless you today!

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Armor of Truth's avatar

Thank you so much! That’s really encouraging and a blessing! -Summer

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