The Spiritual Battle for America’s Soul

As I stood on the National Mall, surrounded by thousands of fervent believers gathered for Rededicate 250, a jubilee of prayer and praise to commemorate America’s founding, I felt a sense of unease. This was more than just another rally or celebration – it was a declaration of war against the very idea of separation between church and state.

The event was a culmination of years of grassroots mobilization by the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a charismatic movement that has been gaining momentum since the 1990s. Its leaders have successfully harnessed the power of prophetic declarations to shape public policy, influencing elections and inciting violence. The insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6 was just one manifestation of this spiritual battle.

The crowd I witnessed was predominantly white, but many attendees proudly declared their movement’s international and multiethnic scope. However, beneath the surface lies a more sinister reality – an attempt to impose a specific brand of Christianity as the national religion. This is not a new phenomenon; throughout history, dominant cultures have sought to impose their values on others under the guise of “spiritual warfare.”

Historians argue that the notion America was founded as a Christian nation overlooks the complexities of the American Revolution and the country’s founding documents. In reality, the separation between church and state has always been an essential aspect of American democracy.

Speakers at the event echoed a similar theme: that America’s problems can be solved through prayer and spiritual warfare. Administration officials like Pete Hegseth and Marco Rubio reinforced this message, citing anecdotes of God’s miracles in American history. However, these stories are often distorted or taken out of context to fit the NAR’s agenda.

Attendees, many clad in MAGA hats, seemed oblivious to the irony of their presence. They were there to “roast” demonic forces and advance the kingdom – a phrase that has become increasingly familiar in modern American politics. This is not about faith; it’s about power. The NAR’s influence extends far beyond the realm of spirituality, shaping public policy and fueling violence.

Joel Balin, a leader of the Wednesday Warriors men’s ministry, confidently declared that church-state separation was a “myth.” He argued that any attempt to separate God from earthly life is a foolish denial of the cosmic reality of the spiritual battle. This echoes the NAR’s broader message – one that seeks to erode the boundaries between church and state.

The implications are far-reaching. If this movement succeeds in imposing its brand of Christianity on America, it will have disastrous consequences for religious minorities and those who hold dissenting views. The redrawing of the cultural landscape will be swift and merciless, with little room for nuance or critical thinking.

As I watched the crowd disperse, many taking selfies and livestreaming their experience to congregations back home, I wondered – what’s next? Will this spiritual battle spill into the streets, as it has before? Or will it seep into our institutions, further polarizing American society?

One thing is certain: we cannot afford to ignore the threat posed by the NAR and its allies. We must confront the danger of a Christian nationalism that seeks to erase the separation between church and state. The spiritual battle for America’s soul has only just begun – and it will require all our vigilance to prevent the erosion of our democratic values.

Balin noted, “There are so many things happening in the supernatural realm, and in the ancient world and other cultures, they recognized this—there was no separation.” It seems that America is about to rediscover its own history – one where church and state were kept distinct.