We’re living in strange and dangerous days. Many people are wrapping political power in religious language — and millions are being deceived. As a Christian who reads the Bible daily, I feel compelled to speak plainly about a movement many have never heard of: The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR).
A Story We Thought We Knew
In the 1950s, Jim Jones founded the People’s Temple in Indiana. Many remember the horrific ending — more than 900 people died in Jonestown, Guyana. But fewer remember how it began.
Jones started by preaching racial integration, feeding the poor, and advocating for the marginalized. His early work attracted political allies in California: George Moscone, Harvey Milk, and others. He mobilized thousands of volunteers and earned himself political appointments. And yet, behind the scenes, it was a manipulative, paranoid, and ultimately deadly cult.
People wanted to believe in something. They were scared, vulnerable, and hungry for connection. Cults feed on this need. And today, it’s happening again.
A New Movement, Same Deception
Stephanie McCrummen recently wrote an eye-opening piece in The Atlantic titled Army of God. She describes the rise of a charismatic Christian movement called the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) — now sweeping across American churches and politics. If you haven’t heard of NAR yet, you’re not alone. But it’s real — and it’s deeply dangerous.
NAR’s message is mystical, emotional, utopian, and fiercely political. At its core, it preaches that we are in a spiritual war: God vs. Satan, good vs. evil — with little room for nuance or debate. Roughly 40% of American Christians, including many Catholics, have embraced elements of this movement. And Donald Trump saw this as fertile ground for political power.
What starts as “spiritual warfare” too often ends in frightening justification for violence and lawlessness — as we saw on January 6th. Some called that attack God’s will. Some still do.
Things aren’t always the way they seem.
The Bible Is Clear — But Many Don’t Read It
I’ve been part of churches that promoted this kind of thinking. Everything becomes a spiritual battle. But when you step back, you realize: the fruit doesn’t match the tree.
People in these movements often excuse behavior that flatly contradicts biblical teaching: lying, cheating, adultery, pride, greed, and cruelty. Some even compare Trump to King David, or claim, “If God could use a donkey, He can use Donald Trump.” That’s not sound theology — it’s desperate rationalization.
The test is simple: If what you’re being told violates clear biblical teaching, don’t believe it. Don’t even take my word for it — open your Bible and read it for yourself.
Jesus didn’t teach lust for power. He didn’t bless dishonesty. He didn’t celebrate greed or mock the weak. Yet that is exactly what too many so-called “Christian leaders” and politicians are doing today, while millions cheer them on.
Things aren’t always the way they seem.
This Is Not Normal
Look at the facts:
- A president convicted of 34 felonies, facing even more charges conveniently delayed.
- A movement that calls anyone who disagrees “the enemy.”
- Politicians who once condemned Trump as a danger now grovel at his feet.
- Allies like Putin and Viktor Orbán elevated while our friends in Europe, Canada, and Mexico are mocked.
- Science denied, history rewritten, cruelty normalized.
- Leaders who claim Christian values while embracing open corruption: pride, greed, adultery, deception, cruelty, and the endless pursuit of personal power.
- Self-appointed “basement prophets” with no accountability, no church, no spiritual oversight — broadcasting wild visions on social media and gathering followers hungry to believe anything.
This is not normal. This is not godly. And this is not Christianity.
The Bible Has Seen It All Before
Open the book of Chronicles. You’ll see kings who defied God, false prophets who misled nations, conspiracies that led to destruction. These patterns repeat — because human nature hasn’t changed.
Many cry “Lord, Lord,” but do not know Him. Many wrap themselves in religious language while leading people astray. That’s not new — but the consequences are just as devastating today as they were thousands of years ago.
Be Discerning
Before you call yourself a Christian, check what the Bible says. Read Jesus’ words. Compare them to the behavior you’re seeing. If you’re hearing lies, rage, cruelty, and self-worship, you’re not hearing Christ.
Disagree on politics — fine. Debate economic policy — fine. But don’t confuse political power with God’s kingdom.
And as I often say: Things aren’t always the way they seem.
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