General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The Dominionist movement has got to be stopped. [View all]VAliberal
(297 posts)Premillennialism, in its popularized version, is seen in the Left Behind series of books and movies. It is pervasive in the churches. 58% of white evangelical Christians believe Jesus is returning to earth. If you look at statements of belief for evangelical Bible colleges, ministries and denominations, you will frequently find some reference to faith in the premillennial return of Jesus and the rapture.
Postmillennialism/dominionism/Christian reconstructionism, are more limited in popular culture, at least by way of audience and media presence, but the thinkers and their books and journals have had an impact on church and state out of proportion to their numbers. R.J. Rushdoony, the father of reconstructionism, influenced a generation of politicians and theologian-pastors. So far as churches go, the movement is largely confined to the really conservative Presbyterian and Reformed denominations and particular congregations. But the theology has had a wider impact. Certainly you see the theology finding expression in much of the homeschooling movement, anti-reproductive choice legislation, opposition to social welfare and activism intent on breaching the separation of church & state.
And too, I suppose there is some overlap and cross-pollination. Falwell, while premillennial, deviated from the historic apolitical stance of that view and embraced political action when he launched the Moral Majority.