Our nation is experiencing a coordinated push to fuse one particular brand of Christianity with state power. A key driver is the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a loose network of leaders who preach that modern apostles and prophets should take dominion over government, education, media and the courts. This is not simply private faith in public life; it is a political theology that treats pluralism as a problem to be overcome.

When any movement claims divine authority for political outcomes, compromise becomes “disobedience,” opponents become “enemies,” and elections are recast as spiritual warfare. That mindset undermines the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power — cornerstones of our democratic republic. We have seen NAR-affiliated rhetoric amplify conspiracy thinking, demonize civic institutions and encourage officials to govern as agents of a religious mandate rather than as servants of all constituents.

People of faith and no faith should reject this takeover project. Defend church-state separation, support candidates who respect constitutional limits, and ask local officials to affirm equal rights for every neighbor — regardless of religion. Houses of worship can contribute to the common good without seeking dominion. Our democratic republic depends on it.

Vincent J. Sanzotti,

Center Township