Fundamental problems of the dominion theology

• In dominion theology, the church’s “hope” is to establish an earthly kingdom rather than wait for Christ’s second return and His new kingdom. As a result, the great commission (of evangelism) has thus been re-defined as a church-wide mission to regain control of the world, institution by institution and nation by nation. Those who believe this are ignorant of what the scriptures and the early apostles believed. They hoped for Christ’s imminent return and until then involved themselves to fulfill the great commission through the power of the Holy Spirit.

• Leaders of Dominion Theology often use allegorical, symbolic, spiritualizing interpretations of scripture, which can lead to false interpretations and further deception. The fundamental of literal interpretation of the Bible is often lost in favor or a more mystical outcome.

• Its adherents also tend to assume that they possess the authority and power to command God to move on their behalf, in turn taking the glory and honor that belong to Christ.

• It wrongly encourages the development of a “spiritual elite / group”, which includes prophets and teachers who claim to possess special keys and access to the throne of God and the authority to attain dominion. This results in its followers putting their trust in faith and human leaders rather than in God and His word. Additionally, it fosters unchristian attitudes of arrogance and pride amongst the leaders.

• At church services, biblical doctrine has been replaced by the prophetic, spiritual gifts, and the supernatural, which are seen as normative and are used as signs that the church is actively reclaiming authority and expanding God’s kingdom on earth.

• Dominion theology also raises false expectations and ignores the reality of living in this present evil world.

• There is also an increasing emphasis on using specific formulas, and strategies for spiritual warfare or tactics to defeat satan instead of living by the basic principles of humility, biblical truth, and faith in God.

In conclusion, Dominion Theology distorts the true mission of the church. By redefining the Great Commission as a mandate to take control of worldly institutions, it shifts the focus away from evangelism and discipleship, placing it instead on a misguided pursuit of earthly power.

This teaching draws many into relying on human authority, special revelations, and supernatural displays, all while replacing humble, Christ-centered faith with a focus on self-elevation and spiritual elitism.

The result is a movement that encourages trust in leaders and “prophets” over God’s Word and fosters a mindset of pride rather than true humility.

In the next section, we’ll look at why biblically we cannot accept this theology, examining Scripture’s clear teachings about the church’s real mission and our hope in Christ’s return, which alone will usher in His eternal kingdom.

Biblically we cannot accept dominion theology for the following reasons; 

• When the Bible speaks about the rapture, it does not imply that believers are to achieve dominion or establish any sort of earthly triumph before Christ’s return. It simply states that we are to trust and hope for Christ’s return. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:13).

• In the Bible, it is clearly taught that Jesus Christ will establish a 1000-year earthly kingdom. There is, however, no scripture backing for dominion theology that the Christ will not come until the church first establishes a kingdom on earth (this is an unsupported claim).

• It does not uphold the uniqueness of the New Covenant, which replaces the Old Covenant (Hebrews 8:6-13). Instead, it emphasizes the pursuit of establishing a different earthly kingdom, diverting focus from the spiritual nature of Christ’s kingdom and His completed work.

• The emphasis is wrongly placed on human capabilities and techniques. There is no emphasis given to the sinfulness of human nature (Romans 3:10-12), and it also contradicts biblical teachings on humility, patience, faith in God, the finished work of Calvary, and the superiority of Christ (Romans 12:1-3, I Corinthians 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 4:7; Colossians 2:1-23).

• The Bible reveals we are engaged in spiritual warfare, but it does not prescribe the same techniques the Dominion Theology illustrates. Although the Bible teaches that we have victory over the devil, it emphasizes to place our faith in God’s sovereignty and the adequacy of the Cross, not on human authority (Acts 3:14-16).

In conclusion, we are not called to take dominion over the institutions of this world. We are not called to take dominion over demons and over the devil. We are called to put on our spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18), resist that demonic world (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9), and rely on the power of God who takes care of them (Romans 16:20).