Doug Mastriano's defeat in Pennsylvania sparks holy war on democracy
- Doug Mastriano's gubernatorial defeat in Pennsylvania has spotlighted the influence of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and its dominion theology supporters.
- The NAR views Pennsylvania as critical for expanding their movement across the United States, reshaping the legacy of its founder, William Penn, to align with their goals.
- Despite setbacks, the NAR's strategies and local activities in communities reveal a persistent effort to influence political and social dynamics in the region.
In Pennsylvania, Doug Mastriano's loss in the gubernatorial race of 2022 underscored the significant role the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) plays in contemporary politics. The NAR has cultivated a following that believes the state is pivotal in exerting influence nationwide. Their movement, rooted in neo-Pentecostalism, emphasizes supernatural interventions and spiritual warfare, positioning political conflicts as battles between good and evil rather than mere partisan disputes. The historical figure of William Penn, a proponent of religious tolerance and secular governance, has been co-opted by NAR leaders to support their dominionist agenda. They argue that Penn's ideals align more closely with their beliefs than with his actual legacy of diversity. This reinterpretation serves to reinforce the movement's claims to legitimacy and authority. Despite Mastriano not being the first NAR-affiliated candidate, his campaign brought broader attention to the movement's full scope. Local leaders and activists within the NAR believe that the groundwork laid over decades will continue to thrive, employing various strategies to integrate their beliefs into local governance voluntarily. Ultimately, activists opposing NAR's influence stress the need for informed strategies to address the movement's long-term ambitions, seeking to educate themselves about the NAR's beliefs and practices to counteract its political and social repercussions effectively.