Latter Rain, Kingdom Now, & the Lord's Recovery

Jo S · 05-22-2018, 01:27 PM

Briefly fellowshipping with member's of the LC and talking with you all here, I've noticed patterns in biblical interpretation and from reading Lee's own writings that to me sound's very similar to teachings such as Pentecostal "Latter Rain" and New Apostolic "Kingdom Now" theology which are both variants of Christian Dominionism.

Some of the characteristics of LC theology to me seem partially influenced by Latter Rain Pentecostal thought so I'd like to get the forum's views on whether you believe the LC is a strong proponent of dominionist theology.

Here are a couple of excerpts from gotquestions.org and theopedia.com that seem to fall in line with this view;

"Latter Rain teaching is characterized by a highly typological hermeneutic. That is, the Bible is interpreted in a symbolic, extremely stylized manner. An emphasis is placed on extra-biblical revelation, such as personal prophecies, experiences, and directives straight from God. "

and,

"Many “apostles” in the Latter Rain Movement also teach the doctrine of “the manifest sons of God.” This is a heretical doctrine which says that the Church will give rise to a special group of “overcomers” who will receive spiritual bodies, becoming immortal."

also,

"The Latter Rain taught that God saw the church organized not into denominational camps, but along geographical lines. They expected that in the coming last days, the various Christian denominations would dissolve, and the true church would coalesce into citywide churches under the leadership of the newly-restored apostles and prophets." This is also called Christian ecumenism. It is then no surprise that many former Pentecostals become attracted to the LC.

Then there is Kingdom Now theology.

Per gotquestions.org;

"Kingdom Now proponents believe that God lost control over the world to Satan when Adam and Eve sinned. Since then, the theology goes, God has been trying to reestablish control over the world by seeking a special group of believers—known variously as "covenant people," "overcomers," or "Joel's army........."

This belief that God lost control can be found in Lee's writings on Genesis;

"Man must have dominion over all things on the earth, the field of Satan's activities. Satan is very active on the earth (Luke 4:5-6). So, here in Genesis 1:26 it especially says that man may have the dominion "over all the earth." The earth has been usurped by Satan. Thus, it needs to be ruled over by man, God's representative." -Witness Lee

We know from scripture that God is sovereign which means there isn't anything that is not allowed by him first including allowing Satan to have rule over the earth. Satan did not "usurp" anything meaning taken illegally or by force apart from God's allowance. Stating or implying otherwise is saying that God is not sovereign and in complete control.

The mindset that Christians need to take back control from Satan is the foundation of dominionism and it seems to be what Lee is promoting in his writings. I'm curious on what you guys think.

05-22-2018, 01:27 PM	#1
Jo S Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Ohio Posts: 488	Latter Rain, Kingdom Now, & the Lord's Recovery Briefly fellowshipping with member's of the LC and talking with you all here, I've noticed patterns in biblical interpretation and from reading Lee's own writings that to me sound's very similar to teachings such as Pentecostal "Latter Rain" and New Apostolic "Kingdom Now" theology which are both variants of Christian Dominionism. Some of the characteristics of LC theology to me seem partially influenced by Latter Rain Pentecostal thought so I'd like to get the forum's views on whether you believe the LC is a strong proponent of dominionist theology. Here are a couple of excerpts from gotquestions.org and theopedia.com that seem to fall in line with this view; "Latter Rain teaching is characterized by a highly typological hermeneutic. That is, the Bible is interpreted in a symbolic, extremely stylized manner. An emphasis is placed on extra-biblical revelation, such as personal prophecies, experiences, and directives straight from God. " and, "Many “apostles” in the Latter Rain Movement also teach the doctrine of “the manifest sons of God.” This is a heretical doctrine which says that the Church will give rise to a special group of “overcomers” who will receive spiritual bodies, becoming immortal." also, "The Latter Rain taught that God saw the church organized not into denominational camps, but along geographical lines. They expected that in the coming last days, the various Christian denominations would dissolve, and the true church would coalesce into citywide churches under the leadership of the newly-restored apostles and prophets." This is also called Christian ecumenism. It is then no surprise that many former Pentecostals become attracted to the LC. Then there is Kingdom Now theology. Per gotquestions.org; "Kingdom Now proponents believe that God lost control over the world to Satan when Adam and Eve sinned. Since then, the theology goes, God has been trying to reestablish control over the world by seeking a special group of believers—known variously as "covenant people," "overcomers," or "Joel's army........." This belief that God lost control can be found in Lee's writings on Genesis; "Man must have dominion over all things on the earth, the field of Satan's activities. Satan is very active on the earth (Luke 4:5-6). So, here in Genesis 1:26 it especially says that man may have the dominion "over all the earth." The earth has been usurped by Satan. Thus, it needs to be ruled over by man, God's representative." -Witness Lee We know from scripture that God is sovereign which means there isn't anything that is not allowed by him first including allowing Satan to have rule over the earth. Satan did not "usurp" anything meaning taken illegally or by force apart from God's allowance. Stating or implying otherwise is saying that God is not sovereign and in complete control. The mindset that Christians need to take back control from Satan is the foundation of dominionism and it seems to be what Lee is promoting in his writings. I'm curious on what you guys think.