c. 2007 Religion News Service

(UNDATED) In a Feb. 14 Religion News Service interview about his new book, “American Fascists,” decidedly liberal and anti-evangelical Chris Hedges made a number of assertions that fail the truth test. One in particular about Southern Baptists needs to be corrected for the record.

Hedges, credentialed as a “former New York Times correspondent” and a “graduate of Harvard Divinity School,” made the following linkages that belie his supposed expertise:

“Dominionism, or Christian Reconstructionism, is a movement:

_ “ … which argues that Christians have been anointed by God to create the Christian state and ultimately, a global Christian empire.”

_ that says “social welfare agencies, along with educational systems, should be turned over to these churches.”

_ that has “taken over denominations, such as the Southern Baptist Convention.”

Hedges uses “dominionism” as a pejorative to conjure negative images of evangelicals. Those who throw around this term typically also use such labels as “Christianist” and “fundamentalist” as a means to elicit imagery of jihadists in describing conservative Christians.

All three constructs are being popularized by the principle of “if you say it enough it becomes truth” _ “stewardship” means “domination,” and evangelicals’ get-out-the-vote efforts are plots to overthrow the government rather than healthy political participation in a democracy.

Regardless, there is so much evidence to the contrary of Hedges’ assertions it is hard to know where to start.

The bottom line: Southern Baptist leaders have extensive public records of speaking and writing, and not one of them hints at Hedges’ dominionism in their beliefs.

Admittedly, that is a wealth of material to research. However, a check of news from recent years is enough to dispute Hedges’ allegations.

For example, in the last three years, messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention declined to embrace a proposal to exit public schools, and instead chose to call for engaging the culture to effect changes in the public square.

While rejecting the notion of abandonment, Southern Baptists did not call for taking over public schools, but urged a Christ-like example (as compelling evidence of the positive, transforming power of the Holy Spirit). Moreover, Southern Baptists called for arguing their beliefs in the free-market competition of ideas represented by democratic elections.

The language in the resolution called on believers to:

_ “be salt and light.”

_ “affirm … Christian men and women who teach in our public schools.”

_ “encourage … young people who are seriously considering the teaching profession.”

_ “solicit individuals … to engage the culture … by running for election to their local school boards.”

_ “urge Christian parents to fully embrace their responsibility … (to) make prayerful and informed decisions regarding where and how they educate their children … with a goal of raising godly men and women who are thoroughly equipped to live as fully devoted followers of Christ.”

Calls to be “salt and light,” encouraging free exercise of the constitutional right to vote, and urging parental accountability are a far cry from advocating the takeover of government or society. But these are pesky facts that Hedges does not bother to note.

Then there are annoying technical details that contradict Hedges’ assertions.

For example, fascism calls for totalitarian control. However, the SBC is one of the most democratic institutions in organized religion. Thomas Jefferson once opined that the self-governmental structure of Baptists “… would be the best form for the government of these American Colonies.” Autonomy (independent rule) of the local church still prevails in Southern Baptist life today.

Disagreement with, or even strongly worded criticism of, Southern Baptists is not out of bounds. Southern Baptists are as prone to point out their flaws to the world as anyone else. However, Hedges’ arguments are not factually or contextually accurate, just mean-spirited political hype.

Southern Baptists show no foundation or even fringe of Hedges’ dominionism in their beliefs and practices. On the other hand, Hedges’ virulent assault shows more than just a hint of his fascist intolerance, especially in view of the indisputable facts.

(Will Hall is the executive editor of Baptist Press, a news service financed through the contributions of Southern Baptist churches.)

KRE/LF END HALL

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