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Doug Wilson and 7MM: Contrasting Visions for Christian Influence

  • Writer: Krista Bontrager, DMin
    Krista Bontrager, DMin
  • Aug 13
  • 8 min read

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As the West continues to wane and nihilism is on the rise, there is renewed energy among a growing group of Christians about how to engage in social transformation and justice in the public square. In my view, there are currently at least five major models competing for attention. Both progressive and conservative churches vigorously lobby for laws and policies, organize voting registration events and mobilize protests because they believe their approach is what Jesus would have them do in the name of justice.


Among conservative evangelicals, two influential frameworks for social transformation are gaining increased attention: Doug Wilson’s "mere Christendom" model (or, Christian nationalism) and the Seven Mountains Mandate (7MM). I've had a number of inquiries asking me to explain the differences between the two models because they both call believers to shape society according to biblical principles. Both views have also been platformed by TPUSA Faith. But they also differ significantly in their theological foundations, strategies, and visions for cultural transformation. This brief essay aims to clarify the distinctives of each approach, identifying key voices and texts, comparing their similarities, and contrasting their differences.



Defining Doug Wilson’s Mere Christendom Model

Doug Wilson, a prominent Presbyterian pastor, theologian, and author based in Moscow, Idaho, advocates a form of Christian nationalism* rooted in postmillennialism, the eschatological view that Christians are tasked with building a godly society to prepare for Christ’s return, a process that will gradually Christianize the world. His vision, articulated in works like Mere Christendom and his blog, Blog & Mablog, calls the church to play a significant role in shaping society. Wilson envisions a world where civil governance, cultural norms, and public institutions explicitly reflect Christian principles, particularly those derived from biblical law.


Wilson’s version of Christian nationalism begins with the belief that all authority belongs to Christ (Matt. 28:19). As the Gospel goes out, hearts will be changed, churches will be planted, and cities, states and nations will eventually structure their laws and culture according to God's standards of justice. He envisions a “mere Christendom”—a society where Christianity is the privileged religion, shaping laws and cultural norms. Conversely, Wilson rejects secular pluralism** as a neutral governing principle, arguing that all societies worship something, and a Christian nation should unapologetically worship Christ.


I explain more of Wilson's views here:



Practically speaking, Wilson’s approach centers local transformation first, as exemplified in his work with Christ Church and related institutions (e.g., Logos School, New St. Andrews College, Canon Press). He emphasizes the family, church, and Christian education as foundational to building a Christian society, with civil government reflecting biblical law. Wilson boldly engages cultural issues through sharp critiques of secularism and feminism, from a Reformed point of view in his books and podcasts. Contemporary evangelical thinkers friendly to aspects of Wilson's approach would include Dr. Joe Boot (from the Ezra Institute), Dr. James White and Pastor Jeff Durbin (from Apologia Church).



Defining the Seven Mountains Mandate Model

The Seven Mountains Mandate, originating within the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) stream of Protestantism, is a strategic framework calling Christians to influence seven key societal spheres: religion, family, education, government, media, arts/entertainment, and business. Key voices advancing this approach include Lance Wallnau, Bill Johnson (from Bethel Church), and Johnny Enlow, whose teachings have popularized the mandate through sermons, books, and media platforms. The 7MM is rooted in a charismatic version of dominionist theology that sees Christians as divinely commissioned to “take dominion” over culture, transforming it to reflect God’s kingdom. The term “mountains” symbolizes these cultural domains as battlegrounds for spiritual warfare, where believers must overcome demonic influences to establish Christian values.


The 7MM draws on Genesis 1:28 and Revelation 11:15, interpreting these passages as a mandate for Christians to steward creation and reclaim society for God. Unlike traditional denominational leadership structures (e.g., elders, deacons and bishops), the 7MM emphasizes modern-day apostles and prophets, spiritual warfare, and a decentralized network of believers infiltrating cultural institutions. It encourages Christians to rise to positions of leadership in their professions—whether as politicians, educators, or media moguls—to shape culture through influence, prayer, and practical action. Influential books laying out the 7MM as a political philosophy include Invading Babylon: The 7 Mountain Mandate by Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson, which frames Christian leadership as a spiritual and political antidote to cultural decay, and The Seven Mountain Prophecy by Johnny Enlow, which outlines a prophetic vision for dominion over societal spheres.


The movement has gained traction in charismatic circles, particularly for its motivational approach and its alignment with conservative political activism. Other prominent voices in this stream would include Che Ahn and Paula White, Special Advisor to the White House's Faith and Opportunity Initiative. Many of the people who claimed to be getting prophetic visions and dreams back in 2020 about Trump's re-election belong to the 7MM stream.



Comparing the Two Frameworks

Both Doug Wilson’s mere Christendom and the Seven Mountains Mandate share a core conviction: Christians are called to shape society according to biblical principles, rejecting secularism as a neutral or desirable framework. This shared goal—rooted in the belief that Christians should exercise stewardship over the earth—creates areas of significant overlap between the two frameworks. Here are four of those shared principles in broad form.


  1. Opposition to Secularism: Both frameworks view secular progressivism as a major societal problem. Wilson explicitly argues that secularism is a false religion that undermines biblical truth, advocating for a society where Christianity is the governing worldview. Similarly, the 7MM frames secular culture as influenced by demonic forces, requiring Christians to reclaim the “mountains” through spiritual and practical means. Both see the current cultural landscape as a battleground where Christian values must prevail.


  2. Political Engagement: Each approach engages politics as a key arena for cultural and societal transformation. Wilson supports electing leaders who will pass laws and policies that align with the biblical standards of justice. The 7MM advocates often frame certain political leaders (especially Trump) as divinely appointed to advance God’s agenda in government. Both see political involvement as essential to their mission.


  3. Dominion Theology: Both frameworks are rooted in dominion theology, which is the idea that Christians are called to rule or influence the world for God’s glory. They share the goal of a society aligned with Christian principles and a general optimism that this vision is the will of God, one which will eventually be realized.


  4. Cultural Transformation: Wilson and the 7MM both reject a retreatist (for lack of a better term) approach to culture, urging Christians to actively engage and influence public life and be proactive agents of change.



Contrasting the Two Frameworks

Despite these broad similarities, Wilson’s version of Christian nationalism and the 7MM differ significantly in their theological foundations, methods, scope, and tone, reflecting distinct visions for how Christians should engage culture. Here are five broad ways where their approaches differ.


  1. Theological Foundations:

    • Wilson would say that his approach is grounded in the broad tradition of the Westminster Confession, emphasizing the authority of Scripture, covenant theology, and a postmillennial eschatology.*** He frequently cites historical Protestant thinkers like John Calvin and Abraham Kuyper.


    • Rooted in the charismatic NAR movement, the 7MM emphasizes spiritual warfare, prophetic revelation, and a decentralized, Spirit-led approach. Its advocates generally come from a premillenial dispensational approach to eschatology. They are often guided by “apostolic” leadership and their approach to theology is often less systematic and more overtly grounded in supernatural experiences (e.g., visions, prophetic dreams and words of knowledge).


  2. Scope and Strategy:

    • Wilson focuses on building a Christian nation-state, particularly by revitalizing a return to the historic foundations of America as a Constitutional Republic. His strategy strives to transform local institutions first (e.g., family, church, schools and local government). This effort is exemplified in his hometown of Moscow, Idaho, where he has built Christian schools, churches, and businesses to model a “mere Christendom.” While his ultimate goal is national, and even global, it is lived out in local communities first.


    • 7MM generally takes a broader approach, targeting seven societal spheres worldwide. It encourages individual believers to infiltrate and lead in diverse sectors, from Hollywood to Wall Street, using prayer, professional excellence, and spiritual warfare. Its strategy is less about building specifically Christian institutions and more about influencing existing ones.


  3. Methods and Tone:

    • Wilson employs a strong theological and intellectual tone, engaging culture through books, debates, and sharp critiques of non-Christian ideologies. His focus on biblical law has strong appeal to his base, which consists of a broadly Reformed audience.


    • 7MM leaders often use motivational rhetoric, framing cultural engagement as a spiritual battle to “take the mountains.” Its emphasis on spiritual warfare and marketplace success resonates with charismatic Christians.


  4. View of Pluralism:

    • Wilson explicitly rejects secular progressivism, arguing that a Christian nation should privilege Christianity. This, in turn, requires there to be some limits on religious freedom. His vision works to implement biblical law into law and public policies.


    • 7MM often frames its goal as influence within existing systems. There is a level of ambiguity, however, among 7MM advocates about how to specifically implement this influence or how to deal with the American conception of freedom of religion.


  5. Cultural and Political Alliances:

    • Wilson operates within a broadly Reformed context. Through the use of YouTube and social media, however, his influence has grown beyond those who share his specific confessional commitments. But Wilson is still viewed by other Reformed leaders as being a bit eccentric in the particular version of Presbyterianism that he advocates.***


    • 7MM has built a broad coalition, uniting charismatics, evangelicals, and conservative activists, particularly in recent years through its alignment with pro-Trump movements. Its pragmatic approach makes it more mainstream but less ideologically consistent.



Conclusions

Doug Wilson’s mere Christendom model and the Seven Mountains Mandate model both call evangelicals to shape society for Christ, opposing secular progressivism and advancing a vision to rule and reign over the earth (Gen. 1:28). These frameworks share a commitment to political engagement and cultural transformation but diverge in their theology, scope, and methods. They offer distinct paths for cultural engagement and how to answer the call to love our neighbors in a pluralistic world.


Wilson’s version of Christian nationalism offers a theologically robust, historically grounded vision. Its focus on local transformation and biblical law may appeal to those seeking a clear, systematic approach. While others believe it is impractical and hasn't moved much beyond its small town origins into meaningful cultural transformation. On the other hand, the 7MM, with its charismatic energy and emphasis on spiritual warfare and marketplace leadership resonates with those eager to impact culture practically. However, its theological looseness and reliance on prophetic claims are concerning.


For more on these issues, see:


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* It should be noted that Wilson's model differs significantly from competing models of Christian nationalism that are put forward by people like Stephen Wolfe and Joel Webbon. Although Wilson's publisher, Canon Press, published Wolfe's book, The Case for Christian Nationalism (2022), there are significant differences between the two in terms of their models. They should not be conflated.


** I am defining the term "secular" to refer to a system or perspective that operates independently of religious influence, prioritizing neutrality or pluralism in governance, education, or culture.


***Many see Wilson as spearheading a subset to traditional Reformed theology. His controversial beliefs connected to Federal Vision have been denounced as heterodox by multiple denominations. That situation is briefly documented here.

 
 
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