The End of Christian Supremacy and Its Quest for Dominance

Call for a New Reformation, Part 5

NOTE: Because this November-December series (“A Call for a New Reformation”) is incredibly important to me, I’ve decided to open it up for free through the end of December 2024. If you find this series to be inspirational, empowering, or otherwise valuable and look forward to more, please consider supporting the “Religious, Reasonable, & Radical Newsletter & Community” (learn more) by becoming a paid member for a small monthly fee.

A long, long time ago (380 C.E.) in a land far, far away (at least from me), Emperor Theodocious l declared Christianity to be the only legitimate religion of the Roman Empire. The sword and cross joined together and became tools to further the quest for dominion and power.

The image of Christ as Pantocrator (“ruler of all”) arose in the 6th and 7th centuries and reflected this new emphasis on his global dominance. While many Christians resisted the image, it was ultimately considered a faithful expression of an important part of the Christian faith.

Ever since Christianity became the official state religion of the Empire, the primary way to convert non-Christians to the faith was through fear. It was simple: convert or die.

In the British Isles, for example, it is strongly believed that those Celts who worshiped the old gods, such as the druids, would have to abandon those deities and embrace Christ or suffer the price for (presumably) worshiping demons. While today we celebrate St Patty's Day as a way to honor the saint who brought Christianity to the Irish, what is often overlooked is that we are actually celebrating genocide.

Truth be told, the quest for power and dominance has been an integral part of the Christian religion for many, many more centuries than it has not.

Postmodern culture is experiencing a meaning crisis.

Why have we lost sight of Meaning?
Is there any hope of getting it back?
Better yet, is the loss of Meaning really a bad thing?

If you long for a theological path forward, Drinking from an Empty Glass: Living Out of a Meaningless Spirituality is the book you’re looking for.