Mon Sep 23 00:52:11 UTC 2024: ## Charismatic Christian Leaders and the January 6th Insurrection: A New Book Explores the Role of “Strategic Spiritual Warfare”

**Washington, D.C.** – A new book by religious studies scholar Matthew D. Taylor explores the role of charismatic Christian leaders in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. Taylor, a former evangelical Christian minister who now holds a doctorate from Georgetown, argues that a crucial part of the insurrection story remains untold: the influence of “theological ring leaders” who inspired many of the foot soldiers.

Taylor’s book, titled “The Violent Take It By Force,” focuses on a movement known as the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a network of charismatic Christian leaders who believe in the power of “strategic-level spiritual warfare.” The NAR, according to Taylor, sees society as a battlefield where spiritual forces, particularly “high-level demons,” control physical territory and human institutions. Apostles and prophets, they believe, are generals in this spiritual warfare who can mobilize Christians to fight these demons.

The book tracks over 50 charismatic Christian leaders who were in Washington D.C. on January 6th, many of whom were affiliated with the NAR. Taylor contends that they believed a “demonic conspiracy” was behind the election of Joe Biden and that Donald Trump, whom they considered “God’s destined candidate,” could be pushed into office through spiritual warfare tactics.

“They thought that they could, in the spiritual realm, push Donald Trump across the finish line, get him back in office through these spiritual warfare tactics,” Taylor told NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe in an interview.

The book highlights the connection between the NAR and the Trump administration, particularly the role of Paula White-Cain, a televangelist and megachurch pastor who was Trump’s personal pastor and served as a White House liaison to evangelical Christians. White-Cain, Taylor notes, spearheaded a White House-sponsored prayer movement called the 1Voice Prayer Movement, which drew in NAR leaders and became a key organizing force for January 6th.

Taylor argues that this form of Christian extremism has become a significant threat within the American population and that Christians have a responsibility to address it. He criticizes the lack of legal and congressional scrutiny of the religious leaders involved in the January 6th insurrection.

“This is a form of Christian extremism that has taken hold in a large part of the American population,” Taylor said. “I think part of the reality is a lot of Christians are not aware that this is going on.”

Taylor’s book, “The Violent Take It By Force,” challenges readers to confront the role of charismatic Christianity in the January 6th attack and its broader implications for American society.

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