The sight of Lou Engle proclaiming “Nazirite DNA” to 50,000 fervent Gen-Z believers on the National Mall raises profound theological concerns. As a Christian, I find the implications of Communion America’s teachings troubling. Online searches for “Communion America heresy” are surging, with Reformed, evangelical, and even secular observers questioning its fidelity to Scripture.
The Concerns
This post examines seven critical red flags in Communion America’s teachings, addressing key issues such as Lou Engle’s “Nazirite DNA,” the Manifest Sons of God 2025 vision, the 7 Mountain Mandate, the New Apostolic Reformation’s influence, accusations of evangelical perfectionism, concerns about false teaching at the National Mall revival, and questions of biblical orthodoxy. These point to a potential drift toward “another gospel” (Gal. 1:6–9). This analysis aims to equip believers with discernment, urging a response grounded in Scripture and offered in charity.
1. Perfectionism Now: Sinless Immortality Before Christ’s Return?
Lou Engle’s Manifest Sons of God 2025 doctrine, rebranded as Lou Engle Nazirite DNA, teaches that an elite group of believers will attain sinless, immortal bodies on earth through radical consecration before Christ’s return. Rooted in the 1948 Latter Rain movement, this idea suggests a super-spiritual cadre (a small group of people specially trained for a particular purpose) can transcend human sinfulness in this age.
Biblical Reply: Scripture teaches that believers are simul iustus et peccator—simultaneously justified and sinful—until death or Christ’s return (Rom. 7:18-25; Phil. 3:12-14). The Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF 13.2) accurately affirms that sanctification is progressive and incomplete in this life. Bodily immortality awaits the resurrection at Christ’s return (1 Cor. 15:50-54). This perfectionist promise shifts focus from Christ’s finished work to human effort, a hallmark of the evangelical perfectionism cult mindset.
2. Apostolic Overreach: An Open Canon Undermines Scripture
Engle and leaders like Chris Berglund and Dean Briggs claim apostolic authority akin to Peter and Paul, receiving direct revelations that guide the church. This New Apostolic Reformation dangers approach functionally reopens the canon, prioritizing personal prophecies over Scripture.
Biblical Reply: The principle of sola Scriptura establishes the Bible as the sole infallible authority for faith and practice (2 Tim. 3:16-17; WCF 1.10). When subjective revelations override the closed canon, the door opens to theological liberalism, where personal experience reshapes doctrine to fit cultural desires. This undermines the question, is Communion America biblical?
3. Fasting as a Work of Merit: Transactional Spirituality
Engle’s 40-day juice fasts are presented as a transactional mechanism to unleash national revival, suggesting spiritual power is earned through asceticism. This fasting heresy Lou Engle promotes elevates fasting from a means of grace to a work of merit.
Biblical Reply: Galatians 3:3 warns, “Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” Fasting is a discipline to seek God, not a tool to manipulate Him (Isa. 58:3-7; Matt. 6:16-18). This transactional view echoes medieval errors, risking a slide into works-righteousness that distorts the gospel.
4. Dominionist Ambition: The 7 Mountain Mandate’s Power Grab
Communion America’s undercurrent is the 7 Mountain Mandate critique, a dominionist strategy to conquer government, media, education, and other cultural spheres before Christ’s return. This implies believers must establish God’s kingdom through cultural dominance.
Biblical Reply: Jesus rejected Satan’s offer of worldly kingdoms (Matt. 4:8-10) and declared His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). The church’s mission is to proclaim the gospel, not to seize cultural power (Mark 16:15). Christ’s return, not human effort, will consummate the kingdom (Rev. 11:15). This dominionist focus risks political idolatry over gospel fidelity.
5. Sidelining Imputation: Justification by Consecration
By emphasizing personal “Nazirite vows” as the path to spiritual victory, Communion America downplays the imputed righteousness of Christ. This redefines justification as the believer’s Spirit-empowered lifestyle rather than Christ’s finished work.
Biblical Reply: Justification is by faith alone, resting on Christ’s righteousness credited to us (Rom. 4:5-8; WCF 11.1). When personal consecration overshadows imputation, the gospel becomes a law-based system, paving the way for the Communion America heresy to drift toward liberalism’s self-focused spirituality.
6. Elevating Experience Over Scripture: A Recipe for Drift
Communion America prioritizes mystical experiences—audible voices, prophetic visions, and signs like upside-down books—as the norm for faith. This National Mall revival false teaching sidelines the closed canon of Scripture.
Biblical Reply: The Reformed principle that Scripture alone regulates worship and doctrine (WCF 21.1; 2 Pet. 1:19-21) protects against subjective excess. When private revelations trump the Bible, the church risks remaking Jesus in the image of each generation’s cultural preferences, a hallmark of theological liberalism.
7. Generational Triumphalism: Gen-Z as the Ultimate Saviors?
Engle’s altar calls imply that Gen-Z’s radical commitment will resolve America’s spiritual crises, suggesting an elite generation can achieve what only Christ’s return will accomplish. This over-realized eschatology fuels triumphalism.
Biblical Reply: Christ’s return, not human effort, will consummate history (1 Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 22:12). Over-realized eschatology historically leads to burnout or doctrinal compromise, as seen in the Jesus People movement’s slide into progressive emergent churches. This triumphalism distorts the gospel’s hope.
FAQ
Q: Is Communion America a cult?
A: Not a cult in the classical sense, but an apostolic perfectionist sect teaching Manifest Sons of God 2025 heresy, rejected by evangelical councils since 1949.
Q: What is Nazirite DNA?
A: A rebrand of Manifest Sonship, claiming elite believers achieve immortal bodies through fasting and prayer, unsupported by Scripture (1 Cor. 15:50-54).
Q: Does Lou Engle still lead IHOPKC? (amid its sexual abuse cover-up until pressured)
A: No—Engle left years ago—but the ministry’s mishandling of founder Mike Bickle’s credible abuse allegations highlights risks in unaccountable leadership. His Latter Rain influence still shapes New Apostolic Reformation dangers in networks like Communion America. Pray for victims and truth (Ps. 82:3-4).
Q: How should Reformed Christians respond?
A: The Reformed response to Communion America is Galatians 1:6-9: if anyone preaches another gospel, let them be accursed. Share this post, report misleading content, and pray for deceived seekers.
Conclusion: A Call to Biblical Discernment
Communion America’s fervor on the National Mall may captivate crowds, but its theological errors—perfectionism, apostolic overreach, dominionism, and experiential excess—signal a dangerous drift toward “another gospel.” As Reformed Christians, we must respond with charity, clarity, and courage, pointing seekers to the true gospel of Christ’s finished work. Share this post to equip others, and pray for those ensnared by this movement, that they may find freedom in the biblical gospel.
