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An Unholy Alliance

Connective Action Theory and The New Apostolic Reformtion

Initial research by Trevor Hugh Davis and Steven Livingstone.

New Apostolic Reformation & Connective Action

This presentation examines the use of connective action by the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) in US politics. This analysis draws on recent scholarship on the relationship between civil society, digital platforms, and democratic institutions.

The Problematic Relationship Between Civil Society & Democracy

The Problem

Civil society is often characterized by its independence from state power, its ability to mobilize citizens, and its role in promoting public interest values. However, the rise of new media and connective action has led to a rethinking of how these relationships play out.

The Challenge

The relationship between civil society and democracy is complex and fraught with challenges. This presentation explores the challenges that arise when groups operating under the umbrella of civil society deploy technologies and platforms that were designed for open access but that may be repurposed for ideological ends.

NAR & Connective Action

NAR

The NAR is a network of churches and organizations that espouses a distinct theological worldview. This worldview blends elements of Pentecostalism, charismatic Christianity, and a strong emphasis on social justice and political activism.

Connective Action

Connective action is a concept that describes the use of digital platforms to mobilize and coordinate social action. It often involves the creation of online communities, the spread of information and disinformation, and the use of social media to influence public opinion.

NAR & Connective Action

The Problem of Definition

The boundary between traditional organizations and online networks is blurring. This is due to the growing role of digital platforms in shaping social interactions and political participation. The traditional definition of an organization as a formal entity with a clear structure, membership, and hierarchy is increasingly challenged by the emergence of online groups that lack those features.

NAR & Connective Action

The Role of Platforms

Platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, provide the infrastructure for connective action. They offer tools and features that enable users to connect with one another, share information, and mobilize others around common causes. Platforms also shape the content and interactions that occur within their spaces, creating patterns of behavior that can be analyzed to understand the dynamics of online groups.

NAR & Connective Action

The Rise of Online Organizations

The rise of online organizations is one of the most significant developments in the study of connective action. These organizations are often loosely structured, decentralized, and operate across multiple platforms. They can be highly effective in mobilizing large numbers of people and influencing public discourse. This is made possible by the affordances of digital platforms and the use of network-based technologies that allow for rapid communication and coordination.

Graph Representation of Connective Action

Graph Databases

Graph databases, also known as graph-structured databases, are a powerful tool for analyzing connective action. Unlike traditional relational databases, which store data in tables, graph databases represent data as a network of nodes and edges. This structure allows for the analysis of relationships and patterns within data sets, making it possible to identify key actors, community structures, and influence networks.

Building the Graphs

Node Classification

The first step in building a graph database is to define the nodes, which represent the entities within the network. This may involve identifying individuals, organizations, events, or other relevant elements. Each node should be assigned a unique identifier and a set of attributes that describe its characteristics.

Edge Definition

The next step is to define the edges, which represent the relationships between nodes. These relationships may be based on a variety of criteria, such as communication, collaboration, funding, or participation in events. Edges can also have attributes that describe the type and strength of the connection between nodes.  For example, a friendship edge might have an attribute indicating the length of time the two people have known each other.

Online Cults: Intersection of NAR and Qanon Affiliation on Facebook

The patterns observed in the data raise questions about the role of intentionality in the spread of misinformation. While it is possible that the intersection of NAR and Qanon users is simply a matter of coincidental overlap, the data suggests a potential for coordinated action.

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Intersection

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QAnon

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NAR

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Shared Users

NAR?  Qanon?

NAR & January Sixth


The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) played a key role in January 6, 2021. Its leaders promote the “Seven Mountains Mandate,” which calls for Christian control of government, media, and culture (Wagner, Dominion!, 2008). Many NAR figures saw Trump as divinely ordained and Biden’s election as a rebellion against God. They framed stopping the transfer of power as a spiritual duty, not just political (Di Robilant, The Kingdom and the Power, 2022).

Key NAR leaders backed Stop the Steal. Lance Wallnau, Dutch Sheets, and Eric Metaxas spread claims that Trump’s victory was stolen. They joined events like the Jericho March, blending prayer with political activism (Fea, Believe Me, 2018). Their rhetoric invoked biblical battles. Prophetic messages called for action. They framed Trump’s defeat as a demonic attack, legitimizing radical responses (Stewart, The Power Worshippers, 2019).

NAR’s structure fueled conspiracy theories. Unlike traditional churches, it lacks doctrinal oversight (Christerson & Flory, The Rise of Network Christianity, 2017). Many followers saw January 6 as a battle against evil, not just a protest. This framing encouraged violence (Gorski & Perry, The Flag and the Cross, 2022).

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NAR

The NAR has been linked to a number of individuals who participated in the January 6th Insurrection. These individuals often played a role in organizing events that led to the attack on the US Capitol.

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Connections

The relationship between NAR figures and January 6th suggests a potential for a network of individuals with shared beliefs and a desire to influence government policy. The network is not static, and it may have evolved as a result of the influence of social media platforms.

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Influence

The role of the NAR in the events of January 6th highlights the challenges of analyzing online networks and understanding their impact on democratic processes.  The network’s ability to mobilize individuals and influence their actions underscores the need for critical analysis of these groups and the ways in which they operate.

Building the Graph

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Data Collection

The first step is to collect a comprehensive set of data, including documents, web archives, and other relevant materials.  These should be carefully classified to ensure that the information is accurate and consistent.

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Node Extraction

The next step is to extract the nodes from the collected data.  This involves identifying the entities within the network, such as individuals, organizations, events, and other relevant elements. Each node should be assigned a unique identifier and a set of attributes that describe its characteristics.

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Edge Creation

The final step is to create the edges that represent the relationships between nodes. This may involve identifying connections based on communication, collaboration, funding,

NAR and TPUSA

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TPUSA

Turning Point USA (TPUSA) is a prominent youth organization that has aligned itself with the Trump movement.  The group has a large online presence and holds hundreds of events, drawing in a diverse mix of organizations, individuals, and policymakers.

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NAR

The analysis shows that the NAR has a significant connection with TPUSA. This is indicated by the presence of NAR figures as speakers at TPUSA events. The graph analysis reveals a complex network of relationships between NAR leaders, TPUSA, and other political actors.

Graph Insights