Minion Jesus
Digest
The episode begins with a discussion about the popularity of Minions, a fictional character from the Despicable Me franchise, and a strange minion meme on TikTok. The meme, featuring a crucified minion, is traced back to an animator named America Cruz, who created the image in 2021. The episode then investigates the spread of the meme and its connection to a Christian influencer named Talon Michael Seaman. Seaman, a self-proclaimed millionaire and evangelist, runs a coaching ministry called Kingdom University, which teaches aspiring evangelists how to create viral videos. The episode reveals that the minion Jesus videos on TikTok were created by individuals who were coached by Seaman. The episode explains how the coaching program works and how it encourages the creation of viral content. The episode explores the connection between Seaman's ministry and the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a loose collection of non-denominational churches. The NAR emphasizes wealth, a new reformation, and a belief in taking dominion over key spheres of influence in American society. The episode discusses the NAR's potential political influence and its connection to the Republican Party. The episode introduces Lance Wallnow, a prominent figure in the NAR, and his concept of the Seven Mountains Mandate. The Seven Mountains Mandate identifies seven key spheres of influence in American society (arts and media, business, religion, family, church, government, science and technology) and aims to take dominion over them. The episode discusses the Seven Mountains Mandate's vision for America, which includes a radical reordering of American life, dismantling public education, replacing it with religious education, and establishing a government based on a biblical worldview. The episode concludes by discussing the connection between the minion Jesus meme and the future of the Republican Party. The episode suggests that the NAR and its ideas are gaining traction within the Republican Party and could play a significant role in its future.
Outlines
The Minion Meme and its Connection to the 2024 Election
This episode explores the origins of a viral TikTok meme featuring a crucified minion, tracing it back to an animator named America Cruz and investigating its spread and connection to a Christian influencer named Talon Michael Seaman.
Kingdom University and the Viral Revival
The episode delves into the background of Talon Michael Seaman and his coaching ministry, Kingdom University, which teaches aspiring evangelists how to create viral videos, including those featuring minions. The episode reveals the connection between the ministry and the creation of the minion Jesus videos on TikTok.
The New Apostolic Reformation and its Influence
This episode explores the connection between Talon Michael Seaman's ministry and the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a loose collection of non-denominational churches. The episode discusses the NAR's emphasis on wealth, its belief in a new reformation, and its potential political influence, particularly within the Republican Party.
The Seven Mountains Mandate and its Vision for America
The episode introduces Lance Wallnow, a prominent figure in the NAR, and his concept of the Seven Mountains Mandate, which aims to take dominion over key spheres of influence in American society. The episode discusses the mandate's vision for America, including a radical reordering of American life, dismantling public education, and establishing a government based on a biblical worldview.
Keywords
Minion Jesus Meme
A viral TikTok meme featuring a crucified minion, used by Christian influencers to promote their beliefs and gain followers.
Talon Michael Seaman
A self-proclaimed millionaire and evangelist who runs a coaching ministry called Kingdom University, teaching aspiring evangelists how to create viral videos.
Kingdom University
A coaching ministry that teaches aspiring evangelists how to create viral videos, some of which feature minions.
New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)
A loose collection of non-denominational churches that emphasizes wealth, a new reformation, and a belief in taking dominion over key spheres of influence in American society.
Seven Mountains Mandate
A concept developed by Lance Wallnow, a prominent figure in the NAR, that identifies seven key spheres of influence in American society (arts and media, business, religion, family, church, government, science and technology) and aims to take dominion over them.
Lance Wallnow
A prominent figure in the NAR who promotes the Seven Mountains Mandate and believes in a radical reordering of American life based on a biblical worldview.
Christian Nationalism
A political ideology that seeks to establish a Christian-based government and society, often characterized by a rejection of pluralism and a desire to impose Christian values on all aspects of life.
Q&A
What is the origin of the minion Jesus meme on TikTok?
The meme originated with an animator named America Cruz, who created the image in 2021. The meme then spread through Christian influencers who used it to promote their beliefs and gain followers.
How is Talon Michael Seaman connected to the minion Jesus meme?
Seaman runs a coaching ministry called Kingdom University that teaches aspiring evangelists how to create viral videos. Some of the individuals coached by Seaman created the minion Jesus videos on TikTok.
What is the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and how is it connected to Talon Michael Seaman?
The NAR is a loose collection of non-denominational churches that emphasizes wealth, a new reformation, and a belief in taking dominion over key spheres of influence in American society. Seaman's ministry is connected to the NAR through his father-in-law, who is a pastor at a church affiliated with the NAR.
What is the Seven Mountains Mandate and how does it relate to the NAR?
The Seven Mountains Mandate is a concept developed by Lance Wallnow, a prominent figure in the NAR, that identifies seven key spheres of influence in American society (arts and media, business, religion, family, church, government, science and technology) and aims to take dominion over them. The Seven Mountains Mandate is a central belief within the NAR.
What is the potential political influence of the NAR?
The NAR is gaining increasing influence within the Republican Party, particularly among those who support Christian nationalism. The NAR's beliefs and its emphasis on taking dominion over key spheres of influence could have a significant impact on American politics.
Show Notes
A meme of a Minion being crucified went viral on TikTok in a very unusual way. Today, Explained’s Laura Bullard investigated and connected the dots all the way to the 2024 election.
This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, reported and fact-checked Laura Bullard, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.
Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast
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Image credit: Américo Cruz
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