Old Testament demons are perched atop each of the seven mountains of societal influence, namely: Religion, Family, Government, Education, Media, Economics, and Entertainment. These infernal beings dispatch spectral armies of ancient heathens to corrupt institutions and poison the minds of God-fearing American patriots. Their profane dealings mass-produce abominations ranging from homosexuality and feminism to porn addiction and socialism. Every aspect of life from how we vote to where we eat and how we make love has become a cosmic battleground where “true” Christians must engage in something called "spiritual warfare" to restore our nation’s sanctity.

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These are the stated beliefs of a group of Christian Nationalists who subscribe to the Seven Mountain Mandate (7MM), a radical reimagining of evangelical Christians’ role in American society. Largely based upon the prophetic revelations of the movement’s leaders, 7MMers believe they are called to seize every mountain and occupy all levels of power upon them. Once a fringe belief held by a tiny sliver of fanatics, the 7MM has become mainstream among conservative political strategists. Demonology and miracle-working are increasingly used as the foundation for formulating public policy. Featuring an outlandish cast including Green Party demons, anointed perverts, and holy warriors of homeschooling, THE SEVEN-LEGGED SPIDER presents a bizarre (at times terrifying) picture of America’s socio-political soul. Tulane University Political Science Professor Andrew Ward tracks the history of the 7MM from the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial to the present. Offering keen insight into an oft overlooked, misunderstood, and grossly underestimated movement, THE SEVEN-LEGGED SPIDER provides readers with a concrete course of action to engage with 7MMers on socio-political as well as spiritual levels. Thus equipped, we may yet mitigate the greatest existential threat to our democracy.