Here is the link to the full commentary from Heather Cox Richardson:

Substack: February 22, 2024 - by Heather Cox Richardson

It's important to pay attention as these new terms start entering common use. Terms like dominionism act as two-way shibboleths in public discussions. In one sense, they are used by a subset of people as an instant signal to others of like mind on an issue to quickly convey membership in the ranks of the devoted. The more generic the word, the better. Obviously, a generic word doesn't raise immediate alarm bells with those outside the ranks. For those inside the ranks, generic "shibboleth" terms becomes a mental placeholder for the entire set of beliefs which allows them to communicate about the entire set without actually thinking THROUGH each of the beliefs on a routine basis, making it easier to repress any internal analysis of what they REALLY believe. As an added bonus, seeing the term leak into the wider culture without the outsiders understanding the true intent of the beiievers acts as a source of amusement to those on the inside. It's the equivalent of terrorists seeing a code word for their upcoming attack reach the front page of the Wall Street Journal or Washington Post without the public understanding anything about the looming impact.

In another sense, seeing this type of terminology and cult lingo become referenced in the larger culture acts as a shibboleth for the larger community as well. When you see people speaking almost entirely in these types of terms, you know you are in the presence of someone who is completely wrapped up in labels for beliefs and strategies they likely have never fully comprehended. You're dealing with people who will not debate issues based on facts and cannot be reached via reason. You need to adapt accordingly. You need to pay very close attention to those using these terms and the positions they occupy in the judiciary, law enforcement and public office. Dominionism is the 2020s version of The John Birch Society. A strangely vague term for a collection of utterly horrid ideas and political goals.

WTH