Law enforcement found a chilling letter in Vance Boelter’s abandoned Buick outside Minneapolis. In it, Boelter identified himself as “the shooter at large in Minnesota.” Investigators later discovered his Ford SUV, packed with weapons and notebooks detailing online research. A list of 70 targeted politicians was also recovered, but no apparent motive for the attacks has been identified. Boelter is charged with the fatal shootings of Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband and the wounding of two others.
Ideological Motives Under Scrutiny Amid Political Blame Game
The killings have sparked political debate. Utah Sen. Mike Lee blamed “Marxists,” while others labeled Boelter a Christian nationalist. Experts suggest Boelter may have drawn from radical opposition to abortion and beliefs rooted in spiritual warfare. Though his sermons lacked direct incitements to violence, researcher Matthew Taylor noted Boelter’s affiliation with ideologies linked to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), which promotes Christian dominance over societal institutions.
Spotlight on Christ for the Nations and Its Influential Alumni
Boelter graduated from Christ for the Nations Institute (CFNI) in 1990. The Dallas-based Bible college confirmed his attendance but distanced itself from his actions, denouncing all forms of violence. CFNI said they had not heard from Boelter in over 30 years and condemned what it called his “mental, emotional, social, and spiritual bankruptcy.” The school reaffirmed its mission of promoting compassion, love, and the sanctity of human life.
Debating the Role of Prayer and Extremist Rhetoric
Attention has turned to CFNI’s founder Gordon Lindsay, who once told students to “pray at least one violent prayer each day.” Critics view this as dangerous rhetoric. However, the school and scholars clarified that Lindsay’s words refer to spiritual—not physical—warfare. CFNI emphasized that it does not support violence against people, and it repudiates any interpretation that suggests otherwise.
CFNI’s Political and Cultural Ties Raise Concerns
CFNI has long ties to evangelical political figures and NAR leaders such as Dutch Sheets, Cindy Jacobs, and Lance Wallnau, a Trump supporter. The school also counts Jenna Ryan, a January 6 Capitol rioter, among its alumni. While CFNI is known for its missions and worship music legacy, critics argue that some of its ideological ties deserve renewed scrutiny in the wake of the shootings.
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Christ For the Nations, Where Minnesota Shooting Suspect Attended, Denounces ‘Hateful Actions’
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