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The concept of Dominion in Christianity

Dominion in various religious contexts refers to different forms of authority and control. In Christianity, it signifies a universal dominion that contrasts with military power, highlighting a spiritual rather than physical rule. It also reflects on the Israelites� unfulfilled hopes as a metaphor for a higher promise. Gnosticism describes Dominion as powers connected to mundane spirits and liberation from matter, while the Church of the East regards it as an exalted authority linked to the lineage of Shem. Early Christianity discusses Dominion in terms of control over beasts and signifies an offered power to individuals.1
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Synonyms: Authority, Control, Sovereignty, Power, Rule, Governance, Mastery, Supremacy, Jurisdiction, Command, Jurisdiction.

In French: Domination; In Dutch: Heerschappij; In Finnish: Valta; In Spanish: Dominio; In Swedish: ±á±ð°ù°ù²¹±¹Ã¤±ô»å±ð; In Malay: Penguasaan; In German: Herrschaft

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Dominion'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) This term refers to the arbitrary control over the slaves, where the bondsman was viewed less as a human being, subject to arbitrary dominion, than as an inferior animal, dependent wholly on the will of his owner.[1]

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This is the universal dominion, which is not military power, but is universal, as stated in the text.[2]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) Once more, arguing from the imperfect realization by the Israelites, under Joshua, of their hopes, the author points out that what they looked for in vain is a type of a higher thing which is now actually awaiting ‘the people of God.�[3]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) This refers to power, which is offered to a person, highlighting the potential for authority or control.[4] (2) This is what the individual was destined to receive, according to Prince Satan, of the whole world by the death of the cross.[5] (3) The rest of the beasts were taken away from their dominion, and a period of life was given to them, as mentioned.[6]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Kebra Nagast

(1) This symbolizes a position of power that will remain with a specific group, indicating a continuous reign.[7] (2) A type of authority that was granted to the seed of Shem, along with an exalted throne, as indicated by the provided text.[8]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Gnostic concept of 'Dominion'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: The Gnostics and Their Remains

(1) The Dominions are one of the regular Gnostic epithets, and they are mentioned along with other powers and lords of darkness, and have their place in Kabbalistic theology.[9]

From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten

(1) The control of the finite mundane spirits, from which the souls are freed from imprisonment in matter, and they obtain a state of perfect repose.[10]

Plural form: Dominions.