The 7 Mountains of Influence in America and Why They Matter

It’s easy to get discouraged with the culture war we face right now.

There is danger for families around almost every corner. It can feel like you have to watch your kid like a hawk. Some of the voices and influences that seem most prevalent can range from concerning …to evil. These are coming at our children from social media, streaming entertainment, music, movies, and AI bots that are growing rapidly in number and availability. We won’t even get into the concerning ideologies found in many American classrooms.

Taking the temperature of our modern culture reveals a viewpoint anger that seems way past the boiling point. We are polarized with a capital P! Families and relationships are shattering under the pressure of unbending political views. It’s sad.

It’s important to have perspective, though. The pessimist might look at the lines drawn up as unbreachable barriers against civility, common courtesy, and ultimately a truly UNITED States of America. We’re divided, to be sure, but it’s not as unusual as we may believe.

A quick flip through the history book would suggest that division is embedded in the very foundation of our freedom. I just heard a fascinating talk by author, historian, and former Special Assistant to President George W. Bush, Tim Goeglein. He pointed out examples of polarization in our national story, suggesting that it is nothing new and, in fact, has been a hallmark of our 250 years, from the Civil War and its obvious ideological battle lines to the Revolutionary War. As our founders sought the path toward independence, did you know that a third of the colonists were staunchly for the British, another third didn’t have an opinion, leaving only one third to rally and fight for our one-of-a-kind experiment, freedom-based constitutional government. Those early Americans were fundamentally at odds with one another. A courageous minority - with God’s providence - made all the difference.

As we look across the aisle with furrowed brows at those who disagree with our conservative values – and they glare back with disdain, how will we ever convince others of the nobility of our cause? As conservatives, we hold that faith, traditional values, family, and patriotism are key to a prosperous America. Arguing doesn’t seem to be doing the trick – so what’s left?

The Power of Influence

When you look at a few of those who influence our culture, you might think of Jimmy Kimmel, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bad Bunny, the Kardashians, Katy Perry, or Megan Rapinoe, et al. We can imagine how their unique brands might be pushing culture in a certain direction. Their careers, politics, and artistic expression seem to be considerably misaligned with the values most of us hold dear: marriage, family, faith, and patriotism. Yet their influence ripples through our nation.

It’s Time for YOU to Influence Our Culture

Have you ever heard of the seven mountains of influence? The concept was born in 1975, when Christian leaders Loren Cunningham (Youth With A Mission) and Bill Bright (Campus Crusade for Christ) met one day and, in conversation, discovered that both had received nearly identical revelations about the seven mountains. They also discovered that theologian and philosopher Frances Schaeffer had come to the same concept.

Each of these “seven mountains” represents a powerful societal element, and together they shape culture. In many ways, these drive the direction of nations and their norms.

The mountains are:

·      Family (Marriage, Parenting, Activists driving the Definition of Family)

·      Religion/Church (Clergy, Organized Denominations, Ministries)

·      Education (K – 12 Teachers, Administrators, Activists, Colleges, Homeschools)

·      Government (Politicians, Civil Servants, local to national, Military)

·      Media (Journalists, Broadcasters, Podcasters, Influencers)

·      Celebration (Arts, Entertainment, Sports)

·      Economics (Business, Science, Technology)

If you step back and look at each mountain, you can probably think of some that dominate them right now. One might see Elon Musk standing atop the mountain of Economics, alongside Jeff Bezos or Andy Jassy.

Who do you think dominates the mountain of Celebration? Taylor Swift? Sydney Sweeney, Ed Sheeran, or Snoop Dogg?

Right now, we could say that President Trump is at the peak of Government, and for the mountain of Media – Joe Rogan, David Muir, and Sean Hannity, perhaps?

The point is, these are some of the people who shape our culture and public discourse. They set the tone and the pace. They drive opinions about things we hold dear- freedoms, faith, or whether it’s valid to believe in God at all.

Their influence atop these mountains pushes our culture toward important views that seep into our lifestyles. They influence what we should think about hot-button topics like immigration, crime, and gender issues. I don’t pretend to have gotten my mountain-topper picks exactly right, but these are some of the power brokers who are pushing America into the future. Some are very good influences – and others are draining the soul from our culture, gutting our values and creating the norms our kids will aspire to.

Critics of the Concept

As I mentioned, this idea of Christian influence among these seven cultural mountains has been around for more than 50 years. As more have caught a vision for the concept, critics have also voiced concerns and accusations. Many of these characterize the seven mountains as some sort of Christian conspiracy or dark plan for world domination. As if Christians are plotting to band together to crush all secular influence from society. That’s not it at all. Some of these same critics also believe that Christians shouldn’t get involved in politics or have a say in the public square – or that all religious thought should be locked within church walls. How exactly does that square with liberty? It. Does. Not.

American Moms Are Mountain Climbers

Here at Moms for America, we are all about climbing these mountains. Our influence is needed, mamas! As a patriotic American, you may hold the key to a culture shift that could turn the tide and recapture the beauty of family, faith, and liberty in our great nation. Ascending one of these mountains as a positive, freedom-loving, God-fearing woman means your influence can have an increasing impact on that cultural power center. You don’t have to reach the pinnacle to make a difference; you have to start the ascent on the mountain you are called to. Your determination can help others who may be at the base of your mountain, just getting their first foothold.

You may not fancy yourself a mountain climber, and you may not feel you have the right gear to even get started. But, you do.

Which mountain do you see yourself climbing? It may be Economics if you are a business person or entrepreneur. You might be halfway up the mountain of Family already as you homeschool and raise your young patriots. You are somewhere on one of these mountains, and you may even be on more than one.

If you are on the Media mountain as a newscaster, writer, podcaster, or influencer, you may also be on the mountain of Government as you serve on your school board or run for city council.

Are you a teacher? We don’t need to tell you how crucial your good influence is on the mountain of Education. You could be pivotal in helping schools turn a corner back to excellence.

You’ve seen wonderful athletes on the mountain of Celebration giving glory to God and celebrating our nation. And we’ve seen Hollywood moguls scratching their heads over the success of non-woke, faith-based movie offerings. Sound of Freedom, cleared more than $250 million, The Chosen (in theatres) grossed more than $140 million, and Jesus Revolution, came in at $50 million plus, and the patriotic Top Gun: Maverick brought in around $1.5 billion. Impressive box office performances of family fare are evidence of some talented and determined mountain climbers gaining altitude.

Your Kids Will Climb One Day

As moms, we get to help our children prepare to climb their own mountain one day. Mountaineering can be dangerous. Consider how many actors, politicians, and pastors have publicly tumbled from a high peak of accomplishment because of legal and moral failings.

That’s why we must raise our kids to do more than hone a talent. To make it, they’ll need to know and understand God’s word (the Bible), develop an unbending love for family and country, and have the ability to understand the times. Strength training is crucial – physically, mentally, emotionally – and especially spiritually - before starting any climb of this kind.

Begin Your Ascent With Us

You have a place too. What mountain do you feel called to? Which one makes your heart soar as you gaze up the incline before you? Give your vision, your desires, and your calling to God and hoist yourself up to that first foothold – and look to Him for what’s next. Whatever you do, don’t abdicate your place of influence. You are needed.

Not sure where to start? We hope you’ll get more involved with us as we work together to influence culture and stand for American freedom and values. WE need you, your voice, your wisdom – and your passion to save our great nation.  

You may think – “Well, I’m no Taylor Swift,” but don’t sell yourself short. God has work for you in your sphere that could help rebuild and restore our crumbling culture. We believe in the power of moms to exert extraordinary influence in America - and you are a necessary part of that world-changing force.

Podcast Note: We caught up with evangelist and author Lance Wallnau at CPAC and had a powerful conversation about the importance of the moment we’re living in and why believers can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. Don’t miss his timely insights on culture and courageous engagement.