Extremely American: Onward Christian Soldiers – Episode 5: "Disobedience"

Released July 17, 2024 | Host: Heath Druzen and James Dawson | NPR

Introduction

In Episode 5 of Season 2, titled "Disobedience," Extremely American delves deep into the intricate and often tumultuous world of Christian nationalism, specifically focusing on the Christchurch church's influence. Hosts Heath Druzen and James Dawson explore how the movement seeks to reshape American democracy into a theocracy, stripping away the rights of many Americans in the process. This episode presents a poignant narrative centered around Helen Shores Peters, her battle against the church's patriarchal doctrines, and the broader implications of such ideologies on individual lives and communities.

Helen Shores Peters: A Journey of Resistance and Redemption

The episode opens with a harrowing account of Helen Shores Peters, who, under immense pressure from her ex-husband Jason Schiebe, finds herself contemplating suicide. [00:18] Heath Druzen sets the stage by highlighting Helen's desperate situation:

Helen Shores Peters [00:56]: "Like, I could just push the gas instead of the brake here and no one would know that I did it on purpose."

Fortunately, Helen does not follow through with these dark thoughts. Her turmoil stems from Jason's insistence that she return an iPhone, a directive rooted in the church's doctrine of headship. Helen recounts how this demand was not just about a phone but a test of her allegiance:

Helen Shores Peters [01:53]: "It was all a test for him to see where my allegiance was. Like, that I would actually go and return the phone."

This incident marks the beginning of Helen's realization that her husband's demands were self-serving, leading her to question the very foundation of her beliefs and her marriage.

The Doctrine of Headship: Doug and Nancy Wilson's Perspective

To understand the forces at play, the episode examines the church's doctrine of headship, which advocates for a patriarchal structure within marriages and families. Doug Wilson, a prominent figure in Christchurch, passionately defends this ideology. In an interview segment [05:19], Doug asserts:

Doug Wilson [05:19]: "You're talking to a patriarchal Christian, someone who believes everything the Apostle Paul ever taught about headship and submission in marriage. I'm a traditionalist, patriarchal guy..."

Despite his stern stance, Doug acknowledges the gravity of mistreating women:

Doug Wilson [05:19]: "The mistreat of woman is a grievous sin. God hates it. It's a sin every day of the week."

Nancy Wilson, Doug's wife, offers a nuanced view of women's roles within this framework. Although she declined an interview, excerpts from her podcast Femina reveal her steadfast belief in traditional roles:

Nancy Wilson [08:01]: "We're not the main character. In this little house I live in, my father in law is the main character."

She emphasizes the importance of women embracing their roles without seeking dominance:

Nancy Wilson [08:44]: "Don't underestimate the value of your calling. Don't underestimate what God is doing in and through you, in your feminine calling."

Voices Within the Movement: Christine Cohen's Story

Contrasting Helen's experience, Christine Cohen, another member of Christchurch, exemplifies a woman who has found harmony within the doctrine of headship. Through her interactions, the episode showcases how some women genuinely thrive under these traditional roles. Christine shares her path to balancing personal ambitions with familial duties:

Christine Cohen [12:11]: "And so that was the career she chose. It turns out creative writing gels nicely with the unpredictability of parenting."

She discusses the support she receives from church leadership, particularly from Doug Wilson, who allows her creative pursuits to flourish without compromising her responsibilities as a wife and mother:

Christine Cohen [14:32]: "What is funny is I've had sometimes people send me letters where they've been like, thank you so much for writing about how to escape from the patriarchy... that's not what I meant."

Christine's narrative challenges the critics of headship by illustrating that fulfillment and personal achievement are attainable within this structured framework.

The Struggle for Autonomy: Divorce and Its Repercussions

Helen's departure from her marriage and the church is fraught with emotional and legal battles. Despite her efforts to salvage her marriage through therapy, the entrenched beliefs and Jason's resistance culminate in divorce—a decision nearly unthinkable within their ideological framework. [17:16]

Helen Shores Peters [17:34]: "Divorce was just so scary and so not an option in my head, which is just silly now that I think about it."

Jason disputes Helen's portrayal of events, particularly her assertion that he coerced her into returning the phone as a test of obedience. The resultant litigation has not only strained their financial and emotional resources but also alienated Helen from her sons, who remain entwined in the church's teachings.

Helen's struggle extends beyond her marriage as she attempts to shield her children from the patriarchal indoctrination of the Christchurch-affiliated Logos school:

Helen Shores Peters [22:00]: "It's about what kind of men she hopes her boys become."

Despite her efforts, pressure mounts, leading Helen to grant her sons' wishes to attend Logos. This concession results in a deep rift with her eldest son, who has since distanced himself from her.

Breaking Free and Moving Forward

Post-divorce, Helen embarks on a path of self-discovery and healing. She remarried and now lives in Pullman, Washington, working as a nuclear medicine technologist. Reflecting on her transformation, Helen shares:

Helen Shores Peters [25:30]: "I wouldn't change a thing. Who I am today is a completely different person than who I was seven years ago. And I can honestly say that I love myself and I love my life."

However, the scars of her past linger, manifesting as ongoing legal battles and a broken relationship with her oldest son. Helen's message to other women trapped in similar situations is one of hope and resilience:

Helen Shores Peters [25:30]: "The hope for peace can become a reality. And it's a treacherous, long journey and it's not beautiful and it's broken and ragged and it's hard. But I wouldn't change a thing."

Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of Christian Nationalism

"Disobedience" offers a profound exploration of the personal toll exacted by rigid religious doctrines. Through Helen's story and the contrasting perspectives of Christine and the Wilsons, Extremely American underscores the pervasive influence of Christian nationalism on individual lives and societal structures. The episode not only highlights the struggles of those who dissent but also illuminates the complex dynamics that sustain such movements.

As the episode concludes, listeners are left contemplating the broader implications of imposing theocracy on a diverse populace and the enduring quest for personal autonomy amidst overwhelming odds.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Helen Shores Peters [00:56]: "Like, I could just push the gas instead of the brake here and no one would know that I did it on purpose."

• Helen Shores Peters [01:53]: "It was all a test for him to see where my allegiance was."

• Doug Wilson [05:19]: "The mistreat of woman is a grievous sin. God hates it."

• Nancy Wilson [08:01]: "We're not the main character."

• Christine Cohen [12:11]: "Creative writing gels nicely with the unpredictability of parenting."

• Helen Shores Peters [17:34]: "Divorce was just so scary and so not an option in my head."

• Helen Shores Peters [22:00]: "It's about what kind of men she hopes her boys become."

• Helen Shores Peters [25:30]: "Who I am today is a completely different person than who I was seven years ago."

Extremely American continues to shed light on the often-unseen facets of American societal movements, providing listeners with in-depth analyses and personal narratives that challenge and inform.