Extremely American: Onward Christian Soldiers – Episode Summary: "Is It A Kirker?"

In the June 26, 2024 episode of NPR’s Extremely American, titled "Onward Christian Soldiers: Is It A Kirker?", hosts Heath Druzen and James Dawson delve deep into the resurgence of Christian nationalism in contemporary America. Focusing on the small town of Moscow, Idaho, the episode unpacks how an influential far-right church, Christchurch, is orchestrating a strategic takeover of local governance and real estate to reshape the community and, by extension, American democracy.

1. Historical Context of Christian Nationalism

[00:47] Heath Druzen begins by tracing the roots of Christian nationalism in America, highlighting its cyclical presence throughout the nation's history. He references Father Charles E. Coughlin, a prominent Catholic priest from the 1930s who leveraged radio to propagate anti-communist and anti-Semitic sentiments. Coughlin's movement, which culminated in the formation of the violent Christian Front, set a precedent for modern iterations of Christian nationalism.

Notable Quote:

Heath Druzen [00:47]: "Christian nationalism isn't new in America. Versions of it have ebbed and flowed through much of the country's history."

2. Evolution to Modern-Day Christian Nationalism

Transitioning to the late 20th century, Druzen outlines the shift of Christian nationalism towards a more political and Protestant identity, exemplified by the emergence of the Moral Majority under Reverend Jerry Falwell. The narrative progresses to the election of Donald Trump in 2016, portraying him as a figure who embraced and amplified Christian nationalist ideals.

Notable Quote:

Doug Wilson [02:29]: "Living by God's principles promotes a nation to greatness. Violating those principles brings a nation to shame."

3. Christchurch Church and Doug Wilson’s Vision

Central to the episode is Doug Wilson, leader of Christchurch in Moscow, Idaho. Unlike Coughlin's overt paramilitary approach, Wilson advocates for a theocratic society through peaceful means, emphasizing business ownership and cultural influence over direct political action.

Notable Quote:

Heath Druzen [03:56]: "Doug Wilson, the head of Christchurch in Moscow, Idaho, wants a theocracy—a government ruled by religion."

4. Strategic Takeover Through Politics and Real Estate

The episode details Christchurch’s initial attempts to infiltrate local politics, which largely ended in electoral defeats. Undeterred, the church shifted focus to real estate acquisition, now controlling nearly 20% of downtown Moscow’s properties. This strategic ownership allows them to influence the town’s economy and culture subtly.

Notable Quote:

Josh Flickner [24:14]: "We're not just in business to make some money. We are there to deeply affect culture."

5. Impact on Downtown Moscow and Local Businesses

Druzen and Dawson explore the tangible effects of Christchurch’s expansion on Moscow’s downtown. Business owners report increased tensions, boycotts, and a palpable divide between Kirker-affiliated and non-Kirker establishments. Personal stories, such as that of Nikki Woodland, illustrate the community's struggle with economic and ideological pressures.

Notable Quotes:

Nicky Woodland [21:37]: "Are you Christchurch or are you not? And whenever any new business opens, that's the biggest question."

Arlene Falcon [17:56]: "We don't want to support the Christchurch. They're a little crazy kind of cult-like and we don't like the idea that they think they can try to take us over."

6. Personal Stories of Resistance and Compliance

The episode features narratives from local business owners like Tyler Ann Koviak and Josh Flickner, who navigate the challenges posed by Christchurch’s dominance. While some, like Tyler, strive to maintain inclusive business practices, others experience direct pushback, leading to closures and relocations.

Notable Quote:

Sarah Levy [13:20]: "If you look at somebody right, you have two needs. You have physical needs and you have spiritual needs. And I feel that God made me in such a way that I'm particularly well equipped to feed physical needs."

7. Christchurch’s Future Plans and Broader Ambitions

Looking ahead, the podcast examines Christchurch’s broader ambitions to expand beyond Moscow. Andrew Krapusetz, a prominent church member and CEO, exemplifies this vision through his entrepreneurial ventures aimed at fostering a conservative Christian economy. Initiatives like the Red Balloon job board and extensive real estate investments signal a calculated effort to reshape cultural and economic landscapes nationwide.

Notable Quote:

Andrew Krapusetz [27:27]: "My goal was to build people and change the economy of my local county and town. Right. 50 jobs at earning $50,000 a year in my local community."

8. Community Response and Future Implications

The episode concludes by highlighting the community’s polarized response to Christchurch’s influence. As Christchurch continues to acquire more properties and expand its reach, the episode poses critical questions about the future of small-town America and the integrity of democratic institutions in the face of organized ideological movements.

Notable Quote:

Doug Wilson [35:18]: "Build wealth and expand your ideology across the state, across the country, and eventually across the world to reshape everything in their version of God's image."

Conclusion and Upcoming Insights

"Is It A Kirker?" effectively captures the intricate dynamics of how religious ideology, when intertwined with political and economic strategies, can challenge the foundational principles of American democracy. The episode sets the stage for future installments by promising to delve deeper into the controversies and personal transformations within Christchurch’s ranks.

Teaser for Next Episode:

Heath Druzen [35:55]: "Next time on Extremely American Onward Christian Soldiers, how Pastor Doug became Doug and how he's navigated one controversy after another."

Production Credits: Extremely American is created by Heath Druzen, with writing and reporting by Heath Druzen and James Dawson. The episode features story editing by Morgan Springer, mixing and sound engineering by James Dawson, and contributions from Naomi Barr (fact-checking), Mary Ellen Pitney, Madeline Beck, Sasha Woodruff, and Rachel Cohen. Music is provided by Artlist, with Boise State Public Radio as a partner and distribution via the NPR Network, supported by a grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.