Extremely American: Onward Christian Soldiers – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Onward Christian Soldiers: Make It A Christian Town
Release Date: June 26, 2024
Hosts: Heath Druzen and James Dawson
Podcast Series: Extremely American, Season 2
Focus: Examination of Christian nationalism through the lens of Doug Wilson’s influence in Moscow, Idaho.

1. Introduction to Doug Wilson and Christchurch Church

The episode opens with Heath Druzen introducing listeners to Doug Wilson, the senior minister of Christchurch Church in Moscow, Idaho. As the church undergoes significant expansion, Wilson shares plans for a new building designed to seat 1,200 people, indicating the rapid growth of his congregation.

Notable Quote:

• [00:35] Doug Wilson: “It's currently slated to seat 1200 people, but we wouldn't fit if we built it. If it appeared tomorrow, we would have to be in two services there.”

2. Expansion and Infrastructure Development

Wilson outlines the extensive developments underway, including a new festival fellowship hall, school building, gym, and football field. These projects signify Christchurch's intent to dominate the town's infrastructure and community life.

Notable Quote:

• [00:45] Heath Druzen: "The construction is a major expansion of Doug's church community... and a dark underbelly of abuse."

3. Ideological Foundations and Governance

Wilson expresses his vision for Moscow, aiming to transform it into a theocratic community where Christian men hold primary power. He challenges democratic norms by proposing a household-based voting system dominated by male decision-makers.

Notable Quotes:

• [02:10] Heath Druzen: "In your ideal America, do non-Christians get to hold office?"
• [02:15] Doug Wilson: "No."
• [02:20] Doug Wilson: "She is unmarried or... if the husband and wife agree, you've just multiplied the whole tally by two."

4. Building the Christian Empire

The narrative delves into Wilson's long-term strategy for expanding his influence beyond the church. This includes property acquisitions, business ventures, and the establishment of educational institutions like Logos School and New St. Andrews College.

Notable Quote:

• [03:23] Heath Druzen: "Doug Wilson is trying to take over Moscow and make it a church town... he sees Moscow as the precursor to radically changing the United States."

5. Logos School: Foundations and Growth

Founded in 1981, Logos School started with humble beginnings and has grown to accommodate 650 students, representing a significant portion of Moscow's education system. The school emphasizes a strict moral code and integrates Christian teachings into every subject.

Notable Quotes:

• [16:50] James Dawson: "They found a church with an unfinished basement that was willing to negotiate."
• [17:56] Doug Wilson: "We wanted every subject to be different and every subject to acknowledge the lordship of Christ."

6. New St. Andrews College: Expanding Educational Influence

In 1994, Wilson established New St. Andrews College to provide higher education rooted in classical Christian principles. The college aims to produce graduates equipped to influence various sectors of society, from law to the arts.

Notable Quote:

• [31:36] Doug Wilson: "We want alums who are threats to that fog [of secularism]. We want students making movies... writing novels that are best sellers..."

7. The Christian Nationalism Movement

Wilson is portrayed as a leading figure in the Christian nationalist movement, advocating for America to transition from a secular democracy to a theocracy. The episode explores the broader implications of this movement, including its growing acceptance and influence within federal government ranks.

Notable Quotes:

• [35:08] Heath Druzen: "Research from Indiana University shows that 20% of Americans strongly embrace Christian nationalism..."
• [35:24] Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert: "The separation of church and state is a misnomer... it's not in the Constitution."

8. Community Reactions and Resistance

Moscow residents exhibit mixed reactions to Christchurch's expansion. While some, like former mayor Nancy Cheney, express concern over the loss of the town's inclusive and diverse nature, others within the church community view the growth as positive and transformative.

Notable Quotes:

• [08:45] Nancy Cheney: "Directed change by so few people with such a singular focus is dangerous..."
• [21:51] Jason Scheibe: "The community's better. I feel like there's so many more Christians, like, everywhere you turn..."

9. Controversial Ideologies and Public Perception

Wilson's rhetoric often includes violent metaphors and controversial stances on gender and governance. While he claims to reject fascism and racism, his policies and ideas raise significant concerns among critics and community members.

Notable Quotes:

• [34:46] Doug Wilson: "I'm a Christian nationalist. I'm a citizen of this nation, and I believe that we ought to do good things... defined out of my Christian framework."
• [37:13] Heath Druzen: "Christian nationalists want leaders like her, though, preferably men."

10. Personal Stories and Impact

The episode features personal testimonies from individuals like Jason Scheibe, an alumnus of Logos School, who credits the institution with instilling strong Christian values and contributing positively to his professional and personal life.

Notable Quotes:

• [20:37] Jason Scheibe: "We had a Bible study in high school... trying to keep each other in line sexually..."
• [21:51] Jason Scheibe: "Our Christian community... people care about aesthetics, working hard, doing a good job, and caring for your neighbors."

11. Conclusion and Ongoing Struggles

The episode concludes by highlighting the ongoing tension in Moscow as Christchurch continues its mission to reshape the town's cultural and political landscape. Survivors of abuse within the movement voice their concerns, underscoring the darker aspects of Christian nationalism.

Notable Quotes:

• [37:28] Intuit Representative: "It feels like an invasion... His overall influence is huge and dangerous."
• [37:54] Intuit Representative: "When the women that they have downtrodden and they've abused actually start speaking up..."

12. Looking Ahead

Listeners are left anticipating the next episode, which will delve deeper into Christchurch's influence in downtown Moscow and the community's fears regarding its future.

Notable Quote:

• [38:15] Jason Scheibe: "I built huge Merry Christmas signs... someone said it was as close as you could get for Christmas decorations to be flipping someone off."

Key Takeaways

• Doug Wilson's Influence: Through strategic expansion of his church and educational institutions, Wilson aims to establish a theocratic community in Moscow, Idaho, reflecting broader Christian nationalist ambitions.

• Christian Nationalism: The movement seeks to interweave Christian doctrine with governance, challenging secular democratic principles and advocating for biblical rule.

• Community Impact: While some appreciate the moral and communal aspects introduced by Christchurch, others fear the erosion of Moscow's diversity and democratic values.

• Educational Endeavors: Logos School and New St. Andrews College serve as pillars of Wilson's vision, producing graduates poised to influence various societal sectors.

• Controversial Ideologies: Wilson's rhetoric and policies raise significant concerns regarding gender roles, governance, and the potential for abuse within the movement.

This episode of Extremely American offers a comprehensive exploration of Christian nationalism through the case study of Doug Wilson and Christchurch Church, highlighting the complex dynamics between religious influence and democratic values in a small American town.