Extremely American: Onward Christian Soldiers – Episode 4: "Obedience"

Released on July 10, 2024 by NPR

Introduction

In the fourth episode of Season 2 of Extremely American: Onward Christian Soldiers, hosts Heath Druzen and James Dawson delve deep into the intricate dynamics of Christian nationalism within the small town of Moscow, Idaho. Titled "Obedience," this episode explores the pervasive influence of the Christchurch church, led by Doug Wilson, and its profound impact on the community, particularly focusing on themes of obedience, control, and abuse.

Sarah Bader’s Stand Against Christchurch

Sarah Bader, a long-time resident of Moscow and a former student of Logos School, emerges as a central figure in this narrative. Her unwavering opposition to Doug Wilson's vision for the town underlines the tension between individual autonomy and institutional control.

• Community Control: Sarah observes, “[Doug Wilson] is executing an evangelical plan to conquer a town, conquering a nation” (01:12). She criticizes how church members have acquired significant portions of downtown Moscow, asserting that the broader Moscow community has been complacent in resisting these changes.

• Facing Harassment: Her activism has not been without personal cost. Sarah recounts receiving "900 emails of just the most nasty sort" (02:58), including threatening messages like a knife emoji and veiled threats of divine retribution. She shares, “If I go out in public, they record me, they take pictures, they post videos of me on their personal Facebook pages. So it’s kind of… it’s stalking” (08:19).

• Activism and Support: Despite the hostility, Sarah has been instrumental in assisting women escape abusive marriages tied to the church. She narrates a harrowing case where she helped a woman and her children flee to Washington within 48 hours to seek refuge under more favorable domestic abuse laws (05:52).

Helen Shores Peters’ Journey from Obedience to Empowerment

Helen Shores Peters, another former member of the Christchurch community, provides a poignant account of her transformation from an obedient churchgirl to a vocal advocate against the oppressive doctrines of Christian nationalism.

• Early Life and Education: Helen describes her upbringing in an evangelical family, moving to Moscow at age eight to attend Logos School. Initially, she embraced the church’s teachings on headship and submission, as she states, “Yeah, I did” (16:04).

• Conflict and Expulsion: A pivotal moment in Helen’s life was her involvement in a romantic relationship that violated Logos School’s strict policies. After confiding in Doug Wilson, she was coerced into signing a contract that prohibited relationships with the opposite sex. When her ex-boyfriend Jason Scheibe's presence at her home led to her expulsion three months before graduation, Helen felt deeply betrayed and marginalized (25:24).

• Marriage and Abuse: Helen’s marriage to Jason Scheibe, whom she met in Portland, further exemplifies the detrimental effects of the church’s doctrines. Despite initial hopes, the marriage became strained, marked by controlling behavior and emotional abuse. Helen reflects, “I do think he was controlling in the way that he made it difficult to ever disagree” (30:00), highlighting the toxic dynamics fostered by the church’s teachings on male authority.

• Journey to Independence: Determined to reclaim her autonomy, Helen pursued education and a career as an X-ray technician. Her professional environment starkly contrasts with her personal life, revealing the duality enforced upon her by the church’s expectations.

Doug Wilson’s Defense and Controversial Practices

Doug Wilson, the founder of Christchurch and Logos School, serves as both the architect of the community's religious doctrines and a figure of contention for former members like Sarah and Helen.

• Handling Conflicts: When confronted about allegations of harassment and abuse, Wilson asserts, “If she had hard evidence that someone had crowded her or threatened her or done anything untoward toward her and she knew who it was, all she'd have to do is let us know and we would take care of it” (09:35). However, Sarah contends that approaching Wilson is ineffective, stating, “Doug is part of the problem” (10:23).

• Inquiry into Personal Matters: Wilson defends his practice of asking intimate details from members, arguing it's essential for his pastoral and legal responsibilities. He stated, “Unless I ask those sorts of questions, I don’t know what my pastoral obligations are. I don’t know what my legal obligations are” (23:51).

• Public Persona vs. Private Actions: While Wilson publicly denies direct involvement in the harassment Sarah faces, Sarah and Helen’s experiences paint a picture of a leader deeply entwined with the control mechanisms of the community.

Themes of Headship and Misogyny

A recurring theme in this episode is the doctrine of headship, which posits that men should be the leaders in society, government, and the household, with women expected to submit.

• Biblical Interpretation: The movement often cites Genesis 2:18 to justify patriarchal structures, interpreting Eve’s creation as a mandate for female subordination. Helen articulates, “That's the Bible says” (16:08), reflecting the ingrained belief system that underpins the community’s practices.

• Impact on Women: Both Sarah and Helen highlight how these doctrines foster environments where abuse can thrive. Sarah labels headship as “misogynistic” (04:19) and connects it to the systemic abuse within Christchurch and similar communities.

Conclusion: The Struggle for Autonomy and Safety

"Obedience" underscores the profound struggles faced by individuals like Sarah Bader and Helen Shores Peters as they navigate and resist the oppressive structures of Christian nationalist movements. Their stories illuminate the broader implications of such ideologies on personal freedom, safety, and community integrity.

Notably, Helen reflects on the internal conflict between her ingrained obedience and emerging independence: “There have always been two Helens... She's a people pleaser and puts her needs last, especially when a man is involved. And then there's the other Helen... independent minded, questioning church doctrine” (27:51).

The episode paints a stark portrait of a community grappling with the tension between religious fervor and the fundamental human desire for autonomy and respect. As Sarah and Helen continue their advocacy, their resilience serves as a beacon for others seeking to break free from similar oppressive environments.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sarah Bader: “Doug Wilson is executing an evangelical plan to conquer a town, conquering a nation” (01:12).

• Sarah Bader: “If I go out in public, they record me, they take pictures, they post videos of me on their personal Facebook pages. So it’s kind of… it’s stalking” (08:19).

• Helen Shores Peters: “Yeah, I did” (16:04).

• Helen Shores Peters: “I do think he was controlling in the way that he made it difficult to ever disagree” (30:00).

• Doug Wilson: “Unless I ask those sorts of questions, I don’t know what my pastoral obligations are. I don’t know what my legal obligations are” (23:51).

• Helen Shores Peters: “There have always been two Helens... She's a people pleaser and puts her needs last... And then there's the other Helen... independent minded, questioning church doctrine” (27:51).

This episode of Extremely American serves as a critical examination of how religious ideologies can permeate and potentially undermine democratic values and individual rights. Through the personal narratives of Sarah and Helen, listeners gain insight into the real-world consequences of Christian nationalist movements and the courageous efforts of those who resist them.