Extremely American: Onward Christian Soldiers - The Charismatic Preacher and the Intoleristas

Season 2 of NPR's "Extremely American" delves deep into the rise of Christian nationalism in America. In the episode titled "Onward Christian Soldiers: The Charismatic Preacher and the Intoleristas," hosts Heath Druzen and James Dawson explore the controversial journey of Doug Wilson, a prominent figure in the movement aiming to transform American democracy into a theocratic state.

Early Beginnings: God's Garage

The story commences in the early 1970s in Moscow, Idaho, where a young Doug Wilson, then in his late teens, begins his foray into evangelism. Living with his parents, Jim and Doug Wilson, Doug's father was an established Christian author and bookstore owner. Seeking to minister to troubled youth, Jim transformed their garage into "God's Garage," a hub for teenagers seeking refuge and spiritual guidance.

Doug Wilson (00:59): "It was a big hangout place. And in this hangout place, conversations all the time. What I would describe as street level apologetics."

Heath Druzen narrates how "God's Garage" became a central location for Doug to preach and engage with teenagers, fostering an environment where young individuals could openly discuss faith, the Bible, and existential questions.

Academic Pursuits and Ideological Formation

Doug pursued a major in philosophy at the University of Idaho, a choice that seemed unconventional for a devout Christian. His aim was to equip himself with the intellectual tools necessary to engage with a broader audience.

Doug Wilson (09:17): "I wanted to be able to interact with the students who would come into the bookstore having read the best that the other side had to offer."

During his university years, Doug was mentored by Nick Geyer, one of his philosophy professors and later, his most vocal critic. Their relationship was initially collegial, marked by debates over theological and philosophical doctrines.

Critic 1 (10:05): "Doug came up to me after the first class and introduced himself. He's always so polite and civil..."

However, as Doug's ideology hardened, especially his interpretations of Christianity and his stances on social issues, the rift between him and Nick deepened, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Rise of Community Evangelical Fellowship

Post-graduation, Doug took over preaching duties at Faith Fellowship, a congregation he initially joined as a song leader. Under his leadership, the congregation expanded rapidly, adopting the name Community Evangelical Fellowship and moving through various venues in Moscow, from parks to auto garages.

Doug Wilson (14:44): "We didn't really have any formal structure or building or anything to speak of..."

This period marked the foundation of what would later become Christchurch, Doug's flagship church, as he eschewed traditional seminary education in favor of self-directed theological study.

Controversial Views on Slavery

A pivotal moment in Doug's career was the co-authorship of the booklet Southern Slavery As It Was in 1996. This publication sought to present slavery in the American South as a harmonious and biblically sanctioned institution, a narrative that ignited widespread condemnation.

Nick Geyer (19:31): "There has never been a multiracial society which has existed with such mutual intimacy and harmony in the history of the world."

The booklet not only downplayed the atrocities of slavery but also positioned abolitionists and the North as antagonists. This perspective was in stark contrast to established historical consensus and provoked significant backlash within and beyond the community.

In response to the growing outrage, Nick Geyer spearheaded efforts to publicize the controversial booklet, leading to protests and widespread condemnation from academic and local leaders alike.

Critic 1 (20:03): "I didn't want to have anything to do with Doug Wilson, but when this came out, I had to do something."

Despite the negative reception, Doug hosted a town hall to address the controversy, a move that did little to alleviate tensions. The booklet's defense of slavery using biblical references further alienated him from mainstream society.

Doug Wilson (24:00): "Christians who owned slaves in the south were on firm scriptural ground... Christians may own slaves, end quote."

The Intoleristas and Continued Growth

Amidst the fallout, Doug coined the term "Intoleristas" to describe his critics, portraying them as intolerant opponents of his mission.

Doug Wilson (25:09): "There are people who are hostiles. They're... I call them intoleristas."

This labeling strategy mirrored tactics used by contemporary political figures, helping Doug galvanize his base by framing opposition as inherently intolerant. Contrary to expectations, the controversy did not diminish his influence; instead, his church and associated networks continued to expand.

Doug Wilson (27:36): "We've had a number of controversies, maybe five big controversies over the years, and in every one of them, the church has grown."

Nick Geyer reflects on Doug's trajectory with a mix of remorse and astonishment, acknowledging his role in Doug's early intellectual formation while grappling with the destructive path Doug ultimately took.

Nick Geyer (28:55): "He's a cute, bright young man... It became an embarrassment for us."

Legacy and Impact

Doug Wilson's unyielding stance and strategic use of controversy have cemented his position as a leading figure in Christian nationalism. His refusal to apologize or retract his statements, coupled with his ability to attract followers even in the face of widespread criticism, underscores the complex dynamics of his influence.

Doug Wilson (27:53): "Well, I'm... I think it's because people are hungry for definition and leadership, and they don't like living in a relativistic fog."

As Doug's influence expanded through media, educational institutions, and political advocacy, "Onward Christian Soldiers" illustrates the intricate interplay between personal ideology, community dynamics, and broader societal impacts.

Conclusion

This episode of "Extremely American" offers a comprehensive examination of Doug Wilson's rise within Christian nationalism, highlighting the contentious issues of his advocacy and the resultant societal fractures. By intertwining personal narratives with broader ideological debates, Druzen and Dawson provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the challenges posed by movements seeking to reshape American democracy through the lens of religious fundamentalism.

Notable Quotes:

• Doug Wilson (00:59): "It was a big hangout place. And in this hangout place, conversations all the time. What I would describe as street level apologetics."
• Nick Geyer (19:31): "There has never been a multiracial society which has existed with such mutual intimacy and harmony in the history of the world."
• Critic 1 (20:03): "I didn't want to have anything to do with Doug Wilson, but when this came out, I had to do something."
• Doug Wilson (25:09): "There are people who are hostiles. They're... I call them intoleristas."
• Doug Wilson (27:36): "We've had a number of controversies, maybe five big controversies over the years, and in every one of them, the church has grown."

These quotes encapsulate the tensions and dynamics explored in the episode, providing insight into Doug Wilson's rhetoric and the reactions it elicited.