Up First from NPR: “Theocrats on the Doorstep of Power”
Release Date: January 12, 2025
Host/Author: NPR
Episode Title: Theocrats on the Doorstep of Power
Transcript Provided by: The Sunday Story
Introduction
In the January 12, 2025 episode of NPR’s Up First, titled “Theocrats on the Doorstep of Power,” host Aisha Roscoe delves deep into the rising influence of Christian nationalism in America. Accompanied by journalist Heath Druzen, creator of the Extremely American podcast, the episode explores how a movement rooted in a small Idaho town is shaping national politics and societal norms.
Defining Christian Nationalism
Heath Druzen begins by unpacking the broad and often misunderstood concept of Christian nationalism. He explains that while the movement encompasses a variety of beliefs, a unifying ideology is Dominionism—the idea that Christianity should govern all aspects of life and that Christ’s teachings should form the foundation of society.
Heath Druzen [01:05]: “Christian nationalism is a pretty broad movement. It can mean a lot of different things, but there are some unifying ideologies...”
Druzen traces his coverage of extremism back to 2018, highlighting how initial skepticism about the movement shifted post-Donald Trump’s election, as Trump amplified Christian nationalist sentiments.
Heath Druzen [02:46]: “When Donald Trump says these things, Christian nationalists say that it's their ideology influencing the now President elect.”
Christchurch Church in Moscow, Idaho
The episode spotlights Moscow, Idaho—a seemingly unlikely hub for Christian nationalism. With a population of about 26,000 and a liberal college-town vibe, Moscow contrasts sharply with the conservative rest of Idaho. Here, Doug Wilson’s Christchurch Church has established significant local influence, aiming to transform Moscow into a “Christian town.”
Heath Druzen [04:32]: “Doug Wilson and his associates at Christchurch, they want a kind of local theocracy where the political power is held only by people who identify as Christian.”
Despite limited electoral success due to the town's liberal leanings, Christchurch’s influence extends nationally through a network of nearly 500 Christian schools and a media empire, positioning Wilson as a central figure in the movement.
Doug Wilson [06:02]: “Secularism is resting on America like a dense fog.”
The Christian Industrial Complex
Doug Wilson has orchestrated what Druzen’s co-reporter James Dawson describes as a “Christian industrial complex,” integrating education, media, and real estate to propagate Christian nationalist ideals.
Heath Druzen [06:12]: “He sees his educational enterprises as munitions factories...”
Wilson’s strategy involves shaping culture through various channels, including schools, publishing, and streaming services, effectively creating an ecosystem where Christian ideology permeates everyday life.
Doug Wilson [06:12]: “[We want] students appearing before the Supreme Court as attorneys...”
Fight Laugh Feast Conference
A significant segment of the episode covers the Fight Laugh Feast conference, a gathering of Christian nationalists led by Gabe Wrench, a prominent figure within the Christchurch network. The four-day event, described as part conference, part festival, serves as a brainstorming hub for converting America into a Christian nation.
Heath Druzen [15:05]: “Fight Laugh Feast is four days of fundamentalist Christians talking to Christians about being Christian.”
Participants discuss strategies to influence government and society, emphasizing a narrow Protestant view of Christianity that excludes other denominations and religions.
Heath Druzen [16:37]: “They want the authority of the Lord Jesus to be confessed by the House and the Senate, and I want the President to sign it.”
Internal Conflicts and Racism
The episode does not shy away from the darker aspects within the movement. Druzen highlights internal conflicts, particularly around issues of race and antisemitism. While some factions attempt to distance themselves from overt racism, others have embraced white supremacist ideologies, revealing a fragmented and contentious movement.
Heath Druzen [24:37]: “Doug Wilson... co wrote a pamphlet called Southern Slavery As It Was, which very much whitewashed the evils of slavery and painted the Confederacy as the victims.”
This internal strife mirrors historical tensions within similar movements, illustrating the complexities and inherent contradictions of modern Christian nationalism.
National Influence and Political Prospects
Drucken underscores the tangible political influence Christian nationalists are beginning to wield. Notable figures connected to the movement include Russ Vogt, leader of Project 2025, and Pete Hegseth, a Fox News personality nominated for Secretary of Defense, both of whom have ties to Doug Wilson’s network.
Heath Druzen [26:11]: “Russ Vogt... wants to use biblical principles to instruct government.”
Idaho serves as a microcosm for potential national trends, with legislation mirroring Christian nationalist priorities, such as restrictive library bills targeting materials deemed “harmful” to minors.
Heath Druzen [28:24]: “Idaho had an early anti-trans bill that was used as a blueprint for later anti-trans bills that passed in other states.”
Future Outlook and Implications
Looking forward, Druzen expresses concern over the movement’s growing influence, especially as demographics shift and Christianity’s dominance in America wanes. The ability of Christian nationalists to adapt and maintain power amidst these changes remains a critical area to watch.
Heath Druzen [29:31]: “What Doug Wilson and his allies can achieve in the next four years, that remains to be seen...”
The episode concludes with a reflection on the patient and pervasive strategies employed by Christian nationalists to embed their ideology deeply within American societal structures.
Conclusion
“Theocrats on the Doorstep of Power” offers a comprehensive exploration of Christian nationalism, illustrating its roots, strategies, and burgeoning influence in American politics. Through insightful interviews and on-the-ground reporting, NPR provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of a movement poised to redefine the nation's cultural and political landscape.
Notable Quotes:
- Doug Wilson [06:07]: “Secularism is resting on America like a dense fog.”
- Doug Wilson [06:12]: “We want students making movies. We want students appearing before the Supreme Court as attorneys...”
- Heath Druzen [16:37]: “They want the authority of the Lord Jesus to be confessed by the House and the Senate, and I want the President to sign it.”
- Heath Druzen [18:29]: “Statistically speaking, there's a good chance they think of you as the enemy too.”
- Heath Druzen [24:37]: “Doug Wilson... co wrote a pamphlet called Southern Slavery As It Was, which very much whitewashed the evils of slavery and painted the Confederacy as the victims.”
Additional Resources:
- Extremely American Podcast by Heath Druzen – available at npr.org
- Support NPR by donating at donate.npr.org
Produced by NPR’s The Sunday Story team, this episode offers a critical lens on the intersection of religion and politics in contemporary America, highlighting the potential ramifications of theocrats gaining political foothold.