CNN profiled influential pastor and author Douglas Wilson, highlighting his self-described Christian nationalist vision. Wilson leads the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), which includes over 130 U.S. congregations, 25 abroad, and more than 400 classical Christian schools. His network also runs New Saint Andrews College and Canon Press. Last month, he opened a Christ Church branch in Washington, D.C., blocks from the U.S. Capitol. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attended, reflecting his ties to Wilson’s educational network. Wilson said the D.C. church aims to remind leaders that God’s favor matters more than political influence.
Controversial Beliefs and Long-Term Goals
In an interview with CNN’s Pamela Brown, Wilson said his mission is to peacefully establish a global Christian theocracy to prepare for the Second Coming. He predicted it could take 250 years to turn America into a Christian nation. Wilson supports repealing same-sex marriage rights, reinstating sodomy laws, and even overturning the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. He insists such policies would increase liberty, criticizing government regulations from shower heads to light bulbs. He praised former President Trump as a “wrecking ball” and “wild card” who disrupted political norms.
Gender, Homosexuality, and Slavery Views Draw Fire
Wilson described women as “the kind of people that people come out of,” later calling mothers “chief executives of the home.” He denies misogyny, saying his beliefs do not encourage abuse. On slavery, he condemned the system as unbiblical but noted some slave owners were “decent human beings.” His stance on homosexuality includes advocating for criminalization, arguing that such laws existed during a freer era. Brown challenged Wilson’s views on women’s roles, but he said working mothers are not “automatically” a problem.
Supporters and Detractors Clash
Supporters like Hegseth and Oklahoma State Senator Dusty Deevers praise Wilson’s boldness and biblical focus. Detractors, including progressive faith leader Jen Butler, warn that his movement threatens religious minorities, women, and LGBTQ people. Religious studies professor Julie Ingersoll said a theocracy under Wilson would give the church far greater power, while Matthew Taylor labeled him a leader of the hardline “Theobros” movement. Critics also accuse his teachings of fostering patriarchal “micro-theocracies” within families. Author Marissa Franks Burt called his message “toxic” and harmful to households.
Wilson’s Response to Criticism
Wilson rejects labels such as racist or fascist but accepts “Christian nationalist.” He says his positions have become mainstream without him changing them. Concluding the interview, Wilson framed his mission as just beginning, with much work ahead to reshape society through evangelism. Despite boos in his hometown, he insists his movement builds true community, even if outsiders call it a cult.
Source:
Douglas Wilson’s CNN Interview Highlights His Influence, Critics’ Concerns
Photo by Filip Bunkens on Unsplash
About Post Author
