Sons of Patriarchy Karen Swallow Prior
May 22, 2025
Karen Swallow Prior, an English professor and literary scholar with deep roots in evangelical circles, shares her journey of disillusionment with Doug Wilson's teachings. She discusses her initial admiration for his satire and how doubts arose after encountering troubling attitudes towards women. Highlighting her advocacy for abuse survivors, Karen reflects on the backlash she faced and her decision to withdraw from a conference amid serious allegations. She urges readers to scrutinize Wilson's writings and emphasizes the importance of accountability in religious communities.
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Early Fan Of Doug Wilson
- Karen Swallow Prior describes being an early fan of Doug Wilson for his satire and Trinitarian theology.
- She bought A Serrated Edge and frequently loaned it to students for its biblical defense of satire.
Rhetoric Revealed Online
- Karen noticed a pattern in Doug Wilson's rhetoric toward women during the blogging heyday, especially in exchanges with Rachel Held Evans.
- She realized his language became disrespectful and degrading toward women he disagreed with.
Withdrawing From A Controversial Conference
- Karen accepted an invitation to speak at a conference tied to Wilson's circle then withdrew when she learned her presence would betray abuse survivors.
- That withdrawal marked a turning point in her relationship with him.
