Kristin Kobes Du Mez, a history professor at Calvin University and author of "Jesus and John Wayne," dives into the rise of Christian Nationalism and figures like Doug Wilson. She unpacks the evolution of evangelical masculinity and its extreme views gaining acceptance over time. The conversation highlights the societal influences on conservative evangelicals and critiques rigid family dynamics promoted within the community. Du Mez also addresses the emotional costs of these ideologies and the complex interplay between faith and modernity.
Doug Wilson's ideological framework emerged as a reaction to perceived weaknesses in late 20th-century evangelicalism, promoting a rigid view of biblical manhood.
His establishment of educational institutions like New Saint Andrews College created a network that fosters his teachings on gender roles and family dynamics.
Wilson's perspectives on traditional gender roles gained traction as evangelical communities felt threatened by cultural changes, merging fringe ideas with mainstream beliefs.
Deep dives
The Strategic Foundations of Doug Wilson's Ideology
Doug Wilson’s ideological framework emerged as a response to what he perceived as the weaknesses in late 20th-century evangelicalism. This reactionary stance criticized softer approaches in church practices and emphasized a return to a more rigid, militaristic conception of biblical manhood. Wilson's strategies were intentional and designed to counteract the perceived moral decline within evangelical communities, advocating for traits such as authority, submission, and strong masculinity. This led to the promotion of patriarchal values heavily rooted in a specific interpretation of scripture, thus establishing a provocative foundation for his future influence in religious circles.
The Role of Higher Education and Curriculum Development
A significant aspect of Wilson’s influence stems from his establishment of educational institutions like New Saint Andrews College and the Logos School. He developed a curriculum that promotes his teachings, thereby creating a concentrated network of followers committed to his ideology. This establishment of educational frameworks allowed Wilson to mold future generations according to his views on gender roles, family dynamics, and religious beliefs. By doing so, he effectively expanded his reach beyond his local community, tapping into the growing homeschooling movement and intertwining his ideology within that framework.
Mainstreaming Extreme Views
Doug Wilson’s once-fringe views on masculinity and authority gained mainstream traction largely due to shifts within wider evangelicalism. His perspectives, which advocate for traditional gender roles and often critique modern evangelical practices, resonated with a demographic feeling threatened by cultural changes. This merging of extreme positions with more traditional evangelical platforms highlights an evolving relationship where fringe ideas gradually become accepted as normative. Consequently, Wilson's influence has traversed from the outskirts to becoming a defining voice within certain sectors of the evangelical community.
Weaponizing Culture Wars
Wilson has adeptly utilized the rhetoric of culture wars to galvanize his base, framing secularism and modern ideologies as threats to Christianity. This positioning not only solidifies his appeal but also mobilizes supporters around a shared narrative of defense and resilience against societal changes. The emphasis on militant masculinity and a strong Christian identity becomes a rallying cry for those who feel marginalized by progressive movements. Through this strategy, Wilson effectively crafts a sense of urgency that compels individuals to align more closely with his teachings as a means of reclaiming control over their faith and community.
Creating Community Through Isolation
Wilson's vision promotes a strong sense of community among his followers while simultaneously advocating for isolation from broader society, which he paints as hopelessly corrupted. This dichotomy fosters a tight-knit environment where adherence to his teachings becomes synonymous with belonging and acceptance. By presenting his community as a bastion of truth in a world of moral decay, Wilson encourages his followers to withdraw from outside influences that might challenge their beliefs. This strategy effectively reinforces loyalty among followers, turning them into protectors of his brand of evangelicalism while creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that limits exposure to alternate viewpoints.
Need help? Contact Outreach Incorporated. SURPRISE! We're a day early. From fringe to mainstream. Maybe you've heard of them, maybe you haven't. One thing is for sure, they're influential. What started in the late 70s has blossomed into a worldwide movement, making Christian Nationalism... national. From a small college town, Moscow, Idaho, meet the pastor and movement that is influencing American politics, and infiltrating American churches. In this inaugural episode, Kristin Kobes Du Mez talks about the decades leading up to the rise of Doug Wilson. He's both the natural trajectory of conservative evangelicalism, and a reaction to it. Find out how, and why. Throughout this series we'll dive into the man himself, Christian Nationalism both local and abroad, schooling systems, marketing and publishing industry, theology and cultural issues, and stories of abuse. Let's get to know this movement. Episode Resources Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes Du Mez Donate to help the survivor network here. Join: Private Survivor Support Group. Sign up for our Patreon here. Visit sonsofpatriarchy.com to find resources, recommended reading, and more. Social Media: Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok Examining Doug Wilson and Moscow: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook "Sons of Patriarchy" is brought to you by Producer, Writer, Editor, and Host: Peter Bell Original Music, Sound Design, and Mixing: https://aaronfeeneymusic.com/ Social Media: Sarah Bader Graphic Design: Anonymous Survivors SURVIVORS - THANK YOU, AND MAY YOU BE HEARD. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sons-of-patriarchy--6517628/support.
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