AI Summary
5 min read“I wouldn't just impose a Christian theocracy on the country as it now is,” Doug Wilson told NPR’s Lalo Fodd. “You can’t do that. Politics is the art of the possible. You do what you can with what you have.” Wilson, a self-described Christian nationalist and pastor in Moscow, Idaho, was invited by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to preach at the Pentagon earlier this year—a sign, Wilson says, that his once-fringe views are finally getting a serious hearing.
How a pastor from North Idaho ended up at the Pentagon
Wilson’s connection to Hegseth runs through a network of churches and classical Christian schools. Hegseth, before becoming defense secretary, moved his family to Tennessee so his children could attend a classical Christian school—part of a movement Wilson helped revive. Hegseth began attending Pilgrim Hill Church in Tennessee, pastored by Wilson’s friend Brooks Podiger, which belongs to the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), the denomination Wilson co-founded. When Hegseth moved to Washington, Wilson’s church started a CREC service in D.C. to serve families in the administration who wanted a church that practiced weekly communion and included children—a doctrinal distinctive Wilson says few Reformed churches in the area offer. Hegseth attended that service.
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What you'll learn
- 1 Timestamped Navigation Outline
- 2 (00:26) **Opening Quote & Context** - Doug Wilson's own words on imposing theocracy, followed by host introduction
- 3 (01:49) **The Pentagon Invitation** - Wilson describes being invited by Pete Hegseth to lead a worship service
- 4 (03:17) **Wilson's Connection to Pete Hegseth** - How the Defense Secretary became part of Wilson's church network
- 5 (05:39) **Why a DC Church Was Needed** - Wilson explains the doctrinal distinctives that motivated opening a church in the capital
- 6 (10:55) **Wilson's Relationship with Hegseth Today** - How often they talk and whether Wilson advises on policy
- 7 (13:03) **Hypothetical: Would Wilson Stop a War Crime?** - Wilson discusses when a Christian must disobey orders
+ Full timestamped outline available in the app
Show Notes
That controversial invitation from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscores Wilson's growing influence in the Republican Party. Wilson is a self-described Christian nationalist who leads Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho — part of a small network of churches with locations including Washington, D.C.
Wilson said he opened a D.C. church service because of the number of Christians who adhere to his church’s teachings within the Trump administration. One of the most prominent attendees is Hegseth.
NPR's Leila Fadel sat down with Doug Wilson at his main church in Moscow, Idaho, to hear more about why he wants the U.S. to become a Christian theocracy and what that would mean for women and non-Christians in the country.
This episode contains profanity and references sexual assault.
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