In a recent episode of “Interesting Times,” Ross Douthat, a conservative Roman Catholic intellectual from the New York Times, interviews Doug Wilson, a prominent Calvinist Christian nationalist from Moscow, Idaho. The conversation appears unbalanced, with Douthat adopting a gentle, questioning approach that allows Wilson to present himself in a more palatable light.
Wilson, despite his attempts to position his views as moderate, is described as a fringe preacher promoting a theocratic vision of America that he believes should be predominantly Protestant Calvinist. He expresses a desire for a country that enforces biblical laws, particularly advocating for a return to the values of the 1950s, which he sees as a golden age for Christianity.
While Wilson admits God’s role in administering evil and expresses problematic views on adultery and fornication, he also surprisingly claims to be a “theocratic libertarian” who desires a limited government yet aims to enforce religious morality. His views take a sharp turn when discussing Muslims, demonstrating distrust and reluctance to accept them as part of his envisioned theocratic state.
The article critiques Douthat’s choice to engage with Wilson, arguing that he should grant equal discussion platforms to more critical theologians. Ultimately, the author suggests that neither Wilson’s theology nor his political views should be taken seriously, framing the conversation as one lacking genuine theological depth.
