Evangelical pastor and self-proclaimed Christian nationalist Doug Wilson has been preaching for decades that America needs to reclaim its Puritan past. But in 2025, he believes he’s “significantly” more influential. Does that mean America is closer to Wilson’s goal of theocracy? In this episode, nothing is off limits — even Ross’s own salvation.

01:36 - Doug Wilson's vision for a Christian nation
08:37 - Wilson’s ideal theocratic republic
19:12 - Theocracy and religious diversity
30:50 - Do women have rights in this new republic?
36:59 - Christendom and slavery
46:50 - How far does Wilson’s influence go in a “clown world”?
59:54 - Calvinism activism and quietism

(A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times website.)

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He Believes America Should Be a Theocracy. He Says His Influence Is Growing.

Interesting Times with Ross Douthat

He Believes America Should Be a Theocracy. He Says His Influence Is Growing.