Recently, I came across a story about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s pastor being accused of white supremacy. When I listened to the remarks in question, my first thought was: Does this pastor have a real job?
Far too many modern pastors seem to make a living by talking about social or political issues rather than serving their communities. In my view, that’s not what being a pastor is about. When you speak on behalf of Christ, you should be mindful of every word that leaves your mouth.
I’m not sure whether Pastor Doug Wilson was actively serving in ministry when he co-wrote Southern Slavery: As It Was, but the renewed controversy around his book reminded me how often political groups distort religious speech to serve their agendas.
The Doug Wilson Controversy
Doug Wilson, the founder of the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), is at the center of a renewed debate. His 1996 book Southern Slavery: As It Was included controversial claims that have drawn criticism for decades.
Wilson wrote that there had “never been a multi-racial society which has existed with such mutual intimacy and harmony in the history of the world.” He added that “in spite of the evils contained in the system, we cannot overlook the benefits of slavery for both blacks and whites.”
Many have accused him of romanticizing slavery, but Wilson has since said his words were taken out of context. In a 2020 blog post titled Not That Simple, he admitted that parts of his earlier writing were poorly expressed and could be recast or clarified.
In a statement to The Independent, Wilson added:
“The ties to my previous comments on slavery are significantly stronger than my ties to Pete Hegseth.”
Hegseth’s church, Pilgrim Hill Reformed Fellowship in Nashville, Tennessee, is part of Wilson’s CREC denomination, which has congregations across the United States and abroad.
Faith, Race, and Cultural Context
The controversy surrounding Wilson raises deeper questions about how Americans discuss race and history. Many want to frame everything as black versus white, when in truth, the story of civilization—and of faith—is far more complex.
Slavery, while undeniably evil, was a symptom of deeper human sin. It cannot be neatly categorized along racial lines, because slavery existed long before European colonization. In fact, if the Roman Empire had not spread across Europe, many white Europeans might still have been living in primitive conditions.
Similarly, if we’re going to discuss race biblically, we must remember that Ethiopia—a black nation—is mentioned with honor in Scripture, and Egypt, a cradle of civilization, included people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. The Bible’s message has never been about race; it’s always been about faithfulness to God.
The real divide isn’t between black and white—it’s between those who put Christ first and those who don’t. When we put politics, pride, or ideology ahead of God, we descend into endless shouting matches that produce no understanding.
Culture vs. Race
What we should be discussing is culture, not color. Culture reflects the values we live by. My culture revolves around Christ, the Son of God. Even for those who reject Him, His teachings have shaped the moral foundation of Western civilization.
Jesus’ words broke through the censorship and hierarchy of His time. Unlike the religious leaders who used power to suppress thought, Jesus spoke in parables so that all people—rich or poor, Jew or Gentile—could hear the truth.
When cultures adopt censorship or authoritarianism, they lose creativity, compassion, and freedom. That’s why many ancient civilizations left behind impressive monuments but little spiritual legacy. Without God, even greatness fades.
The Modern Faith Crisis
Today, both black and white communities struggle when they place politics before faith. Many black Americans, for instance, have been conditioned to treat political identity as a substitute for spiritual identity. But putting anyone or anything above Christ—whether a political movement or a racial identity—lowers the level of wisdom and discernment.
On the other hand, many white Americans have benefited from Christian values passed down through centuries of proximity to the gospel. That access to grace is a blessing, not a cause for arrogance.
The truth is simple: without Christ, humanity always falls back into division and pride. Whether it’s Egypt, Rome, or America, when we stray from God, we build idols—of race, of culture, of self.
Returning to Christ
The Bible teaches that true unity begins when people see themselves not as black or white, but as spiritual beings created by God. The devil thrives on division, and race has become one of his favorite tools. But God’s Word calls us higher—to love, humility, and truth.
Culture rooted in Christ fosters freedom. Culture rooted in pride breeds censorship and decay. Jesus came to tear down religious arrogance, not to abolish God’s law but to fulfill it. Through Him, we are free—not by bloodline or ethnicity, but by the Spirit.
Closing Thoughts
Doug Wilson’s writings, while controversial, are a reminder of how dangerous it can be when historical and spiritual truths are filtered through political lenses. Both sides—Left and Right—can misrepresent ideas to serve their own narratives.
At the end of the day, the message that matters is not about defending or condemning one man’s words. It’s about examining our own hearts and asking whether we’ve placed Christ first.
Because when we do, truth rises above politics, race, and fear.
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36
Consider making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior today.
