Mere Christendom
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
In Mere Christendom by Douglas Wilson, seasoned Christian author and pastor, we confront the prevailing secularism in modern culture and its impact on our Christian witness. While some evangelical elites warn against Christian Nationalism and theocracy, Wilson argues that secularism itself poses the greatest threat. He challenges the fundamental assumption of secularism, which promotes moral and religious neutrality within government, advocating for a righteous nation that rewards virtue and condemns wickedness.
This thought-provoking book emphasizes the significance of bringing our private faith out into the public forum, offering a scriptural case for doing so. It delves into the role of Christianity in society, exploring how Jesus is the answer to societal issues such as taxes, civil resistance, and speech laws, and how He can lead the way. Rather than advocating for a new political platform, Wilson presents a comprehensive plan for Christians to engage within society and effect positive change.
The ultimate goal is not the establishment of a theocratic America, but rather the transformation of American culture into a Christian nation akin to the Prodigal Son returning home to his Father; Christendom is a culture led by Faith.
Mere Christendom is an enlightening read that encourages Christians to transcend their hesitation, integrate their faith into societal affairs, and embrace the opportunity to convert secularism through the power of the Bible, Christ-like behavior, and the way in which we pray. It explores apologetics and what we encounter in modern society to address the problem at the heart of secularism, surprising readers with a fresh perspective and compelling arguments that encourage reflection upon their role in modern culture.
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- Argues that secularism is not a neutral, tolerant position but is, in fact, its own form of religion.
- Challenges the idea of a religiously neutral public square, proposing that every nation is a “theocracy” governed by some ultimate authority
- Proposes a vision of “mere Christendom,” which he defines as a network of nations that publicly and formally acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the truth of the Apostles’ Creed.
- The Wickedness of Secularism
- Taxation
- Tactics of the Enemy
- Jesus Mobs
- What Is Mere Christendom?
- A Brief Scattershot Primer on Christian Nationalism
- The Goodness of Mere Christendom
- Church and State
- All Liberty Is Founded in Christ
- “Christendom Would be Oppressive”
- The Biblical Necessity of Free Speech
- Restrain the Worst Blasphemer First
- The Lure of Hypocrisy
- Two Revolutions
- American Exceptionalism
- Courage and Civil Disobedience
- Preaching and Prayer
- Nothing New
- Inevitability
- Epilogue: Hot Gospel for Heated Times
Part One: Where We Are Now
Part Two: Mere Christendom
Part Three: Lies about Mere Christendom
Part Four: How to Restore Christendom
- Title: Mere Christendom
- Author: Douglas Wilson
- Publisher: Canon Press
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Pages: 274
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
- ISBNs: 9781957905570, 1957905573
- Resource ID: LLS:MERECHRISTENDOM
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2025-08-14T17:07:31Z
Douglas Wilson (1953– ), a prolific author and speaker, has been the pastor of Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho for over 30 years. He is a senior fellow of theology, a permanent member of the Board of Trustees, and a professional in residence at New Saint Andrews College. Wilson graduated from the University of Idaho with a BA in classical studies and a BA and an MA in philosophy.
He is the editor of Credenda/Agenda magazine and has authored numerous books, including The Paideia of God: And Other Essays on Education, Standing On the Promises: A Handbook of Biblical Childrearing, Reforming Marriage, and Reformed Is Not Enough: Recovering the Objectivity of the Covenant, which can all be found in the Douglas Wilson Collection (17 vols.).