Slippery Souls: Paleo Confederate Christianity 2026

Douglas Wilson has authored over 100 books spanning theology, fiction, and political manifestos. His works are central to the culture of his denomination and the broader "classical Christian" movement. [1]

Core Theological & Political Works

These books outline Wilson's vision for a society governed by biblical law and his rejection of secularism. [2]

Mere Christendom (2023): Wilson's primary manifesto for Christian Nationalism. He argues that no government is religiously neutral and calls for a "network of nations" that formally acknowledge the Lordship of Christ.

Empires of Dirt (2016): An analysis of secularism and radical Islam, where Wilson proposes a "Christendom of the New Foundation" as the only viable alternative to cultural decay.

Rules for Reformers (2014): A "combat manual" for the culture war that adapts Saul Alinsky’s tactical approach for conservative Christian goals.

Heaven Misplaced: Explains his postmillennial eschatology, the belief that Christ’s kingdom will be established on Earth through the success of the Gospel before His return. [1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]

Books on Family & Gender

These works are highly influential within his church and promote "biblical patriarchy."

Reforming Marriage: His foundational text on marriage, emphasizing male headship and female submission as a "typology" of Christ and the Church.

Federal Husband: Argues that a husband is the "federal head" of his home, meaning he is spiritually responsible for the conduct and condition of his wife and children.

Future Men: A guide for raising boys into "godly men" prepared for leadership, work, and "suffering". [1, 7, 8, 9, 10]

The Slavery Controversy

Wilson’s views on American history are primarily found in these two titles, which have drawn widespread condemnation from historians. [8]

Southern Slavery, As It Was (1994): A co-authored pamphlet arguing that Southern slavery was a "benign" institution that produced "racial harmony." It was later withdrawn by his publisher due to extensive unattributed citations.
Black & Tan (2005): A follow-up to the slavery controversy where Wilson identifies as a "paleo-Confederate." He maintains that while the slave trade was wicked, the Civil War was an unbiblical "revolution" that led to a "leviathan" federal government. [8, 11, 12, 13]