Doug Wilson’s Fiction Writing and Worldbuilding

Analysis of Wilson’s suggestion that readers approach his theology as they would a work of fiction, and the broader implications of doing so for interpretation, accountability, and doctrine.

Doug Wilson Says Read My Theology Book with a ‘Willing Suspension of Disbelief’ Because ‘Wouldn’t It Be Glorious If This Really Were True?’

September 18, 2024 (Updated on November 4, 2025 ) | Opinion by Nathan Wells

Doug Wilson asks readers to approach his theology with a 'willing suspension of disbelief' — as fiction. Should Christian doctrine require make-believe?

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$“So here is my proposal...read this little book as though it were a work of fiction. Just for a short while, I am asking for that willing suspension of disbelief. And if that request is granted, then I believe that a striking feature of this kind of historical optimism will become plain. Every Christian can agree on one thing at least\. Wouldn’t it be glorious if this really were true?” – Doug Wilson$ $“So here is my proposal...read this little book as though it were a work of fiction. Just for a short while, I am asking for that willing suspension of disbelief. And if that request is granted, then I believe that a striking feature of this kind of historical optimism will become plain. Every Christian can agree on one thing at least\. Wouldn’t it be glorious if this really were true?” – Doug Wilson$

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