Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism

Access the FULL EPISODE HERE: https://patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerIn this Patreon bonus episode, I discuss the concept of spiritual abuse, delving into my personal journey of discovering and defining it. I share insights on how spiritual abuse manifests, often in high-control religious groups, through controlling language and suppressing individual identity. Drawing from various sources, I offer definitions and examples of spiritual abuse, highlighting its impact on mental health and self-perception. I emphasize the subtlety of spiritual abuse, its coercive nature, and its widespread existence across different religious contexts.JOIN MY PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerFacebook Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/My Substack: https://speakingupandrewpledger.substack.com/Linktree: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links-Music: https://www.purple-planet.com*Some audio is regenerated by AI because of mispronunciations and/or recording issues

In this episode, I welcome Daisy back and she delves into her harrowing experiences at BJU and the Wilds Christian Camp. Daisy recounts instances of religious indoctrination, physical and emotional abuse, and the manipulative control tactics employed by the institutions. She bravely shares the painful memories that were recently unlocked, shedding light on these toxic environments that left lasting scars. The episode highlights the brutal reality faced by many in these fundamentalist systems, emphasizing the importance of survivor stories in exposing this widespread abuse.Andrew’s LinksJOIN MY PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerFacebook Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/My Substack: https://speakingupandrewpledger.substack.com/Linktree: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links-Music: https://www.purple-planet.com*Some audio is regenerated by AI because of mispronunciations and/or recording issues

In this episode, I have an insightful conversation with Amanda Koth a former dorm counselor at Bob Jones University (BJU). Amanda shares her journey from growing up in a conservative Baptist community to her experiences at BJU as a resident assistant (RA), eventually transitioning into her role as a dorm counselor. She provides a rare glimpse into the stringent and invasive regulations enforced by the university, including the handling of self-harm, suicide, abuse, and LGBTQ+ students. Amanda discusses the limited training and tools available for counseling students and the pervasive culture of enforcement rather than empathy. She also reflects on her personal journey of accepting her sexuality after leaving BJU and offers support and advice for current students grappling with similar issues. This episode sheds light on the restrictive and often harmful environment within BJU and emphasizes the importance of finding freedom and authenticity beyond such institutions.Andrew's Links JOIN MY PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger Facebook Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/ My Substack: https://speakingupandrewpledger.substack.com/ Linktree: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links -Music: https://www.purple-planet.com *Some audio is regenerated by AI because of mispronunciations and/or recording issues 

Listen to the full episode on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerIn this bonus episode, I dive into the topic of unmet needs in fundamentalist environments, specifically focusing on developmental trauma. Drawing from Lawrence Heller's book 'Healing Developmental Trauma,' I explore the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), which emphasizes the core needs of connection, attunement, trust, autonomy, and love/sexuality. I share my personal therapy journey and experiences growing up in a fundamentalist cult, illustrating how unmet needs impact emotional regulation, relationships, and mental health. The episode aims to provide insight into recognizing and addressing these challenges through therapy and personal growth.ResourcesHealing Developmental Trauma by Heller: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Developmental-Trauma-Self-Regulation-Relationship/dp/1583944893/ref=sr_1_19 Steps to Healing Childhood Trauma as an Adult | Psychology TodayWhat Is Developmental Trauma? | Psychology TodayAndrew's LinksJOIN MY PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger Facebook Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/ My Substack: https://speakingupandrewpledger.substack.com/ Linktree: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links -Music: https://www.purple-planet.com *Some audio is regenerated by AI because of mispronunciations and/or recording issues

In this episode I speak with Tia Levings, who bravely shares her journey of escaping Christian patriarchy and introduces her memoir, 'A Well-Trained Wife.' We discuss her traumatic experiences in fundamentalism and her courageous path to freedom. Tia also delves into the broader implications of fundamentalism on women and her healing journey, including her upcoming book 'The Soul of Healing.' This episode is a heartfelt exploration of survival, recovery, and the vital importance of amplifying survivor stories.Buy “A Well-Trained Wife” by Tia Levings: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/well-trained-wife-9781250288288/Tia’s linktree: https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-well-trained-wife-my-escape-from-christian-patriarchy-tia-levings/20395505?ean=9781250288288Andrew’s linksJOIN MY PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger Facebook Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/ My Substack: https://speakingupandrewpledger.substack.com/ Linktree: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links -Music: https://www.purple-planet.com *Some audio is regenerated by AI because of mispronunciations and/or recording issues

Access the full episode here: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerIn this bonus Patreon episode of 'Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism,' I continue my exploration of authoritarian power by delving deeper into different manifestations and societal impacts. Building on insights from 'The Guru Papers: Masks of Authoritarian Power,' I discuss how authoritarianism thrives in times of uncertainty, leading people to surrender their critical thinking for a sense of safety and belonging. I examine the regressive appeal of political conservatism, religious fundamentalism, and other forms of extremism. I also touch on contemporary examples, such as Trumpism and the rise of authoritarian Christian nationalist agendas. Drawing from 'Escape from Freedom' by Eric Fromm, I provide historical context on how societies have grappled with authority and freedom. The episode elaborates on the dangerous dynamics of control and surrender in authoritarian systems and the importance of fostering self-trust to resist such influences.Thank you to my Patreon supporters who allow me to do this work!JOIN MY PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerFacebook Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/My Substack: https://speakingupandrewpledger.substack.com/Linktree: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links-Music: https://www.purple-planet.com*Some audio is regenerated by AI because of mispronunciations and/or recording issues