Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism

Host Andrew Pledger thanks listeners for their support and announces changes for the next season. The podcast will shift its focus to exploring how controlling systems disconnect us from ourselves, their impact on our minds and bodies, and the path to recovery and reconnection. Andrew encourages listeners to stay subscribed for updates on the new episodes and details coming next year.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

In this episode, host Andrew Pledger speaks with Dr. Camille Lewis about her new book 'Klandamentalism.' The conversation delves into the historical and contemporary ties between Christian fundamentalism, white supremacy, and authoritarianism connected to Bob Jones University. They discuss survivor stories, the influence of Bob Jones University on American society, and recent updates about the university, including changes in rules and significant incidents. Dr. Lewis also sheds light on the psychology behind the loyalty to these systems and the societal implications. The episode finishes with reflections on the current socio-political climate and recommendations for further action.Order Klandamentalism: https://www.amazon.com/Klandamentalism-Intersection-Revivalism-Supremacy-University/dp/1638041563Andrew'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 today's episode, Kate shares her journey from being raised in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement to becoming an accidental advocate and activist. She discusses her experiences with emotional and spiritual abuse, her formation of the Blue Shirt Coalition in support of sexual abuse survivors from her Christian High School, and the impact of her advocacy efforts. Kate also touches upon the influence of the church's teachings and its association with Bob Jones University. The conversation highlights her passion for protecting children and supporting victims within her community.Blue Shirt Coalition: https://www.blueshirtcoalition.org/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, host Andrew Pledger talks with Elizabeth, a survivor of Bob Jones Academy and University. They discuss Elizabeth's struggles with mental health, the stigma surrounding it in fundamentalist Christian environments, and specific incidents that highlighted the emotional and psychological challenges she faced. Elizabeth shares personal stories about her family's mental health history, her experiences at Bob Jones Academy and BJU, including dealing with a traumatic family move and a toxic relationship, and the lack of support she encountered from staff and leaders at the school. Despite the hardships, Elizabeth finds healing through friendships, a supportive partner, and therapy.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, host Andrew Pledger welcomes Eleanor Skelton, an advocate for awareness about abuse in homeschooling and restrictive religious circles. Eleanor shares their experiences growing up in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement, their family's attempts to shelter them by steering them towards institutions like Bob Jones University (BJU), and their eventual escape. They discuss the control tactics used within these communities and their personal journey of deconstruction and activism. Eleanor also recounts leading a protest against Jim Berg, a controversial figure associated with BJU, and provides practical advice for individuals seeking to leave similar controlling environments. This episode sheds light on the challenges of escaping fundamentalism and the importance of finding supportive communities.Eleanor's website: https://eleanorskelton.com/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, host Andrew Pledger interviews Chris Peterman, a Bob Jones University alum and activist who led the Do Right BJU movement. Chris shares his experiences growing up in fundamentalist Christian environments, his realization of his sexual identity, and his awakening to the problems within these institutions, particularly around issues of abuse. The episode delves into Chris's journey from being a conforming student to founding a movement that demanded accountability from Bob Jones University. They discuss the steps leading to the first student-led protest at BJU, the significant impact of the Do Right BJU movement, and the subsequent Grace Report that investigated the university's handling of abuse claims. The conversation highlights the broader influence of fundamentalist institutions on American society and politics.Do Right BJU Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16oTVkxQ2A/?mibextid=wwXIfrABC 20/20 episode on the IFB movement: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL54666D27A074EEC7&si=nlgV8eNVMGlN28K9Andrew'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, host Andrew Pledger speaks with Shielagh Clark, a survivor of abuse tied to Bob Jones University and an affiliated church. Shielagh shares her harrowing journey of abuse beginning at age 15, and how she was failed by both the school and her church community. She details her involvement with the Grace Report, the challenges she faced in seeking justice through both criminal and civil courts, and the emotional toll it took on her. Despite numerous setbacks, she found healing and empowerment by speaking out, ultimately launching her own podcast, 'Perverted Justice,' to continue shedding light on abuse and the legal system.Listen to Perverted JusticeApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perverted-justice/id1779806281Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/74QkJScAlSTxncLKCsyxN6?si=c8WSRQvIQcCl9rIn9eQsbA00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview01:11 Guest Introduction: Sheila Clark01:37 Sheila's Story: Abuse and Bob Jones University02:44 The Grace Report and Seeking Validation08:49 Confronting the Past: Church and Legal Battles20:25 Legal Proceedings and Challenges38:52 Reflections and Healing Journey46:45 Conclusion and Podcast OutroAndrew'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

Host Andrew Pledger explores the impact of Christian fundamentalism, particularly at Bob Jones University (BJU), by interviewing of Rebekah Knauf, a survivor who attended and graduated from BJU from 2015-2018. Their discussion covers numerous topics, including restrictive religious environments, mental health struggles, the enforced modesty culture, and the systemic victim-blaming within fundamentalist circles. Rebekah reveals her experiences at religious camps, the challenges posed by gender discrimination, and her journey towards healing and becoming a mental health therapist.Get in touch with Rebekah: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/rebekah-knauf-greenville-sc/1061205?msockid=283292d6e0726fb2139f824ce15e6e47Andrew'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