Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism

In this special episode of the Indoctrination podcast, host Rachel Bernstein discusses the aftermath of the election with Andrew Pledger. They share their initial reactions and delve into the impact of the election results on survivors of high-control groups. The conversation explores the emotional turmoil, fear, and triggers associated with the election, highlighting the significance of community and self-care for those affected. Andrew shares his insights from his experiences within the Independent Fundamentalist Baptist movement, drawing parallels between cult dynamics and the current political climate. They emphasize the importance of maintaining personal well-being, fostering genuine connections, and staying grounded amidst uncertainty.

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In this episode, Lane White, a transgender individual and a former BJU student, shares his journey of self-discovery. Lane recounts his upbringing in a Baptist household, his experiences at BJU, and the challenges of conforming to its strict rules. He discusses navigating gender identity, coming to terms with his sexuality, and facing expulsion. Lane's story sheds light on the impact of fundamentalism on personal identity, his quest for authenticity, and his resilience in reconciling faith with being LGBTQ.

Jacob’s Ladder (SC LGBTQ+ Resource List) https://www.qrcodechimp.com/page/jacobsladder?v=chk1719766347

Read Lane’s story in BJU and Me: https://www.amazon.com/BJU-Me-Voices-Christian-University/dp/0820361593

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*Some audio is regenerated by AI because of mispronunciations and/or recording issues

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Jay Cozzini shares his journey from an isolated upbringing in Alaska to attending Bob Jones University. Jay offers an insider perspective on the culture at BJU and recounts experiences of exploiting loopholes in their strict rulebook. He reveals the challenges faced as a Calvinist student, details his active role in a silent protest against mishandled abuse cases linked to BJU and highlights the subsequent pushback from the institution. The episode exposes underlying issues of control, racism, and homophobia, advocating for the dismantling of repressive systems.

LGBTQ+ Resources - Jacob's Ladder: https://www.qrcodechimp.com/page/jacobsladder?v=chk1719766347

JOIN MY PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger

Facebook Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/

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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

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Access the FULL EPISODE HERE: https://patreon.com/4ndrewpledger

In 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.

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-Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

*Some audio is regenerated by AI because of mispronunciations and/or recording issues

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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 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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Access the full episode HERE: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger

In this Patreon bonus episode I delve into betrayal trauma, a concept I recently discovered that deeply resonates with me. Drawing from Brene’ Brown's book 'Atlas of the Heart' and insights from Dr. Ramini, I explore the profound impact of betrayal from trusted individuals and institutions. I discuss the symptoms and emotional toll of betrayal, including feelings of depression, anxiety, and shame. I highlight the specific betrayal experienced within high-control religious environments and abusive familial settings and reference the institutional betrayal exemplified by the cover-up culture at Bob Jones University, as detailed in the Grace Report. I emphasize the devastating consequences of these betrayals and share insights on healing.

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

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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 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to the full episode on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger

In 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.

Resources

Healing Developmental Trauma by Heller: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Developmental-Trauma-Self-Regulation-Relationship/dp/1583944893/ref=sr_1_1

9 Steps to Healing Childhood Trauma as an Adult | Psychology Today

What Is Developmental Trauma? | Psychology Today

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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=9781250288288

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Access the full episode here: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger

In 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/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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.