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.

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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/1638041563

Andrew's Links

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

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In this episode, host Andrew Pledger interviews Erin Burchwell, who delves into the broken promises of Bob Jones University, particularly focusing on the 'Old Promise', an endowment fund meant to support long-time faculty in their retirement. The discussion highlights the ongoing struggles of retired faculty, the university's failure to uphold its commitments, and the troubling culture within the associated church communities. The episode also touches on the 'New Promise' initiative and its implications, while offering a retrospective on the 10-year anniversary of the Grace Report, emphasizing the need for continued awareness and justice. Erin shares her personal journey of resilience and success after leaving fundamentalism, and encourages listeners to pursue freedom.

Andrew's Links

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

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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 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 Links

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

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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, 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 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

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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 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

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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=wwXIfr

ABC 20/20 episode on the IFB movement: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL54666D27A074EEC7&si=nlgV8eNVMGlN28K9

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

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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 Justice

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perverted-justice/id1779806281

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/74QkJScAlSTxncLKCsyxN6?si=c8WSRQvIQcCl9rIn9eQsbA

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:11 Guest Introduction: Sheila Clark

01:37 Sheila's Story: Abuse and Bob Jones University

02:44 The Grace Report and Seeking Validation

08:49 Confronting the Past: Church and Legal Battles

20:25 Legal Proceedings and Challenges

38:52 Reflections and Healing Journey

46:45 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

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

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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=283292d6e0726fb2139f824ce15e6e47

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 of Beyond BJU, host Andrew Pledger interviews Stephanie, who shares her experiences growing up in an Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) church pastor’s family. Stephanie reveals her struggles with spiritual, physical, and emotional neglect and abuse, detailing the severe conflicts between her parents that marked her childhood. She discusses her life-changing experiences at The Wilds camp and the subsequent employment challenges she faced there. Stephanie also recounts a surprising encounter with Jim Berg at Bob Jones University, which provided a complex view of influential figures within the IFB system. She concludes by sharing insights into her healing journey and emphasizes the importance of feeling loved through safety and setting boundaries. Stephanie's story is a powerful testament to reclaiming one’s voice and finding true peace beyond fundamentalism.

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.