This episode of Bodies Behind the Bus features Margaret Bronson and Eric Isaac discussing the rise of Christian nationalism and its intersection with fundamentalist cult beliefs. Margaret shares insights from her experience in a high-control religious group, highlighting issues of female subjugation, the quiverfull movement, lack of education, and financial entrapment. Eric connects these experiences to broader patterns of spiritual abuse, coercion, and religious power structures. The conversation explores how extreme fundamentalist ideologies are becoming mainstream in America, their ties to white supremacy, and the political implications of these beliefs.

Margaret’s ig: https://www.instagram.com/margaretrosebronson?igsh=cW5nbHZ1ZnQ4dTU0

Margaret’s Website: https://www.deconstructiondoulas.com/

Eric’s thesis: https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/5151/

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Buy “The Spirit of Justice” https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-spirit-of-justice-stories-of-faith-race-and-resistance-jemar-tisby/20859536?ean=9780310144854

“I Am the Spirit of Justice” for kids ages 4-7 https://bookshop.org/p/books/i-am-the-spirit-of-justice-jemar-tisby/21291875?ean=9780310145561

“Stories of The Spirit of Justice” for kids ages 8-12+

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Additional Books by Jemar: https://jemartisby.com/books/

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Firefly Report

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Walker contact: [email protected]

Crissie contact: [email protected]

Link to Transcript from Concerned Congregant meeting (200 in attendance) - October 2021https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MUJ_ri2nuRP2vnAf6oU1iXIGljSVFHu3/view?usp=sharing

Congregant Feedback Survey (leadership stated they didn't think there were any concerns following the October meeting, and then refused to start the GRACE survey (which was ready) in December 2021 so congregants did their own survey)   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P1Qx8_kx9AFLBwUdTHzLJ_CMlzni6bM8/view?usp=sharing

NDA document  -https://drive.google.com/file/d/11mn6mrHTZ4VVvEQAUHZnqwCgRd5IHlaS/view?usp=sharing

Find more information, and future stories here - https://chapelhillbiblechurch.org/ 

Keep up with all things on X @CHBConfidential 

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Walker contact: [email protected]

Crissie contact: [email protected]

NDA document  -https://drive.google.com/file/d/11mn6mrHTZ4VVvEQAUHZnqwCgRd5IHlaS/view?usp=sharing

Find more information, and future stories here - https://chapelillbiblechurch.org/ 

Keep up with all things on X @CHBConfidential 

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• Chapel Hill Bible Church: Pastor Eric McKiddie Is Gone and Pastor Jay Thomas Is Under Fire - thewartburgwatch.com
• Chapel Hill Bible Church: A Petition Signed by 78 and the Use of NDAs to Keep Things on the Down Low. What’s Going On With the Leaders? - thewartburgwatch.com
• Prominent North Carolina Church Embroiled in Controversy Following Alleged Abuse & 3 Investigations - julieroys.com
• Chapel Hill Bible Church leaders face allegations, investigations over abusive behavior - dailytarheel.com
• Chapel Hill Bible Church was multiracial before January 6 - washingtonpost.com

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Watch the video of this episode HERE

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In this episode, the Bodies Behind the Bus board gathers to discuss the heavy realities of navigating faith, justice, and advocacy in a fractured America. They explore the impact of systemic religious abuse, the emboldening of harmful rhetoric, and the personal toll of continuing to fight for marginalized communities. The episode is a candid look at grief, exhaustion, and the fire that drives change, while also honoring the voices of survivors and the commitment to amplifying their stories.

Listeners will hear reflections on what it means to live and work in integrity, how to support vulnerable communities, and the challenges of confronting systemic failures in both the church and society at large. This episode is a call to action, a space for lament, and a testament to resilience.

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