Control Freak Christianity

How can we change massive societal evils? What can we do to face unfaithfulness in God's people. We are not the first to face these challenges. We have heard a lot about Elijah the prophet. He mocked false gods, prayed and God sent fire from heaven. But Elijah was attempting to end the practices of Ba'al worship that plagued Israel. Join Joe and Rachel as we look at his struggle, what it cost him, and what we can learn from how God worked through Elijah.

You might think that people who've endured terrible abuse would be kind and understanding to others who face similar abuse, but this is often not the case. Joe and Rachel talk through some of the reasons some victims are obstacles for healing for others, and why it's hard to help others with their trauma when you haven't dealt with your own.

Using the Bible for wrong purposes is common, and perhaps no passage has been misused more than Matthew 18:15-20. Joe and Rachel give a few thoughts that shed light on this important section of Scripture and show how abusers misuse this passage.

It's already created quite the impact. A letter, written over a year ago from a well-known theologian and ethicist, Dr. Russell Moore, has been leaked. The letter includes some very troubling allegations that, if true, would demonstrate corruption in the heart of the largest conservative denomination in America. Joe and Rachel discuss the letter, how they and others are thinking about it, and how it lines up with their own understanding of what's going on in American churches. Read the letter in full: https://religionnews.com/2021/06/02/leaked-russell-moore-letter-blasts-sbc-conservatives-sheds-light-on-his-resignation/

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Joe and Rachel are completely unscripted as they spill the tea about their past fashion faux pas while growing up in homeschooling sub-cultures. Have you ever wondered why you can spot a homeschooler in a crowd? This episode is a light-hearted conversation about some of the reasoning behind why homeschoolers dress the way they do. A special thanks to Forte Music Academy for supporting us. Check out their online catalog of composer training! www.bytesizedtheology.com/forte

Job received bad counsel from his friends in the midst of his suffering. What are some of the bad things that Job's friends told him and does it sound like advice we give today? Join Joe and Rachel for this episode to explore what kind of advice makes God angry, and what we can say instead.

Jesus will cleanse His bride. How does this truth affect how we should see the church and address evils inside the church? In this episode, Joe and Rachel talk of how to take part in the work of Jesus, while relying on Jesus' promises for His church.

Former TLC star from "19 Kids and Counting," Josh Duggar has been charged in Federal court with possessing Child Pornography.

He is yet another conservative Christian that has shown a horrific willingness to abuse others. Joe and Rachel discuss how they used to hold similar beliefs as the Duggars. God has helped Joe and Rachel come to freedom, perhaps He will show the same grace to members of the Duggar family. Previous episodes mentioned:

Episode 22, 'Why is there so much Sexual Abuse in Authoritarian Fundamentalism?' https://controlfreakchristianity.libsyn.com/why-is-there-so-much-sexual-abuse-in-authoritarian-fundamentalism

Episode 47, 'True or Cheap Repentance' https://controlfreakchristianity.libsyn.com/true-or-cheap-repentance

Episode 49, 'The Quiverful Movement' https://controlfreakchristianity.libsyn.com/the-quiverfull-movement

Spiritual Warfare is often either over-emphasized or ignored. Joe and Rachel discuss their own experiences, Jesus' dealing with temptation, and the confidence Christians can have against the enemy.

For centuries, teachings of Kinism (and similar doctrines) have infiltrated the church justifying many evils. Joe and Rachel talk of their own upbringings and exposures to racist ideologies, along with some of their own thoughts on how to begin to think of racial issues.