Control Freak Christianity

Most people who state they've been wronged end up being attacked for it. Joe and Rachel talk about what Victim Blaming is, why it is so common, and what we can do about it.

Do you ever wonder if God is waiting to take away things that we love more than Him? Does he take sadistic delight in our sometimes painful process of sanctification? It often feels that way, yet we see a different picture in Scripture. Joe and Rachel discuss their own beliefs, and how they've experienced God's kindness.

Most of us feel like we shouldn't defend ourselves and are limited by unspoken rules that tell us to be nice. What is God's heart for us when we are faced with horrific evil? Rachel and Joe discuss how to begin to unravel unravel difficult situations where aggressive actions are needed. Support us so we can continue making this Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/controlfreakchristianity

Gospel + Safety + Time has been a helpful formulation for how a healthy Gospel culture should work and function. Join Rachel and Joe's conversation not just articulating the Gospel but living it out in a healthy and helpful way.

In communities with strict gender roles, men are given near ultimate power over others. Yet women often end up the ones that initially drive families into these cultures and often end up quietly controlling families and churches. Joe and Rachel discuss observing this and why this is such a factor in Authoritarian Fundamentalism.

Many have gone through a deconstruction of faith that leaves them going to the world to define their Christianity, or they leave Christianity altogether. Rachel and Joe discuss their own deconstruction and how they came out closer to Jesus on the other side.

Sometimes we are helped by people out of an abusive situation, only to be dragged by those very same people into a different abusive situation. Rachel and Joe discuss the complicated nature of abuse and give some thoughts on how to navigate difficult situations.

God's nature has often been described in goofy ways, yet the doctrine of the Trinity has some beautiful truths. These truths help us dismantle views of God that cause suffering, confusion, and sometimes even abuse. Joe and Rachel start to scratch the surface on this doctrine, and how it's led them to more joy and trust in God.

There is holiness, and then there is an appearance of holiness. They are not the same. The focus on appearing holy but using arbitrary human standards to measure that external holiness causes massive trouble in people, families and communities.

Adia Barkley joins hosts Joe and Rachel to tell her story. From arranged near-marriages to a presbytery court on flirting, Adia has been on a wild ride through extreme elements of Authoritarian Fundamentalism. Yet God's kindness and grace show clearly in sustaining her, and helping her heal and grow.