Listen to 'Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Other Platforms

Join Andrew Pledger as he exposes Bob Jones University's dark history and teachings while amplifying other survivors’ stories. BJU is a fundamentalist college with its roots in white supremacy and is known for its culture of indoctrination, conformity, and control. The university's influence extends beyond its campus, impacting Christian schooling, politics, Biblical counseling, and evangelical Christianity. The school also serves as a hub for churches, schools, and camps that spread its abusive teachings and practices. Listen to the experiences of survivors from BJU and its affiliated ministries. 

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Listen to more survivor's stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

Join Andrew Pledger as he speaks with survivors who have endured harm at Bob Jones University, a fundamentalist college known for its strict regulations and emphasis on indoctrination, conformity, and control. The influence of BJU extends far beyond its gates, serving as the hub for numerous churches, schools, and camps operated by BJU graduates that continue to propagate harmful teachings and controlling dynamics. This podcast provides a platform for survivors to share their experiences at BJU and its affiliated organizations. - Subscribe to stay updated - Premiering early 2024

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More stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms. -

Contact me on social media here: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the impact of fundamentalism on society as a whole, shining a light on the negative consequences that arise from rigid and uncompromising belief systems. I also share some final thoughts in the finale.

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Sources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share

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In this episode, I speak with Eric Skwarczynski about Christian's reactions when survivors speak up. Eric hosts the Preacher Boys Podcast, a platform for brave survivors to share their stories of physical, mental, and sexual abuse within the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement. He comes on the show to share his opinions on common responses he's heard toward survivors speaking up. One example we use is a post from BJU grad Shelly Hamilton which is linked here.

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In this episode, we will hear from survivors who have found healing and hope after leaving Bob Jones University. BJU is a fundamentalist Christian college with a controversial history, and our guests will share their personal journeys of overcoming the trauma and abuse they experienced while attending the university. Through their stories, we will learn about the challenges they faced, the ways in which they have found healing, and the support systems that have helped them along the way. This is a powerful and inspiring conversation about resilience, growth, and the power of community in the face of adversity.

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Sources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share

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I created a summary of my analysis of BJU from the previous episode and I sent it to two cult experts. The cult experts are Rachel Bernstein LMFT and Daniella Mestyanek Young. Rachel Bernstein, therapist, and renowned cult expert shares her insights on Bob Jones University. She is the host of the “IndoctriNation” podcast which covers cults, manipulators, and systems of control. For 30 years, she has helped former cult members and those who have loved ones in cults and highly manipulative relationships. Rachel has helped people from over 300 cults throughout her career. She provides individual counseling, family counseling, and, when possible, group therapy for former cult members. She also helps families trying to reach out to their loved ones in the cult. Listen to the IndoctriNation Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

Daniella Mestyanek Young is an American author and speaker who was raised in the religious sex cult, Children of God. She later served as an intelligence officer for the US Army for over six years, making the rank of Captain, and became one of the first women in US Army history to conduct deliberate ground combat operations when she volunteered to serve on a Female Engagement Team and received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Daniella lives with her husband and daughter in Maryland and holds a Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the Harvard Extension School.

Buy her memoir Uncultured: https://www.amazon.com/Uncultured-Memoir-Daniella-Mestyanek-Young/dp/1250280117

Follow her on TikTok to learn her 10 part definition of a cult: https://www.tiktok.com/@daniellamestyanekyoung

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

In this Patreon bonus episode, I dig into the untold story of the infamous BJU fashion show controversy. "The Bob Jones University fashion controversy, also known as “Wrap-Coat-Gate,” arose when trustees and administrators at Bob Jones University grew alarmed over a wrap coat designed by a student for a class project. They publicly called the student’s work sacrilegious, blasphemous, dishonoring to Jesus, offensive, and egregious. The controversy may appear to have spun out of nowhere, but given the history and perspectives that have been woven into the fabric of BJU for decades, it was only a matter of time before a student in the fashion design department would pull the wrong strings. (Sources: Baptist News, Get Religion)

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

In this Patreon episode, I share my story of attending Bob Jones University.

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In this captivating episode, we explore Bob Jones University in-depth, examining its characteristics and practices through the lens of cult analysis. Drawing from the renowned works of cult expert Steven Hassan's BITE model and psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton's Criteria for Thought Reform, we unravel the complex dynamics at play within this institution.

We meticulously examine the various elements of the BITE model, including behavior control, information control, thought control, and emotional control, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the institution's influence and power dynamics. We delve into the ways in which Bob Jones University exhibits traits identified in Lifton's Criteria for Thought Reform.

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More stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

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Learn more about BJU on Dr. Camille Lewis's blog WutBJU: https://wutbju.tumblr.com/ -

In this episode, we will hear powerful stories of resilience, healing, and growth from survivors who have overcome the trauma and abuse they experienced at Bob Jones University. BJU is a controversial fundamentalist Christian college, and this podcast sheds light on the experiences of those who have survived this high-control environment. Our guests will share their personal journeys and the challenges they faced while attending BJU, as well as the ways in which they have found healing and hope after leaving the university. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complex and often overlooked ways in which cults can harm vulnerable individuals and communities.

Connect with Andrew Pledger

Social Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links

Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger

More stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

Sources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share

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