This episode reveals the authoritarian leadership at Bob Jones University. We expose the hidden dynamics of this institution and the struggles of students who face a rigid system of control. We also explore control and daily life as a student at Bob Jones University. We share the stories of former students who reveal the challenges and harms of this culture. From strict rules and activities to judgment and fear, we show how this environment impacts students’ mental, emotional, and social well-being. Dr. Laura Anderson shares some insights on her experiences at Liberty University, and how it is similar to BJU. Check out her new book "When Religion Hurts You."

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This episode exposes the troubling legacy of Bob Jones University, a Christian college that has faced intense scrutiny for its toxic teachings and harmful rules. In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the controversial practices of this institution, shedding light on the experiences of those affected by its ideologies, and its toxic culture. Join us as survivors guide us through a comprehensive exploration of Bob Jones University's policies. We uncover the strict codes of conduct, discriminatory practices, and the stifling of critical thinking within the university's academic environment.

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Fundamentalism refers to a belief system that upholds a strict interpretation of religious or political ideologies, which are considered fundamental to the faith or cause. Fundamentalism is a mindset or an approach to an ideology and can happen in any social group. This episode will specifically examine the needs that fundamentalist Christianity provides for people, and the lengths people will go to protect the emotional high they get from its teachings and approach. The psychological underpinnings of fundamentalism, focus on the black and white/ us vs them mindset, authoritarianism, anti-intellectualism, justification of evil, narcissism, and claim of absolute truth.

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Bob Jones University is a private Christian university located in Greenville, South Carolina. The university has a long and complex history, marked by controversies and legal battles over issues such as racial segregation, academic freedom, sexual abuse claims, discrimination against LGBTQIA+ students, and the toxicity of religious fundamentalism. In this episode, we will explore the history of Bob Jones University and its influence on politics.

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Sermons

Sermon 1: https://youtu.be/Smdmq5Hi7MQ

Sermon 2: https://youtu.be/oRWlUaKVw_o

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Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult is a limited podcast by Andrew Pledger. The podcast is a thought-provoking series that delves into the history of BJU, the psychology of fundamentalism, the criteria for cults, and survivors’ experiences. BJU is a controversial fundamentalist Christian college, and this podcast sheds light on the experiences of those who have survived this high-control environment. The series features interviews with a diverse group of survivors, including queer people, BIPOC, women, and men who share their unique perspectives on the institution.

Through these interviews, listeners gain insight into the strict rules, culture, and leadership of Bob Jones University, and how it has impacted the lives of those who attended. The series also examines how the institution's fundamentalist beliefs have contributed to a toxic and damaging environment for many students. Listeners will hear powerful stories of resilience, healing, and growth from survivors who have overcome the trauma and abuse they experienced at the Christian college.

Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complex and often overlooked ways in which cults can harm vulnerable individuals and communities. The series provides a powerful and eye-opening exploration of one of the most notorious religious institutions in the country and its impact on survivors from all backgrounds. Please subscribe to stay updated on the premiere of this podcast which is coming August 23, 2023.

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Mental Health Resources

National Suicide Hotline (988)

Trevor Project Hotline

CDC Resources

Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

Find a Therapist (Psychology Today)

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Full Episode List

01 - History, Politics

02 - Understanding Fundamentalism

03 - Teachings, Rules, & Toxic Culture

04 - Leadership, Control, Daily Life

05- Approach to Mental Health

06 - Being Queer at BJU

07 - BJU & Me: Queer Voices

08 - Being a Woman, GRACE Report

• Reading the GRACE Report
• After GRACE

09 - BIPOC at BJU

10 - Survivors Stories

11 - Is BJU Really a Cult?

12 - Cult Experts Insights

13 - Leaving and Recovering

14. - 'Christian’s' Reactions to Survivors

15 - Finale

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TRIGGER WARNING (Suicide, Abuse)

Hello, I’m your host Andrew Pledger and this is "Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult."

I grew up in fundamentalist Christianity, specifically the Independent Fundamental Baptist cult. I was homeschooled my entire life to be indoctrinated into this environment. I was subjected to psychological, spiritual, and emotional abuse. I experienced religious trauma from abusive theology on hell, the end times, purity culture, sexuality, and human nature. As a queer person, I experienced so much trauma from their hateful and violent speech towards the LGBTQ+ community and also harm from authoritarian parents. Fundamentalist Christianity was my whole world and I ended up at Bob Jones University. I was at BJU for 3.5 years from 2018-2021. While at Bob Jones I struggled with my mental health from religious trauma, sexual repression, and minority stress. I was driven to the point of nearly committing suicide from my traumas in this system of control. I knew I could not get the help I needed in this environment so I searched outside the group. I was able to connect with people on the outside who would eventually get me out of this cult. Series coming in 2023.

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

Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

Connect with Andrew Pledger

Mental Health Resources

National Suicide Hotline (988)

Trevor Project Hotline

CDC Resources

Find a Therapist (Psychology Today)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult is a limited podcast by Andrew Pledger. The podcast is a thought-provoking series that delves into the history of Bob Jones University, the psychology of fundamentalism, the criteria for cults, and survivors’ experiences. BJU is a controversial fundamentalist Christian college, and this podcast sheds light on the experiences of those who have survived this high-control environment. The series features interviews with a diverse group of survivors, including queer people, BIPOC, women, and men who share their unique perspectives on the institution.

Through these interviews, listeners gain insight into the strict rules, culture, and leadership of Bob Jones University, and how it has impacted the lives of those who attended. The series also examines how the institution's fundamentalist beliefs have contributed to a toxic and damaging environment for many students. Listeners will hear powerful stories of resilience, healing, and growth from survivors who have overcome the trauma and abuse they experienced at the Christian college.

Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complex and often overlooked ways in which cults can harm vulnerable individuals and communities. The series provides a powerful and eye-opening exploration of one of the most notorious religious institutions in the country and its impact on survivors from all backgrounds. Please subscribe to stay updated on the premiere of this podcast which is coming in 2023.

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

Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

Connect with Andrew Pledger

Mental Health Resources

National Suicide Hotline (988)

Trevor Project Hotline

CDC Resources

Find a Therapist (Psychology Today)



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.