Summary

Signing a purity contract, promising not to have sex before marriage, when you aren't even old enough to consent to the act. Being branded with the stamp of promiscuity because you are taking the pill for your acne, and being unhealthily fixated on marriage as a teenager. This episode discusses the gendered consequences for women and girls that find themselves in Christian cults.

This conversation focuses on the experiences of a woman named 'Chloe' (her name and voice have been changed to keep her anonymous). The discussion highlights the victim-blaming and policing of women's bodies within these cults, as well as the subtle coercive control exerted by the leaders.The discussion also delves into the double standards and hypocrisy exhibited by these leaders, who promote purity culture while engaging in affairs themselves.

The gendered nature of Chloe's experience is evident in the emphasis on female sexuality, the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles, and the restriction of personal autonomy. The conversation concludes with advice for women currently in Christian cults; encouraging them to seek information, maintain communication with supportive individuals, prioritise their own well-being, and not dwell on lost time.

Keywords

Christian cults, gendered consequences, victim-blaming, policing, coercive control, double standards, purity culture, female sexuality, traditional gender roles, personal autonomy, advice

Takeaways

• Christian cults often engage in victim-blaming and policing of women's bodies.
• Leaders in these cults exhibit double standards and hypocrisy.
• The gendered nature of the cult experience is evident in the emphasis on female sexuality and the restriction of personal autonomy.
• Women in these cults should seek information, maintain communication with supportive individuals, prioritise their well-being, and not dwell on lost time.

Titles

• Advice for Women in Christian Cults
• The Restriction of Female Autonomy in Cults

Sound Bites

• "It's our fault for wearing the wrong thing. It's our fault for being alone with a boy."
• "They convince you to police yourself, your own thoughts, your own behaviour."
• "I don't think as a child you can fully consent to celibacy. I think that's inappropriate."