Sons of Patriarchy
Peter Bell & Sarah Bader
What happens when biblical patriarchy, christian nationalism, and a theology of authority and submission become the pillars of a movement? Scores of abuse stories in marriages, schools, churches, families, and more. Though these ideas have filtered throughout the United States for decades, they found a home in Moscow, Idaho, through the ministry and work of Doug Wilson. From there, they have influenced churches across the United States, and across the world.
In this series, you'll hear from experts on all aspects of these movements, and the stories of abuse from those who survived. Some are Christian, some are not, but one thing they've got in common?
They're finally speaking out.
This is their story.
In this series, you'll hear from experts on all aspects of these movements, and the stories of abuse from those who survived. Some are Christian, some are not, but one thing they've got in common?
They're finally speaking out.
This is their story.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 8, 2025 • 59min
Healing from Evangelicalism
Michelle Moffitt, a psychotherapist and founder of Five Oaks Counseling, shares her journey escaping the constraints of a conservative church. She discusses the trauma of being a pastor's wife and the emotional isolation faced when seeking help. Moffitt emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s intuition and finding trauma-informed therapists. She offers practical advice for people leaving high-control religious systems, advocating for community support and gradual exposure to new ideas. Ultimately, she encourages embracing complexity and learning to trust oneself.
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 54min
The Event that Changed Everything
In this engaging discussion, author and journalist Sarah Stankorb dives into her research on women leaving the church. She shares insights from her upcoming book, "Damned If She Does," exploring the nuances of faith and personal deconstruction. Sarah categorizes women’s paths—ranging from atheism to a separate faith identity—and examines the role of abuse in their departures. Highlighting the need for compassionate community engagement, she offers practical advice for churches and individuals navigating these complex conversations.
Sep 1, 2025 • 38min
Recovering from Purity Culture
Dr. Camden Morgante, a licensed psychologist and author, dives deep into the lasting impacts of purity culture on faith, sexuality, and relationships. She unpacks its harmful myths, like the idea of being 'damaged goods' and the false promises of marital fulfillment. Camden emphasizes the urgent need for recovery, highlighting strategies to rebuild a healthier sexual identity. She also discusses parenting post-purity culture, advocating for open conversations about consent and respect to foster healthier future generations.
Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 23min
It's a Man's World: The Genesis 3:16 Effect
Join Rachel Darnall, a researcher and author focusing on gender and theology, as she dives into the complexities surrounding the translation of Genesis 3:16. She discusses how this interpretation fueled the complementarian movement and its harmful impacts on women's agency. Rachel unpacks the insidious roots of purity culture and its repercussions on consent. She also critiques the nostalgic idealization of the 1950s family model, advocating for a nuanced understanding of women's historical roles and a critical view of simplistic narratives.
Aug 21, 2025 • 43min
How SHOULD the Media Cover Doug Wilson?
In this discussion, journalist Sarah Stankorb, author of *Disobedient Women* and *Damned If She Does*, delves into the media's problematic portrayal of controversial figures like Doug Wilson. They unpack how patriarchal narratives distort real-life consequences for women and queer individuals. Stankorb highlights the disconnect between Jesus's teachings and current church practices, illuminating the disillusionment felt by many. Emphasizing the need for authentic media engagement, she advocates for stronger representation of survivors from high-control movements.
Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 52min
Live from Moscow, Idaho!
Join bestselling author Sarah Stankorb, known for her work on women leaving the church, as she dives into faith, feminism, and community resilience. She shares powerful insights on the decline of church attendance among women, personal journeys of deconstructing faith, and the importance of accountability within religious institutions. Sarah also emphasizes the role of community support in creating inclusive environments and rebuilding identity, all while keeping the conversation engaging and relatable.
Aug 11, 2025 • 57min
Unity and Diversity in the Church
Richard Lints, a senior consulting theologian at Redeemer City to City, dives into the complexities of unity and diversity in the church. He discusses the challenge of maintaining unity amidst a fragmented society and explores the biblical principles that can guide this effort. Lints also touches on secular morality's impact on justice conversations within evangelicalism, emphasizing the need for humility. The conversation highlights the significance of identity and community engagement, pushing for a deeper understanding and redefined perspectives in navigating these intricate dynamics.
Aug 7, 2025 • 2min
UPDATE About Moscow Event
Exciting news about a recent event in Moscow! The local venue sold out in just two days, much to the delight of the team. For those who couldn’t snag a ticket, an overflow venue has been set up at Cafe Artista. The event promises to be broadcast live on YouTube, making it accessible for a wider audience. Amid all this buzz, gratitude flows for the listeners who helped spread the word. Plus, there might be more Moscow events in the future, so stay tuned!
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h
Evangelicals and Marriage (Moscow Event is LIVE)
Sheila Wray Gregoire, an acclaimed author and speaker behind BareMarriage.com, dives into the complexities of marriage within the evangelical community. They discuss rethinking marriage roles to promote partnership and emotional connection over hierarchy. Sheila highlights the importance of recognizing red flags in troubled marriages and offers insights into fostering healthier relationships rooted in faith. Additionally, the conversation tackles the misconceptions of gender roles and emotional intelligence, advocating for a more balanced understanding of marriage.
Jul 28, 2025 • 51min
A Church That Cares for the Abused
Scot McKnight, a New Testament professor and insightful author, tackles the complexities of toxic church cultures. He shares his journey from academia to addressing systemic issues within the church, particularly following significant scandals. Discussing the importance of character formation over mere doctrine, Scot emphasizes how good theology doesn't guarantee ethical behavior. He also calls for a church that genuinely cares for the abused and highlights the need for reform, focusing on living out Jesus' message for true redemption.
