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
Jul 21, 2025 • 53min
Gothard, Wilson, and Fundamentalist America
Christy Lynne Wood, author and speaker, shares her journey from a decade in Bill Gothard's IBLP movement to finding her faith. She discusses the isolation and strict gender roles enforced in Gothard culture, drawing parallels between Gothard and Doug Wilson’s teachings. Christy emphasizes the appeal of high-control religions, rooted in fear and community. She advocates for a thoughtful approach to deconstructing faith, illustrating how renewed belief can emerge from this process, and encourages compassion towards those still in rigid systems.
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Ugly Truth About The Girl Next Door
Kait Gannon, a survivor of family-controlled sex trafficking and co-founder of Mezzo Allies, shares her harrowing story of abuse within her church community. Joined by Laurie Krull, a clinical social worker with vast experience in advocating for survivors, they discuss the church's inadequate handling of disclosures and the psychological toll on victims. They cover issues like institutional betrayal, recantation, and the need for churches to prioritize survivor safety and education. Their podcast aims to break the silence and warn others of these systemic failures.
Jul 14, 2025 • 40min
Safe Church
Andrew Bauman, a therapist and author of 'Safe Church', tackles the pressing issue of sexism and trauma in Christian communities. He discusses the urgent need for churches to create safe environments for survivors of abuse. Bauman shares insights on empowering women's voices and fostering inclusivity. He challenges traditional interpretations of biblical texts that suppress women, advocating for equality within faith. Their conversation emphasizes open dialogue, accountability, and compassionate leadership to ensure safety for all church members.
Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 16min
Abuse in ACBC
An anonymous survivor shares her harrowing journey of childhood sexual abuse and her experiences with ACBC/NANC-style biblical counseling. She dives deep into ACBC's troubling history and highlights how the counseling approach often minimized her trauma, focusing instead on spiritual homework that downplayed her fears. The survivor reveals how institutional responses silenced her concerns and emphasizes the lasting impact of this harmful counseling on her mental health. Ultimately, she advocates for the integration of modern psychological care alongside faith.
21 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 35min
Biblical Counseling and Abuse
Kimi Harris, a dedicated reporter on abuse in church contexts, shares her insights into the troubling dynamics of biblical counseling. She discusses how the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors often mishandles abuse cases, pressuring victims to forgive without proper healing. The conversation delves into the complexities of faith and trauma, emphasizing the need for professional intervention. Harris also critiques the misapplication of scripture, calling for a more nuanced approach to support survivors and challenging the church to better address its past failings.
Jun 30, 2025 • 53min
America and Power
David Koyzis, a political scientist and author with a PhD from Notre Dame, returns to explore the nuances of authority and political theory. He discusses the significance of well-exercised authority versus abuses seen in authoritarian regimes like Putin and Xi. Koyzis contrasts secular sources of legitimacy with religious foundations, and delves into the origins of modern nationalism. He emphasizes the importance of a plural social order, using the metaphor of an orchestra to illustrate coordinated flourishing, urging a careful understanding of authority in society.
Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 16min
The Wilson Women
Guest Jessica Jenkins, creator of We Who Thirst, explores the writings of Nancy Wilson, Rebekah Merkle, and Rachel Jankovic. She critiques their influence in evangelical circles and discusses key themes like homemaking, abortion, and feminism. Jessica sheds light on how their rhetoric appeals to conservatives seeking clarity and belonging. She highlights the problematic interpretations of scripture and the isolation dynamics within their teachings. Jenkins emphasizes the importance of contextualizing women's roles in biblical narratives, aiming to empower rather than restrict.
Jun 16, 2025 • 58min
The Gospel of Greed
Malcolm Foley, a scholar and pastor at Baylor University, dives deep into the roots of racism and greed in the American Church. He argues that economic motives have historically fueled oppression and that contemporary attitudes often mask complicity in these systems. Foley critiques the idea of sanctifying wealth and emphasizes trust in God's provision over accumulation. He also shares insights on combating greed through solidarity, anti-violence, and reclaiming the church's witness to the poor. His perspectives challenge the church to confront its past and advocate for justice.
Jun 9, 2025 • 55min
The Unholy Trinity
Katherine Stewart, an investigative journalist and author of 'Money Lies in God,' discusses the rise of the New Right and its impact on American democracy. She delves into the political dynamics between Silicon Valley's tech elite and Trump, emphasizing the alarming fusion of wealth and authoritarian politics. Stewart also explores the evolving roles of women in conservatism and the nostalgic views of family that influence today's political landscape, urging listeners to recognize threats to democracy and engage in civic actions.
Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 16min
Empathy, Emotions, and Jesus
Becky Castle-Miller, a PhD student researching emotions in the Gospel of Luke, delves into the interplay of neuroscience, psychology, and faith. She explores how unhealthy emotional teachings can enable abuse within certain Christian contexts. The conversation touches on how emotions can be socially learned rather than innate, and critiques the distrust of emotions in conservative Christianity. Becky champions compassion as a biblical theme and argues that Jesus’s emotional life validates our humanity, emphasizing the importance of healthy emotional expression and healing.
