Sons of Patriarchy Family Affairs: Abuse in the CREC, Part 4
Nov 21, 2024
Guest
Nathan Wells
Guest
Christiana Wells
Guest
Teresa Smith
Guest
Anonymous Woman (grew up around Jim & Bessie Wilson)
An anonymous woman shares her harrowing experiences growing up in the Wilson sphere, detailing the emotional and sexualized abuse she endured. Teresa Smith exposes horrific family secrets and the CREC church's inadequate response to sexual abuse. Advocacy duo Nathan and Christiana Wells discuss the challenging gender dynamics and hostile reputation of the CREC community in Moscow. The guests highlight the need for transparency, support for survivors, and the dangers of conditional love and legalistic teachings that perpetuate abuse.
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Episode notes
Raised Under Wilson Influence
- The anonymous guest grew up idolizing Jim and Bessie Wilson and was deeply influenced by their teachings and circle.
- Intellectual access to men like Evan mixed with restrictive gender messaging shaped her early identity and choices.
Teaching That Normalized Male Desire
- The Wilson-influenced theology taught that "all men are attracted to all women," normalizing constant male sexual desire.
- That worldview let caregivers rationalize controlling female behavior and blurred boundaries with children.
Father's Intimacy Framed As Love
- The guest recounts her father routinely holding her thigh, holding hands on walks, and showering with her as a preteen.
- These actions were framed as normal parental love, leaving her confused and traumatized.
