Sons of Patriarchy Can't Trespass the Garden: Abuse in the OPC, Part 4
Jan 9, 2025
Guest
Anonymous woman (former Harvest OPC member)
Guest
Anonymous couple (voiced by Helen Shores-Peters)
In this intriguing discussion, an anonymous couple, former members of a CREC church, share their experiences with spiritual abuse and confusing theological practices. Their testimony reveals the heavy pressures within church leadership dynamics that pushed them to leave. An anonymous woman from Harvest OPC recounts her own harrowing journey, detailing how harmful pastoral responses exacerbated domestic abuse within her family. Both guests highlight the damaging influence of patriarchal teachings in church cultures, urging accountability and a deeper understanding of justice and healing for survivors.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
CREC Membership Became A Trap
- The anonymous CREC couple joined a church plant but discovered strong Doug Wilson influence and legalistic teaching including paedo-communion.
- When they tried to leave over theological concerns, the pastor accused them of rebellion and refused to release them from membership without a formal session hearing.
Law-Focused Preaching, Not Gospel-Centered
- The CREC church emphasized Old Testament law and practical obedience over preaching Christ's imputed righteousness.
- That legalism encouraged applying Levitical norms as contemporary mandates, shaping a controlling community culture.
From Relief To Stricter Control
- The speaker describes joining Harvest OPC as a teen and initially feeling relieved by its apparent diversity and freedom.
- That relief faded as the church grew and adopted stricter authority and submission structures that mirrored her earlier controlling background.
