2. How We Became Woke Radical Commies…for Jesus

Feb 25, 2025

Tim and April candidly share their journeys from evangelical fundamentalism to more inclusive beliefs. They discuss the burdens of purity culture and how early church teachings shaped their identities. The conversation dives into the complexities of faith intertwined with politics, exploring the impact of Christian nationalism. With humor, they critique political leaders and reflect on societal expectations regarding modesty. Throughout, they engage with personal experiences that challenge traditional beliefs and advocate for a progressive, faith-driven approach to social justice.

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ANECDOTE

Tim Whitaker's Upbringing

Tim Whitaker grew up in a conservative Christian environment, homeschooled for nine years, and attended a hymns-only church.
He later became a professional drummer, playing in church and getting involved with Christian missions organizations.

ANECDOTE

April LaJoy's Pentecostal Roots

April LaJoy grew up as a preacher's kid in a Pentecostal church, speaking in tongues from a young age.
Her family was well-known in charismatic Christian circles, and she was raised believing in miracles and faith healing.

ANECDOTE

Purity Culture Pressures

April LaJoy discusses the pressures of purity culture, including her father bragging about her virginity from the pulpit.
She internalized the belief that having sex before marriage was a worse sin than murder.

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In today's show, Tim and April share their personal journeys from evangelical fundamentalism to their current perspectives, discussing the impact of Christian nationalism, purity culture, and their experiences growing up in conservative Christian environments. They explore the complexities of faith, politics, and personal identity, while also engaging with their audience about the podcast format and content. In this conversation, Tim and April explore their journeys of deconstruction from evangelical Christianity, discussing the burdens of purity culture, the questioning of church teachings, and the intersection of faith and politics.

Chapters

04:50 Exploring Christian Nationalism

21:11 Personal Backgrounds: April's Story

35:05 The Burden of Purity and Sexuality

46:00 The Intersection of Faith and Politics

51:28 The Complexity of Belief and Identity

01:10:38 Conflicting Realities: Faith vs. Personal Experience

01:16:30 Unraveling Beliefs: The Impact of Current Events

01:25:14 The Journey of Deconstruction

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