The Bible For Normal People
[ATBW] Episode 5 - She Refused to Take the Bed
Apr 10, 2025
The podcast uncovers a disturbing letter revealing abuse within the Southern Baptist Convention, centering on the story of a pastor's wife named Maria. It critically examines the debate over women's leadership roles in the church and the systemic challenges they face. The discussion highlights a troubling culture of negligence surrounding clergy misconduct and the importance of sharing personal narratives of abuse. Additionally, it draws inspiration from the resilience of Saint Fabiola, symbolizing women's ongoing resistance against oppressive structures.
58:39
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast reveals the Southern Baptist Convention's troubling history of neglecting abuse victims while expelling women from leadership roles.
- Maria Acacia's story exemplifies resilience and highlights the ongoing struggles women face against patriarchal structures in faith communities.
Deep dives
Uncovering Secrets in the Archives
The podcast dives into the extensive and often overlooked archives of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), revealing how these hidden documents can contain crucial narratives of abuse and suppression. One notable discovery is a confidential letter by H.P. Wu, which recounts the sexual and spousal abuse perpetrated by pastor Mario Acacia, highlighting a significant failure in the SBC’s accountability measures. Despite the serious allegations, Acacia was not only allowed to remain ordained but was subsequently hired by the SBC. This troubling history illustrates a pattern of neglect towards victims and a broader culture of covering up misconduct in the organization.
