Patriarchy, Authoritarianism, and the Church w/ Rachel Darnall

In this episode, writer and researcher Rachel Darnall shares her firsthand perspective on the rise of patriarchal theology in American Christianity and its connection to Christian nationalism. Drawing from her new video series It’s a Man’s World: The Genesis 3:16 Effect, Rachel explains how teachings rooted in control, male hierarchy, and politicized family roles have moved from the margins into mainstream evangelical spaces. She outlines how homeschooling, classical education, and economic structures are often used to reinforce authoritarian leadership, particularly in places like Moscow, Idaho. Rachel helps listeners see the human cost of these systems and offers practical insight into how churches and families can resist spiritual abuse while staying rooted in Scripture and community.

About Rachel

Rachel Darnall is a writer and researcher focused on gender, theological ethics, and religious authoritarianism. She is the creator of It’s a Man’s World: The Genesis 3:16 Effect, a video series produced with the Anastasis Center for Christian Education and Ministry that examines the rise and reach of Christian patriarchy in American religious life. Rachel holds an M.A. in Theological Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary (2024) and has been writing on gender, purity culture, and church power dynamics since 2017. Her work is shaped by a deep interest in women’s history and a commitment to biblical integrity.

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