You Have Permission Shiny Happy People Joins The #Resistance (#341)
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Aug 7, 2025 Sarah Lane Ritchie, an academic specializing in spiritual abuse research, returns for an engaging discussion. She kicks off with her surprising personal experience of numerous attempted exorcisms. The conversation critiques the political fearmongering in 'Shiny Happy People,' especially concerning Ron Luce. Sarah makes a compelling case arguing that the Honor Academy fits the cult criteria, while exploring the duality of intense religious experiences that create both meaning and trauma. Their witty banter also offers insights into narrative psychology and its implications.
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College Era Exorcism Attempts
- Sarah Lane Ritchie recounts many attempted exorcisms during college involvement with neo‑charismatic ministries.
- She links those attempts to deep mental‑health struggles after her mother's death.
Danger Of Miracle Cure Thinking
- Sarah Lane Ritchie warns exorcism framing offers a simplistic cure for deep problems like depression.
- She says that miracle‑cure thinking makes complex issues appealingly reducible and thus dangerous.
Culture Shapes Trauma Perception
- Dan Koch explains cultural expectations can buffer practices from being traumatic for insiders.
- He warns the same event can be far more traumatizing for someone without that cultural frame.
