I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. 120 - Apostate with Sarah Bacaller
May 2, 2025
In a thought-provoking conversation, Sarah Bacaller, an editor and PhD candidate, shares her journey from a fundamentalist upbringing to a critical exploration of faith. She discusses the emotional complexities of deconversion and the importance of personal narratives, as highlighted in her book 'Apostate'. There’s a fascinating look at the ethical implications of church authority, the therapeutic role of gardening, and the significance of critical thinking in religious contexts. Sarah's insights on community and storytelling bring depth to the experience of navigating faith transitions.
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Sarah's Fundamentalist Upbringing
- Sarah grew up in fundamentalist and later more liberal Churches of Christ congregations in Melbourne.
- Her family life was more fundamentalist than her church environment, affecting her faith journey.
Trauma and Church as Refuge
- Sarah's home life was traumatic due to spiritual abuse entwined with her father's ministry.
- Her deep involvement in church gave her a sense of belonging despite family hardships.
Faith Crisis and Mental Health
- Sarah experienced severe anxiety and post-traumatic stress during her faith crisis.
- She sought medical help and adjusted life circumstances to recover from this intense period.
