Sarah McDugal

Guest Bios Show Transcript Why don’t church leaders believe victims when they report abuse? And why is the victim so often gaslit and abused instead of supported? This episode of The Roys Report presents an in-depth look at abuse recently exposed at John MacArthur’s megachurch in southern California. Survivor advocate and author, Sarah McDugal, joins Julie to unpack MacArthur’s shocking treatment of the wife of a child-abusing husband.  

Join Sarah McDugal, a betrayal trauma recovery expert, Merry Lin, a clinical psychologist and author, and Joanna Sawatsky, a contributor to Great Sex Rescue, as they dive into Francine Rivers' "And the Shofar Blew." They discuss how fiction shapes our understanding of marriage and the hidden theological messages it conveys. The guest share insights about problematic narratives, the normalization of unhealthy dynamics, and the unrealistic expectations placed on women regarding forgiveness. Their thoughtful critique sheds light on the broader implications of Christian romance fiction.

Joining the discussion are Dr. Merry Lin, an insightful author and commentator on marriage and gender dynamics, Sarah McDugal, an advocate for women healing from betrayal trauma, and Joanna Sawatsky, a critique of Christian fiction's roles and narratives. They dissect the troubling messages in Francine Rivers' 'And the Shofar Blew,' highlighting how the book encourages abuse victims to endure suffering and propagates harmful gender roles. The panel also explores how fictional narratives shape women's perceptions of faith, marriage, and their worth, often reinforcing toxic dynamics instead of promoting justice.