Welcome to Untangled Faith, where we navigate the complex journey of faith and the challenges we face in our spiritual communities. In this episode we're diving deep into the world of church affiliation and the personal implications it carries for believers. Guests Nathan Fritz, Amanda Turnbull, and Melissa Anne share their comfort (or discomfort) with the idea of church membership as well as some of their backstories that have informed how they approach this topic.   To follow more the Amanda and Melissa's story, check it out here: Burning Butterflies (pod.link) If you enjoyed this episode, you're going to love this one: 96: The Reshaping of the American Church. Guest: Bob Smietana – Untangled Faith Podcast   Support the show: Subscribe to my newsletter:https://untangledfaith.substack.com   This podcast is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For more information and for 10% off your first month, visit Faithful Counseling- https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled Where you can find me: Youtube channel-https://youtube.com/channel/UCPfFk-I6QShXXvEpSFaJOvg https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz

Have you ever had a long-lost friend reach out to connect with you on social media only to discover they really just wanted to sell you something connected to the Multi Level Marketing business they were a part of?   Or maybe you’re one of those folks who has been pulled into an MLM and you’re drowning. Or maybe you’re worried about a friend who has quit their  J O B to do direct sales and you’re concerned that they aren’t able to pay their bills. And what in the world does this have to do with Christianity? I can’t wait for you to listen! In this episode, you will be able to: Unlock the harmful impacts of MLMs on Christian communities and their faith practices. Deconstruct the cunning methods and marketing lures of MLMs especially crafted for Christians. Gain insight about the financial risk and losses commonly faced by individuals drawn into MLMs. Probe the link between MLMs and the prosperity gospel belief widely accepted in Christian contexts. Highlight the necessity for cultivated thought and vigilance in fending off MLM scheming. Say hello to Chris Staron, renowned for being unafraid to tackle controversial topics within the church. He brings his thoughtful and fair approach to this discussion as the host of the Truce podcast. Going from historical Christian issues to present-day conundrums such as MLMs, he engenders a deep understanding of the church's dynamics. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:03 - The Influence of MLMs in the Church, 00:06:32 - MLMs as Schemes, 00:08:12 - MLMs Targeting Christians, 00:10:48 - MLMs and Faith, 00:12:44 - The Math of MLMs, 00:13:58 - The Structure of Multilevel Marketing, 00:15:33 - Challenges and Inconveniences of MLM, 00:16:49 - MLM and False Promises, 00:19:16 - Limited Market and Financial Challenges, 00:21:37 - MLM Company Profits and Fees, 00:28:51 - The Problem with Disclosures and Fine Print, 00:29:51 - The Responsibility of Believers in Direct Sales, 00:31:46 - The Prosperity Gospel and Financial Curriculums, 00:36:23 - Tying Christianity to Extra Pursuits, 00:39:57 - Understanding and Admitting MLM Involvement, 00:43:00 - Making Bad Financial Decisions, 00:43:46 - Supporting Friends in Financial Distress, 00:45:13 - Helping Others with Budgeting, 00:46:07 - Where to Find More Information, 00:46:51 - Wrapping Up and Future Conversations, Resources: Check out the Truce podcast: https://trucepodcast.com Listen to The Dream podcast about MLMs: https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/the-dream Episodes you might enjoy: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com//2023/08/16/91-navigating-the-intersection-of-faith-politics-guest-kaitlyn-schiess/ https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2023/09/20/96-the-reshaping-of-the-american-church-guest-bob-smietana/   Support the show: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Join us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/untangledfaith This podcast is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For more information and for 10% off your first month, visit Faithful Counseling- https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled Where you can find me: Youtube channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCPfFk-I6QShXXvEpSFaJOvg https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith  https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz https://twitter.com/faithuntangled https://twitter.com/amyfritz Host/Creator: Amy Fritz Producers: Michele Pjanic Phil and Susan Perdue Pam Forsythe Chelle Taylor

Rebecca Davis joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to discuss the complexities of truth, defamation, and the misuse of scripture in addressing suffering and abuse within the church. "Truth can never be considered slander, even if it's negative." – Rebecca Davis   Check out Rebecca's Trauma Informed Book Coaching program   Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com   In this episode we Explore the difference between truth and accusations of slander Examine the evangelical response to accusations Hear Rebecca's personal journey in handling difficult stories Discuss the concept of "brokenness" in religious teachings and it's damaging implications for abuse survivors Critique the teachings of influential figures on suffering and brokenness, including Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth.   Featured Guest Rebecca Davis    Resources mentioned This podcast is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For more information and for 10% off your first month, visit Faithful Counseling- https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled Untwisting Scriptures That Were Used to Tie You Up, Gag You, and Tangle Your Mind: Book 3 Your Words, Your Emotions Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church The Lord Is My Courage: Stepping Through the Shadows of Fear Toward the Voice of Love   Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media.   Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict   Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

Lawsuit Update: Hypocrisy and Double Standards at Ramsey Solutions Explicit content and language warning. ** This is a conversation that was recorded for the Untangled Faith Patreon community in December of 2022. Since it has been about a year since there was much movement in the O'Connor lawsuit, I decided to share this audio publicly. If you hear any mention of "upcoming" dates, keep in mind that this was recorded almost a year ago.** In this episode of the Untangled Faith podcast, host Amy Fritz is joined by attorney, Melissa Hogan, to discuss the ongoing lawsuits that involve Dave Ramsey's company, Ramsey Solutions (The Lampo Group), and the hypocrisy and double standards within the organization. Melissa shares from her perspective as an attorney and from her personal experience with Ramsey Solutions in regard to the O'Connor lawsuit. Melissa and Amy also discuss the inadequate investigation conducted by Ramsey Solutions and shed light on the power dynamics within the organization and the intimidation faced by individuals who challenge the status quo. This episode serves as a wake-up call to listeners, reminding them of the need for ethical and responsible behavior within organizations. We should all be living in a way that if a camera was following us around, our goal is to be able to stand by whatever we've said or done. - Melissa Hogan Resources: Court documents from the O'Connor Lawsuit https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/17372107/oconnor-v-the-lampo-group-llc/?filed_after=&filed_before=&entry_gte=&entry_lte=&order_by=desc RNS reporting on O'Connor Lawsuit https://religionnews.com/2022/09/02/at-dave-ramseys-company-some--outside-marriage-was-ok-court-documents-show-righteous-living-oral--hogan/ Partial timeline of events, and O'Connor Lawsuit document map. https://untangledfaith.substack.com/p/hypocrisy-and-double-standards-at Episodes you might enjoy: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2021/11/03/20-our-ramsey-story-part-4-the-got-your-six-meeting-1-of-2-episodes/ https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2021/11/03/21-our-ramsey-story-part-5-the-got-your-six-meeting-2-of-2-episodes/ Support the show: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Join us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/untangledfaith This podcast is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For more information and for 10% off your first month, visit Faithful Counseling- https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled Where you can find me: Youtube channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCPfFk-I6QShXXvEpSFaJOvg https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith  https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz https://twitter.com/faithuntangled https://twitter.com/amyfritz Host/Creator: Amy Fritz Producers: Michele Pjanic Phil and Susan Perdue Pam Forsythe Chelle Taylor

Guest Kaitlyn Schiess, a former Liberty University student who detoured to Dallas Seminary and Duke Divinity School, discusses the intersection of faith and politics. They explore reading widely and challenging biases, navigating political differences in Christian communities, moving beyond cherry-picking verses, and seeking Christ-likeness. The guest emphasizes the importance of understanding scripture in relation to political decisions and the dangers of cherry-picking verses to support political beliefs.

Dr. Karen Swallow Prior joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to talk about how Stories, Metaphors, and Images have influenced the Evangelical imagination. We should always be trying to be aware of cultural influences and think about how they shape us as humans. - Karen Swallow Prior In this episode we: Discuss the cultural forces that drive evangelical norms. Learn some context and origin and development of the evangelical faith. Contend with sentimentality issues complicating the evangelical landscape. Grapple with the issues of incongruence between the message and the messenger. Episodes you might enjoy: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2023/06/28/86-part-1-shiny-happy-people-the-impact-of-iblp-and-bill-gothard-on-the-evangelical-church-guests-kristina-kallman-and-jj-merrick/ https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2022/10/26/58-untwisting-scriptures-guest-rebecca-davis/   Resources: Find Dr. Karen Swallow Prior here: https://substack.com/@karenswallowprior Buy Karen's book: https://amzn.to/3YqW666 Support the show: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Join us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/untangledfaith This podcast is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For more information and for 10% off your first month, visit Faithful Counseling- https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled Where you can find me: Youtube channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCPfFk-I6QShXXvEpSFaJOvg https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith  https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz https://twitter.com/faithuntangled https://twitter.com/amyfritz Host/Creator: Amy Fritz Producers: Michele Pjanic Phil and Susan Perdue Pam Forsythe Chelle Taylor

(If you downloaded this previously, there was a glitch with the audio. Hopefully, it's fixed now!)   Just a quick note at the beginning of this episode to let you know that today’s content is not safe for young children. We cover some heavy topics and I’m certain a few cuss words survived the final edit. I also wanted to let you know we cover the topic of abuse and understand this could be triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening. In early June, Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets debuted on Amazon Prime. It reached more viewers in its first 9 days than any Amazon docuseries. Journalist Selome Hailu reported in an article for Variety, that “measured over the same nine-day period, the series has been responsible for the acquisition of more new Prime Video costumers than any other Amazon docuseries. While many have been drawn to watch this docuseries because of interest in the Duggar family, once they turn in, they get an education on an organization the Duggars have been closely tied to. And that organization was founded and led for many years by a man we now know to have been credibly accused of the sexual assault of multiple young women among other abusive behaviors. On today’s episode I’ll share some of the history of that organization and some stories from those who participated in one way or another in this community.   JJ Merrick and Kristina Kallman join Amy to share about their experiences with the IBLP and ATIA world.   Episodes you might enjoy: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2021/10/13/17-our-ramsey-story-part-1-hoping-to-be-chosen/ https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2022/10/26/58-untwisting-scriptures-guest-rebecca-davis/ Support the show: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Join us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/untangledfaith This podcast is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For more information and for 10% off your first month, visit Faithful Counseling- https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled Where you can find me: Youtube channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCPfFk-I6QShXXvEpSFaJOvg https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith  https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz https://twitter.com/faithuntangled https://twitter.com/amyfritz Host/Creator: Amy Fritz Producers: Michele Pjanic Phil and Susan Perdue Pam Forsythe Chelle Taylor

Just a quick note at the beginning of this episode to let you know that today’s content is not safe for young children. We cover some heavy topics and I’m certain a few cuss words survived the final edit. I also wanted to let you know we cover the topic of abuse and understand this could be triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening. In early June, Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets debuted on Amazon Prime. It reached more viewers in its first 9 days than any Amazon docuseries. Journalist Selome Hailu reported in an article for Variety, that “measured over the same nine-day period, the series has been responsible for the acquisition of more new Prime Video costumers than any other Amazon docuseries. While many have been drawn to watch this docuseries because of interest in the Duggar family, once they turn in, they get an education on an organization the Duggars have been closely tied to. And that organization was founded and led for many years by a man we now know to have been credibly accused of the sexual assault of multiple young women among other abusive behaviors. On today’s episode I’ll share some of the history of that organization and some stories from those who participated in one way or another in this community.   JJ Merrick and Kristina Kallman join Amy to share about their experiences with the IBLP and ATIA world. Support the show: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Join us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/untangledfaith This podcast is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For more information and for 10% off your first month, visit Faithful Counseling- https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled Where you can find me: Youtube channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCPfFk-I6QShXXvEpSFaJOvg https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith  https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz https://twitter.com/faithuntangled https://twitter.com/amyfritz Host/Creator: Amy Fritz Producers: Michele Pjanic Phil and Susan Perdue Pam Forsythe Chelle Taylor

Dave Ramsey's Legal Nightmare: Time Share Exit Team Class-Action Lawsuit Deep Dive with Melissa Hogan Dave Ramsey is facing a class action lawsuit from invested fans who trusted his endorsement of Timeshare Exit Team, a company accused of committing fraud. The case raises questions about what Ramsey knew or should have known, and whether he did due diligence before endorsing the company. This episode covers: The controversial partnership between Ramsey Solutions and Timeshare Exit Team. The legal implications surrounding the class-action lawsuit filed against Dave Ramsey. The importance of transparency and thorough evaluation in business interactions. The power of class-action lawsuits in promoting a responsible corporate culture. My special guest is Amy Fritz, Melissa Hogan Melissa Hogan is an accomplished lawyer with a career spanning over two decades. Her extensive experience has given her a deep understanding of the legal world, which she shares with listeners on the Untangled Faith podcast. Host Amy Fritz invites Melissa to discuss the recent class-action lawsuit against Dave Ramsey. Melissa simplifies the complex legal issues surrounding the case, helping listeners to better understand its implications. The key moments in this episode are: How the Lawsuit was Discovered Allegations Against Timeshare Exit Team Endorsed Local Provider Program Expectations for Ramsey's Response Class Action Lawsuit Timeline  Resources: Melissa Hogan's article on the Time Share Exit Team Class Action Lawsuit against Dave Ramsey and Ramsey Solutions. https://melissajhogan.medium.com/breaking-dave-ramsey-sued-by-former-fans-in-class-action-lawsuit-3b92d3cb60d8 Sign up here for a resource with easy access to Ramsey Solutions related lawsuit records, podcasts, articles, employee reviews. . . https://untangledfaithpodcast.aweb.page/p/7c5e76a1-f0a4-4310-a4ea-9a94144c2a97 Related Episodes: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2023/02/22/71-in-the-dark-spiritual-and-ethical-implications-of-ramsey-solutions-updated-employee-agreement/ https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2022/07/20/48-former-ramsey-solutions-employees-reflect-on-their-experience-with-ramsey-meetings/ Support the show: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Join us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/untangledfaith This podcast is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For more information and for 10% off your first month, visit Faithful Counseling- https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled Where you can find me: Youtube channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCPfFk-I6QShXXvEpSFaJOvg https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith  https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz https://twitter.com/faithuntangled https://twitter.com/amyfritz Host/Creator: Amy Fritz Producers: Michele Pjanic Phil and Susan Perdue Pam Forsythe Chelle Taylor

Neil Schori joins Amy Fritz to talk about how to recognize when someone is in an abusive relationship or you're interacting with an abuser. This is a crucial conversation for pastors and ministry leaders and anyone who cares about being a safe refuge for those who have been harmed.  Document The Abuse   Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com   Amy and Neil talked about Signs of unhealthy and unsafe relationships and the importance of supporting affected individuals. The impact of financial control and the normalization of "permission language" in relationships. The tragic case of Stacy Peterson and what it teaches us about recognizing abuse. How misconceptions about abuse, particularly emotional and psychological abuse, persist in both public and faith communities. The religious perspectives on divorce, particularly in the context of abuse. The proper counseling approach when dealing with abuse, warning against couples counseling in abuse cases. Featured Guest Neil Schori   Resources mentioned This podcast is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For more information and for 10% off your first month, visit Faithful Counseling- https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled Document The Abuse   Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media.   Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict   Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky Related Episodes: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2022/05/11/43-what-weve-gotten-wrong-about-divorce-guest-gretchen-baskerville/