Sons of Patriarchy

Margaret Bronson, researcher with Deconstruction Doulas who helps people leave high-control Christian movements, joins to map links between recent protests. She highlights shared organizers, tactics, and media strategies behind actions at Cities Church, Christ Kirk D.C., and Christ Church Moscow. Short, sharp takes on performative worship, open-carry posturing, and how controversy is used to grow influence.

Ray Davis, a retired pastor and trauma-informed counselor, offers professional critique. A former deacon who tried to protect children shares his disillusionment. An anonymous son describes church culture and being expelled. An anonymous survivor recounts prolonged domestic abuse and a DCFS investigation. They discuss recorded abuse, leadership denial, safety-team failures, and a culture that prized obedience over protection.

Camille DeVos, a biblical counselor and artist raised in the Free Reformed Churches of Australia, brings lived insight into high-control church culture and survivor-centered counseling. Wes Bredenhof, a Reformed pastor with ministry experience in Canada and Australia, speaks on theology, accountability, and influential figures like Doug Wilson. They discuss Christian nationalism’s reach, church insularity, patterns of abuse, and paths toward safety and repentance.

Caleb Campbell, lead pastor at Desert Springs Bible Church and author of *Disarming Leviathan*, shares insights on engaging with Christian nationalists. He reflects on his pastoral experiences amid political unrest and the role of church dynamics in shaping beliefs. Caleb discusses the importance of understanding belonging before ideology and emphasizes hospitality over confrontation. He offers practical tips for tough conversations, urging listeners to prepare spiritually and approach dialogue with curiosity. This is a must-listen for navigating challenging relationships.

Media inquiries: https://www.sonsofpatriarchy.com/contact Patreon: patreon.com/sonsofpatriarchy Website: sonsofpatriarchy.com Donate: https://donorbox.org/sons-of-patriarchy In this last episode of Season 1, I spoke with Dr. Karen Roudkovski, a Licensed Professional Counselor with her own practice, and an expert on trauma and abuse, with her own story of the same. Karen ties in every theme of Sons of Patriarchy Season 1, gives language to those searching and hurting, a listening ear to those who want to speak out, and the compassion to speak into those lives who have been destroyed by leaders of the church. May the end of Season 1 give you hope, peace, understanding, and the courage to move forward in the grace of the Savior. Because Jesus himself understands what you went through, are going through, and will go through. A sympathetic redeemer who heals you. Find Karen here: https://tinyurl.com/38knuc7h Buy Understanding Spiritual Abuse here: https://tinyurl.com/2wcyxab2 Buy Spiritual Abuse Assessment here: https://tinyurl.com/2pp2cu3e Buy Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook here: https://tinyurl.com/yvre52ua Buy Counseling Through the Storm here: https://tinyurl.com/35u2cyv3 Sons of Patriarchy is brought to you by: Producer, Writer, Editor, and Host: Peter Bell Original Music, Sound Design, and Mixing: https://aaronfeeneymusic.com/ Social Media: Sarah Bader Graphic Design: Anonymous Survivors SURVIVORS - THANK YOU, AND MAY YOU BE HEARD.

Media inquiries: https://www.sonsofpatriarchy.com/contact Patreon: patreon.com/sonsofpatriarchy Website: sonsofpatriarchy.com Donate: https://donorbox.org/sons-of-patriarchy Find Mountain City Christian Counseling here: https://tinyurl.com/3rjb6vra Sign up for an upcoming Mountain City Christian Counseling retreat here: https://tinyurl.com/59tuu6ra Are you in the PCA, and need help navigating your situation? Contact: https://tinyurl.com/56sb2c3b Free live workshops of the PCA Book of Church Order (BCO): https://tinyurl.com/bdcs7xrt Read and discuss the PCA report on Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault: https://tinyurl.com/4cx9n538 Donate to Advocacy from the Presbyterian Pew: https://tinyurl.com/ms6ba2ky In this episode I spoke with Colleen McConnell, former member of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Orlando, Florida, and Megan Owen, founder of Mountain City Christian Counseling, who was formerly counseled by Jim Wilson, Doug Wilson's late father. Colleen's story shares similarities with every story we have profiled save one difference, she won her case in the PCA. So we look into when women "win," what that means for their relationship with the church and its leadership, as well as their marriages (or former marriages). Megan (and her family) were horrifically abused by her ex-husband, and you'll hear what kind of counsel came from the mouth of Jim, which then starts making more sense of Doug. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Because for these men and leaders, a woman who's too opinionated needs to be put her in place. Below them. Sons of Patriarchy is brought to you by: Producer, Writer, Editor, and Host: Peter Bell Original Music, Sound Design, and Mixing: https://aaronfeeneymusic.com/ Social Media: Sarah Bader Graphic Design: Anonymous Survivors SURVIVORS - THANK YOU, AND MAY YOU BE HEARD.

Tia Levings, a memoirist and author of 'A Well-Trained Wife', shares her harrowing journey out of Christian patriarchy. She discusses her upbringing in fundamentalism, detailing the intersection of homeschooling and IBLP's teachings that normalized control and emotional suppression. Tia recounts the painful grief of losing a child amid strict expectations and the dangerous shift towards corporal punishment. Her escape from an abusive environment led to a decade of recovery and a powerful memoir aimed at helping others break free from oppressive systems.

Media inquiries: https://www.sonsofpatriarchy.com/contact Patreon: patreon.com/sonsofpatriarchy Website: sonsofpatriarchy.com Donate: https://donorbox.org/sons-of-patriarchy Join Peter in this special episode as he talks with producers (and survivors) Amy Nordhues and Jennifer Kramer about their upcoming documentary, #TherapyToo. They need your help! Website: https://amynordhues.com Trailer: https://www.therapytoofilm.com/watch Documentary: https://amynordhues.com/therapy-abuse-documentary/ Sons of Patriarchy is brought to you by: Producer, Writer, Editor, and Host: Peter Bell Original Music, Sound Design, and Mixing: https://aaronfeeneymusic.com/ Social Media: Sarah Bader Graphic Design: Anonymous Survivors SURVIVORS - THANK YOU, AND MAY YOU BE HEARD.

Caroline Garcia Osborne, a former member of Covenant OPC, shares her harrowing journey of grooming and spiritual abuse by her pastor, Boyd Miller. She details the gradual manipulation she faced, from special attention to emotional pressure and secretive meetings. An anonymous survivor recounts her own experiences of inappropriate contact and the community's silence. Both women emphasize the need for accountability and reform within the church, urging others to recognize grooming and support survivors in their healing journey.

Sheila Wray Gregoire, an author and commentator on Christian marriage and sex, joins Marissa Burt, a researcher on evangelical parenting. They boldly critique the damaging narratives of patriarchal marriage and parenting, highlighting how purity culture objectifies women and normalizes corporal punishment. Sheila emphasizes the need for mutuality in relationships, while Marissa explores the historical roots of strict parenting. They advocate for compassionate discipline over control, encouraging a shift towards connection and understanding in family dynamics.