Sons of Patriarchy
Peter Bell
What happens when biblical patriarchy, christian nationalism, and a theology of authority and submission become the pillars of a movement? Scores of abuse stories in marriages, schools, churches, families, and more. Though these ideas have filtered throughout the United States for decades, they found a home in Moscow, Idaho, through the ministry and work of Doug Wilson. From there, they have influenced churches across the United States, and across the world. In this series, you'll hear from experts on all aspects of these movements, and the stories of abuse from those who survived. Some are Christian, some are not, but one thing they've got in common? They're finally speaking out. This is their story.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sons-of-patriarchy--6517628/support.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 11, 2025 • 56min
Doug Wilson's Influence on Brazilian Christianity (Season Finale)
Norma Braga, a Brazilian Christian writer and speaker, dives into the profound influence of Doug Wilson on Brazilian Christianity. She reveals her shocking discovery of Wilson amidst her research on abuse, discussing how his combative style resonates with Brazilian conservatives. Braga highlights the often-overlooked issues of abuse within Reformed circles and explains the conservative shift in theological thought influenced by American authors. She advocates for a return to balanced biblical teachings, emphasizing empathy and support for survivors.
Sep 8, 2025 • 59min
Healing from Evangelicalism
Michelle Moffitt, a psychotherapist and founder of Five Oaks Counseling, shares her journey escaping the constraints of a conservative church. She discusses the trauma of being a pastor's wife and the emotional isolation faced when seeking help. Moffitt emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s intuition and finding trauma-informed therapists. She offers practical advice for people leaving high-control religious systems, advocating for community support and gradual exposure to new ideas. Ultimately, she encourages embracing complexity and learning to trust oneself.
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 54min
The Event that Changed Everything
In this engaging discussion, author and journalist Sarah Stankorb dives into her research on women leaving the church. She shares insights from her upcoming book, "Damned If She Does," exploring the nuances of faith and personal deconstruction. Sarah categorizes women’s paths—ranging from atheism to a separate faith identity—and examines the role of abuse in their departures. Highlighting the need for compassionate community engagement, she offers practical advice for churches and individuals navigating these complex conversations.
Sep 1, 2025 • 38min
Recovering from Purity Culture
Dr. Camden Morgante, a licensed psychologist and author, dives deep into the lasting impacts of purity culture on faith, sexuality, and relationships. She unpacks its harmful myths, like the idea of being 'damaged goods' and the false promises of marital fulfillment. Camden emphasizes the urgent need for recovery, highlighting strategies to rebuild a healthier sexual identity. She also discusses parenting post-purity culture, advocating for open conversations about consent and respect to foster healthier future generations.
Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 23min
It's a Man's World: The Genesis 3:16 Effect
Join Rachel Darnall, a researcher and author focusing on gender and theology, as she dives into the complexities surrounding the translation of Genesis 3:16. She discusses how this interpretation fueled the complementarian movement and its harmful impacts on women's agency. Rachel unpacks the insidious roots of purity culture and its repercussions on consent. She also critiques the nostalgic idealization of the 1950s family model, advocating for a nuanced understanding of women's historical roles and a critical view of simplistic narratives.
Aug 21, 2025 • 43min
How SHOULD the Media Cover Doug Wilson?
In this discussion, journalist Sarah Stankorb, author of *Disobedient Women* and *Damned If She Does*, delves into the media's problematic portrayal of controversial figures like Doug Wilson. They unpack how patriarchal narratives distort real-life consequences for women and queer individuals. Stankorb highlights the disconnect between Jesus's teachings and current church practices, illuminating the disillusionment felt by many. Emphasizing the need for authentic media engagement, she advocates for stronger representation of survivors from high-control movements.
Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 52min
Live from Moscow, Idaho!
Join bestselling author Sarah Stankorb, known for her work on women leaving the church, as she dives into faith, feminism, and community resilience. She shares powerful insights on the decline of church attendance among women, personal journeys of deconstructing faith, and the importance of accountability within religious institutions. Sarah also emphasizes the role of community support in creating inclusive environments and rebuilding identity, all while keeping the conversation engaging and relatable.
Aug 11, 2025 • 57min
Unity and Diversity in the Church
Richard Lints, a senior consulting theologian at Redeemer City to City, dives into the complexities of unity and diversity in the church. He discusses the challenge of maintaining unity amidst a fragmented society and explores the biblical principles that can guide this effort. Lints also touches on secular morality's impact on justice conversations within evangelicalism, emphasizing the need for humility. The conversation highlights the significance of identity and community engagement, pushing for a deeper understanding and redefined perspectives in navigating these intricate dynamics.
Aug 7, 2025 • 2min
UPDATE About Moscow Event
Media inquiries: https://www.sonsofpatriarchy.com/contact Patreon: patreon.com/sonsofpatriarchy Website: sonsofpatriarchy.com Donate: https://donorbox.org/sons-of-patriarchy YouTube Live link: https://youtube.com/live/DpP6rXyFJfU?feature=share Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-recording-qa-in-moscow-idaho-tickets-1504212513119?aff=oddtdtcreator Donations: https://donorbox.org/help-the-series-get-to-moscow?preview=1754514087 EXCLUSIVE Event Merch: https://www.sonsofpatriarchy.com/merch/p/sons-of-patriarchy-shirt-a7mnk-99hws-abgpn
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h
Evangelicals and Marriage (Moscow Event is LIVE)
Sheila Wray Gregoire, an acclaimed author and speaker behind BareMarriage.com, dives into the complexities of marriage within the evangelical community. They discuss rethinking marriage roles to promote partnership and emotional connection over hierarchy. Sheila highlights the importance of recognizing red flags in troubled marriages and offers insights into fostering healthier relationships rooted in faith. Additionally, the conversation tackles the misconceptions of gender roles and emotional intelligence, advocating for a more balanced understanding of marriage.
