Sons of Patriarchy

Thabiti Anyabwile, a pastor and former Gospel Coalition board member, engages in a thought-provoking dialogue about race and historical narratives in Christianity. He recounts his contentious debates with Doug Wilson regarding Wilson’s portrayal of the antebellum South and its implications for modern racism. Thabiti critiques Wilson’s arguments by examining the Bible’s true stance on slavery and challenges the romanticized views of the South. He encourages listeners to pursue a radical love that acknowledges diversity and seeks genuine community.

Mike Cosper, a journalist from Christianity Today and the voice behind The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, dives deep into the complexities of church ideology and abuse. He discusses how ideologies like Christian nationalism infiltrate congregations, comparing figures like Mark Driscoll and Doug Wilson. Cosper explores the implications of his new book, The Church in Dark Times, linking current cultural challenges to historical narratives. He highlights paths toward healthier faith practices, urging leaders to focus on the gospel over rigid ideologies.

Holly Rench, a former CREC member with deep Moscow connections, shares her family's traumatic experiences within the church, detailing oppressive practices and harmful counseling that affected her daughter. Jake Reynolds discusses his family's conflict with Trinity Covenant Church, which escalated to excommunication after they chose public schooling for their kids. Both guests emphasize the importance of recognizing abusive dynamics and encourage others to be wary of tightly controlled church environments.

Join Paul Miller, a Georgetown professor focusing on Christian nationalism, investigative author Katherine Stewart, political scientist Napp Nazworth, and ethicist Russell Moore as they dissect the complex roots and consequences of Christian nationalism. They explore how cultural changes fuel its rise, the strategic infiltration of public institutions, and the alarming anti-democratic calls from its supporters. The guests also discuss the influence of wealthy donors, the transformative impact on the Republican Party, and hopeful ways to counter authoritarianism.

This discussion kicks off with a heartfelt initiative to combat hunger in Idaho. The hosts promote a community food drive designed to support those facing food scarcity as the holidays loom. Listeners are encouraged to participate in the online fund drive competition benefiting the Idaho Foodbank. It's a rallying call for action, emphasizing the importance of community support during tough times. Keep an eye on their social media for updates and ways to get involved!

Hayley McCord, a former New Saint Andrews student, shares her harrowing experiences with family and institutional abuse in patriarchal church circles. An anonymous insider discusses the suffocating culture of Christ Church, where questioning leadership leads to ostracism. Another anonymous wife recounts her distressing courtship, highlighting abuses and dismissals by church leadership. All guests reflect on the profound trauma and loss of faith stemming from coercive practices and the façade of community, issuing urgent warnings to potential members.

Join Dr. Michael McVicar, a specialist in Christian Reconstruction, Dr. Julie Ingersoll, who delves into evangelical movements, and Dr. Jerome Kopolsky, a scholar of religion and politics, as they unpack the evolution of Christian nationalism. They discuss the striking differences between Reconstructionism and modern Christian nationalism, the role of education in spreading these ideologies, and how patriarchal structures persist. Insights on the long-term goals of these movements and the interplay of various ideological forces make for a compelling dialogue.

An anonymous survivor opens up about her painful childhood in the CREC community, detailing grooming, boundary violations, and the long-lasting impact of abuse. Teresa Smith reveals shocking revelations of sexual abuse in her ex-husband’s family and criticizes the church's inadequate response. Nathan and Christiana Wells discuss their critiques of the church's treatment of dissenters and the perilous culture of silence surrounding abuse. Together, they emphasize the necessity for accountability and the importance of supporting survivors.

In this discussion, Kevin Vallier, a philosophy professor focused on political thought, and Jerome Copulsky, a research fellow exploring historical religious influences, delve into the roots of nationalism. Vallier examines Catholic integralism and its distinction from Christian nationalism, challenging its coherence and implications for non-Christians. Copulsky uncovers the founders' intentions regarding religion, arguing for a pluralistic constitutional framework. Together, they analyze how these ideologies have evolved and their impact on modern politics.

We are re-airing Season 1 with all the interest in Christian Nationalism and Doug Wilson. This gives us the time to reformat and relaunch Sons of Patriarchy with our BIGGEST NEWS YET in 2026! Media inquiries: https://www.sonsofpatriarchy.com/contact Patreon: patreon.com/sonsofpatriarchy Website: sonsofpatriarchy.com Donate: https://donorbox.org/sons-of-patriarchy Link to pre-order bonuses: https://tinyurl.com/3z4jdtsb Link to download of the introduction and first chapter: https://tinyurl.com/mwnssprc Marissa Franks Burt (MA in Theological Studies, Columbia International University) is a novelist, editor, teacher, and cohost of the At Home with the Lectionary and In the Church Library podcasts. She lives in a small town in Washington's Snoqualmie Valley with her husband, six children, and heaps of books. Kelsey Kramer McGinnis (PhD, University of Iowa) is a musicologist, educator, and correspondent for Christianity Today, writing on worship practices and Christian subculture. She is an adjunct professor at Grand View University in Des Moines and previously worked at the University of Iowa Center for Human Rights. The book is available for pre-order across platforms: https://tinyurl.com/2tcvf7ur Find the book on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/2tcvf7ur Order from Baker for guaranteed release day delivery: https://tinyurl.com/bdy23p63 Bookshop book link: https://tinyurl.com/mtah5k4t Audible link: https://tinyurl.com/2p8yn4py Marissa's Social Profiles: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mburtwrites/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@mburtwrites Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mburtwrites/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mburtwrites.bsky.social TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mburtwrites Substack: https://substack.com/@mburtwrites YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDDTpI4RUeRX2R1eM5R6-oA Website: https://www.marissaburt.com Kelsey's Social Profiles: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseykmcginnis/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@kelseykmcginnis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelsey.kramermcginnis Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kkramermcginnis.bsky.social TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kelseykmcg?lang=en Substack: https://substack.com/@kelseykramermcginnis In the Church Library podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-church-library/id1804968736 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.