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
Aug 7, 2025 • 2min
UPDATE About Moscow Event
Exciting news about a recent event in Moscow! The local venue sold out in just two days, much to the delight of the team. For those who couldn’t snag a ticket, an overflow venue has been set up at Cafe Artista. The event promises to be broadcast live on YouTube, making it accessible for a wider audience. Amid all this buzz, gratitude flows for the listeners who helped spread the word. Plus, there might be more Moscow events in the future, so stay tuned!
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.
Jul 28, 2025 • 51min
A Church That Cares for the Abused
Scot McKnight, a New Testament professor and insightful author, tackles the complexities of toxic church cultures. He shares his journey from academia to addressing systemic issues within the church, particularly following significant scandals. Discussing the importance of character formation over mere doctrine, Scot emphasizes how good theology doesn't guarantee ethical behavior. He also calls for a church that genuinely cares for the abused and highlights the need for reform, focusing on living out Jesus' message for true redemption.
Jul 21, 2025 • 53min
Gothard, Wilson, and Fundamentalist America
Christy Lynne Wood, author and speaker, shares her journey from a decade in Bill Gothard's IBLP movement to finding her faith. She discusses the isolation and strict gender roles enforced in Gothard culture, drawing parallels between Gothard and Doug Wilson’s teachings. Christy emphasizes the appeal of high-control religions, rooted in fear and community. She advocates for a thoughtful approach to deconstructing faith, illustrating how renewed belief can emerge from this process, and encourages compassion towards those still in rigid systems.
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Ugly Truth About The Girl Next Door
Kait Gannon, a survivor of family-controlled sex trafficking and co-founder of Mezzo Allies, shares her harrowing story of abuse within her church community. Joined by Laurie Krull, a clinical social worker with vast experience in advocating for survivors, they discuss the church's inadequate handling of disclosures and the psychological toll on victims. They cover issues like institutional betrayal, recantation, and the need for churches to prioritize survivor safety and education. Their podcast aims to break the silence and warn others of these systemic failures.
Jul 14, 2025 • 40min
Safe Church
Andrew Bauman, a therapist and author of 'Safe Church', tackles the pressing issue of sexism and trauma in Christian communities. He discusses the urgent need for churches to create safe environments for survivors of abuse. Bauman shares insights on empowering women's voices and fostering inclusivity. He challenges traditional interpretations of biblical texts that suppress women, advocating for equality within faith. Their conversation emphasizes open dialogue, accountability, and compassionate leadership to ensure safety for all church members.
Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 16min
Abuse in ACBC
An anonymous survivor shares her harrowing journey of childhood sexual abuse and her experiences with ACBC/NANC-style biblical counseling. She dives deep into ACBC's troubling history and highlights how the counseling approach often minimized her trauma, focusing instead on spiritual homework that downplayed her fears. The survivor reveals how institutional responses silenced her concerns and emphasizes the lasting impact of this harmful counseling on her mental health. Ultimately, she advocates for the integration of modern psychological care alongside faith.
21 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 35min
Biblical Counseling and Abuse
Kimi Harris, a dedicated reporter on abuse in church contexts, shares her insights into the troubling dynamics of biblical counseling. She discusses how the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors often mishandles abuse cases, pressuring victims to forgive without proper healing. The conversation delves into the complexities of faith and trauma, emphasizing the need for professional intervention. Harris also critiques the misapplication of scripture, calling for a more nuanced approach to support survivors and challenging the church to better address its past failings.
Jun 30, 2025 • 53min
America and Power
David Koyzis, a political scientist and author with a PhD from Notre Dame, returns to explore the nuances of authority and political theory. He discusses the significance of well-exercised authority versus abuses seen in authoritarian regimes like Putin and Xi. Koyzis contrasts secular sources of legitimacy with religious foundations, and delves into the origins of modern nationalism. He emphasizes the importance of a plural social order, using the metaphor of an orchestra to illustrate coordinated flourishing, urging a careful understanding of authority in society.
Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 16min
The Wilson Women
Guest Jessica Jenkins, creator of We Who Thirst, explores the writings of Nancy Wilson, Rebekah Merkle, and Rachel Jankovic. She critiques their influence in evangelical circles and discusses key themes like homemaking, abortion, and feminism. Jessica sheds light on how their rhetoric appeals to conservatives seeking clarity and belonging. She highlights the problematic interpretations of scripture and the isolation dynamics within their teachings. Jenkins emphasizes the importance of contextualizing women's roles in biblical narratives, aiming to empower rather than restrict.
