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
Jun 16, 2025 • 58min
The Gospel of Greed
Malcolm Foley, a scholar and pastor at Baylor University, dives deep into the roots of racism and greed in the American Church. He argues that economic motives have historically fueled oppression and that contemporary attitudes often mask complicity in these systems. Foley critiques the idea of sanctifying wealth and emphasizes trust in God's provision over accumulation. He also shares insights on combating greed through solidarity, anti-violence, and reclaiming the church's witness to the poor. His perspectives challenge the church to confront its past and advocate for justice.
Jun 9, 2025 • 55min
The Unholy Trinity
Katherine Stewart, an investigative journalist and author of 'Money Lies in God,' discusses the rise of the New Right and its impact on American democracy. She delves into the political dynamics between Silicon Valley's tech elite and Trump, emphasizing the alarming fusion of wealth and authoritarian politics. Stewart also explores the evolving roles of women in conservatism and the nostalgic views of family that influence today's political landscape, urging listeners to recognize threats to democracy and engage in civic actions.
Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 16min
Empathy, Emotions, and Jesus
Becky Castle-Miller, a PhD student researching emotions in the Gospel of Luke, delves into the interplay of neuroscience, psychology, and faith. She explores how unhealthy emotional teachings can enable abuse within certain Christian contexts. The conversation touches on how emotions can be socially learned rather than innate, and critiques the distrust of emotions in conservative Christianity. Becky champions compassion as a biblical theme and argues that Jesus’s emotional life validates our humanity, emphasizing the importance of healthy emotional expression and healing.
May 29, 2025 • 1h 11min
Christian Dominionism & Women
Julie Ingersoll, a professor at the University of North Florida, dives into the complex world of Christian reconstructionism and its impact on women. She shares her journey into this research, influenced by her marriage into a reconstructionist family. Julie uncovers key figures like R.J. Rushdoony and Gary North, discussing their roles in shaping education and the rise of the religious right. She examines why women are drawn to these movements and warns against the allure of certainty, urging reflection on personal belief systems.
May 26, 2025 • 51min
Heritage CPC: Part 3
In this revealing conversation, a former member of Heritage CPC shares personal experiences navigating a complicated church culture rooted in Reformed Baptist beliefs. They discuss the pressures placed on women regarding homemaking and education, the inadequate support for mental health crises, and their struggles with social exclusion. Highlighting the leadership's failure to address abuse and the complexities of leaving the community, the guest's insights expose the need for accountability and compassion within faith traditions.
May 26, 2025 • 2min
Season 2 - The Evangelical Reckoning
Delve into the troubling waters of evangelicalism this season. The focus shifts from Doug Wilson as a central figure to exploring broader issues within Reformed evangelicalism. Discover systemic abuse and the cultural extremes that intertwine biblical counseling with nationalism and racism. The podcast critically examines the ramifications of doctrinal blindness and institutional failures affecting various denominations. It promises a reckoning, inviting listeners to dissect the complexities of the entire movement.
May 23, 2025 • 15min
Doug Wilson in the PCA
Helen Shores Peters shares her gripping first-person testimony about being influenced by Doug Wilson's teachings within the PCA. She discusses her initial encounters with Wilson's curriculum and the church's shift towards male leadership and restrictive gender roles. Helen highlights the dangers of Vision Forum teachings, especially their impact on women, as well as the community's embrace of a triumphalist Christianity. Her reflections reveal the tension between traditional beliefs and the push for genuine humility in faith, ultimately leading her to reassess her community ties.
May 22, 2025 • 33min
Karen Swallow Prior
Karen Swallow Prior, an English professor and literary scholar with deep roots in evangelical circles, shares her journey of disillusionment with Doug Wilson's teachings. She discusses her initial admiration for his satire and how doubts arose after encountering troubling attitudes towards women. Highlighting her advocacy for abuse survivors, Karen reflects on the backlash she faced and her decision to withdraw from a conference amid serious allegations. She urges readers to scrutinize Wilson's writings and emphasizes the importance of accountability in religious communities.
May 19, 2025 • 1h 2min
The Church and The State
Kevin Vallier, a philosophy professor specializing in political theology and a notable author, dives into the intricate relationship between religion and politics. He discusses Catholic integralism, explaining its doctrines and how it contrasts with Christian nationalism. Vallier sheds light on how integralism views baptized versus non-baptized individuals and assesses why it hasn't gained traction compared to other forms of Christian governance. The conversation explores historical precedents of Christian nationalism and why today’s pluralistic society poses challenges to its implementation.
May 16, 2025 • 48min
You're in a Cult if...
In this insightful discussion, cult expert Steven Hassan, a former member of the Unification Church, shares his journey from being recruited into a cult to becoming a leading researcher on mind control. He introduces the BITE model, illustrating how cults manipulate behavior and emotions to maintain control. Hassan dives into modern recruitment tactics, including online strategies and love-bombing. He also provides invaluable advice for families with loved ones in cults and emphasizes the importance of empathy and free will in recovery.
