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
Mar 6, 2025 • 38min
Trauma and Healing in the Church
In this thought-provoking discussion, Chuck DeGroat, a professor and counselor specializing in spiritual abuse, explores the complex issues surrounding trauma and healing within the church. He defines spiritual and emotional abuse, highlighting the often invisible harm caused by misused power. Chuck shares insights on why women are particularly vulnerable and addresses the stigma men face when discussing their experiences. He outlines practical steps for those in abusive systems and emphasizes the importance of healthy church cultures, concluding with a focus on generational healing.
22 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 9min
Season 1 Post-Mortem with Sarah Stankorb, Kristen Kobes Du Mez, and Russell Moore
Kristen Kobes Du Mez, historian and author known for her insights on evangelicalism, joins investigative reporter Sarah Stankorb and public theologian Russell Moore. They dive deep into the troubling intertwining of church, politics, and abuse in evangelical spaces. Topics include the impact of Christian nationalism, the necessity of supporting survivors of abuse, and the alarming trends of women leaving churches. They discuss the church's future, warning against moral complacency and the importance of speaking truth in a landscape rife with power dynamics.
Feb 27, 2025 • 2h 58min
Christ Church Santa Clarita
In this compelling discussion, an anonymous woman shares her traumatic experiences of abuse within her marriage and at Christ Church Santa Clarita, emphasizing the need for her daughter's safety. Her son adds depth, revealing the toxic church culture and its impact on their family. Retired pastor Ray Davis offers insights into the inadequacies of church leadership in addressing these serious concerns. They tackle themes of institutional neglect, the struggle for accountability, and the isolation faced by victims seeking help in a community that prioritizes appearances over care.
Feb 24, 2025 • 2h 23min
Wes Bredenhof & Camille de Vos
Wes Bredenhof, a Reformed pastor with deep insights into Doug Wilson's influence, and Camille de Vos, a biblical counselor and artist, share pivotal conversations about the patriarchal church culture. They discuss Wilson's controversial theological impact in Canadian and Australian churches, examining his charming style juxtaposed with serious concerns. Camille highlights patterns of abuse within the Free Reformed Churches of Australia, advocating for grace-based counseling and the need for accountability in protecting vulnerable members. Their insights aim to spark meaningful change.
Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 15min
Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor
In this engaging discussion, Caleb Campbell, Pastor of Desert Springs Bible Church and author, shares insights on navigating friendships with Christian nationalists. He reflects on his teenage involvement with extremist groups and how personal experiences shaped his views. Caleb delves into the complexities of American Christian nationalism, explaining its nostalgic allure and the fear of ethnic erasure. He also offers practical advice for meaningful conversations, encouraging humility and spiritual preparation as tools for healing divisive beliefs.
Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 14min
Understanding Spiritual Abuse
Dr. Karen Roudkovski, a licensed professional counselor specializing in trauma and spiritual abuse, shares her insights on recognizing and addressing spiritual abuse within religious institutions. She discusses how to identify key markers of abusers and the institutional factors that enable such behavior. Karen emphasizes the impact of spiritual abuse on faith and identity, offering empathy-driven guidance for supporting survivors. She also advocates for proper training for ministers and better protocols when addressing abuse claims in churches.
Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 43min
Too Opinionated: Abuse in the PCA, Part 2
Colleen McConnell, a former member of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, and Megan Owen, founder of Mountain City Christian Counseling, share their harrowing experiences with domestic abuse in the PCA. They discuss the complexities of navigating church structures that often prioritize reputation over victim support. Colleen highlights her successful fight for justice within the PCA, while Megan reveals the harmful counsel she received from church leaders. Together, they advocate for reform and genuine care in faith communities, emphasizing the importance of empowering women to escape abusive relationships.
Feb 10, 2025 • 53min
A Conversation with Tia Levings on "A Well-Trained Wife"
Tia Levings, an author and survivor, shares her harrowing journey from Christian patriarchy in her memoir, A Well-Trained Wife. She discusses the manipulation and control she faced from influential movements like IBLP and homeschooling cultures. Tia reveals how personal tragedy sparked her resistance and led her to question the oppressive structures. With a focus on healing, she offers advice to others in similar situations, highlighting the importance of survivor stories in breaking free from these harmful systems.
Feb 6, 2025 • 2h 25min
Millstones: Abuse in the OPC, Part 7
In this compelling conversation, Caroline Garcia Osborne shares her harrowing story of grooming and spiritual abuse by Boyd Miller, shedding light on the alarming realities within the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. An anonymous woman corroborates Caroline's account, illuminating the systemic failures of church leadership in addressing abuse allegations. The guests reflect on their emotional turmoil and the urgent need for reform, advocating for accountability, healing, and a supportive framework for survivors to reclaim their voices.
Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 32min
How to Rule Your Wife (and Kids)
Sheila Wray Gregoire, founder of Bare Marriage and author of multiple books on relationships, and Marissa Burt, author of "The Myth of Good Christian Parenting," dive into the flaws of traditional evangelical teachings. They challenge the notion of women as mere vessels for men, advocating for genuine intimacy that respects both partners' desires. The duo critiques punitive parenting methods and emphasizes nurturing over discipline, promoting equality in marriage and a reevaluation of influential doctrines that shape family dynamics.
