Heaven Bent

Tara Jean helps Sharon trace Emmanuel’s roots back to the 1906 Azusa Street Revival, in Los Angeles. The revival marks the beginning of a painful racial split in the Pentecostal church, leading Tara Jean and Sharon on an exploration of the appropriation of Black culture in the white Pentecostal church.Subscribe to Heaven Bent Plus for early access to episodes and bonus content, all ad-free.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tara Jean shines a spotlight on the women and girls of Emmanuel Church of Christ, including founding Bishop-Overseer Nina May Pierce. How did she fight off the men in her church who thought they knew better? Sharon shares her own experience growing up as a girl in Emmanuel post-Nina's leadership. Subscribe to Heaven Bent Plus for early access to episodes and bonus content, all ad-free.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emmanuel Pastor, David Terry faces murder and arson charges in a Tennessee court. What does his former lawyer remember about the trial? Also, Sharon confronts her dad about his memory of the trial and hears his perspective for the first time ever.Subscribe to Heaven Bent Plus for early access to episodes and bonus content, all ad-free.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When the fire happened, in Nashville, Sharon was at Emmanuel’s church camp; speaking in tongues and crushing on boys. What dark secrets did the adults in her church keep from her? And why did they suspect a cult might be involved?  Subscribe to Heaven Bent Plus for early access to episodes and bonus content, all ad-free. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sharon learns about the early days of Emmanuel Church of Christ and its intriguing legacy of female leadership. Can this in-depth look at the church's history help us better understand what led to the tragic events of 1987?Subscribe to Heaven Bent Plus for early access to episodes and bonus content, all ad-free.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the morning of June 16th, 1987, in Nashville, Tennessee. Shortly after midnight, firefighters are called to a blaze at Emmanuel Church of Christ. What they find in the ashes would change this small Pentecostal congregation forever.  Thirty-five years later, Tara Jean Stevens begins to unravel this shocking crime.On the journey with her is Sharon Edwards. She was just a kid when the fire tore apart her church family. Today, she wants to know the truth about what happened.Subscribe to Heaven Bent Plus for early access to episodes and bonus content, all ad-free. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s 1987. Nashville, Tennessee. Emmanuel Church of Christ Oneness Pentecostal is up in flames and a mutilated body is found inside. Who did it? Why is the congregation’s beloved pastor missing? And could a Satanic cult be responsible, or was it something else equally sinister?In season three, host and creator Tara Jean Stevens reveals the shocking details surrounding this mysterious and thought-provoking murder. Along the way, she learns about the church itself and the people who once sat in its pews. Their story brings forward a deep history of tent revivals, gospel music, and a rare legacy of female preachers. Plus, as always, a whole lotta speakin’ in tongues!Subscribe to Heaven Bent Plus for early access to episodes and bonus content, all ad-free.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode this season, what’s truly at the heart of Bethel Church, in Redding, California? And, is it a cult? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The eye-opening evolution of the image of Satan in the Evangelical Church. Plus, what does the Devil have to do with the results of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. If you ask the leaders of Bethel Church, in Redding, California. The answer is a whole Hell of a lot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can God cure someone of their homosexual desires? Tara Jean Stevens explores “conversion therapy” and the “ex-gay” movement, within Bethel Church. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.