Thousands of people have been taught forms of Christianity that led them into more bondage than freedom. Why do we feel like we have been enslaved by the truth when it’s supposed to set us free? Join your hosts, Joe and Rachel Tenney, as they discuss how to fight disillusionment, and move forward in the hope of Jesus Christ. This is the Control Freak Christianity podcast.
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Why Are We Called Control Freak Christianity?
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Why are we called Control Freak Christianity and why are we here? We recognize the reality that there are control freaks who love to use the name of Jesus and His church for their own selfish purposes. It's all over the Bible, though it's rarely talked about in churches. Joe and Rachel introduce this topic and why we need to address control freaks …
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Listen in as Joe and Rachel talk through seven devotional thoughts Rachel wrote for Advent after being disappointed by the advent devotionals she picked up this year. Whether you love or hate Christmas, we hope that digging a little deeper into the theology of Christmas encourages your heart this season. WARNING: May contain nerdy tangents and the …
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Survivor Reacts to Doug Wilson's Letters to a Broken Girl
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In a series of letters to a fictional girl, Doug Wilson gives advice on how to handle being a victim of sexual abuse. Joe and Rachel are joined by Bethany Tenney, a real survivor, to discuss the quality of that advice in light of her experiences and the hope she has found in God and the Scriptures. Support Our Channel: https://www.patreon.com/contr…
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This episode contains various accounts of abuse against women and children. John MacArthur is a well-known pastor of Grace Community Church, as well as an author and commonly heard voice on the radio. Recently, troubling details of a church discipline, carried out by John MacArthur in 2001, indicates poor judgment and improper use of church discipl…
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We are created in the Image of God. What does this mean, and how does it impact how we live? Join Joe and Rachel as they discuss ways we get Imago Dei right, and ways we can get it wrong.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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The holidays can bring with them a lot of expectations, especially from family. Joe and Rachel talk about their different perspectives on holiday cheer, how to have healthy boundaries over the holidays, and examples of Jesus' boundaries in Scripture.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Joe and Rachel share news of recent spiritual abuse and how it's affecting them, their church, friends, and even the podcast.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Many raised in Authoritarian Fundamentalism struggle to be as productive as they believe they should. Have they been set up for failure with shame, fear, idealism, and perfectionism eating away at their abilities? Joe and Rachel discuss this along with their own struggles to work well.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Review: 'What are you doing?' by Vaughn Ohlman
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Courtship led to some crazy stories, right? And yet, even more bizarre ideas are trying to take root out in the world of Authoritarian Fundamentalism. Joe and Rachel go through a book written to convince Christians of the virtues of betrothal and arranged marriages.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Cults can be wildly different in beliefs, organization, teachings, and operations. But the culture of cults can be in things that seem innocuous on the surface. Inside Christianity, whether in churches, movements, families, or organizations, cult-like practices can cause incredible damage. Join Joe and Rachel as they discuss twelve things that can …
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Already we live in a world that mishandles sex. The Church can run the range of ignoring sex in embarrassment and shame, to glorifying it similarly to how the world does. Do men have a visual Rolodex? Should sex be pleasurable for both men and women? How does pornography and self-pity play a part in Christians' understanding of sex? Joe and Rachel …
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A letter, written to Rachel's father, demanding her hand in marriage is a perfect example of spiritual abuse in a Christian courtship. Rachel relives her past anguish in this episode as she, along with Joe, read and comment on a real-life letter as an example of manipulation and narcissism.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Most people caught in abusive relationships have trouble navigating the many tactics that abusive people use to control, manipulate, and confuse. Joe and Rachel cover a list of tactics they've observed, and how those tactics work.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Why do abusers who have hatred for those whom they abuse, try to hang on to them and keep them around? This effect is exemplified in the popular 'Harry Potter' books. Rachel nerds out on Harry Potter while Joe hangs on for the ride as they discuss how this dynamic is common in abusive situations.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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What happens when dealing with abusive people and a friendship that started on the internet blend together? Romance of course! Well, at least it did for Joe and Rachel. Join them in this lighthearted episode as they recount their dating story and what they learned along the way.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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The popular book series for girls by Martha Finley written over a century ago continues to be a phenomenon for many in fundamentalist and home-educated circles. They are beloved by many and hated by many more. Joe and Rachel discuss different excerpts from the books and give their own evaluations.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Elijah fought against Israel's slide into Ba'al worship, but there didn't seem to be any impact from his work. God tells him the three men who will bring an end to Ba'al worship but the consequences are staggering. Join Joe and Rachel as they discuss this dark part of Scripture, and how we still see glimmers of hope.…
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Elijah, who had been so faithful was on the run because Jezabel wants him dead. He runs and has a conversation with God. We can see how Elijah's wrestling can help us when our faithfulness leads us to suffer. Join Joe and Rachel as they discuss Elijah, God, and how we can heal well in our darkest moments.…
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Ba'al in Israel Part 1: Elijah's Triumph and Despair
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37:10
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How can we change massive societal evils? What can we do to face unfaithfulness in God's people. We are not the first to face these challenges. We have heard a lot about Elijah the prophet. He mocked false gods, prayed and God sent fire from heaven. But Elijah was attempting to end the practices of Ba'al worship that plagued Israel. Join Joe and Ra…
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You might think that people who've endured terrible abuse would be kind and understanding to others who face similar abuse, but this is often not the case. Joe and Rachel talk through some of the reasons some victims are obstacles for healing for others, and why it's hard to help others with their trauma when you haven't dealt with your own.…
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Abuser's Favorite Bible Passages: Matthew 18
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Using the Bible for wrong purposes is common, and perhaps no passage has been misused more than Matthew 18:15-20. Joe and Rachel give a few thoughts that shed light on this important section of Scripture and show how abusers misuse this passage.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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It's already created quite the impact. A letter, written over a year ago from a well-known theologian and ethicist, Dr. Russell Moore, has been leaked. The letter includes some very troubling allegations that, if true, would demonstrate corruption in the heart of the largest conservative denomination in America. Joe and Rachel discuss the letter, h…
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Joe and Rachel are completely unscripted as they spill the tea about their past fashion faux pas while growing up in homeschooling sub-cultures. Have you ever wondered why you can spot a homeschooler in a crowd? This episode is a light-hearted conversation about some of the reasoning behind why homeschoolers dress the way they do. A special thanks …
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Job received bad counsel from his friends in the midst of his suffering. What are some of the bad things that Job's friends told him and does it sound like advice we give today? Join Joe and Rachel for this episode to explore what kind of advice makes God angry, and what we can say instead.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Jesus will cleanse His bride. How does this truth affect how we should see the church and address evils inside the church? In this episode, Joe and Rachel talk of how to take part in the work of Jesus, while relying on Jesus' promises for His church.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Former TLC star from "19 Kids and Counting," Josh Duggar has been charged in Federal court with possessing Child Pornography. He is yet another conservative Christian that has shown a horrific willingness to abuse others. Joe and Rachel discuss how they used to hold similar beliefs as the Duggars. God has helped Joe and Rachel come to freedom, perh…
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Spiritual Warfare is often either over-emphasized or ignored. Joe and Rachel discuss their own experiences, Jesus' dealing with temptation, and the confidence Christians can have against the enemy.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Racist Doctrine and Neo-Confederacy in the Church
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For centuries, teachings of Kinism (and similar doctrines) have infiltrated the church justifying many evils. Joe and Rachel talk of their own upbringings and exposures to racist ideologies, along with some of their own thoughts on how to begin to think of racial issues.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Politics have been crazy and Christians are all over the map when it comes to political involvement and positions. Joe and Rachel discuss their own political experiences and talk about what a healthy understanding of politics in the life of the Christian can look like.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Joe and Rachel have a raw and unscripted conversation about a rarely addressed topic - that people have fantasies, imaginative worlds, and daydreams. Is that even ok? Join us for the discussion!By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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The Quiverfull movement, and similar movements, teach that all birth control is wrong, and families should produce as many children as possible. Joe and Rachel discuss some of the thoughts, beliefs, and arguments of the Quiverfull movement, along with the truth and freedom found in the Bible.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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In a world where internet experts and armchair theorists abound, Joe and Rachel discuss the importance of listening to people who actually live out their own ideas. How can we tell if somebody is a practitioner? How do we know if their practice is healthy and good? And what does a practitioner learn from engaging in real life?…
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Co-hosts Joe and Rachel discuss the core Christian doctrine of repentance and how it is often dealt with cheaply. From abusers faking repentance to save face, to large numbers of Christians being gullible because they don't regularly walk in repentance, much discussion and work is needed on this topic.…
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The sexual abuse of famed evangelist and apologist, Ravi Zacharias, is in the open. We know he shamefully used his ministry for selfish reasons, harming and abusing others in the process. Joe and Rachel have an unscripted conversation on the ordeal and what it means for Christians and the Church.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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This episode contains a detailed account of abuse. Joe and Rachel discuss an example of abuse from Joe's life and how God faithfully met Joe in many moments of darkness.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Previous guests, Bethany and Adia, return to talk about the cost they had to pay to publically share their stories. All of us benefitted from each of their first visits with co-hosts Joe and Rachel, but few know how much hardship those interviews brought them. From being attacked by people who didn't like what they had to say, to reopening wounds t…
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A shallow understanding of suffering can easily lead to trite Christian sayings or quoting a Bible verse without compassion. Joe and Rachel discuss the heart of God, our need for comfort, and how we should seek to comfort others in their suffering.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Abusers are not the only ones to blame for cultures of abuse. The enablers, those who stand by and don't resist abuse, bear culpability as well. Joe and Rachel touch on the biblical theology of Justice, discuss how we have all fallen short in acting justly, and give examples of how passivity against abusers hurts the abused. But for all of our fail…
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Abused People in Church ft. Miguel Davilla
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In another interview with Pastor Miguel Davilla, co-hosts Joe and Rachel discuss many of the challenges abused people face in the church, even as they need church. Everything from how to identify a healthy or unhealthy church, to when the police should be called in an abusive situation, this interview pulls on years of experience and wisdom from Pa…
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Joe and Rachel wrap up some of their thoughts on Church Discipline, how it can be done well, and how God has given us tools to protect our local church communities. Don't miss Joe's nerdy addendum about Congregationalism, if you're into that kind of thing.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Church Discipline is a practice not done by most churches. But when it is done, it's often down wrong. Rachel and Joe discuss real-life examples (including Rachel being church disciplined by a jilted ex-suiter) and the harmful ideas that use Church Discipline as a weapon.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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An announcement!! Regular content returning soon.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Pastoring the Abused Pt 2 Ft. Miguel Davilla
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23:58
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Pastor Miguel Davilla joins Joe and Rachel to discuss how Pastors can help bring healing to those who've experienced spiritual abuse. God's grace through his ministry, and the work of his congregation, has helped many people walk the difficult road of healing in Christ.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Pastoring the Abused Pt 1 Ft. Miguel Davilla
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20:57
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Pastor Miguel Davilla joins Joe and Rachel to discuss how Pastors can help bring healing to those who've experienced spiritual abuse. God's grace through his ministry, and the work of his congregation, has helped many people walk the difficult road of healing in Christ.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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How we respond to life, with its highs and lows, can vary. Different generations have been formed in different contexts, each with their own shortcomings. Joe and Rachel use some inspiration from Netflix binging, a quick nod to Philosophy, and an overview of the Book of Ecclesiastes to give some thoughts on how to deal with all of life, good and ba…
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Many self-righteous people are miserable, and many sub-cultures of Fundamentalism have limited understandings or expressions of humor. Rachel previews her comedy show, followed by Joe and Rachel discussing humor with its uses and misuses.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Idealism is a common theme in Authoritarian Fundamentalism and appeals to our desire for easy answers. In this episode, Joe and Rachel discuss how our God-given desires for perfection can lead us into harm when not anchored in the hope of Jesus alone.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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When we've been burned by the morality of Authoritarian Fundamentalism, we look for other moralities that can replace what we've known. These moral systems can give identities and standards of right or wrong. Joe and Rachel talk about moral systems inside Authoritarian Fundamentalism and the world including what comes from politics.…
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Most people who state they've been wronged end up being attacked for it. Joe and Rachel talk about what Victim Blaming is, why it is so common, and what we can do about it.By Joe & Rachel Tenney
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Do you ever wonder if God is waiting to take away things that we love more than Him? Does he take sadistic delight in our sometimes painful process of sanctification? It often feels that way, yet we see a different picture in Scripture. Joe and Rachel discuss their own beliefs, and how they've experienced God's kindness.…
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