happy shiny people & evangelicalism; why they're not as different as you may think

in today's episode we are chatting about the headline making documentary on amazon prime called, "happy shiny people" which showcases the life of the Duggar family who are known for their hit TLC reality show, "19 (etc) kids & counting" as well as brings to light Bill Gothard, the institute of basic life principles and the influence they both have had over generations of people who are wanting to live for God.

this isn't going to be the same kind of commentary you've potentially listened to on this documentary. in today's show we are going to be connecting the dots and showing the ways in which IBLP (institute of basic life principles) & evangelicalism aren't as different as some would think. whether it be purity culture, abuse of power or even some of the ways in which we've learned to look at the world; you may find in today's episode that the modern evangelical church has a lot more common with IBLP than many would like to take account for.

the purpose of today's episode is to expand the conversation; whether you are within the church or out of it so that we can make any and all spaces a safer place for all people to exist.

this episode includes a feature from one of our very own listeners who shares her own personal journey of growing up primarily in the SBC (southern baptist) as well as other independent fundamentalist bible churches. she shares her experience of how growing up in purity culture impacted her, whether it be through purity ring ceremonies, the books she read or even her experience of slowly recognizing the relationship she was once in practicing for marriage was actually toxic and not healthy.

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time stamps:

0:00: introduction & what you can expect in today's episode

4:57: what nobody's talking about when it comes to the commentary on the documentary

9:27: what is IBLP, who is Bill Gothard, the Duggar family & why is all of this coming to light right now?

12:45: theme one: separation from the world as means of pursing holiness & where it can be dangerous

25:33: theme two: purity culture & why it's problematic *trigger warning: mentions of SA*

38:48: lauren's story of purity culture and toxic relationships

41:00 - theme three: hierarchy & abuse of power

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