EXPLORE the BLOG
When Prophets Die, and Violence Strikes: Holding Complexity in Mormon Transitions
Within hours, the Mormon world shifts— the prophet, Russell M. Nelson, dies, Dallin H. Oaks steps in as acting leader, and violence strikes a sacred space. In the wake of these events and General Conference, Mormons and ex-Mormons alike wrestle with faith, loyalty, grief, anger, and the weight of control. This reflection explores trauma, obedience, and what healing means after leaving the church.
When the Gatekeepers Die: Spiritual Abuse, Indoctrination, and Reclaiming Identity After Dobson and MacArthur
The recent deaths of James Dobson and John MacArthur mark the end of an era, and stir up complex emotions for many who grew up under their teachings. This post explores how indoctrination, spiritual abuse, and high-control religion shaped a generation, and what it means to reclaim your identity now that their voices are gone.
Indoctrination Part 3: Purity Culture and the Shame That Lingers
What if your worth was never meant to be defined by purity? This post explores how purity culture indoctrinates fear, shame, and disconnection from the body, especially for women, queer folks, and those raised in high-control religious systems. From modesty rules to emotional suppression, we unpack the deep wounds left behind, and what healing can look like when you begin to come home to yourself.
God, Power, and Gaslighting: When Christian Nationalism Becomes Spiritual Abuse
When faith gets used to excuse control, harm, or injustice, it’s not just politics; it’s spiritual abuse. This blog takes a look at recent events in Congress through the lens of Christian nationalism and religious trauma, and why it might feel familiar if you’ve left a high-control religious group.
Indoctrination Part 2: When Gender Roles Become Gospel
Religious indoctrination often disguises gender roles as biblical truth, framing submission, silence, and self-sacrifice as spiritual virtues. This post unpacks how high-control religious systems shape ideas of biblical womanhood, Christian manhood, BIPOC identity, and queerness, and what healing can look like when you begin to question the script.
Was It Spiritual Abuse? How to Recognize Religious Trauma and Begin to Heal
If you’ve ever asked “Was it spiritual abuse?”— you’re not alone. This post explores how religious trauma shows up, why it’s not just “church hurt,” and how healing can begin.