Emotional Health: Sarah Stankorb on Disobedient Women, Silent Suffering & Uncovering the Unique Harm of Abuse within Religious Contexts

Do you want to see a positive shift within religious communities, addressing the damaging effects of abuse? Are you eager to create change and raise awareness within faith communities? Join us as we welcome guest Sarah Stankorb, who will share the solution to achieving increased awareness and action in addressing abuse within religious contexts. Together, let's work towards a transformative outcome, where the harmful effects of abuse within faith communities are recognized and addressed.

My special guest is Sarah Stankorb

Sarah Stankorb is not just a journalist; she's an advocate for the unseen and unheard. Her remarkable talent transcends reporting, establishing her as a genuine voice of change within society. Her work resonates with empathy - sketching heart-touching narratives in renowned publications such as The Washington Post and New York Times. In her latest book, 'Disobedient Women', Sarah unveils the deeply haunting experiences of abuse suffered within faith communities. This isn't the limit of her prowess - with qualifications from the University of Chicago's Divinity School and Westminster College, Sarah brings an enriched, well-rounded perspective to her work. Her compassion and zeal

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Peel back the taboos surrounding exploitation hidden in the folds of religion.
• Contemplate the societal constructs that endorse gender limitations within evangelical communities.
• Recognize the long-term impact of abuse masked in the garb of spiritual beliefs.
• Appreciate the role of online platforms in forging a solidarity among survivors of abuse.
• Galvanize the need to uplift silenced voices of women, a vital step for inclusive religious spaces.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Pre-order Sarah Stankorb's new book, Disobedient Women: How a Small Group of Faithful Women Exposed Abuse, Brought Down Powerful Pastors, and Started an Evangelical Reckoning on her website or through major online book retailers.
• Follow Sarah Stankorb on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Threads) for updates on her book release and other writings.
• Read Sarah Stankorb's articles and essays on women's issues, faith, and culture in publications like the Washington Post, New York Times, Vogue, Marie Claire, Glamour, and O Magazine.
• Explore Sarah Stankorb's previous works, including her award-winning article Rape Culture Lives Here.
• Support the Society of Professional Journalists and the Religion News Association, of which Sarah Stankorb is a member.
• Consider studying ethics, religion, history, or philosophy at the University of Chicago's Divinity School or Westminster College, where Sarah Stankorb graduated with honors.
• Reflect on the impact of silencing and the importance of using your voice, inspired by Sarah Stankorb's personal experience with a vocal disorder.
• Challenge toxic theology and harmful narratives

It's long overdue to recognize women in this way that have been trailblazing reform in these faith-based environments. - Sarah Stankorb

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction,

00:01:22 - Sarah Stankorb's Background,

00:03:00 - Unique Perspective on Religion,

00:06:04 - Personal Experience of Silencing,

00:10:09 - Birth of a Counter Movement,

00:13:58 - Damage to Women in Evangelical Worlds,

00:18:51 - The Intensity of Abuse Paired with Faith,

00:22:31 - The Impact of Spiritual Abuse,

00:26:13 - The Online Reckoning and #MeToo,

00:30:20 - The Revelation of Widespread Abuse,

00:37:36 - The Impact of Silencing Women,

00:38:44 - Lack of Attention to Women Leaving the Church,

00:41:10 - Reasons for the Lack of Attention,

00:42:12 - Ignoring the Issue in Megachurches,

00:53:44 - DBT Therapy and Moving Forward,

00:54:10 - Being a Part of Change,

00:54:45 - Gratitude and Appreciation,

00:55:30 - Crucial Time in the History of the Church,

00:56:10 - Strength in Community,

Unmasking spiritual maltreatment within faith communities. The podcast accentuates the worsening impact of abuse once it becomes intertwined with faith. Victims don't face just physical or emotional trauma, but also spiritual distress as their belief systems get manipulated. This unique form of trauma is often neglected and needs equal recognition as other forms of mistreatment

There's a power in women's stories, in elevating their voices and shedding light on the abuse and marginalization they've experienced. - Sarah Stankorb

Timestamped summary of this episode:

00:00:02 - Introduction,

Lori Adams Brown introduces the podcast and guest Sarah Stankorb, highlighting her new book "Disobedient Women" and her work reporting on women's issues, particularly within evangelical communities.

00:01:22 - Sarah Stankorb's Background,

Sarah Stankorb's extensive background as a journalist and her passion for elevating the voices of those who have been discarded, abused, and marginalized. She discusses her personal experience with being silenced and how it has influenced her work.

00:03:00 - Unique Perspective on Religion,

Sarah Stankorb shares her unique perspective as an agnostic who loves talking to people about religion. She is drawn to people with different worldviews and uses writing to amplify their voices.

00:06:04 - Personal Experience of Silencing,

Sarah Stankorb discusses her vocal disorder and the early treatments that silenced her. She reflects on the importance of using her voice and helping others amplify their voices through her writing.

00:10:09 - Birth of a Counter Movement,

Sarah Stankorb discusses her coverage of women questioning and calling out Christian patriarchy within evangelical communities. She realizes the deeper connection between these women's experiences and the rise of white Christian evangelical nationalism, particularly after the events of January 6th.

00:13:58 - Damage to Women in Evangelical Worlds,

Sarah Stankorb highlights the damage caused to women within evangelical communities, including the pressure to conform to a

00:18:51 - The Intensity of Abuse Paired with Faith,

The discussion explores the unique intensity of abuse when it is paired with faith. The concept of abuse being within one's worldview and sanctioned by God adds an extra layer of damage and control. Spiritual abuse can be especially damaging as survivors not only have to recover from the abuse itself but also from the betrayal of their faith.

00:22:31 - The Impact of Spiritual Abuse,

The conversation delves into the profound impact of spiritual abuse, particularly in the context of faith communities. It is noted that spiritual abuse is often the hardest part to heal from and can involve emotional, verbal, psychological, and financial abuse. The discussion highlights the difficulty of speaking out against abusers who are idolized within religious communities.

00:26:13 - The Online Reckoning and #MeToo,

The power of the online reckoning, exemplified by the #MeToo and #ChurchToo movements, is discussed. Online platforms have provided a space for survivors to realize their wounds are not solitary, but rather part of a larger community. This collective awareness has exposed systemic problems within institutions and has the potential to drive reform.

00:30:20 - The Revelation of Widespread Abuse,

The conversation explores how the internet has revealed the pervasiveness of abuse within various communities. Survivors connecting online have realized that their experiences are not isolated incidents but part of a larger systemic issue. This revelation can be both painful and empowering, leading to a loss of trust in institutions and a call for reform.

00:37:36 - The Impact of Silencing Women,

Silencing women and calling them disobedient when they don't follow man-made rules leads to toxicity in communities. Women have traditionally played a significant role in religious spaces, but they are now leaving in large numbers, signaling a potential decline in faith. This trend should be a cause for concern and addressed in churches.

00:38:44 - Lack of Attention to Women Leaving the Church,

The departure of women from the church has been a personal obsession for the guest for many years. Despite the significant number of women leaving, there has been a lack of attention and willingness to address this issue. Women's departure means losing a connection to the next generation of believers and the essential glue that holds the community together.

00:41:10 - Reasons for the Lack of Attention,

The guest is unsure why there is little concern about the departure of women from the church. It could be because some view the departing women as irritating or critical, or it may simply be a lack of care. However, the decline of women in the church should be a cause for panic, not indifference.

00:42:12 - Ignoring the Issue in Megachurches,

The guest shares her experience of trying to bring up the issue of people leaving the church in a megachurch but being shut down. Some megachurch pastors may avoid addressing this issue because it raises uncomfortable questions about their success and whether they have received God's favor.

00:53:44 - DBT Therapy and Moving Forward,

The host encourages the use of DBT therapy alongside the discussion to provide comfort during difficult topics. She emphasizes the importance of not turning a blind eye and creating a safe space for future generations.

00:54:10 - Being a Part of Change,

The host emphasizes that we have a chance to not be complicit and to actively participate in creating positive change. She invites listeners to join their voices and differences to make a difference together.

00:54:45 - Gratitude and Appreciation,

The host expresses gratitude for the listeners and their willingness to sit with the pain and suffering, as well as for their support in finding a way forward. She encourages listeners to join the Patreon community for more in-depth discussions.

00:55:30 - Crucial Time in the History of the Church,

The conversation highlights the significance of the current time in the history of the Church. It encourages those within the Church and those outside of it to come together and help create positive change.

00:56:10 - Strength in Community,

The host uses the analogy of redwood trees linking their roots underground to emphasize the strength and resilience that comes from community. It encourages listeners to stand together and support each other through difficult times.

Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon.

**********

The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.

Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating. Click here to review

Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon.

Mentioned in this episode:

Join Difference Makers

Join us in our membership community for exclusive content for only $5/month at https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference. We go deeper with each guest, and it makes such a difference.

Patreon

Do you want to go deeper?

Join us in Difference Makers, a community where we watch and discuss exclusive content that truly makes a difference. Give us $5 a month (the price of a latte), and join in on the conversation with our host Lori and others who want to make a difference. We'd love to have you join us!

Patreon

Follow the podcast at:

• https://www.youtube.com/@aworldofdifference
• https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/aworldofdifference/
• https://www.twitter.com/@awodpod
• https://www.instagram.com/aworldof.difference/

Join our Difference Maker membership community for a ton of exclusive content for as little as $5/month. (The price of your a latte at your local coffee shop to enjoy a whole month of content.) Lori's Travel Tips are included as well as exclusive minisodes with our guests not available anywhere else. Join for deeper conversations and a little fun today at https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference

Keep making a difference wherever you are!

Lori Adams-Brown, Host & Executive Producer

A World of Difference Podcast