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Do you want to understand how survivors of religious trauma are finding the strength to reclaim their lives and make a difference? Join us as we explore a story of resilience, transformation, and healing in the face of religious abuse and domestic violence. We'll be sharing the solution so that you can achieve that result. Get ready to hear a shocking and moving story of how a survivor escaped when her life depended on it.
This episode was our most downloaded in 2024.
TW: Support for Domestic Violence Survivors in Religious Settings
The conversation explores the sensitive topic of domestic violence in religious contexts, emphasizing the need for awareness and support for survivors. Tia's experiences within her religious community highlight the challenges faced by individuals trapped in abusive situations. The episode encourages proactive involvement in recognizing and addressing abuse, promoting justice, and providing ongoing support for survivors seeking safety and healing.
Trauma took your past, but it does not have to have your present and your future, too. And you are the one in charge of that. - Tia Levings
In this episode, you will be able to:
My special guest is Tia Levings
Tia Levings is an insightful writer, podcaster, and speaker, with a focus on the realities of Christian fundamentalism, evangelical patriarchy, and religious trauma. Her expertise has been featured in notable publications such as Salon, the Huffington Post, and Newsweek. As a content strategist, Tia delves into the impact of religious trauma on mental health, domestic violence within religious contexts, and the deconstruction of fundamentalism in modern politics, shedding light on these critical issues. Her forthcoming memoir, "A Well Trained Wife," chronicles her personal journey of escaping Christian patriarchy, presenting a compelling and courageous narrative that promises to resonate with those seeking empowerment and healing from religious abuse. Tia's work is driven by her passion for advocating resilience and recovery from religious trauma.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:02:25 - Growing Up in Mainstream Fundamentalism
00:05:22 - Trauma and Dogmatism
00:07:42 - Effects of Fundamentalism on Women
00:14:08 - The Influence of High Control Religion
00:15:34 - The Pressure of Traditional Gender Roles
00:16:55 - Red Flags and High Control Religion
00:20:47 - The Manipulative Nature of Patriarchy
00:25:53 - Addressing Pushbacks and Myths
00:27:34 - The Incredulity of Religious Trauma
00:28:22 - Challenges in Seeking Justice
00:29:26 - Empowering Survivors
00:32:35 - Finding Solidarity and Community
00:38:27 - Building Healthy Relationships
00:41:09 - The Impact of Religious Trauma
00:43:18 - Coping with Discomfort and Denial
00:44:50 - Healing from Religious Trauma
00:46:31 - Advocating for Survivors
00:53:18 - Taking Action and Making a Difference
00:56:22 - Understanding Mental Illness and Abuse
00:57:45 - Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence
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Lori Adams-Brown, Host & Executive Producer
A World of Difference Podcast
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