Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult

Listen to more episodes on Beyond BJU: Exposing FundamentalismIn this episode, host Andrew Pledger speaks with Dr. Camille Lewis about her new book 'Klandamentalism.' The conversation delves into the historical and contemporary ties between Christian fundamentalism, white supremacy, and authoritarianism connected to Bob Jones University. They discuss survivor stories, the influence of Bob Jones University on American society, and recent updates about the university, including changes in rules and significant incidents. Dr. Lewis also sheds light on the psychology behind the loyalty to these systems and the societal implications. The episode finishes with reflections on the current socio-political climate and recommendations for further action.Order Klandamentalism: https://www.amazon.com/Klandamentalism-Intersection-Revivalism-Supremacy-University/dp/1638041563Andrew's LinksJOIN MY PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerFacebook Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/My Substack: https://speakingupandrewpledger.substack.com/Linktree: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links-Music: https://www.purple-planet.com*Some audio is regenerated by AI because of mispronunciations and/or recording issues Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to Beyond BJU HEREDr. Camille Lewis attended BJU in the 90s, where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees. She joined the faculty at BJU and completed her Ph.D. from Indiana University. In 2007, she left BJU after being given an ultimatum: either resign or permit the BJU daycare to spank her 2-year-old son. She chose her son. In this episode, she provides her expertise and experience on the teachings, theology, and heresies of BJU.She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. She holds a Ph.D. from Indiana University in Rhetorical Studies with a minor in American Studies. Her book, 'Romancing the Difference: Kenneth Burke, Bob Jones University, and the Rhetoric of Religious Fundamentalism', was a scholarly attempt to stretch the boundaries of both Kenneth Burke’s rhetorical theory on tragedy and comedy as well as stretch conservative evangelical’s separatist frames. Her second book, 'White Nationalism and Faith: Statements and Counter-Statements', tracks the religious arguments for and against white nationalism in America since the Civil War. She is currently working on a book entitled Klandamentalism. After nearly twenty years in the classroom, Camille is thrilled to be teaching Rhetoric & Strategy, Argumentation, Rhetorical Criticism, Great Speeches, and Public Speaking at Furman. (from Furman’s website)Follow Camille's blog WutBJUListen to the Surviving BJU Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Other PlatformsAndrew's LinksFB Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerSocial Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/linksMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to 'Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Other PlatformsJoin Andrew Pledger as he exposes Bob Jones University's dark history and teachings while amplifying other survivors’ stories. BJU is a fundamentalist college with its roots in white supremacy and is known for its culture of indoctrination, conformity, and control. The university's influence extends beyond its campus, impacting Christian schooling, politics, Biblical counseling, and evangelical Christianity. The school also serves as a hub for churches, schools, and camps that spread its abusive teachings and practices. Listen to the experiences of survivors from BJU and its affiliated ministries.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms. -Contact me on social media here: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/linksIn this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the impact of fundamentalism on society as a whole, shining a light on the negative consequences that arise from rigid and uncompromising belief systems. I also share some final thoughts in the finale.Connect with Andrew PledgerSocial Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/linksJoin my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerSources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms. - In this episode, we will hear from survivors who have found healing and hope after leaving Bob Jones University. BJU is a fundamentalist Christian college with a controversial history, and our guests will share their personal journeys of overcoming the trauma and abuse they experienced while attending the university. Through their stories, we will learn about the challenges they faced, the ways in which they have found healing, and the support systems that have helped them along the way. This is a powerful and inspiring conversation about resilience, growth, and the power of community in the face of adversity.Connect with Andrew PledgerSocial Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/linksJoin my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerSources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to the full episode on my Patreon Here: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerIn this Patreon bonus episode, I dig into the untold story of the infamous BJU fashion show controversy. "The Bob Jones University fashion controversy, also known as “Wrap-Coat-Gate,” arose when trustees and administrators at Bob Jones University grew alarmed over a wrap coat designed by a student for a class project. They publicly called the student’s work sacrilegious, blasphemous, dishonoring to Jesus, offensive, and egregious. The controversy may appear to have spun out of nowhere, but given the history and perspectives that have been woven into the fabric of BJU for decades, it was only a matter of time before a student in the fashion design department would pull the wrong strings. (Sources: Baptist News, Get Religion)Connect with Andrew PledgerSocial Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/linksJoin my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerMore stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this captivating episode, we explore Bob Jones University in-depth, examining its characteristics and practices through the lens of cult analysis. Drawing from the renowned works of cult expert Steven Hassan's BITE model and psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton's Criteria for Thought Reform, we unravel the complex dynamics at play within this institution.We meticulously examine the various elements of the BITE model, including behavior control, information control, thought control, and emotional control, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the institution's influence and power dynamics. We delve into the ways in which Bob Jones University exhibits traits identified in Lifton's Criteria for Thought Reform.Connect with Andrew PledgerSocial Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/linksJoin my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerMore stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.Sources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we delve into the experiences of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students at Bob Jones University, an institution with a deeply rooted racist past. Join us as we navigate the complexities of being a minority in an environment that has historically perpetuated discrimination and exclusion. Listen to the personal stories and reflections of BIPOC individuals who have walked the halls of Bob Jones University. We explore the challenges they faced in a predominantly white institution, the isolation they experienced, and the impact of limited representation within the student body.Connect with Andrew PledgerSocial Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/linksJoin my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerMore stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.Sources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Read the full GRACE Report: http://bjugrace.com/the-grace-investigation-at-bju/the-grace-report-on-bob-jones-university/In this episode, I read some highlights of the GRACE Report of BJU. The GRACE report is a 301-page report on the mishandling of sex abuse allegations at Bob Jones University. The report shows Bob Jones University responding to rape and abuse claims with woeful ignorance of state law, a near-complete lack of training in psychology and trauma counseling best practices, and an overarching campus culture that blames women and girls for any abuse they suffer, and which paints all sexuality-from rape to consensual sex-as equivalent misdeeds.(Source)Leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyJoin the Facebook discussion group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/Connect with Andrew PledgerSocial Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/linksJoin my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerMore stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.Sources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buy the book BJU and Me: Queer Voices from the World's Most Christian UniversityLeave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyIn this group interview, we hear from two of the queer survivors who share their stories in the book BJU and Me: Queer Voices from the World’s Most Christian University. This book, edited by Lance Weldy, a former queer student of BJU himself, provides behind-the-scenes explanations from nineteen former BJU students from the past few decades who now identify as LGBTQ+. They write about their experiences, reflect on their relationships with the religious institution, and describe their vulnerability under a controlling regime. The survivors who sit down with me are Lance Weldy, and Andrew Bolden.Join the discussion group HERE https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/Connect with Andrew PledgerSocial Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/linksJoin my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerMore stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.Sources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify -In this eye-opening episode, we shine a spotlight on the concerning approach to mental health at Bob Jones University, where psychological evidence takes a backseat to spiritual beliefs. Join us as we explore the detrimental impact of this perspective, which often blames and shames students for their mental health struggles, attributing them solely to a lack of spiritual closeness to Jesus and perceived sins. Lee Foster studied Biblical Counseling in her Bachelors's and Master's at BJU, and she pulls back the curtain on this dangerous and unethical practice.Join the discussion group HERE https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/Connect with Andrew PledgerSocial Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/linksJoin my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerMore stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.Full SermonsMazak: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1115201656507514Jim Berg: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=101003151620Sources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode exposes the troubling legacy of Bob Jones University, a Christian college that has faced intense scrutiny for its toxic teachings and harmful rules. In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the controversial practices of this institution, shedding light on the experiences of those affected by its ideologies, and its toxic culture. Join us as survivors guide us through a comprehensive exploration of Bob Jones University's policies. We uncover the strict codes of conduct, discriminatory practices, and the stifling of critical thinking within the university's academic environment.Join the discussion group HERE https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/Follow Craig Viette on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tQ3Cd-w-oGQConnect with Nate Nakao Linktree: linktr.ee/natenakaoPodcast: fullmutuality.comNetwork: dauntless.fmDiscord: dauntless.fm/discord-serverConnect with Andrew PledgerSocial Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/linksJoin my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerMore stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.Sources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bob Jones University is a private Christian university located in Greenville, South Carolina. The university has a long and complex history, marked by controversies and legal battles over issues such as racial segregation, academic freedom, sexual abuse claims, discrimination against LGBTQIA+ students, and the toxicity of religious fundamentalism. In this episode, we will explore the history of Bob Jones University and its influence on politics.Wut BJU Blog: https://wutbju.tumblr.com/Join the discussion group HERE https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/Connect with Andrew PledgerSocial Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/linksJoin my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerMore stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.SermonsSermon 1: https://youtu.be/Smdmq5Hi7MQSermon 2: https://youtu.be/oRWlUaKVw_oSources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.