Julie Anne Smith shares with Michael how she got slapped with a $500,000 lawsuit, uncovered abuse in her church and among evangelicals, and how patriarchal theology harms women. Hear this lively conversation as they discuss the prevalence and roots of spiritual abuse . . .
Category: Media Interviews with Julie Anne
Christian Blogger Invited to Speak at Free Thinkers’ Meeting about Abuse in Christian Churches
Free Thinker, Atheist, Christian Blogger, Thought Reform, Patriarchy, Spiritual Abuse, Cults Last Sunday, I had the privilege of speaking at a Free Thinkers group. Privilege, some might ask? You bet. I will take any opportunity afforded to share the truth, set the record straight, and especially let people know that I, as a Christian, am displeased by the… Continue reading Christian Blogger Invited to Speak at Free Thinkers’ Meeting about Abuse in Christian Churches
Bill Gothard Documentary
Bill Gothard, Advanced Training Institute (ATI), Institutes in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) **** When I was in Chicago visiting my daughter in the fall, I met with Jake Youngman who had contacted me weeks earlier about the cult of Bill Gothard, Institutes in Basic Life Principles and ATI. He wanted to interview me based on… Continue reading Bill Gothard Documentary
Flashback: This Week At the Shepherds’ Conference with Pastor Chuck O’Neal Three Years Ago
*** Three years ago, I was sued by my ex-pastor, Chuck O'Neal, pastor of Beaverton Grace Bible Church, for speaking out on social media about the abuse we and other families incurred. *** The Shepherds' Conference is going on right now in Southern California, and as I see tweets using the hashtags #shepconf and #shepconf2015,… Continue reading Flashback: This Week At the Shepherds’ Conference with Pastor Chuck O’Neal Three Years Ago
Some Pastors Think They Get to Control the Details of Your Lives, Even the Colors of Clothes You Wear
*** Pastors who use their assumed position of authority to control personal lives. *** for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Hebrews 13:17 *** This is finals week at school, so in the interest of time, I'm going to resurrect an old post from March of… Continue reading Some Pastors Think They Get to Control the Details of Your Lives, Even the Colors of Clothes You Wear
Spiritual Abuse: Interview with Doug Bursch
*** *** Yesterday I did an interview with Doug Bursch from Seattle's KGNW radio station. Doug describes himself in his bio as "a speaker, writer, pastor, teacher and evangelist." We spoke about spiritual abuse, healthy and unhealthy churches. I've done quite a few interviews since the lawsuit, but this one is my new favorite. If… Continue reading Spiritual Abuse: Interview with Doug Bursch
Restoring What the Locust Has Eaten: Two Years of Blogging Milestone Today and Gratefulness
** Two years of blogging, two years of growth, hope for those hurt by church abuse ** ** In Joel, God talks about restoring what the locusts had eaten. Today marks exactly two years since I began blogging. As I reflect on the 2-year anniversary date of my initial blog and begin my 3rd year of… Continue reading Restoring What the Locust Has Eaten: Two Years of Blogging Milestone Today and Gratefulness
Drew Marshall Show Interview
* * * I had been asked to post the link to the interview I did a couple Saturdays ago, on Canada's #1 Christian talk show, The Drew Marshall Show. Click on the SoundCloud clip (orange play button) at the bottom of the screen to hear the interview or listen direction from… Continue reading Drew Marshall Show Interview
Drew Marshall Interview and Welcome
* * * If you are stopping by after listening to the interview on The Drew Marshall Show, a warm welcome to you!! These are not fun subjects. They have affected me and a lot of my readers to the core. But if you took the time to look up my… Continue reading Drew Marshall Interview and Welcome
Media Inaccuracies: Setting the Record Straight
* * * There have been some inaccuracies in news stories around the internet and I want to set them straight. This post will be updated if I see more inaccuracies: I am not single. I am married and have been married to the same man since 1985. We are… Continue reading Media Inaccuracies: Setting the Record Straight
Justice: Becoming Free
"Flying Free" by 9-yr old Resident Artist Now, on to much lovelier topics. I really want you to read this . . . I want to share a story with you about a person named Justice. Justice is not this person's real name and you'll have to pardon the awkwardness of pronouns in this article… Continue reading Justice: Becoming Free
A Few Notes from Julie Anne
*** Countdown: 5 days till court date, drawn by JA's 9-yr old *** Just a few things to share before a "regular" blog post coming up as my 9-yr old is busy with his drawing for the post. Phil Johnson from Grace Community Church (John MacArthur's church) reached out to me yesterday and we had… Continue reading A Few Notes from Julie Anne
Spiritual Sounding Board 