Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult
Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult is a limited podcast series by Andrew Pledger that examines the fundamentalist Christian college BJU in Greenville, SC. It covers the institution's history, the psychology of fundamentalism, criteria for cults, and survivor experiences. The series also features insights from cult experts. Additional stories from BJU are shared on Pledger's bi-weekly podcast "Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism."
Episodes
EXTRA: Klandamentalism with Dr. Camille Lewis - Beyond BJU Podcast
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 Un
EXTRA: Five Facts BJU Does Not Want You To Know w/ Dr. Camille Lewis - from Beyond BJU Podcast
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 shares five facts BJU does not
EXTRA: Teachings, Theology, and Heresies of BJU w/ Dr. Camille Lewis - from Beyond BJU Podcast
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 expe
EXTRA: History of BJU w/ Dr. Camille Lewis - from Beyond BJU Podcast
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 an overview of the his
Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism - OUT NOW - New Separate Podcast
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 beyo
Beyond BJU - NEW PODCAST
Listen to more survivor's stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.Join Andrew Pledger as he speaks with survivors who have endured harm at Bob Jones University, a fundamentalist college known for its strict regulations and emphasis on indoctrination, conformity, and control. The influence of BJU extends far beyond its gates, serving as the hub for numerous churches,
15 - Finale
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 fina
14 - 'Christian's' Reactions to Survivors
In this episode, I speak with Eric Skwarczynski about Christian's reactions when survivors speak up. Eric hosts the Preacher Boys Podcast, a platform for brave survivors to share their stories of physical, mental, and sexual abuse within the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement. He comes on the show to share his opinions on common responses he's heard toward survivors speaking up. One example
13 - Leaving and Recovering
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. T
12 - Cult Experts Insights
I created a summary of my analysis of BJU from the previous episode and I sent it to two cult experts. The cult experts are Rachel Bernstein LMFT and Daniella Mestyanek Young. Rachel Bernstein, therapist, and renowned cult expert shares her insights on Bob Jones University. She is the host of the “IndoctriNation” podcast which covers cults, manipulators, and systems of control. For 30 years, she h
Fashion Show Controversy: The Untold Story - PATREON BONUS
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 proje
My BJU Story - PATREON BONUS
Listen to the full episode on my Patreon Here: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerIn this Patreon episode, I share my story of attending Bob Jones University.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 acas
11 - Is BJU Really a Cult?
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 o
10 - Survivors Stories
Learn more about BJU on Dr. Camille Lewis's blog WutBJU: https://wutbju.tumblr.com/ -In this episode, we will hear powerful stories of resilience, healing, and growth from survivors who have overcome the trauma and abuse they experienced at Bob Jones University. BJU is a controversial fundamentalist Christian college, and this podcast sheds light on the experiences of those who have survived this
09 - BIPOC at BJU
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 w
After GRACE
In this episode, an anonymous survivor came forward about their sexual abuse and how it was mishandled at BJU. This person experienced this at BJU many years after the GRACE Report was released to the public.Join the Facebook discussion group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/Leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyConnect with Andrew PledgerSocial Media: https://andrewp
Reading the GRACE Report
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 s
08 - Being a Woman, GRACE Report
Join the discussion group HERE https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/In this episode, we look at how women at Bob Jones University, a conservative Christian school, face challenges and limitations due to strict dress codes and patriarchal teachings. We talk about the ways women are pressured, objectified, and criticized for their appearance, and how they are indoctrinated to obey male l
07 - BJU and Me: Queer Voices
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-s
06 - Being Queer at BJU
In this powerful episode, we delve into the lived experiences of queer individuals at Bob Jones University, where being queer is viewed as a sin that requires fixing through counseling. Join us as we shed light on the harmful environment created by the spread of homophobia through hateful sermons and the weaponization of scripture. Through candid interviews with former students, we explore the cha
05 - Approach to Mental Health
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 sol
04 - Leadership, Control, and Daily Life
This episode reveals the authoritarian leadership at Bob Jones University. We expose the hidden dynamics of this institution and the struggles of students who face a rigid system of control. We also explore control and daily life as a student at Bob Jones University. We share the stories of former students who reveal the challenges and harms of this culture. From strict rules and activities to jud
03 - Teachings, Rules, and Toxic Culture
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 comprehe
02 - Understanding Fundamentalism
Fundamentalism refers to a belief system that upholds a strict interpretation of religious or political ideologies, which are considered fundamental to the faith or cause. Fundamentalism is a mindset or an approach to an ideology and can happen in any social group. This episode will specifically examine the needs that fundamentalist Christianity provides for people, and the lengths people will go
01 - History, Politics
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 Bo
Introduction
TRIGGER WARNING (Suicide, Abuse)Hello, I’m your host Andrew Pledger and this is "Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult."I grew up in fundamentalist Christianity, specifically the Independent Fundamental Baptist cult. I was homeschooled my entire life to be indoctrinated into this environment. I was subjected to psychological, spiritual, and emotional abuse. I experienced religious traum
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