I was a Teenage Fundamentalist

Well-known Australian journalist Tom Tilley has interviewed some of the most influential people in the world. What was not so well-known until recently was that Tom grew up as the oldest son of a Pentecostal pastor. In this episode, Troy and Brian chat with Tom about his memoir, Speaking in Tongues, and how his Pentecostal upbringing shapes who he is now. You can find Tom's book here: https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9780733341021/speaking-in-tongues/  If you would like to explore the research and counter-Revival Centre work, see the links below: http://revival.aimoo.com/  https://revivalcentresblog.wordpress.com/  http://revivalprophecy.blogspot.com/  Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

Brian and Troy talk with Rachel Bernstein, a licensed therapist who specialises in cult intervention and re-acclimation. She is the host and producer of the podcast IndoctriNation which explores cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control. This episode is the second of a crossover we did with Rachel. You can hear her interviewing us on her podcast here: https://www.podpage.com/indoctrination/ You can also connect with Rachel here: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/  Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

Brian and Troy chat with Phil Drysdale about Deconstruction, which he defines as the process of questioning one’s core foundational beliefs and upon finding these are flawed, discarding them. Phil asserts that deconstruction most often comes from a place of passionate faith where religious questions go unanswered and where people are forced to explore new beliefs. You can connect with Phil at PhilDrysdale.com and on Instagram @PhilDrysdale.  Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

In this episode, Brian continues to recount his post-Pentecostal journey. He remembers the joys and pains at the start of his deconstruction process while living in Cairns in Australia's far north. Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

Dr Ray is an atheist psychologist and author who specialises in the secular treatment of religion-induced trauma. He founded the non-profit organisations Recovering from Religion and the Secular Therapy Project. He is also a regular speaker at the Conference on Religious Trauma. Most importantly, he is the current High Priest of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

As Brian did in Episode 45, Troy recounts his short-lived time in the Baptist Union. It was here that he started a homegroup made up of a few Pentecostal refugees and reengaged the pop culture around him. Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

In Episode 49, Brian & Troy spoke with best-selling Evangelical author, Philip Yancey. In this episode, they reflect on that conversation and what it brought up for them. What do Exvangelicals do about Evangelicals who are really good people? You may not agree with the conclusions the hosts reach, but hopefully you resonate with their honesty. Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

Brian & Troy talk with best-selling Evangelical author, Philip Yancey about his memoir, 'Where the Light Fell', that chronicles his time growing up fundamentalist. They also talk with Philip about how his books impacted them as they journeyed out of fundamentalism into more moderate versions of Christianity in the late-90s. You can find Philip's new book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Where-Light-Fell-Philip-Yancey/dp/0593238508/  Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

If there's one thing that characterises megachurches in Australia and around the world, it's nepotism. Brian & Troy cite some tangible examples of nepotism in the Australian Christian Churches and Hillsong and discuss why this needs to change and what members can do about it. Note: It is this New York Post article that reported Michael Guglielmucci, 'and his spouse, or “Team Gug,” should resign their roles at his father Danny’s church, Edge Church International, and sell their home and relocate to Port Adelaide.'  Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

In this special bonus episode, Brian & Troy discuss the recent moral allegations brought against Brian Houston of Hillsong, by the online publication Crikey.  The Crikey article we quote is here: https://www.crikey.com.au/2022/03/18/brian-houston-revelations-hillsong/  Warning: This episode touches on issues concerning sexual misconduct and sexual harassment. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to 1800RESPECT by phone or online at www.1800respect.org.au/ or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

Elle Hardy is an accomplished Australian journalist who wrote Beyond Belief: How Pentecostal Christianity is taking over the world. Brian and Troy chat with Elle about how and why she undertook this project and what she discovered about the global Pentecostal phenomenon. You can find her book at all the usual places online and access Elle's website here: https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/beyond-belief/  Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

Brian journeys away from Pentecostalism and fundamentalism to a more moderate Baptist space. He remembers being pulled back into Pentecostalism and even trying it back on for size, only to find it no longer fit. Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

In this second of two episodes, we continue our chat with Frank Schaeffer, author and son of the late theologian and Evangelical author, Francis Schaeffer. While Frank was once a teenage fundamentalist, he now describes himself as an atheist who believes in God. Frank talks about his new book, Fall in Love, Have Children, Stay Put, Save the Planet, Be Happy, a well-researched and entertaining bridge to living happier lives and to a better future. You can access Frank's website here: https://www.frankschaeffer.com/ and his podcast here: https://pod.link/1570357787 Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com     

In this first of two episodes, we talk with Frank Schaeffer, author and son of the late theologian and Evangelical author, Francis Schaeffer. While Frank was once a teenage fundamentalist, he now describes himself as an atheist who believes in God. Frank tells his back story and how he went from a founding member of the Religious Right to one of its harshest critics. You can access Frank's website here: https://www.frankschaeffer.com/ and his podcast here: https://pod.link/1570357787 Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

This first episode for Season 3 comes out swinging as Brian and Troy discuss the Hillsong news that Brian Houston has stepped down as its Global Senior Pastor. They then go for a walk down memory lane, discussing Christian bookstores and what they sell. Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

In this final episode for Season 2, B&T take questions from podcast listeners and reflect on the podcast so far.   Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

In this crossover episode, B&T are interviewed by the co-hosts of the podcast, What Should I Think About..? They are asked, "What is Evangelicalism? Is it a cult? What do Pentecostals believe? Why do they speak in tongues?" They also discussed the rise of megachurches and in particular Hillsong, its history, beliefs and methods of recruitment.   You can access the very interesting WSITA..? podcast here: https://pod.link/1540824671  Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

B&T talk with Geoff Bullock, one of the founding pastors of Hills Christian Life Centre, which later became Hillsong. He talks frankly about how and why he left Hillsong in 1995, and his journey since then. Geoff Bullock was appointed as the church's worship pastor and was the convenor of the annual Hillsong conference from 1987 to 1995. He was also a creative and driving force behind Hillsong's first hit albums and helped to change the face of Christian worship music globally.  Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

The time has come...at last! Tune in to hear B&T trigger like MOFOs and tell how they finally left Great Big AOG. This episode makes reference to "The Toronto Blessing" which was discussed in Episode 22: https://iwasateenagefundamentalist.podbean.com/e/episode-022-heaven-bent-with-tara-jean-stevens/  Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

T comes back from Country Town AOG and B has risen in the ranks of the Great Big AOG youth group. T doesn't like what he sees and B is not so sure about T. Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

C was in full-time paid ministry at Christian City Church (now known as c3) in the mid to late-90s. In this episode she shares how she joined, the culture of the organisation, and why she eventually walked away. Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

In this episode, T recounts his time in formal ministry as the youth pastor of Country Town AOG. Spoiler alert: it didn't go too well. Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

This is the second half of our time with Bart Campolo, a secular community builder, counsellor and writer who serves as the Humanist Chaplain at the University of Cincinnati. He is the son of Evangelical celebrity preacher and author, Tony Campolo, with whom he made a movie about leaving Evangelical Christianity. You can connect with Bart at bartcampolo.org/ and find his podcast, Humanize Me on all good platforms. You can stream Leaving My Father's Faith here: https://campolofilm.com/  Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

Bart Campolo is a secular community builder, counsellor and writer who serves as the Humanist Chaplain at the University of Cincinnati. He is the son of Evangelical celebrity preacher and author, Tony Campolo, with whom he made a movie about leaving Evangelical Christianity. You can connect with Bart at bartcampolo.org/ and find his podcast, Humanize Me on all good platforms. You can stream Leaving My Father's Faith here: https://campolofilm.com/  Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

In this episode, T goes deeper into a story he told in Episode 26 and shares how he was rejected by a very high profile family at Great Big AOG because he didn't have enough faith to be 'comfortable'.  Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

Anji Barker has 30 years experience in neighbourhood based community work in poor urban communities in Australia, Thailand and the UK. In this episode, she shares her own story of leaving fundamentalism and why she's happy to still call herself a 'follower of Jesus'. You can connect with Anj at https://newbigintrust.uk/ and find her book, Missionary Not Just A Position on Amazon. Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

Heaven was the ultimate reward that B&T looked forward to as teenage fundamentalists. In this episode, they look back and remember what they believed about this final destination. And just like Heaven, you won't want to miss this episode. The two books recommended in this episode are: Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife : Ehrman, Bart D. Beyond: How Humankind Thinks About Heaven eBook : Wolff, Catherine Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

B&T remember all the hours they gave to the church as volunteers and how some in the Church didn't always handle donations of time and money in the most ethical manner.  Warning: This episode briefly touches on rape and sexual abuse. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to 1800RESPECT by phone or online at www.1800respect.org.au/ or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

Fiona Newton, former Teenage Fundamentalist and co-author of the petition to stop Hillsong evangelising in public schools, joins B&T to tell about her own fundy past and why she thinks that Hillsong deserves no place in the public education system. You can sign Fiona's Change.org petition here: https://www.change.org/p/federal-minister-for-education-hillsong-church-is-trying-to-proselytise-their-religion-in-australian-schools-we-say-no and connect to her Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/keephillsongoutofourschools/    Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

As Pentecostals, both B&T crossed paths with sexual predators in church. This episode recalls those meetings and also some of the scandals that plagued Pentecostalism in recent years. The articles mentioned in this episode are: Findings released into Australian Christian Churches and affiliated Pentecostal churches Royal Commission sex abuse inquiry censures Hillsong head Brian Houston Assemblies of God leaders alleged to have abused children Hillsong leader Brian Houston was charged over the concealment of alleged child sex offences Warning: This episode touches on issues concerning rape, sexual abuse and the sexual abuse of minors. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to 1800RESPECT by phone or online at www.1800respect.org.au/ or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

As you might have guessed, dating and marriage within Fundamentalism wasn't often egalitarian and was usually controlled by the pastors and leaders.  Warning: This episode touches on issues concerning rape and domestic violence. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to Rape and Domestic Violence Services via: https://www.rape-dvservices.org.au/ or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

Dr Josie McSkimming, author of Leaving Christian Fundamentalism and the Reconstruction of Identity, shares her own story as a teenage fundamentalist within Sydney Anglicanism and her ongoing clinical work with those leaving Fundamentalist Christianity. To contact Josie, please visit her website: https://mcskimming.com.au/  Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

Did B&T ever see a real and verifiable miracle while in the Pentecostal scene? Listen in to find out. Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

B&T discuss the prevalence of narcissists and psychopaths in Pentecostalism and their experiences with these kinds of people. They also ask why the church attracts these people and if Pentecostalism helps to create them. Warning: This episode touches on issues concerning psychological abuse. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14. The articles mentioned in this episode: Narcissistic Personality Disorder 7 Characteristics of the Modern Psychopath Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

Tara Jean Stevens, the host of the amazing Heaven Bent podcast shares her own history as a teenage fundamentalist and some of the backstories behind her two podcast seasons on the Toronto Blessing and Bethel Church. Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

We kick-off Season 2 by remembering our favourite CCM artists and a few songs. We invite you to clap along at home.The links to the songs mentioned in this episode are: Living in Laodicea - https://youtu.be/g_8Pas8qoWc  Asleep in the Light - https://youtu.be/7XeEL0mRBHo  Creed - https://youtu.be/jy4JA5uStB0  Maranooka - https://youtu.be/7f-JdFPazMo  Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

B&T take questions from podcast listeners and reflect on Season 1.   Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

B&T talk about how they saw the supposed Son of God as Pentecostals, and their 'relationship' with this first-century Jew.   Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

Ultimately, fundamentalist Christianity really centres around God. In this episode, B&T look back on how they saw God as good Pentecostals.   Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

B&T have ‘a word’ for you as they share their stories around the use of prophecy in their time as Pentecostals.   Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

"Take your partner by the hand, speak in tongues and understand."  - Debbie Harry   Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

It isn't enough to be a Teenage Fundamentalist yourself, Pentecostals are expected to bring others into the fold. In this episode, B&T remember their times as evangelists and short-term missionaries.    Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

B&T remember their time believing the unique claims of the Faith Movement/ prosperity gospel (Spoiler Alert: it didn’t deliver and it messed them up a bit).   Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

In part three of this special three-part episode, we interview former AOG evangelist/pastor and now #GayAmbassador, Anthony Venn-Brown.   TRIGGER WARNING: If you find that some of the material in this episode disturbing, we encourage you to talk with a close friend who will understand or contact your local help/crisis/support telephone line.  Lifeline Australia https://www.lifeline.org.au/  Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/  LGBT https://qlife.org.au/  “A Life of Unlearning – a preacher’s struggle with his homosexuality” is available at all online booksellers. Reviews, endorsements, readers’ comments here: www.ALifeOfUnlearning.com  Resources and further information about Anthony and his organisation Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International are here: www.abbi.org.au https://www.facebook.com/abbi.org.au, https://www.facebook.com/anthonyvennbrown Twitter: @gayambassador Instagram: @gayambassador Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

In part two of this special three-part episode, we interview former AOG evangelist/pastor and now #GayAmbassador, Anthony Venn-Brown.   TRIGGER WARNING: If you find that some of the material in this episode disturbing, we encourage you to talk with a close friend who will understand or contact your local help/crisis/support telephone line.  Lifeline Australia https://www.lifeline.org.au/  Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/  LGBT https://qlife.org.au/  “A Life of Unlearning – a preacher’s struggle with his homosexuality” is available at all online booksellers. Reviews, endorsements, readers’ comments here: www.ALifeOfUnlearning.com  Resources and further information about Anthony and his organisation Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International are here: www.abbi.org.au https://www.facebook.com/abbi.org.au, https://www.facebook.com/anthonyvennbrown Twitter: @gayambassador Instagram: @gayambassador Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

In part one of this special three-part episode, we interview former AOG evangelist/pastor and now #GayAmbassador, Anthony Venn-Brown.   TRIGGER WARNING: If you find that some of the material in this episode disturbing, we encourage you to talk with a close friend who will understand or contact your local help/crisis/support telephone line.  Lifeline Australia https://www.lifeline.org.au/  Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/  LGBT https://qlife.org.au/  “A Life of Unlearning – a preacher’s struggle with his homosexuality” is available at all online booksellers. Reviews, endorsements, readers’ comments here: www.ALifeOfUnlearning.com  Resources and further information about Anthony and his organisation Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International are here: www.abbi.org.au https://www.facebook.com/abbi.org.au, https://www.facebook.com/anthonyvennbrown Twitter: @gayambassador Instagram: @gayambassador Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

B&T go to fundamentalist Bible College and would like to bring you along.   Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

T tells his story of being excommunicated from God's one true Church at 17 and how this impacted him both then and now. If this episode has raised issues for you and you require support and counselling around cults in Australia, please contact:  https://cultconsulting.org/ If you would like to explore the research and counter-Revival Centre work, see the links below: http://revivalprophecy.blogspot.com/  https://revivalcentresblog.wordpress.com/  http://revival.aimoo.com/  Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

B&T remember how it felt to be a part of the AOG/ACC fold.   Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

B&T reflect on what it meant to be a leader in both the Revival Centres and the AOG/ACC.  Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com