I was a Teenage Fundamentalist

We're taking a break for the Australian summer, so please enjoy a few of our favourite episodes until we return for Season 3 on 25th February, 2022. S1E16 - "Take your partner by the hand, speak in tongues and understand."  - Debbie Harry If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

We're taking a break for the Australian summer, so please enjoy a few of our favourite episodes until we return for Season 3 on 25th February, 2022. S1E10 - B&T go to fundamentalist Bible College and would like to bring you along. If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

In this final episode for Season 2, B&T take questions from podcast listeners and reflect on the podcast so far.   If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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  If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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.  If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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/  If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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. If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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. If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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. If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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/  If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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/  If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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'.  If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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.com. If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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 If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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. If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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/    If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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. If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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. If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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/  If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

Did B&T ever see a real and verifiable miracle while in the Pentecostal scene? Listen in to find out. If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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 If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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. If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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  If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

In this episode, B&T take questions from podcast listeners and reflect on Season 1.   If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

B&T talk about how they saw the supposed Son of God as Pentecostals, and their 'relationship' with this first-century Jew.   If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

Ultimately, fundamentalist Christianity really centres around God. In this episode, B&T look back on how they saw God as good Pentecostals.   If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

B&T have ‘a word’ for you as they share their stories around the use of prophecy in their time as Pentecostals.   If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

"Take your partner by the hand, speak in tongues and understand."  - Debbie Harry   If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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.    If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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).   If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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 If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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 If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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 If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

B&T go to fundamentalist Bible College and would like to bring you along. If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

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/ For information on the Revival Centres and their various splinter groups please see: https://revival.aimoo.com/ If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

B&T remember how it felt to be a part of the AOG/ACC fold.   If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

B&T reflect on what it meant to be a leader in both the Revival Centres and the AOG/ACC.  If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

This episode, we talk about the church's relationship to, and use of, music, for both good and evil.   If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

B & T talk about their experiences with the devil, demons, exorcisms and deliverance. If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

B&T talk about sex and religion. There seems to be little doubt that fundamentalism warped their views and early sexual experiences. If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

Since the very beginnings of Christianity, believers thought they were in the very last days and a cataclysm was imminent. It was no different for B & T when they were teenage fundamentalists. In this episode they reminisce about how the end-times message was presented to them. If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

T talks a little about his pre-conversion home life and his experience of two Christian camps. It was at the second camp where he found himself speaking in tongues and started to wear the label, 'born-again'. If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858   

"No bibles, no preaching, no god-bothering!" These were the conditions B put upon his two brothers, who had recently converted to Pentecostal Christianity, if he were to visit them while on holidays. What happened next would change the course of his life and still continues to impact who he is today. If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858 

If you are new to this podcast, then we'd love to let you know a few things upfront. Please listen to this brief intro before diving into the full episodes.If you want to comment on this episode or interact with us then visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3188989997871128 You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF Grab our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/79379858