Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
The docuseries “Shiny Happy People” took a deep dive into the Duggar family — who rose to fame because of the TLC reality show “19 Kids and Counting” — and the nonprofit Institute in Basic Life Principles. IBLP was founded and run for many years by Bill Gothard, and it’s caused a great deal of harm to many of its members.
Executive editor Paul Glader was part of IBLP for several years because his parents joined when he was a preteen. He left many years ago, but discusses in today’s top story the memories from those years he’s hoped to forget and the survivor’s guilt he still feels.
“As I watched the series, I realized I needed to address a different set of questions,” he writes. “How did I — a child raised into that organization — break free? How can anyone break free of misguided, fundamentalist religious movements or cult-like organizations and, yet, still retain any kind of religious belief?”
Don’t miss the rest of this powerful essay.
How I Escaped From The Shiny, Happy, People But Still Had Survivor's Guilt
(PERSONAL ESSAY) In the faint light one morning in the early 1990s, my feet ran the pavement toward downtown Indianapolis as I bantered with other runners in that lilting conversation that happens in between strides. by Paul Glader
End of an Era? The King’s College Halts Courses, Lays Off Faculty
The King’s College in New York City is no longer offering courses in the upcoming fall semester, laid off its entire faculty and is nearing closure according to an email from its board of trustees and updates from its accreditor. by Rafa Oliveira and Mandie-Beth Chau
The Zimbabwean Pastor Who Demystified The ‘Disease Of Shame’
“I have run the race to strengthen others … that even in death from HIV, there is still God in heaven,” Rev. Kapachawo. 49, told ReligionUnplugged.com in an interview as he reflected on his life. “Because He is so faithful, here I am today, still believing and spreading the gospel of life and hope.” by Cyril Zenda
How ‘Barbie’ Shows Greta Gerwig is The Wrong Choice To Direct ‘Narnia’
(FILM ESSAY) Unfortunately, Gerwig directing Narnia is a colossal mistake. Gerwig’s filmography shows that she not only doesn’t share Lewis’ worldview but actively despises it. Having her make a Narnia movie would be like Ayn Rand directing a Spider-Man movie when she doesn’t believe in self-sacrificial heroism. by Joseph Holmes
Turkey’s Christian Sites: Following the Footsteps of St. Paul Off the Beaten Path
(TRAVEL) Many tourists coming to Turkey visit Ephesus, the sprawling archeological site where, according to the Book of Acts, Paul lived, worked and preached for nearly three years. Yet, there are numerous other fascinating sites associated with Paul that are more off the beaten path. by Kim Lawton
Transforming Lives Post-Abortion: A Fresh Take on Healing and Support
(OPINION) The need for after-abortion healing resulted in many groups taking on this critical work in the 1990s. Organizations such as Project Rachel, Rachel’s Vineyard, Forgiven and Set Free, SaveOne and Surrendering the Secret have since helped countless women and men begin their healing journeys. by Janine Marrone and Lisa Rowe
🎤 The Late Sinéad O’Connor Ripped Up The Pope's Photo: Was It Offensive Or Prophetic? 🔌
In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. covers the death of Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
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Thanks again for reading!
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