The Life After Leaving Podcast: An Ex-Christadelphian Podcast

TW: child sexual abuse, pedophilia, depression, attempted suicide   Today we’re chatting with Sarah! In this episode, Sarah answers all of my questions about the subgroup of Christadelphians called the “Bereans”, shares her experience of growing up in a small ecclesia as a victim of child m*lestation by Christadelphian brothers, and the story of how the Berean Christadelphian community discovered and responded to the abuse (Surprise! NOT WELL!) We also learn about Sarah’s second baptism, the revelations that shocked her as she learned more about the outside world, and discuss the harmful consequences of some of the Berean-specific Christadelphian beliefs for victims of child abuse. Sarah also shares the positives in her life now that she left the Christadelphian community, the lessons she’s learned about trying to heal, and about the joy and freedom she has in her adult life.   Listener discretion advised.   Resources and References:   Wikipedia on Berean Christadelphians   Berean Christadelphian Website   Church law and tax website: “Minimizing the Risks of Child Molestation in Churches”   American Mandatory Reporting Laws   “KidFlix” platform busted news article   Wrested Scriptures by Ron Abel (Book- PDF Link)   Accidental Saints by Nadia Bolz-Weber (Book)   Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Gregory Boyle   Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans   The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels    Jim Palmer Substack “Deconstructionology”   The End of Faith by Sam Harris   Supernatural: What the Bible Teaches About the Unseen World and Why it Matters by Dr. Michael Heiser   On The Origin of Time by Stephen Hawking    Donald Hoffman (Author)   Conscious: A Brief Guide to the Fundamental Mystery of the Mind by Annaka Harris   Frederico Faggin on Consciousness   Dr. Tara Swart   Dr. Gabor Mate   Dawn Smith: TedX “Why I Left an Evangelical Cult”

Today we’re investigating the medical qualifications of “Doctor” John Thomas, the founder of the Christadelphians. In this episode, we’ll debunk some questionable claims allegedly recorded in mysterious letters, examine damning evidence hidden in plain sight regarding Thomas’ medical education, and explore the shocking reason why John Thomas really left England to pursue a medical career in the United States. We also deep dive into John Thomas’ background in “male midwifery”, his forgotten role as a teacher for the Royal Western Hospital School, and his published treatment plan for cholera. Zinnia also uncovered a new biography of John Thomas’ medical background while researching this episode and unveils brand new information and insights about his medical background for this episode! Please join us for another exciting history episode as John Thomas’ lies and criminal activity get exposed by Zinnia, namely, a woman.   Many thanks to Dr. Craig Fairweather of Sydney, Australia, to the other ex-Christadelphians who have reached out to share resources, and to the amazing archivists and librarians who helped me uncover an amazing new resource for this episode!   Please stay tuned for Part Two!   Listener discretion advised. Resources and References: *Please email me at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com if interested in seeing a resource that isn't readily available that is listed here. Dr. Thomas: His Family and the Background of His Times’ by Charles Blore (1982) John Thomas: His Friend and His Faith” by Peter Hemingray The Life After Leaving Podcast, Episode 6 The Life After Leaving Podcast, Episode 2 The Life of Dr. Thomas Archives: Royal College of Surgeons of England, Hackney Archives, & Southwark Archives The Christadelphian Magazine, April 1886 edition Dr. Thomas: His Life & Work By Robert Roberts 1873 “Dr. John Thomas - the man and his work” by S. M. Algar from 'The Dawn Ecclesial Magazine' September 1969, from the Hackney, London Archives The Lancet articles by John Thomas: “On the Immateriality of the Mind” by John Thomas Improvements on Civiale’s Lithoniritic Instruments by John Thomas Synopsis of the Treatment of the Malignant Cholera by John Thomas ESSAY ON ASPHYXIA ;OR AN ATTEMPT TO Illustrate the Pathology, and to simplify the Treatment, of SUSPENDED ANIMATION by John Thomas Case of Imperforate Anus by John Thomas On the Nature and Treatment of Burns and Scalds by John Thomas Anatomy Act of 1832 “Medical Training in the United States Prior to the Civil War” by Robert Slawson British Newspaper Archive: Evidence for the Existence of the Royal Western Hospital in 1830 Thomas Leigh Blundell Source 1 and Source 2 Body Snatching in the UK The Real Mr Frankenstein - Sir Anthony Carlisle, Medical Murders, and the Social Genesis of Frankenstein by Donald Shelton (2020) Physician, Apothecary, or Surgeon? Why are male surgeons still addressed as Mr? - PMC Catholic Controversy by John Thomas in the Millennial Harbinger Apostalic Advocate Vol 1 1834 Apostalic Advocate in 1836 M.D. Not D.D. October 1850 edition of New England Botanic Medical and Surgical Journal John Thomas M.D. in the St Charles Patriot Newspaper Jimmy Neutron Brain Blast “The History of Medicine” by Alexander Wilder (1901) Catch Me If You Can (2002) “The New England Botanic Medical and Surgical Journal” by Calvin Newton Vol 2, No 8, Page 122, April 16, 1848 The Independents Oliver Cromwell Trail of Tears Cholera Statistics Cholera in England American Heritage- Doctors of the Frontier Alanis Morissette- Ironic Calomel Tidings Devotional by Alan Eyre (2005)(Why Dr. Thomas Really Left England) British Health and Medicine Historically Speaking: Victorian-era doctors lacked tools to help patients Hackney, London - Wikipedia

Today we’re chatting with (another) Vanessa! In this episode, we interview our first ex-Christadelphian raised in the “Old Paths” sub-group of the Christadelphian sect. Vanessa shares some stories from their community such as their caravan tent version of Bible School, the strict rules baptized members were required to agree to such as never going to the movies, and about how her family refused to fellowship with “Central” Christadelphians while visiting. However, Vanessa was always excited to learn and even startled her Sunday School teacher with the surprising facts she shared from reading Malcolm X. Despite her then-husband’s disapproval as a young woman, she continued to read and study outside of traditional domestic fields, eventually getting her PhD (and divorcing her Christadelphian husband). We also chat about wine so watered down that even thieves returned it, people pleasing and abusive relationships after being raised in high control religion, and the therapeutic creative project she undertook after leaving. Also, this episode is dedicated to our new podcast patron saint Keanu Reeves.  Please join us for another episode of fellowship among the Heathens! Listener discretion advised.    Resources and References:   Speed (1994 Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111257/   Keanu Reeves: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keanu_Reeves   Goodreads- Cult Memoirs: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/cult-memoirs   Vanessa’s first book ‘Holy Bible: https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Bible-Vanessa-Russell-ebook/dp/B085DLDJWF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12PM33O8KXBTM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.P2UQqnx3tzVC00lQZU8J1A.UwnyG3mR0ZIKtTEP206TUR3FytgSL6LAFRXG5D6N6jg&dib_tag=se&keywords=vanessa+russell+holy+bible&qid=1746401165&s=books&sprefix=vanessa+russell+holy+bible%2Cstripbooks%2C87&sr=1-1   Vanessa's second book ‘The World is Not Big Enough’ https://www.amazon.com/World-Is-Not-Big-Enough/dp/1743796838   Netflix: American Murder: Gabby Petito (2025) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35590630/   Netflix: American Murder: Laci Peterson (2024) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33079160/   Gary Schaefer (1951-2023), Christadelphian Serial Killer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Schaefer   EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing):  https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing

Today we’re chatting with Mako! In this episode, Mako shares his experience traveling the world as a (white, male) Christadelphian before spending the years following his baptism serving in Jamaica as a missionary. After marrying his (Jamaican) wife and settling in America, his eyes were opened to racism & sexism among the Christadelphians when it became directed towards his family and as Christadelphians grappled with the Black Lives Matter movement. Mako also shares the story of how his small ecclesia split, how white Christadelphians online refused to even acknowledge racism in the Christadelphian community, and how he struggled to get distance from the Christadelphian community when they held the memorial service in his house every week! We also learn about his epic baptism, that time a Sunday School teacher crushed his dreams, and about his enduring love for the beach and ocean. Towards the end of the episode we also get philosophical as we speculate about ghosts, the Kingdom of God, and on the impact on society if everyone simply decided to “let God fix it”. Please join us for another episode of fellowship among the heathens!   Listener discretion advised.   White Savior Complex: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_savior https://www.health.com/mind-body/health-diversity-inclusion/white-savior-complex   Microaggressions: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microaggression https://www.npr.org/2020/06/08/872371063/microaggressions-are-a-big-deal-how-to-talk-them-out-and-when-to-walk-away   Black Lives Matter Movement: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Lives_Matter https://library.law.howard.edu/civilrightshistory/BLM https://blacklivesmatter.com/   Pascal’s wager   Barbie Movie (2023)   Mako’s exhortation on Love:  Available on our Facebook Page (too long for the show notes!)

Today we’re chatting with Chloe! In this episode, Chloe shares her experience being raised to be homeschooled by Christadelphians and sent to a Canadian Christadelphian Heritage College before being discouraged from pursuing higher education and having to learn how to navigate the “outside world” once she hit adulthood. We also discuss mental health issues she experienced while she was a Christadelphian, how the Arranging Brothers refused to accept her resignation, and her method of using note taking to lure in a godly man. Chloe also shares her childhood ghost stories, discusses the anxious thoughts she had about the “Kingdom of God”, and opens up about the peer pressure around her baptism. We also ask, why would we ever want to be like the angels? Why is it so hard to develop close relationships as a Christadelphian? And how can we get the best roast dinner recipes now that we’ve left?    Please join us for another episode of fellowship among the Heathens!   *Please note that we had a technical difficulty about 58 minutes in which interrupted the conversation, whoops!   Listener discretion advised.    Resources and References:   Gay the Pray Away by Natalie Naudus   Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell   Thought Terminating Cliches:    https://psychology.org.au/about-us/news-and-media/aps-in-the-media/2024/explaining-thought-terminating-cliches-and-why-we   Cult Signs- Keeping Members Busy and Exhausted: “#11 Time Domination- Members are kept constantly busy to prevent independent thinking” https://blog.earkick.com/25-signs-youre-in-a-cult-how-cult-leaders-keep-you-hooked/   “If you experience pressure to take part in any (or all) services, rites or rituals, and feel it would be socially costly not to take part (i.e. you might be excluded from other things, disapproved of or left out of friendship groups), you should be concerned.” https://secularliturgies.wordpress.com/2020/02/24/the-25-signs-youre-in-a-high-control-group-or-cult-by-anastasia-somerville-wong/   Neville Goddard   Harry Potter and Apparating:   History episode mentioning ‘being like the angels’: Episode 13: Hypnosis, Telepathy and Ghosts   Ex-Christadelphian website:     Ear Biscuits Podcast: Rhett’s Spiritual Deconstruction (2020):   Ear Biscuits Playlist on Spiritual Deconstruction:    

Today we’re chatting with Sylvia! In this episode, Sylvia tells us about growing up in a family that read (and debated) the Bible together every day as ‘a little hippie kid’. She discusses her ‘radical’ experience as a Christadelphian starting in the 1960’s and ‘70’s in Canada where she helped found a new ecclesia, create a new bible school, and push for women to teach. She also turned heads in her meeting when her parents approved her underage marriage to an unbaptized First Nations “outsider”. Zinnia and Sylvia also discuss how her ideas were plagiarized for exhortations, the beliefs of First Nations people, and how David is definitely the sexiest Bible character! We also speculate about what we would want to see at an Ex-Christadelphian event. Come join us for another fellowship among the heathens and to hear about the ecclesia that was created to be “just a lot more fun”! Listener discretion is advised.    Resources and References:   Sylvia’s Website   Sylvia’s Blog   Sylvia’s Blog Post on being “The Zealot’s Daughter”   Christadelphian “Truth Corps” via the Christadelphian Bible Mission of the Americas and Canada   Wrested Scriptures by Ron Abel (1990)   Christendom Astray by Robert Roberts   Braiding Sweet Grass by Robin Wall Kimmerer  

In today’s episode, Zinnia does a deep dive on the history of Christadelphian “prophecies” and apocalyptic predictions! She starts with the origins of the “prophetic arithmetic” methods by a rather infamous American in the 1840’s, follows the early prophecies by John Thomas and Robert Roberts, and leads into conversations around prophecies, high control groups, and cognitive dissonance in the modern era. Ready to learn some Christadelphian history? Let's get into it! Listener Discretion Advised. Resources and References: ⁠Toy Story (1995) “The Claw”⁠ ⁠William Miller and the Great Disappointment⁠ ⁠The Great Disappointment of William Miller⁠ ⁠Millerism⁠ ⁠The Seekers⁠ ⁠The Theory of Cognitive Dissonance and the book “When Prophecy Fails”⁠ ⁠Wikipedia: History of the Seventh-day Adventists Church⁠ More Millerite History: ⁠https://st.network/analysis/top/the-second-coming-files-a-2000-year-investigation-part-vii-adventism-after-the-great-disappointment-adventist.html⁠ ⁠https://lineagejourney.com/read/the-advent-movement-beyond-the-great-disappointment/⁠ ⁠The Disappointed: Millerite Adventists and Their “New World”⁠ ⁠The Advent Movement Beyond the Great Disappointment⁠ ⁠The Christadelphian Magazine/ The Ambassador of the Coming Age⁠: January 1866, October 1893, May 1893, October 1897  ⁠John Thomas: His Friends & His Faith by Peter Hemingray⁠ ⁠Joseph Marsh⁠ Eureka: An Exposition of the Apocalypse by John Thomas ⁠https://www.antipas.org/pdf_files/eureka_vol_1_lg.pdf⁠ ⁠https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eureka:_An_Exposition_of_the_Apocalypse⁠ ⁠Elpis Israel, 7th edition 1897⁠ ⁠Elpis Israel with Publishers Comments (2000)⁠ ⁠“My Days and My Ways” by Robert Roberts⁠ ⁠“Robert Roberts: A Study of Life and Character” by Islip Collyer⁠ ⁠Whose line is it anyways⁠ “The show where everything’s made up and the points don’t matter” ⁠Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett⁠ ⁠Christendom Astray by Robert Roberts⁠ (including Chapter 16 and the prophecy on page 271) ⁠Wikipedia: ‘Christendom Astray from the Bible”⁠ “In the 1951 edition published by ⁠The Christadelphian⁠ Office, chapter 16 entitled 'Evidence that the End is Near' was deleted because the start of the millennium age did not start as predicted by 1910.” ⁠“What They Said Would Happen: A Review of Christadelphians Predictions”⁠ by John Hutchinson, January 2000  ⁠Emperor Nicholas I⁠ ⁠The Crimean War⁠ ⁠A Timeline of the Crimean War⁠ ⁠The Life of John Thomas (1985)⁠ The Herald of the Kingdom and Age to Come, September 1861. Quote recorded in “The Life of John Thomas” ⁠The Princess Bride (1987)⁠ “Have fun storming the castle!” ⁠World War I Timeline⁠ ⁠Scooby Doo⁠ ⁠Godzilla⁠ ⁠Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey (Netflix)⁠ ⁠Clifford the Big Red Dog⁠ The Bible, Matthew 24:34:  "Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled" ⁠Willy Wonka Golden Ticket⁠ ⁠Finding Nemo (2003)⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ1KDf3O-qU⁠ ⁠Dictionary.com definition of a Christadelphian⁠: a member of a Christian millenarian sect founded in the US about 1848, holding that only the just will enter eternal life, that the wicked will be annihilated, and that the ignorant, the unconverted, and infants will not be raised from the dead ⁠Millenarianism⁠: “Millenarianism is the belief by a religious, social, or political group or movement in a coming fundamental transformation of society, after which "all things will be changed" ⁠Apocalypticism⁠: “Apocalypticism is the religious belief that the end of the world is imminent, even within one's own lifetime” ⁠Doomsday Cult⁠: “A doomsday cult is a cult that believes in apocalypticism and millenarianism” ⁠Instagram: video by abbiesr⁠

Today we’re chatting about Bible Prophecy! In this episode I’m joined by Rob, a Professor of Statistics & Statistical Forecasting, and Steve, a Professor of Biblical Studies to explore the prophecies they learned (and even taught!) from their time as Christadelphians. Now as ex-Christadelphians, we discuss what they’ve learned about history, statistics, and biblical literature to explore non-Christadelphian perspectives on some common prophecies related to the Bible and Christadelphian culture. We explore prophecies that were supported by a selective view of history, unfulfilled prophecies, and even prophecies that were wrong in the Bible! In this episode we also learn about Rob’s attempt to have his fortune told in India, Steve’s thoughts on satire in the Bible, and learn about the relationship between the Bible and Tarot Cards!  Please enjoy another week of fellowship among the heathens! Listener discretion is advised.    Resources and References:   Unbelievable: A Journey from Faith Via Evidence. Why A University Professor Gave up Religion and Became an Unbeliever by Rob Hyndman   Excerpt from Rob’s Book: Chapter 8- The biblical crystal ball   Eureka by John Thomas Eurkea PDF   Revelation: A Biblical Approach by Harry Whittaker 1976   The first book of Enoch   Fourth Book of Esdra/ 4 Ezra   The Second Book of Baruch   The Bible, Ezekiel 26 A Prophecy Against Tyre   The Anchor Bible Series   The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary   The Anchor Bible Commentary   International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Today we’re chatting with Brian about religious trauma! After hearing so many guests discuss traumatizing events that they experienced within the Christadelphian community, we decided to bring in a licensed religious trauma therapist to explore what religious trauma is and what we can do about it. We started with discussing some key definitions and concepts to understand, exploring what modalities Brian uses with clients, and talking about some things to consider when trying to find a therapist to work with, including knowing the difference between searching for a therapist with a specialty in “spirituality” compared to “religious trauma”. We also ask some thought provoking questions such as, is pressuring minors to be baptized truly consensual? Why doesn’t the group have an exit plan for members and why is that important to have? And is holding Christadelphian beliefs a cure for mental health struggles? Let’s talk about it!   Please enjoy another week of fellowship among the heathens! If you enjoy this episode and would like us to have another episode on religious trauma, please submit your comments and questions to lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com   Listener discretion is advised.    Resources and References:   Marlene Winell's website who coined "Religious Trauma Syndrome"   Reclamation Collective (religious trauma directory/support groups/trainings) -    Spiritual Power Inventory Tool   Secular Therapy Project (directory)   Religious Trauma Institute (research/trainings, mostly for therapists)    Religious Trauma Providers in Australia   IFS Institute (Internal Family Systems directory)   "No Bad Parts" by Richard Schwarz (Client-friendly intro book to IFS)    Terror, Love, and Brainwashing: Attachment in Cults and Totalitarian Systems by Alexandra Stein   Alexandra Stein Talking About Cults     Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents    Ex-christian subreddit (discussion, support, and tons of extra resources)    Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) Test   ACE Aware   EFT Tapping   “How to Start Deconstructing your Christian Faith” with Kristi Burke    “When a Relationship with God Turns Unhealthy” with Kristi Burke   Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships by Janja Lalich   What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing From Complex Trauma by Stephanie Foo   Escaping Twin Flames, Netflix   The 25 Signs you’re in a High-Control Group or Cult by Anastasia Somerville-Wong   What is a High Control Group?   How to Recognize a High-Control Church

Today we’re chatting with Kelli! In this episode, Kelli shares her experience preparing for what she thought would be the hardest test in her life (the baptismal exam!), learning that playing hymns on guitars would qualify as “stumbling blocks” for some sisters in Christ, and sharing her experience as a woman who was able to have more of a role when growing up associated with the COGAF group. She also shares some funny stories of sleeping in a pool floaty at a Bible weekend, an unexpected insect encounter during a church service, and shares the joke that ended her involvement in her church newsletter! Zinnia and Kelli also reminisce on long denim skirts, reading Harry Potter as religious children (scandalous!), and on how gross the term “seed” is! (Bleh!)   Please join us for another episode of fellowship among those who have left the fold!   Listener discretion is advised.    Resources and References:    Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell   The Joke That Got Taylor Tomlinson Fired From a Church Comedy Gig (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)   The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman   Reading the Bible Again for the First Time by Marcus Borg   Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamist’s Wife by Irene Spencer   Deconversion Therapy podcast (last episode aired 7/2024)   Misquoting Jesus by Bart Ehrman   The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels   The United Nations: Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 18: Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.   The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are by Alan Watts

Today we’re chatting with Vanessa! Vanessa shares her experience of growing up feeling supported as a neurodivergent child in the Christadelphian community with her family. Over time though, she had a feminist awakening and found that her views on women's roles within the ecclesia didn’t quite fit. Eventually she began studying psychology and realized that she was in a high control religion! After pressure to bring her children in for instruction and hearing explicitly that they wanted to brainwash the children, she decided she wanted better for her family and left the group. Since leaving, Vanessa’s found a sense of purpose that she hadn’t experienced as a Christadelphian and she has finally embraced her authentic self.    Please join us for another episode of fellowship among those who have left the fold!     Listener discretion advised.   Resources and References   What So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey   The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins   Religious Harm Recovery Newsletter   Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell   Podcast: It’s A Little Bit Culty Podcast with Sarah and Nippy   Podcast: Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation hosted by Lola and Meagan   Clementine Morrigan on Instagram and host of the Fucking Cancelled Podcast   The Little Book of Attachment: Theory to Practice in Child Mental Health with Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy by Daniel Hughes and Ben Gurney-Smith   Raising a Secure Child: How Circle of Security Parenting Can Help You Nurture Your Child's Attachment, Emotional Resilience, and Freedom to Explore by Kent Hoffman, Glenn Cooper, and Bert Powell

Today we’re chatting with Steve! Steve’s story takes us from his childhood reading the works of Dr. Thomas and Robert Roberts through his slow departure from the Christadelphians and finally into his current position teaching Biblical Studies! Steve shares the important lessons his father taught him about character and standing up for your beliefs (even if that includes refusing to hide the Christmas tree), the punitive response of his former ecclesia when he asked questions about Revelation and ultimately joined another ecclesia, and his ultimate realization that some members of the Christadelphians “were prepared to lie in defense of The Truth”. Please join us for another episode of fellowship among those who have left the fold!      Listener discretion advised. TW: Child abuse and suicide in last 10 minutes of episode Resources and References:   Steve’s Biblical Studies Blog, Mikra   Biblical Humor on Steve’s Blog   Revelation: A Biblical Approach by Harry Whittaker   Life From Scratch: A memoir of Food, Family, and Forgiveness by Sasha Martin

Today we’re chatting with Brian! Brian is our first guest to come on the podcast from the Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith (COGAF). While they technically have a different name than Christadelphians, the groups were founded by former associates at about the same time. Members of COGAF hold the same beliefs as Christadelphians, fellowship with them, and even attend Christadelphian activities, camps, and bible schools! In today’s episode, we hear about Brian’s former ecclesia using pancakes to convince people to attend services, about that time he was brought to Jamaica for a school project to learn about the life of Christadelphian missionaries as a teenager, and about the “wave theory” of doubt and faith that eventually washed him ashore to solid ground without faith in God. We also chat about surprise ambushes by Christadelphians who create confrontations about faith and church attendance in the most unexpected times and places. Please join us for another episode of fellowship among those who have left the fold!   If you have any questions that you would like addressed in the upcoming episode on religious trauma, please email ⁠lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com⁠ Listener discretion advised.     Resources and References:   Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith (COGAF)/Church of the Blessed Hope   Church of the Blessed Hope Beliefs   John Thomas: His Friends and His Faith by Peter Hemingray “Chapter 21: Dr. Thomas, Marsh, and Wilson- Founders of COGAF”   Netflix: Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey   Terror, Love, and Brainwashing: Attachment in Cults and Totalitarian Systems by Alexandra Stein ⁠

Today we’re flipping the script and Heather is chatting with Zinnia! Zinnia shares her story of growing up as an undiagnosed neurodivergent child and being bullied during her childhood inside and outside of the ecclesia. The first half of this episode is a bit heavy as Zinnia discusses how her environment contributed to severe depression and how growing up in a high control environment among other factors may have groomed her for domestic violence in her relationships. However, things took a turn for the better when Zinnia chose to leave the group, shut down their harassment, reported perpetrators to the police. She also reclaimed her life and her voice by changing her name, moving out on her own, creating a new environment where she could thrive in secular friendships and relationships, and connecting with other ex-Christadelphians in the Facebook community. She also shares her story of living in a haunted apartment, explains why she is skeptical of Christadelphians claiming that they’ll report the criminal activity of other Christadelphians, and about the circumstances that led her to create this podcast.  This episode was also released alongside Episode 13 on Spiritualism due to some overlapping themes and topics. We hope you enjoy this podcast double feature! See you in 2025! Thank you to Heather for editing this episode! Listener Discretion Advised. TW: sexual assault, abuse, neglect, domestic violence, eating disorders, self-harm, bullying, depression, profanity     Resources: Vibe Music:  If I die young Pt 2 by Kimberly Perry And The Wolves by Madeline Edwards   On Leaving Cults & High Control Groups:   Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships by Janja Lalich   Unfollow: A Memoir of Loving and Leaving the Westboro Baptist Church by Megan Phelps-Roper   The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir by Ruth Wariner   Educated by Tara Westover   Pure: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Shamed a Generation of Women and How I Broke Free by Linda Kay Klein   Chocolat by Joanne Harris (Okay, this one is more of a role model for living outside religious influence, not bending to that pressure, and embracing the more magical side of life)   Quarter Life Crisis Netflix special, Taylor Tomlinson    The Holy Bible: The Best Damned Version by Steve Ebling    Instagram: religious.harm.recovery    On Sexual Assault:   Know My Name by Chanel Miller   On Childhood Trauma & Relationships:   Recovering from Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson (And Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents)   Running on Empty: Overcome your Childhood Emotional Neglect by Jonice Webb (Sequel: Running on Empty No More)   The Journey from Abandonment to Healing by Susan Anderson   Healing Your Aloneness: Finding Love and Wholeness Through Your Inner Child by Erika Chopich and Margaret Paul   Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller   The Emotionally Absent Mother: A Guide to Self-Healing and Getting the Love You Missed by Jasmin Lee Cori    Mothers Who Can’t Love: A Healing Guide for Daughters by Susan Forward   When the Body Says No by Gabor Mate   On Embracing Neurodivergence, Masking, and Susceptibility to Abuse:   Hayley Honeyman Ted Talk “Unmasking ADHD”   On the impact of growing up undiagnosed Neurodivergent: Neurodivergent Article And  Other Neurodivergent Article Feminism & Politics:    Rage becomes her: The Power of Women's Anger by Soraya Chemaly   On Healing through Humor   On the Paranormal:   Life with the Afterlife: 13 Truths I Learned About Ghosts by Amy Bruni    Do Dead People Watch You Shower? By Concetta Bertoldi   “Ecclesia Safe” Initiative: Tidings Article Ecclesia Safe Website Tidings Article on the Creation of Ecclesia Safe ⁠

Today we’re chatting about ghosts! More specifically, about how the Christadelphians have historically tried to disprove the existence of ghosts and the beliefs of Spiritualists to their followers! It’s time for science class with John Thomas as he explains the (now considered pseudoscience) "science" of odology, explains how Jesus Christ (electric medium) used hypnosis on his disciples, speculates on whether followers will be able to be invisible and teleport when they’re resurrected (sorry, you can only hold eyeballs), and how God’s Holy Spirit is actually… electricity. We discover the story of a Christadelphian with psychic abilities and end the episode with the most legendary ghost story to ever be told in Christadelphia! It’s going to get spoooooooky! This episode was also released alongside Episode 14, Fellowship with Zinnia, due to some overlapping themes and topics. We hope you enjoy this podcast double feature! See you in 2025!   Resources and References    “Other Powers: The Age of Suffrage, Spiritualism, and the Scandalous Victoria Woodhull” by Barbara Goldsmith, Page 78   Some background information on Spiritualism in the Britannica:   Dr. Thomas: His Life and His Work by Robert Roberts   Popular Figures who were Spiritualists   The First Woman to Run for President in the US, Victoria Woodhull   Talking to the Dead: Kate and Maggie Fox and the Rise of Spiritualism by Barbara Weisberg   The Birmingham Amended Statement of Faith   The Oprah Winfrey Show   July 1852 edition of the “Herald of the Kingdom and Age to Come” by John Thomas   2023 Pew Research data   2024 Article on Americans belief in ghosts   Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Psychics   Harry Houdini’s crusade to expose medium and spiritualism   The Ambassador of the Coming Age  (later known as The Christadelphian Magazine) July 1868, August 1868 and September 1868 editions   The Herald of the Kingdom and Age to Come Magazine by John Thomas, July and August 1852   Age-Gap paranormal romance: A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch by Sarah Hawley   Twilight by Stephenie Meyer   The Princess Bride Movie, 1987 “Good night, Westley. Good work. Sleep well. I’ll most likely kill you in the morning”   Prosopagnosia, medical condition   Jim Jones Healings 1   Jim Jones Healings 2   Rapidash Pokemon   The Bible: 1 Kings 19 2 Corinthians 12 Habakkuk 2:2-3 Joel 2:28 Job 33  Acts 10 Revelation 1 Matthew 22 1 Samuel 28   Odology   Louis Cahagnet’s “Celestial Telegraph, or Secrets of the Life to Come revealed through Magnestism”  Robert Roberts: A Study of Life And Character    The Christadelphian Magazine/ The Ambassador of the Coming Age Magazine:  April 1869 February 1895 February 1888 May 1887 June 1876 January 1877 May 1955 November 1919 August 1913 November 1926   National Spiritualists’ Association of Churches Bookstore   The Girl with Silver Eyes by Willo Davis Roberts   The Wizard of Oz (movie), 1939   Spiritualism by Michael Ashton Read Online at: This is Your Bible   John Thomas’ Ghost: The Christadelphian Magazine, November 1871 The Christadelphian Magazine, January 1872   Medium and Daybreak, November 24 1871 edition Full article provided by request from the University of Oxford Bodleian Library and from the Hamilton College. Thank you to the archivists and librarians who assisted in this request!   The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster   Lily Dale: The True Story of the Town That Talks to the Dead by Christine Wicker   Life with the Afterlife: 13 Truths I learned about Ghosts by Amy Bruni   Other Resources not mentioned: If you want to learn more about Spiritualism, check out the Dig Podcast:   Other mentions of Spiritualism and Ouija Boards in The Christadelphian Magazine: March 1939 March 1920   Spiritualist website hosts John Thomas’s writings on Odology   John Thomas’ book on Odoloy: Odology: An Antidote to Spiritualism, being an Analysis of the Claims of Spirit Rapping ⁠

Today we’re chatting with Paul! In this episode, Paul shares his story of joining the Christadelphians with his parents as a young convert, to stirring up trouble in the capital city as a young man handing out pamphlets on the Holy Spirit, to eventually not only leaving the Christadelphians, but eventually becoming an atheist studying theology! Paul also shares his controversial experience giving his one and only public lecture as a Christadelphian, his time as part of a group of Christadelphians nicknamed “the four horsemen of the apocalypse”, and about his thesis project on the roots of Christianity which he started after going back to school *again*. There’s no box big enough to fit Paul into as he’s explored careers, countries, and theology throughout his lifetime. I hope you enjoy this episode and hearing about the twists and turns of his fascinating life!   Resources and References   Harry Whittaker, Author   Carl Sagan; astronomer, scientist, author, and science educator   Richard Dawkins; biologist, author, prominent atheist   Paul’s website, “Religion Free World”   A link to Paul’s Book “On Christian Origins”

Today we’re chatting with Luke! Luke shares his experience growing up in a small, insular ecclesia disconnected from the wider community of Christadelphians and singing the same hymns every week. In this episode, we’ll hear about his process of trying to fit into the wider Christadelphian world after growing up in isolation, about his first experience attending an ecclesia that drank Christ’s blood from a shared cup (ew), and on the pressure to leave his new ecclesia and to end his relationship with a non-Christadelphian. We also speculate on his prospects of an American speaking tour, argue for Australia to have its own major winter holiday, and wonder if Christadelphian music will ever be a topic for a pub trivia night at last!? And remember… watch out because the “Christadelphian Police” can be anywhere! Please join us for yet another fun episode of fellowship among the heathens!   Listener discretion is advised.  Resources and References: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Movie)

Today we’re chatting with Mako in this “mini-episode” on beards and their cultural history within Christadelphia. Mako and Zinnia discuss the experiences shared by some ex-Christadelphians about beards and compare it to the historical views of Christadelphians during the time of Doctor John Thomas and Robert Roberts. We also joke about drag names, the British slang for penis, and moustaches on firemen! Please join us for a chat about this hairy topic!   As a friendly reminder, please be advised that the humor in today’s episode is pretty “worldly” and this podcast is marked “explicit” across platforms. Listener discretion is advised.    Resources and References:    Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life   Dictionary entry for “John Thomas”   The Bible, 2 Samuel 10   The Herald of the Kingdom and Age to Come by John Thomas, May 1856, Page 113 “The Gentile and the Jew”   The Herald of the Kingdom and Age to Come by John Thomas,  March 1852, Page 62 (782 if using this link)   Herald of the Kingdom and Age to Come by John Thomas December 1851 Page 280-281(Page 626 if using this link)   The Herald of the Kingdom and Age to Come, May 1853, page 119 by John Thomas reprinting “Why Israelites were Forbidden to Shave” from the “Journal of Sacred Literature pp. 65, 66”    My Days and My Ways by Robert Roberts, page 5, 67, 139   “Robert Roberts: A Study of the Life and Character” by Islip Collyer   Drag Name Inspo and the name “Lourdes Prayer”   On my comments on Leviticus: https://www.jpost.com/jerusalem-report/article-700876 https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/03/world/africa/03iht-moses.4.5130043.html   On some religions using beards as a statement:  https://dralun.wordpress.com/2014/01/07/the-medical-case-for-beards-in-the-19th-century/ https://credomag.com/2016/07/they-will-know-we-are-calvinists-by-our-beards-timothy-raymond/   The Christadelphian July 1871 (July edition starting page 199, quote on page 219)   On the Victorians using hair from the dead for mementos   Misc Research into Beards

Today we’re chatting with Mike! Mike shares his story of growing up in the Brotherhood with many surprises including sourcing bootleg copies of the Simpsons for the Christadelphian youth group, finding a wife at the Christadelphian nursing home, and about his path to eventually becoming “unequally yoked” before leaving the group. Mike also shares his experience of unintentionally framing the Editor of the Christadelphian magazine for vandalism (whoops) and answers whether or not he saw any unattached beard hair in the Christadelphian Magazine Archives. And of course, he asks the hard hitting questions such as ”...have you got a hat?”. Please join us for yet another fun episode of fellowship among the heathens!     Resources and References:   Praise the Lord Hymn Book   ‘Praise the Lord’ Music Audio   The Book of Mormon:  On Broadway Watch online

Today we’re learning about the unofficial president of the John Thomas fan club, Robert Roberts. In this episode, we’ll be taking a critical look at whether this famous Christadelphian leader was actually just a follower. I’ll be sharing with you “respectable heathens” stories about Robert Roberts’ childhood, his quirks, and the chance he missed to leave behind the drama of the Christadelphians forever. I hope you’re as surprised as I was to learn the bizarre ways that he honored John Thomas throughout his lifetime, and even in death. I’ll also share a Christadelphian exhortation drinking game, a request for the whereabouts of a lost object, and a story about a legendary exhortation at the Moorestown ecclesia. Please also stay tuned to the end for another “ad” from one of our “sponsors”.    Resources and References:   “My Days and My Ways” by Robert Roberts, 1894   “Robert Roberts: A Study of the Life and Character” by Islip Collyer   John Thomas His Friends and His Faith by Peter Hemingray, 2003   Gilmore Girls tv series, Season 6 episode 8 “Why did you drop out of Yale?”   “Elpis Israel” by John Thomas  Fourteenth Edition Ninth Edition   Goosebumps tv series, “Welcome to Dead House”   Ex-Christadelphians.com, “Who was Robert Roberts?”   “Escaping Twin Flames” Documentary, Netflix   Jonestown   The Christadelphian magazine,formerly The Ambassador of the Coming Age  (Subscription required) -November 1869, accessible to the public -July 1871, accessible to the public, July edition starting page 199, quotes can be found page 217 and 219   “The Early History of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God in Britain with Historical, Critical, and Social Reminiscences of Persons, Places, and Events” compiled by William Norrie, Vol III   Ancestry.com, Roberts Family Tree   Tidings article mentioning Roberts’ son Edward leaving the Christadelphians   Coraline (book) by Neil Gaiman, 2002 & Coraline Movie adaption 2009