The Life After Leaving Podcast: An Ex-Christadelphian Podcast

Today we’re chatting with Craig! In today’s episode, Craig shares his memories of his time in Christadelphia over forty years ago. Craig joined his local ecclesia as an adolescent and enjoyed the community, the studious environment, and spending time with Christadelphian families. He quickly became baptized, started preaching at his ecclesia, and traveling to other ecclesias in Australia. But over time, he noticed more and more issues that didn’t sit right with him. Things escalated when a “Brother” Craig had confided in after a difficult Bible class betrayed his confidence and gossiped about his private feelings with his Christadelphian family. After this betrayal, Craig made the difficult decision to submit his resignation and finally start to think clearly for himself now that he took some space from the Christadelphian community. Craig shares a lot of fascinating stories and tidbits of Christadelphian history in this episode and touches on the Christadelphian’s opposition to the LGBTQ+ community in Australia, doctrinal debates causing splits, and even plagiarism in the Christadelphian community. Please join us for yet another episode of fellowship among the heathens!   Listener discretion advised.   If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com   Follow us on Instagram⁠ or ⁠Facebook⁠!   Want to join our community? Find ex-Christadelphians on Facebook here   References:   Titanic (1997 Movie)   The Poseidon Adventure (1972 Movie)   The Temple of Ezekiel's Prophecy by Henry Sulley (Full Book)   Harry Whittaker   Iridology   Racism in the Christadelphians and “The Black Pope” Theory   Ellicot’s Commentary on Revelation   The Protestors by Alan Eyre   The Good Life with Felicity Kendal   Visions of Glory: A History and a Memory of Jehovah's Witnesses by Barbara Grizzuti Harrison   Leaving the Fold by Marlene Winell   When Religion Hurts You by Laura Anderson   Please note, there are some concerns about Laura Anderson’s behavior which you can read more about here: Licensing Agency find Religious Trauma Coach in Violation of Code of Ethics Or listen to this podcast   Podcasts Bart Ehrman and Dan McClellan   Ex-christadelphians.com   Gospel of John a Commentary by Craig Fairweather Olton History   Current Value of 21 St Bernards Rd in Olton   21 St Bernards Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B92 7BB

In today’s episode, Keturah and Bec return to the podcast for Part TWO of our GAYEST episode yet to discuss and challenge how Christadelphians justify bigotry against LGBTQ people. In part two, we focus on the cultural issues that the rampant homophobia causes in the Christadelphian community, the reality of LGBTQ members' lived experiences, and discuss the data that was gathered in 2023 in an LGBTQ Survey of Christadelphians & ex-Christadelphians. In this episode, we highlight the documented maltreatment of LGBTQ members which includes celibacy requirements, slurs and bullying, hushed disfellowshipping of queer members, and multiple suicides being swept under the rug while shaming the victims- even after their deaths! We reflect on whether these behaviors reflect the character of Christ or if they are simply another way that the Christadelphians display the cult-like characteristic of demanding conformity and controlling the sexual behavior of their members. This episode is a bit more sobering than most as we also ask, can the Christadelphian community truly change to be inclusive of LGBTQ members? Will their system- which is built on a gender hierarchy, is obsessed with sex, and refuses to change or evolve- resist change even when it could save their member’s lives and keep them in the community?    Please join us for another conversation on LGBTQ issues in Christadelphia by queer ex-Christadelphians!   TW: This episode mentions suicidal ideation and suicide  Listener discretion advised.   If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com   Follow us on Instagram⁠ or ⁠Facebook⁠!   Want to join our community? Find ex-Christadelphians on Facebook here   References: 2023 LGBTQ Survey Website   Full Survey Report (70 pages)   Bible verses quoted in the report: Luke 15:1-2, Matthew 18:6,Galatians 6:2, Galatians 3:26 -29, Luke 6:27-36, Proverbs 18:13, 2 Timothy 2: 23-26, James 1:19, 1 Peter 3:8   Gay Christadelphians website   Gay Christadelphians on the “Anti-LGBTQ’ bible verses   Press On Journal: Gay Christadelphians (Transcript)    Press On Journal: Love without Fine Print    Christadelphian View on Homosexuality “God's Word Condemns Homosexuality” (Youtube)  And Part Two   Trevor Project Statistics on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health   ABC News on LGBTQ Youth   The Tidings stance on LGBTQ Issues as just a form of dangerous “change”   The Tidings: Book Review: Same Sex Attraction and the Church: The Surprising Plausibility of the Celibate Life   What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?   Warning about LGBTQ Issues    The Life of John Thomas (1985) pg.19 “The Doctor belongs to the public and was not much of a woman’s man.” -Ellen Thomas   The Trevor Project: Religiosity and Suicidality Among LGBTQ Youth   Medium: Dear Church, Are All Your Kids Safe?   HARMONY, DISSONANCE, OR HARM? THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL PROMISES AND PERILS OF GAY CHRISTIAN CELIBACY    The Seven Genders in the Talmud   Lesbianism in Jewish History  

In today’s episode, Keturah and Bec return to the podcast for our GAYEST episode yet to discuss and challenge how Christadelphians justify bigotry against LGBTQ people. As queer ex-Christadelphians ourselves, we share our stories and re-examine the bible verses that featured prominently during our lives in lectures given by the “Brothers” who claimed that they knew that God hates gay people. One by one, we revisit the problematic verses they used, offer outside perspectives to the standard Christadelphian views, and challenge Christadelphians to preach the true meaning of the “clobber verses” instead of using them to attack queer people. We also offer rebuttals to a particular brother who is spreading his message of hate internationally online with the support of the Christadelphian community. But it may surprise him to discover the kind of person that God considers a “Sodomite”... In this episode, we (literally) pull out a Bible and amplify the voices of queer people raised and harmed by the Christadelphian community’s rampant bigotry against queer people. So please join us for some laughs as queer women tell you the side of the story that Christadelphian “Brothers” never wanted you to know about…   *Please note, I sought to be as inclusive as possible for this episode. Unfortunately the gay man who agreed to join us was unable to record with us and no transgender ex-CDs offered to join us for this episode.    TW: This episode mentions suicidal ideation and suicide    Listener discretion advised. If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com   Follow us on Instagram⁠ or ⁠Facebook⁠!   Want to join our community? Find ex-Christadelphians on Facebook here   References:   The Life After Leaving Podcast: Biblical Studies 101 (Episode 31)   Gay Christadelphians website   Gay Christadelphians on the “Anti-LGBTQ’ bible verses   Press On Journal: Gay Christadelphians (Transcript)    Press On Journal: Love without Fine Print    Christadelphian View on Homosexuality “God's Word Condemns Homosexuality” (Youtube)  And Part Two   "1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted Culture." Movie Website   1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture (Wiki)   The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships   LGBTQ-Affirming Scripture   Christadelphian FB Post   Romans and Sexuality Video   Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamist’s Wife by Irene Spencer   Comfort Women   Mattiemaemotl    Jbrix_art   Jbrix on Deuteronomy 22 Jbrix on Romans 1 Jbrix on 1 Corinthians 6:9 Jbrix on 1 Corinthians 6:9 (2) Jbrix on 1 Corinthians 6:9 (3)   Gay Animals   Gay Animals Facts   Gay Birds   Clobber Verses: Genesis 19 Leviticus 18 and 20 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 1 Timothy 1:10 Romans 1

In today’s episode, Chloe joins me as we examine the Christadelphian doctrine of the Kingdom of God on Earth! We start by reviewing the different phases of this apocalyptic doctrine and discussing what it was like to be raised as children to believe that we were in the “end times” where our parents might be taken away by angels at any moment. We also explore what makes the “kingdom” doctrine so unique, what it would be like to visit Ezekiel’s Temple, and what kind of people are going to be in “The Millennium” after the first Judgment day. We also discuss the negative aspects or gaps in logic, and even things we never thought about but one Christadelphian author certainly did!  This episode will be our most philosophical so far as we ask… will free will exist in the kingdom? If we are going to be changed, then what does it mean to be human? What would life be like as an immortal who is “like the angels”? And can I resurrect my dog to spend eternity with me? Naturally, we discuss other supernatural creatures like werewolves, shapeshifters, and vampires as we try to fathom this supernatural world under Christ’s rule. We also ask the questions we never dared ask aloud at Bible School. Why doesn’t the bible have compelling descriptive chapters or even entire books about the kingdom? Why should we want to be non-human creatures subject to eternal servitude? And is this whole plan of global control by Christ just an authoritarian nightmare?    Please join us for this second episode in a two-part series exploring the Christadelphian belief in the “Kingdom of God” and the end times!    Listener discretion advised.   If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com   Follow us on Instagram⁠ or ⁠Facebook⁠!   Want to join our community? Find ex-Christadelphians on Facebook here References:   Chloe’s Substack   Heretic Ecclesia Podcast   Peter Pan 2: Return to Never Land   The Christadelphians (wiki)   The Millennial Harbinger 1837   The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)   Peter Pettigrew in Harry Potter   Maple Syrup Adapting to Climate Change    Apple growing face increasing climate risks   Hunger Games    Climate Change and Coffee   Climate Change and Bananas   We Only Use 10% of Our Brains Myth   The Temple of Ezekiel's Prophecy by Henry Sulley (Full Book)   The Kingdom of God on Earth by Stephen Hughes (Full Book)   Ezekiel's Temple visualized by Christadelphians   The Kingdom of God (booklet)   Armageddon- should we be afraid? “Real Answers, Real Hope”   The Way of Life, Chapter 45 “The Kingdom of God”   Heaven is a place for sociopaths (YouTube)   Biblically Accurate Angels   Biblically Accurate Angels (2)  

Today we’re chatting with Steve to explore what the Bible actually says about the future “Kingdom of God”! Join us for heathen “Sunday School” as we explore the evolution of some of the ideas in the Bible that are necessary to believe in an eternal “future kingdom” including- the messiah, the resurrection, and the idea of a kingdom itself. In this episode, we also look to answer whether the Christadelphians assertion that the “kingdom of God” doctrine was present throughout the Bible is true and we examine the places where this doctrine conspicuously seems to be missing. Steves shares cultural and historical context throughout the episode to understand why the monarchy was not re-established in Israel, where some of these beliefs actually originated, and what the evolution of these ideas tells us about what people believed during different time periods. Steve also shares the story behind Christadelphians bizarre obsession with a biblically inaccurate portrayal of Ezekiel’s Temple and explains John Thomas’ Bible Math “rules” which Thomas inconsistently used for interpreting the book of Revelation. We also laugh about Samuel and his nepo babies, sweaty Jesus, and discuss *even more* failed prophecies.    Please join us for this first episode in a two-part series exploring the Christadelphian belief in the “Kingdom of God” and the end times!    TW: There is one reference to a Christadelphian who is excited to act out violence against queer people during “the end times”. Listener discretion advised.   If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram⁠ or ⁠Facebook⁠! Want to join our community? Find ex-Christadelphians on Facebook here References:   Life After Leaving Podcast: Episodes 16, 21, and 31   The Temple of Ezekiel's Prophecy by Henry Sulley (Full Book)   Eureka by John Thomas (Wiki)   Eureka by John Thomas, Vol 1 (Full PDF)   Youtube series on Ezekiel's Temple: An Accurate visual of Ezekiel's Temple Ch 40   An Accurate Visual of Ezekiel’s Temple, Ch 41   An Accurate Visual of Ezekiel’s Temple, Ch 42 & 43   Hymnary.com Who is this come from Edom?   The Kingdom of God on Earth by Stephen Hughes (Full Book)

Today we’re chatting with Andy! In today’s episode, Andy shares his experience of growing up as a Christadelphian in the UK. Ever since he was a young boy performing in Sunday School, Andy was uncomfortable in the spotlight. He shares his memories of anxiety around traditional Christadelphian expectations for men including being baptized in front of large crowds and being asked to do the readings from the platform. Andy also speaks up about what it felt like to grow up in the Christadelphian community as a child experiencing sexual abuse. He shares his thoughts about how being in a community that doesn’t value sexual education or personal autonomy made it harder to ask for help and how their belief that sex before marriage is a sin perpetuates further harm against child sexual abuse survivors by creating feelings of shame. We also talk about authoritarian parenting, post-baptism lows, and motorcycle gangs! Please join us for yet another episode of fellowship among the heathens!     TW: Child sexual abuse Listener discretion advised.   If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com   Follow us on Instagram⁠ or ⁠Facebook⁠!   Resources: Proposed law in Japan  “Other acts that will constitute neglect include… blocking their interaction with friends due to a difference in religious beliefs and thereby undermining their social skills.”   Christmas apocalypse has been cancelled, says Ghana 'prophet', buys Mercedes with donations Dec 2025   Déjà rêvé

Today we’re finishing our investigation of the medical qualifications of “Doctor” John Thomas, the founder of the Christadelphians. In this history episode, we’ll follow John Thomas’ career during his time in the United States from the 1830’s into the 1850’s. We once again debunk persistent myths that have been repeated by Christadelphians for generations. Instead of accepting these myths, we critically examine them and speculate on the real reasons behind Thomas’ career choices. We also question John Thomas’ motives for his marriage, his reasons for moving frequently, and the credibility of the school that issued his M.D. degree in 1848. Zinnia also shares numerous new historical resources to do a deep dive into claims of extortion against John Thomas by the Richmond Campbellites and into the strange and questionable school, the “Scientific and Eclectic Institute” of Petersburg, Virginia, where John Thomas claimed to have earned his degree. Throughout this episode, we also reflect on what these stories indicate about John Thomas’ personality, his motivations, and why his persistent claim to have “the truth” isn’t actually something for Christadelphians to be proud of. Please join us for another exciting history episode as John Thomas’ lies and criminal activity get exposed by Zinnia, a harbinger of destruction.  Listener discretion advised Resources and References: Thank you to the ex-Christadelphians for sharing information about these Lancet articles! ⁠The Lancet 1829-1830 ⁠  See: Oct 10, 1829; Jan 16, 1830; Jan 30th, 1830 ⁠John Thomas: His Friend and His Faith” ⁠ ⁠Dr. Thomas: His Life & Work ⁠ ⁠Monty Python and the Holy Grail ⁠ ⁠Professor James Staughton⁠ ⁠The Millennial Harbinger, 1835⁠ ⁠“The New England Botanic Medical and Surgical Journal” Vol 2, No 8, Page 122, April 16, 1848⁠ ⁠Population of Cincinnati in 1830 and 1840⁠ ⁠Physicians in Ohio 1819-1850⁠ (used 1831 Directory) ⁠University of Cincinnati’s College of Medicine⁠ ⁠Population of Cincinnati⁠ (1830: 24,831) ⁠Cincinnati population in the 1800s⁠ America’s current population (2025): 333.3 million Current number of American physicians (2025): 1,044,734 ⁠Population of Philadelphia 1830 ⁠ ⁠Desilver’s Philadelphia Directory (1831)⁠ ⁠Doctors in Philadelphia ⁠ ⁠The Millennial Harbinger (Feb 1835)⁠ ⁠Demon Of Unrest by Erik Larson⁠ ⁠James H Hammond⁠ Philadelphia & Virginia ⁠The Millennial Harbinger, 1834 ⁠ “A Review of the Defence of Dr. John Thomas" (Email ⁠lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com⁠ for a digital copy) ⁠The Apostalic Advocate, May 1837⁠ pg 18-19 Dr. Thomas: His Family and the Background of His Times’ by Charles Blore ⁠Inflation Calculator⁠ ⁠Payment of Doctors⁠ ⁠Doctor Fee Bills⁠ ⁠Millennial Harbinger, Feb 1838 ⁠ ⁠Take Back Your Life by Janja Lalich and Madeline Tobias⁠ ⁠John Thomas M.D. Newspaper⁠ The Christadelphian Magazine, April 1886 ⁠A Muppet Christmas Carol⁠ LAL Podcast: S1 Ep 6: Christadelphian True Crime  ⁠Rush Medical College⁠ The Christadelphian Magazine, April 1886 “Dr. Thomas’s Professional Status” ⁠Formation of the AMA⁠ ⁠Incorporation of the S&E College March 1st 1847⁠  ⁠1847 “J Thomas M.D.” ⁠ ⁠1846 Oct Classes⁠ ⁠The New England Botanic and Medical Journal, 1848⁠ “Biography of John Thomas M.D.” ⁠Nov 1847 “Virginia Institute" ⁠ ⁠Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati⁠ ⁠Philadelphia Diploma Mill ⁠  ⁠Degree Mills by Allen Ezell and John Bea⁠r ⁠Dr. John Buchanan⁠ ⁠The Rise and Fall of Dr John Buchanan⁠ ⁠Alexander Campbell on the S&E School⁠ ⁠Worcester, MA school⁠ ⁠S&E College to Send Diplomas to MA⁠ ⁠The History of Medicine by Alexander Wilder⁠ ⁠Eclectic Medical Journal 1844-1848⁠ ⁠Eclectic Medical Journal 1849-1850⁠ ⁠August 1848 Ad⁠ ⁠THOMSONIANISM IN VIRGINIA by JAMES O. BREEDEN ⁠ *email ⁠lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com⁠ ⁠“Medical Training in the United States Prior to the Civil War”⁠ ⁠Harbinger, 1853 “Dr of Opinions”⁠ ⁠Harbinger 1854 “not D.D. or M.D.”⁠ ⁠Impeachment & John Thomas’ Farewell⁠ ⁠Eclectic Schools⁠  ⁠Eclectic Medical Institute in Cincinnati ⁠ ⁠The Early Development of Medical Licensing Laws in the US ⁠ ⁠Herald 1851, p 279⁠

Today we’re chatting with Katie! Katie’s story is an eye-opening account of the harms and pressure of sexism in Christadelphian culture on young girls. As a child, Katie was pulled out of the public school system in order to spend her time primarily caring for her brothers and taking care of the household tasks. As she grew older, was pressured to find a husband and begin to follow a “timeline” which would lead to staying home and having children while being told that she shouldn’t get an education at university. Despite the lack of encouragement and guidance, Katie escaped the Christadelphians, explored life as an independent woman, and attended university. In this episode, Katie also shares what it was like to join the Christadelphians as a child with her family, about Christadelphian dating culture, and about the poor behavior of the “brothers” in her former ecclesia that ultimately lead to her leaving Christadelphia once and for all. Please join us for yet another episode of fellowship among the heathens!   Listener discretion advised.   If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at ⁠lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com⁠   ⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠ or⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠⁠!   References: Corinthians 11:8-9 "For man did not come from woman, but woman from man. Nor was man made for woman, but woman for man"   ⁠Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell⁠   Meghantschanz on IG ⁠“The Role of a Godly Husband (if women butchered the Bible the way men have)”⁠   Clarabelltoks on IG  ⁠Flipping Vacation Bible School⁠ ⁠If we spoke to men the way we speak to women⁠ ⁠If we spoke to boys the way we speak to girls⁠ ⁠If we spoke to boys the way we speak to girls (2)⁠ ⁠If we spoke to boys the way we speak to girls (3)⁠ ⁠Flipping misogyny and homophobia in the church⁠ ⁠Flipping misogyny in the church⁠  

Today we’re chatting with Bec! In this episode, Bec shares her experience growing up as a “Logos” Christadelphian in Australia and trying to follow the ‘straight and narrow’ path until she made the difficult decision to leave her marriage and embrace her identity as a lesbian! Bec shares some vulnerable stories of life inside the ecclesia. From trying to be a good daughter and getting baptized as her mom was dying, to learning about her mother’s hidden heartbreak which had become fodder for gossip at their ecclesia, and to growing up and meeting Christadelphian men who wanted to marry her… if they could control her. Despite some heavy topics, we also enjoyed a few laughs as we asked, what did Solomon’s wives really do together while he was busy? If Christadelphian brothers see rainbows and assume it’s a queer symbol then have they voluntarily given “God’s symbol” to the gay community? And does sage really work to get rid of ghosts in your house?? Please join us for yet another episode of fellowship among the heathens!     TW: Domestic violence, coercive rape, postpartum depression, suicidal ideation   Listener discretion advised.   If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com   Follow us on Instagram⁠ or ⁠Facebook⁠!   References:   ⁠Underworld with Kate Beckinsale (2003)⁠   Proverbs 3:15 “She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.”   Forced Adoptions in Australia: ⁠SBS News: “I was told my baby had died. Decades later, I learned that was a lie”⁠ ⁠“Social worker tells of forced adoptions”⁠ ⁠“Catholic Hospitals Apologize for Forced Adoptions” ⁠   ⁠From God to Gay Podcast⁠    ⁠Will I ever be good enough by Dr. Karyl McBride⁠   ⁠Joyce Meyer (Author)⁠   ⁠Lee-Ann Cipri (Medium)⁠    

Today we’re learning about the history of hands-on energy healing in the early Christadelphian community! In this episode, Zinnia discusses the founding of an ecclesia in Edinburgh, Scotland that quickly became interested in practicing hands-on energy healing. These new believers were radical free thinkers who offered sassy -but scriptural- retorts to the demands of Robert Roberts and John Thomas around the validity of baptisms. They also hosted lectures and classes for anyone interested in learning the art of “curative mesmerism”. The Edinburgh ecclesia not only became practitioners of “curative mesmerism” themselves, but also became involved in creating and supporting a local mesmerism organization and promoted the practice as part of the “doctrine of health” to other ecclesias while attributing their healing abilities to God. We also discuss the attitudes that attracted these early believers to Mesmerism and the various theories around what may have contributed to the decline of the practice of mesmerism in this ecclesia. We also learn about Robert Roberts “irresistible” experience with another man, the reason why Robert’s wife was re-baptized after their marriage, and hear about Zinnia’s experiences with hands-on energy healing in the modern day. Please join us for another fun blast to the past learning more forgotten history about the Christadelphians!    Listener discretion advised.   If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com   References:   The Early History of the Kingdom of God in Britain" by William Norrie  Part one Pg. 128 “The Edinburgh Church of Baptised Believers of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God” Pg 167 Sassy Rebuttals Pg 178 Edinburgh Church Page 202 Curative Mesmerism Pg 245 On Jane Norrie’s rebaptism   The Life after Leaving Podcast Episodes: S1 Ep 8 Robert Roberts and the Fandom of John Thomas S1 Ep 10. The Bearded Wisdom of the Christadelphians S1 Ep. 13 Hypnosis, Telepathy, and Ghosts S1. Ep 4 Fellowship with Rob S2. Ep 16. Fellowship with Steve S3. Ep 32 Fellowship with Ben   ‘John Thomas: His Friends and His Faith’ by Peter Hemingray  P 131-132 Declaration of Beliefs in 1847 P 127-129 John Thomas’ Rebaptism P 192-194 The Marturion Magazine   My Days and My Ways by Robert Roberts  Mesmerism story pages 78-79   “Dr. John Thomas: His Life and Work” by Robert Roberts   Mesmer (1994)    Alan Rickman   The Brief and Strange History of Mesmerism and Surgery   The phony health craze that inspired hypnotism (Youtube)   The Mesmerist by Wendy Moore    Drake-Kendrick Lamar Feud   Referenced by William Norrie: “Messenger of the Churches” issued in July 1858 No. 2   Herald of the Kingdom and Age to Come by John Thomas, May 1858   The Zoist: A Journal of Cerebral Physiology & Mesmerism and Their Applications to Human Welfare Volume 12 Christadelphians named as members of the Scottish Curative Mesmeric Association   Reiki   Prana    Qi    The Astrological Roots of Mesmerism   Mesmerising Science: The Franklin Commission and the Modern Clinical Trial   Royal Commission on Animal Magnetism   Mesmerism (History of Hypnosis Documentary Series - Episode 02)   The History of Bad Ideas: Mesmerism (Podcast)

Today we’re chatting with Rebecca! In this episode, we hear from a former Christadelphian who had no intention of leaving the community until the day she walked out the door. Rebecca shares how she was raised in a small ecclesia in a rural area with the expectation that she would get baptized, become a wife and mother, and play piano for the Sunday memorial services. Despite asking a lot of questions during her childhood, she generally conformed to the traditional Christadelphian path for a woman, married a Christadelphian “brother”, and even raised her children to be Christadelphians. But as her children reached adolescence and began to grow into their identities, she was faced with a choice between accepting her children or allowing them to be harmed by the community she loved and served. Unlike most of our guests, Rebecca hadn’t been preparing to leave mentally or emotionally. But motivated by her love for her family, she navigated the unexpected turbulence of leaving the Christadelphian community and shares both the positives and negatives of life outside the group. We also talk about the guilt of recognizing the harms of authoritarian parenting, raising sensitive children in an environment focused on doomsday theology, and about deconstructing Christadelphian views on the LGBTQ community.   Listener discretion advised.   If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com   References:   Shippensburg/ Mid-Atlantic Christadelphian Bible School   Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone- Mailbox Scene (Youtube)  

Today we’re chatting with Kate! In this episode, Kate begins by discussing her childhood in religious education where she grew up attending a Seventh Day Adventist School before later commuting over an hour to a Christadelphian Heritage College in Australia. We also discuss her family’s religious split over a relatives’ divorce and about the high expectations for “appropriate dress” for a “sister in Christ”- even outside the meeting. We discuss questions like, how much hair does a head covering need to cover in order to be an acceptable head covering? Do hoodies count as a head covering? And how can we style floor length denim skirts without a head covering or hat now that we’ve left?? We also chat about religious opinions on the Harry Potter series, the perils of Christadelphian relationships, and the name of a touch rugby team that was right on the [bottle]nose- the “Crystal Dolphins”!   Listener discretion advised.   If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com   References:   Seventh Day Adventists   Life After Leaving Podcast, Episode 21 (The Millerites split and many became Seventh Day Adventists while a small number became Christadelphians)   Christadelphian Heritage Colleges   Charlie Chaplin   “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto   The Christian Dolphin’s website is no longer available to view   The Religious Trauma Collective   God to Gay podcast

Today we’re chatting with Ben! In this episode, we explore how Ben went from a youth role model as the son of a renowned conservative Christadelphian preacher to pushing the limits of even the most liberal Christadelphians before leaving. Raised in a conservative branch of Christadelphia, Ben was told that some of their family had “left the faith” but was surprised to discover that there were actually just attending other, less conservative, Christadelphian ecclesias nearby! Even at Ben’s baptism, which surprisingly morphed into a roast, Ben defied convention by asking a member of the “Shield” group to baptism them  at a “Logos” hall as Ben began to resist the labels and expectations they had been raised with. Throughout the episode, Ben and I also discuss Christadelphian music. From singing our favorite songs from “Fruit of Our Lips” to discussing what instruments and songs were allowed to be played to learning about their incredibly popular music nights at SCYP, we dive into what was a pivotal moment in Christadelphian music as Ben and their contemporaries created new music that pushed the limits and was even met with walk-outs and bullying. As a singer-songwriter, Ben left a lasting legacy on Christadelphian music as their songs continue to be popular in the present day. However, most Christadelphians probably don’t know that one of their favorite songs was written by a gay man and a non-binary person who both left the faith! We also talk about puppet plays, the Portland frog, and their experience helping create a LGBTQ affirming evangelical church in New York City.   Listener discretion advised.  If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com Resources and References:   Left handedness and sexual orientation   Fruit of our Lips CD (2002)   El Shaddai (Youtube)   As the Deer (unable to find CD Version)   A New Commandment (Youtube)    Shout Living Moving Being Wonder Every day Songs in a strange land Endless   Sydney Christadelphian Young People   Flamy Grant    Bible Belt Baby (Spotify)   Drag Queen Album Tops Christian Music Charts   Hymnary.org School of Rock   Christadelphian Art Trust   Yahweh's Youth from Living Moving Being (Youtube)   Purple Worship Book   Worship Books Audio   With All My Heart by Ben Grace, Worship Vol 1 Track 88   Rob Bell and the Mars Hill Church   Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell   Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller   David Crowder   Hurricane/ Superstorm Sandy   The Liturgists Podcast   Secular Humanism   What is Christian Nationalism   The Danger of Christian Nationalism   Christian Nationalism is neither Christian nor Patriotic   Experts Discuss Christian Nationalism    The Portland Frog :  ICE Protest Frogs Have a Long History  Frogs For Peace: How the Portland Frog Became a Symbol of Resistance and Hope     It’s a Wonderful Life Movie (1946)   It’s a Wonderful Life and World War II   Sean Feucht   Jane Goodall's Final Message to the World   Audrey Hepburn: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”   Heathen Happy Hour Podcast   Story and Tune    Purity Culture Trauma   Purity Culture Support   “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver   Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor   Ben Grace Music   Ben Grace Music (IG)    As if Words Could Heal the Wounds   Ex Mormon Bookclub Podcast   Ben Grace: Naked and Unashamed Podcast Episode    As if Words Could Heal the Wounds Podcast

Today we’re chatting with Steve about one of his favorite topics, Biblical Studies! In this episode, we learn about the Bible from a former Christadelphian brother who left behind Christadelphian dogma for an open-minded scholarly approach to the Bible. In this episode, Dr. Steve reframes and explores many topics that we thought we knew about to see how context, translation, and history play a part in truly understanding the Bible. We learn that the Dead Sea Scrolls do *not* prove that the Bible hasn’t changed (like some of us were told), that the Bible underwent editing, redaction, and other changes throughout history (rather than being the perfect, unchangeable word of God), and that numerous passages in the Bible actually quote texts that are not found in the KJV Bible we read at all (and we never noticed?!) Steve’s expertise also brings about interesting discussion about the evolution of the doctrine of resurrection, the idea of atonement, whether God forbids homosexuality in Leviticus, and whether “Paul” actually wrote that women should be silent in the ecclesia. We also had fun exploring “sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll” in the Bible, reading “Solomon’s top ten pick-up lines”, and listening to Steve’s memory of a satirical prayer given at a Christadelphian ecclesia. Be warned, you’ll need to leave your Strongs Concordance at home for this episode, otherwise you’ll fail this class!      Listener discretion advised.    If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com   Resources and References:   Reading the Bible Again For the First Time by Marcus Borg   Grimms’ Fairy Tales   The Documentary Hypothesis   Who wrote the Bible? By Richard Elliot Friedman   Redaction Criticism    National Treasure   Pseudopigrapha   Catholic Bible   Orthodox Bible   Coptic Bible   Ethiopic Bible   Testament of Moses   Testament of the 12 patriarchs   The Wisdom of Solomon   Solomon's Top Ten Pick-Up Lines   3 books of Isaiah   Wisdom of Sirach/ Ben Sira   The Birmingham Amended Statement of Faith   Hapax legomenon (a word that occurs in only one place)   Apocryphon of Jannes and Jambres   Testament of Job    Strong’s concordance   The Book of Judith   Judith beheading Holofernes (Caravaggio)   Judith Slaying Holofernes (Artemisia Gentileschi)   The Talmud   Cult Bride: How I was Brainwashed- and How I Broke Free by Liz Cameron   Book of Enoch   Instagram video on pseudepigrapha    The Ancient Greeks and Quotation Marks   The Bible: Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13, James 5:11, Ezekiel 18:20,  2 Tim 3:16, Song of Solomon 1:9, Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:2, 1 Timothy 2:11-12, 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

Today we’re chatting with Peter! In this episode, we hear from a former brother about the difficulties of growing up in a family perpetually changing ecclesias, of struggling to build friendships within the Christadelphian community, and of trying to meet the complicated standards for public prayers and bible readings. Peter shares how he had felt so mentally immobilized by fear that he had never questioned any of the doctrines until he met a Christadelphian who did, setting Peter on a path of asking questions, fact checking Christadelphian teachings, and eventually realizing that some Christadelphians share incorrect information (sometimes knowingly!) Peter also speaks up against the harmful views he was taught about “marital rights”, the intense schedule of attendance that was expected of Christadelphians every week in England, and of his struggles to create his own identity, beliefs, and community as an ex-Christadelphian adult.  Listener discretion advised.   If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com   Resources and References:   Wiki mentioning Central Name Change based on location  “Birmingham Temperance Hall ecclesia (so known after the location of their rented rooms)... In 1952 the majority of the Berean Christadelphian Fellowship rejoined the "Birmingham Central" body of Christadelphians ("Temperance Hall" was now known as the "Central Fellowship", since Birmingham Central had ceased renting rooms at Temperance Hall in 1932”   Thou, Thee, and Archaic Grammar   Thou Grammer Wikipedia   Who wrote the Bible by Richard Elliot Friedman   Genie the feral child article   Israeli Gas Find (Testimony Magazine Archive)   Mount Tabor and the Jezreel Valley   Daily Mail- Pope sacks astronomer over evolution debate   Update: Christian Century:  Vatican astronomer’s backing of evolution no factor in his exit   Cosmic Skeptic with Alex O’Connor on Youtube   Holy Koolaid on Youtube   Good Omens (TV Show)   Chimp Paradox: How Our Impulses and Emotions Can Determine Success and Happiness and How We Can Control Them by Steve Peters   Complex PTSD books   Your logical fallacy is website   Your bias is website

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. TW: child sexual abuse, pedophilia, depression, attempted suicide   If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com   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.    If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com   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!   If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com   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.    If you’re interested in coming on the podcast or have comments or questions, you can contact Zinnia at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com   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: