In this Special Episode of Honoring the Journey, Leslie invites her sister (and bestie) Marie to join her and they discuss growing up in fundamentalism, rapture trauma, deconstruction and how they now see God today. This is a special episode because Marie is probably the only person Leslie had to talk to during her deconstruction journey before going public. They have been through a lot together, and have remained close through it all!

Topics of Interest:

• Leslie and her sister Marie, discuss their experiences growing up with "rapture anxiety" in a fundamentalist Christian environment.
• They describe the strict religious upbringing, including legalistic rules and the constant fear of the rapture.
• The conversation covers the origins and theology of the rapture, including its biblical roots and how it became popular in modern American Christianity.
• Both hosts reflect on the psychological and emotional impact of rapture teachings, including anxiety, fear, and trauma that persisted into adulthood.
• They discuss the influence of rapture-themed movies and media, such as "A Thief in the Night," and the song "I Wish We’d All Been Ready," on their beliefs and fears.
• Marie recounts a personal story of panic and fear during a rapture prediction, highlighting the real-life effects of this doctrine.
• The episode includes listener voicemails sharing similar experiences of rapture trauma and anxiety.
• The hosts critique the use of fear and indoctrination in religious teaching, emphasizing the difference between reverence and terror.
• They discuss their journeys of deconstruction, moving away from fear-based beliefs toward a more loving, inclusive, and less anxious spirituality.
• The conversation touches on the challenges of changing beliefs, the reactions of family and community, and the importance of self-worth and unconditional love.
• The episode ends with encouragement to question fear-based doctrines, embrace change, and focus on love and acceptance.

Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.

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