Karina reflects on how her challenging childhood created a deep yearning for connection and stability and how she and her husband sought belonging. They turned to a messianic congregation that combined Jewish traditions with Christianity. The pressure to conform grew, as the group insisted on rigid adherence to its rules and practices about child rearing - and all aspects of church life. Over time, she began to critically examine the congregation’s culture of silence, where addressing personal struggles or differing views was discouraged and seen as gossip. Things came to a crisis after the church responded with harsh judgment to the needs of her family, prompting Karina's profound realization about the importance of protecting her family, embracing her true self and cultivating authenticity.

Shownotes:

Trigger Warning: Due to these episodes containing stories that involve cults and other types of coercive control that may be disturbing to some, listener discretion is advised.

Mentioned in the episode:

The International Cultic Studies Association (link: https://www.icsahome.com/)

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Intro & outro by Jon Snow; Original Music by Esther Friedman 

Editing and production by Vanessa Hennessey

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