Untangled Faith

• 148: Inside the Megachurch Machine: Abuse, Accountability, and Christian Nationalism with Scott Latta

  Journalist and author Scott Latta joins Amy Fritz to discuss Scott's new book, Gods of the Smoke Machine: Power, Pain, and the Rise of Christian Nationalism in the Megachurch, sharing stories of power, accountability, and the changing landscape of American megachurches. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we: Explore why megachurches are growing even as overall church attendance in America declines. Examine the evolution from traditional "big box" churches to franchise-style, multi-site megachurch models. Discuss the impact of megachurch growth on small churches, including the cannibalization of congregations and properties. Explore the profound loss experienced by members when megachurch scandals or abusive leaders come to light, and how that pain is multiplied by scale. Hear firsthand stories from those harmed by toxic church systems and why amplifying survivor voices is critical. Unpack the phenomenon of faux accountability and restoration processes for fallen pastors in megachurch networks. Discuss Boz Tchividjian's insights on the legal landscape, the role of financial consequences in church accountability, and why civil litigation is sometimes the only path to justice. Investigate how megachurches cultivate soft political power, their influence on Christian nationalism, and the increasing willingness of pastors to openly engage in politics. Offer practical wisdom for those seeking healthy faith communities, what real accountability looks like, and how to rethink church engagement after disillusionment. Featured Guest Scott Latta Gods of the Smoke Machine | Scott Latta | Substack Resources mentioned Faithful Counseling BetterHelp - Get Started & Sign-Up Today Scott Latta's Substack Gods of the Smoke Machine | Scott Latta | Substack Scott Latta on Bluesky Scott Latta (@scottlatta.bsky.social) — Bluesky Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media.   Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict   Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: [email protected] Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

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• 147: Finding Freedom Through Surrender: Mary DeMuth on Letting Go, Healing, and Joyful Faith

  Author and speaker Mary DeMuth joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to talk about the practice of surrender, what it looks like in the midst of personal trials, and the story behind her newest devotional book, The Freedom of Surrender: 40 Devotions for a Joyful Life in Christ. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com   In this episode we: Hear the origin story behind Mary's newest book, including how she combined her writing and original art in a 40-day devotional on surrender. Discuss what it means to surrender reputation, finances, relationships, aging, and even inner cynicism—and how Mary has personally wrestled with these themes. Talk honestly about vulnerability, church hurt, and the ongoing journey of healing from trauma and moral injury. Explore the tension between discernment and cynicism, especially when coming out of abusive faith communities. Share practical encouragement for those feeling isolated or stuck in their faith, and ways we can invite Jesus into our everyday struggles. Reflect on the power of community and honesty in the process of spiritual growth. Featured Guest Mary DeMuth Resources mentioned Faithful Counseling BetterHelp - Get Started & Sign-Up Today Church Hurt Checklist Bookstore - Mary DeMuth The Freedom of Surrender: https://amzn.to/4q8Nn63   Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media.   Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict   Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: [email protected] Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

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• 146: What You Don't Know About Domestic Violence. Guest: Neil Schori

  This episode contains content that may be difficult for those who have experienced violence or who are sensitive to mentions of abuse or intimate partner violence. Please take care when listening. In 2007, Pastor Neil Schori sat down with a woman who had come to him for marriage counseling. You probably recognize her name: Stacy Peterson. Not long after that conversation, Stacy when missing and still has not been found. Her husband, Drew Peterson, is serving time in prison for being convicted of murdering his previous wife. Pastor Neil joins the Untangled Faith podcast to share his thoughts on the Steven Crowder video, what he wishes he had known about intimate partner violence and what friends and faith community leaders need to know to be safe places for those who may not even know they are in danger. In this episode, we talk about: The multiple facets of abuse go beyond bodily injury. The necessity of pastors to possess the right skills to manage abusive scenarios. Red flags the signal abuse situations. Empowering victims How incorrect theology is harming those being abused.   Links: Document the Abuse website: https://documenttheabuse.com Neil Schori on Twitter: https://twitter.com/neilschori Neil Schori coaching: https://www.facebook.com/SchoriCoaching Sign up for Amy's email list and get her weekly podcast updates and monthly newsletter: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com Related Episodes: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2022/05/11/43-what-weve-gotten-wrong-about-divorce-guest-gretchen-baskerville/ Support the show: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com This podcast is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For more information and for 10% off your first month, visit Faithful Counseling- https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled Where you can find me: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith  https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz

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• 145: Holy Hurt: Spiritual Trauma and Paths to Restoration, Guest: Hillary McBride

  Hillary McBride joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to unpack spiritual trauma, healing, and how we can create faith communities that avoid replicating unhealthy patterns. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we: Explore who McBride's new book, Holy Hurt: Understanding Spiritual Trauma and the Process of Healing, is for and how different groups relate to spiritual trauma. Define spiritual abuse and spiritual trauma, and unpack the common misconceptions surrounding these terms. Discuss how curiosity and hope can bridge the gap between those who have and haven't experienced spiritual trauma. Address the accusation that spiritual trauma is a "fad" and reflect on the history and reality of spiritual harm, especially for marginalized communities. Consider the ethical complexities of sharing stories—both for survivors of spiritual trauma and those hosting podcasts or creating resources. Talk through practical ways new communities and organizations can avoid recreating harmful power dynamics and foster safety and agency. Reflect on the role of conflict, repair, and personal healing in faith spaces and survivor communities. Touch on generational differences in openness to processing and naming spiritual harm and why resources matter for healing. Featured Guest Hillary McBride   Resources mentioned Faithful Counseling BetterHelp - Get Started & Sign-Up Today Holy Hurt: Understanding Spiritual Trauma and the Process of Healing Hillary L McBride - Therapist, Researcher, Speaker and Writer Hillary L McBride (@hillaryliannamcbride) • Instagram photos and videos   Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media.   Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict   Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: [email protected] Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

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• 144: Why Christians Need History: Lessons from Napoleon, Misleading Historians, and Our Cultural Myths

  Chris Staron, host of the Truce podcast joins Amy to talk about the importance of looking at history to make sense of this current moment. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com   In this episode we: Talk about the origin story of the Truce podcast and Chris's approach to using history to illuminate today's faith questions. Discuss the power of curiosity and humility in addressing gaps in our knowledge. Reflect on the importance of surrounding ourselves with experts—and being open to their feedback. Examine how historical context can reshape our assumptions about gender roles, especially in the context of "biblical womanhood." Challenge the idea that "this is the worst it's ever been" by exploring history's patterns and precedents. Talk about identifying trustworthy sources—and red flags—in historical writing, including the importance of bibliographies and the dangers of consuming information solely from those who share our theological or political biases. Analyze the work (and controversy) surrounding figures like David Barton and the misinterpretation of America's Christian roots. Highlight the value of reading outside our usual bubbles and expanding our knowledge beyond World War II or familiar American history. Encourage listeners to approach new information, especially history, with a willingness to be challenged and changed.   Featured Guest Chris Staron website: www.trucepodcast.com x: https://x.com/trucepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trucepodcast Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/trucepodcast.bsky.social instagram: www.instagram.com/trucepodcast Threads: https://www.threads.com/@trucepodcast   Resources mentioned Robert Caro's "The Years of Lyndon Johnson" series Isabel Wilkerson's The Warmth of Other Suns"   Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media.   Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict   Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: [email protected] Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky  

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