What You Missed on Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism Podcast
Last year, I published my limited podcast called Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult which has now reached over 100k people on Apple Podcasts. I thought that limited series would be the last of exposing Bob Jones University, but I was so wrong. That was only the tip of the iceberg. After many DMs of people ready to share their stories, I decided to create a weekly podcast focused on survivors of BJU and their affiliated ministries. My new podcast is called Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism. The show also explores BJU's influence beyond the university, focusing on Christian education, politics, Biblical counseling, and evangelical Christianity. It’s time to expose BJU and the rotten fruit of fundamentalism.
Here’s an update of the latest episodes of Beyond BJU.
Latest Episodes
1. In The Beginning There Was BJU (History) w/ Dr. Camille Lewis.
2. Teachings, Theology, and Heresies of BJU w/ Dr. Camille Lewis
3. Five Facts BJU Does Not Want You To Know w/ Dr. Camille Lewis
Dr. Camille Lewis reveals lesser-known facts about Bob Jones University in the first three episodes of Beyond BJU. Dr. Lewis, an alumna of BJU with both a bachelor's and a master's degree from the university, served on the faculty until her excommunication in 2007. Since then, she has been dedicated to uncovering and preserving the ugly truths about the institution.
4-5. Secrets of a Gay Marine Porn Star - Parts 1-2 w/ Rich Merritt
Rich Merritt is an author, attorney, and LGBTQ+ activist who has led a remarkable life. He was born in Greenville, South Carolina, to fundamentalist Christian parents. He was in the Bob Jones school system from first grade through the university. He attended Bob Jones University for two years and in 1988 transferred to Clemson University. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and served as a sergeant and an officer, while also appearing in adult films. He graduated from the University of Southern California Law School and worked as a lawyer in California, Georgia, and New York. He published his memoir, Secrets of a Gay Marine Porn Star, in 2005. He has been featured on the cover of The New York Times Magazine, The Advocate, and Washington Post.
6. Family Relationships, BJU’s Control - featuring yours truly, Andrew Pledger
In this episode, I discuss my family relationships with Rachel Bernstein LMFT and delve into the controlling dynamics at BJU. This episode was originally published on the IndoctriNation Podcast w/ Rachel Bernstein.
7. Growing Up at BJU, GRACE Report - Erin Burchwell
Don't miss the intriguing story of Erin Burchwell, a Columbus-based artist who took a stand against Bob Jones University’s mishandling of sexual assault reports. Tune in on 🎙️ ‘Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism’ to hear about her brave journey of speaking out and seeking justice!
Erin Burchwell is a Columbus, Ohio-based florist, designer and illustrator. She grew up as a faculty kid at Bob Jones University. In 2014, Erin interviewed with GRACE, an independent ombudsman who reviewed the University’s mishandling of sexual assault reports. She and others chose to break their anonymity in the report when the school fired the GRACE team. BJU rehired the team and the damning report was released in December of 2014.
Reading the GRACE Report - Andrew Pledger
CONTENT WARNING: sexual abuse and victim blaming - Read the full GRACE Report here: https://www.netgrace.org/bju
In this episode, I read some highlights of the GRACE Report of BJU. In this updated episode, I add some of the recommendations section. The GRACE report is a 301-page report on the mishandling of sex abuse allegations at Bob Jones University. The report shows Bob Jones University responding to rape and abuse claims with woeful ignorance of state law, a near-complete lack of training in psychology and trauma counseling best practices, and an overarching campus culture that blames women and girls for any abuse they suffer, and which paints all sexuality-from rape to consensual sex-as equivalent misdeeds.