All Episodes

December 21, 2024 68 mins
CW: CSA… Featured in “Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals” a new four-part docu-series exposing the pred*tory and insidious behavior within the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) Churches – survivor, Ruthy Heiler, shares her account of ab*se as a chiId at the hands of her bible teacher, Aaron Willand. Insidious efforts to cover up pastors’ ab*se, silence survivors, manipulation and suspected cover-ups of other members, Ruthy explains the troubling culture within the IFB, and the stronghold the churches have on its members. As well as her experience pursuing justice against her ab*ser. Watch this episode on YouTube Ruthy is the founding member of the Blind Eye Movement: https://www.instagram.com/blindeyemovement Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:55 Filming “Let Us Prey” 00:04:56 Ruthy's chiIdhood in the IFB 00:06:43 Positive memories in the IFB 00:07:01 Not so positive memories 00:10:17 Ruthy's family rules 00:12:47 Keeping sweet in the IFB 00:13:04 Changing churches 00:14:37 Did family rules change? 00:15:36 Ruthy's family's experience at the new church 00:17:07 Ruthy's sisters come back from the girls' home 00:19:25 Ruthy's mom's experience at the new church 00:20:27 Ruthy's job as a baby sitter for her ab*ser 00:22:27 Ruthy's ab*ser takes steps to get closer to her 00:24:55 How IFB teachings perpetuate ab*se 00:25:42 Ruthy's relationship with her ab*ser's family and their involvement 00:27:43 Lack of s*x education 00:29:09 Ruthy's mental health 00:30:03 When did Ruthy realize what happened? 00:33:28 Going to the police vs the church pastors 00:36:06 Ruthy and her mom go to the police 00:37:16 Timeline of events 00:40:43 Going to Washington for the summer 00:43:59 First court proceedings 00:47:49 The case in Michigan reopens 00:54:00 The Blind Eye Movement 00:55:14 The consistent issue of victims being turned away by church leaders 00:57:44 Should pastors and other church leaders be liable for knowing about and not reporting ab*se? 01:01:25 Where is Ruthy now? 01:02:43 Ruthy's future advocacy plans 01:04:08 Linda, listen Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.