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May 30, 2025 48 mins

Toxic religious environments are more widespread, more covert, and more dangerous than many people realize. But what can Christians do to safeguard themselves and loved ones from being victimized by their own churches and potential cults?

To confront this growing crisis, Frank welcomes Anna Kitko, Chapter Director of Ratio Christi at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville, beEmboldened mentor, and an expert in coercive control and spiritual trauma. With deep insight into how abuse happens and how healing begins, Anna helps uncover the hidden patterns behind spiritual manipulation—and what to do about it. Tune in as she and Frank answer questions like:

  • What are the warning signs of a cult or spiritually abusive church?
  • What is the New Apostolic Reformation and why are these churches especially concerning?
  • What are the different types of cults and what's the largest cult group in the U.S. today?
  • What manipulation tactics do spiritual abusers use?
  • Why are even sincere Christians vulnerable to deception?
  • What is pseudodoxy—and how does it disguise itself as truth?
  • How can spiritual abuse harm your body physically, and not just your soul?
  • How do you escape spiritual abuse and how can we support others who need help?

Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation that could protect you or someone you love, and if help is needed, please contact Anna using the resources listed below.

Full-Circle Counseling & Wellness of East TN - https://www.fullcirclecounselingtn.com/

beEmboldened Ministries (virtual counseling) - https://www.beemboldened.com/

Ratio Christi at the Univ. of TN-Knoxville - https://bit.ly/3SZv7wx

Understanding Spiritual Abuse: What It Is and How to Respond - https://a.co/d/aRfouxK

Bully Pulpit by Michael Krueger - https://a.co/d/85I9C7P

Sons of Patriarchy - https://www.sonsofpatriarchy.com/

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