S3 E20 Extreme Evangelicalism in the Modern Age

In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Cynane Shay, who shares her journey growing up in a fundamentalist evangelical Christian household. Cynane discusses the influence of her family's beliefs on her education, the impact of purity culture, and her experiences with the Institute for Basic Life Principles (IBLP). She reflects on her college years, the gradual shift in her perspectives, and how the pandemic played a role in her personal growth and understanding of her upbringing. In this conversation, Cynane Shay shares her journey of political disillusionment and the impact of conspiracy theories on her family dynamics.

She reflects on her inability to vote during the 2016 election due to conflicting beliefs about the candidates and discusses how her family's increasing obsession with Trump and conspiracy theories affected her perspective. The conversation delves into the rise of QAnon, the influence of COVID-19 on beliefs, and the challenges faced during her wedding planning amidst political tensions. Ultimately, Cynane describes her process of breaking free from indoctrination and finding clarity in her beliefs. In this conversation, Cynane Shay discusses the psychological underpinnings of conspiracy theories and cults, exploring how individuals seek order in chaotic environments.

She connects the rise of conspiracy beliefs to white Christian nationalism and the psychological control mechanisms at play. The discussion also touches on the decline of religious influence in America and the hope for a more rational future as more people move away from dogmatic beliefs.

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