Ep. #54 Beyond the Church Walls: A Former Reformed Baptist’s LGBTQ+ Awakening

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In this episode of the Cultimatum podcast, host Anonymous Andrew and co-host Melody engage with Brooke Baker, a former member of the Reformed Baptist Church. Brooke shares her experiences growing up in a community she believes exhibits cult-like characteristics, including strict control, isolation, and a lack of engagement with broader society. The conversation explores the theological underpinnings of the Reformed Baptist denomination, the impact of homeschooling, and the challenges of leaving such a tightly-knit community. Brooke reflects on her journey towards critical thinking and the stigma surrounding mental health within her former church. The discussion also touches on the absence of reported abuse, providing a nuanced view of her experiences. In this conversation, Brooke shares her journey of questioning her religious upbringing, particularly within the context of the Southern Baptist Church. She discusses the cognitive dissonance she experienced regarding core beliefs, such as creationism and Calvinism, and how these led her to reevaluate her faith. The discussion also touches on her personal identity, including coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and the challenges she faced with her family regarding acceptance. Brooke offers advice for those in similar situations, emphasizing the importance of exploring different communities and fostering open discussions about beliefs.

takeaways

• Brooke defines Reformed Baptist as a smaller, fringe denomination.
• The church was started by Brooke's parents, limiting her choice in involvement.
• The environment was strict, with a vague dress code and limited outside influence.
• Homeschooling was common, leading to a sheltered upbringing.
• Mental health issues were stigmatized, with a preference for spiritual solutions.
• Brooke began to question her beliefs during high school and college.
• The church did not practice shunning, but discomfort led many to leave.

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