How I left a Catholic cult: My story from Radical Traditionalism into the Gospel, and how I relate to God, the Church, and everything
Putting it all together for the first time on a podcast
Hi friends, for three years, I’ve cohosted a podcast called Pope Francis Generation, the lovegift of
seeking to reground catechesis in the love of God. It’s been intensely formative in my journey. And, in finding my own courage to own my own story.So here’s Paul and myself talking about cult dynamics, how I struggled to leave a cult and then find myself awash in many cult-minded spaces in the church, and my own loneliness over the last decade, trying to make sense of it all.
For probably the first time, I share a decision I made that cost me my identity, community, and family support. We discuss my struggle to reconcile my faith, and the fear-based control of my past, with a more freeing understanding of God. We talk about the importance of "truth stacking"—acknowledging multiple truths, even when we don’t like them. How my relationship with my wife and daughter helped me rediscover a loving, merciful God, contrasting with the harsh, judgmental image I was raised with.
Deconstruction is real, and reconstruction is can be messy. Come along on this conversation for about an hour. Find out why I refuse to live by fear - fear of God, fear of hellfire, fear of judgement… fear of the rising fundamentalism in the church. Plus, how God ‘got’ to me through an unlikely avenue: archaeology.
Check out Paul’s substack and his new show: Catholic Third Space. I’m honored to kick it off with him.
