Join Lisa and John as they delve into the unique world of Christian Science. In this episode, Lisa recounts her visit to the Mother Church in Boston, providing an in-depth look at the history, beliefs, and practices of Christian Scientists. They discuss the church's inception by Mary Baker Eddy, its stance on medical care, and the complex blend of faith and healing that defines it. The conversation also explores the controversies surrounding faith healing and the modern-day decline of this fascinating and deadly religious movement.Watch Lisa's Full One-Woman Show – Only $10: 👉 Lisa Joins a Cult on Gumroad🎧 More from Lisa:🌐 Website: lisajoinsacult.com📘 Facebook: Lisa Joins a Cult📝 Blog: Lisa's Blog📸 Instagram: @lisa_vanarsdale🎙️ More from John:🔊 Podcast: The Cult of Christianity🌐 Website: jverner.com📸 Instagram: @johnmyronverner🧵 Threads: @johnmyronverner✍️ Substack: johnverner.substack.com
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S2Ep2: Swedenborgianism
In this episode, hosts Lisa and John explore the intriguing world of Swedenborgianism. They explore the theological vision of Emanuel Swedenborg, an 18th-century Swedish scientist who claimed to have visions of the spiritual realm. The discussion covers Swedenborg's ideas, his writings on heaven and hell, and the foundational beliefs of The New Church, also known as the Church of the New Jerusalem. Lisa shares her experiences visiting Swedenborgian landmarks in Pennsylvania, including a notable cathedral. They touch upon Swedenborg's influence on followers like Johnny Appleseed, Helen Keller, and Robert Frost, and discuss the complicated legacy and various branches of this unique Christian offshoot.🎭 Watch Lisa's Full One-Woman Show – Only $10: 👉 Lisa Joins a Cult on Gumroad🎧 More from Lisa:🌐 Website: lisajoinsacult.com📘 Facebook: Lisa Joins a Cult📝 Blog: Lisa's Blog📸 Instagram: @lisa_vanarsdale🎙️ More from John:🔊 Podcast: The Cult of Christianity🌐 Website: jverner.com📸 Instagram: @johnmyronverner🧵 Threads: @johnmyronverner✍️ Substack: johnverner.substack.com
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S2Ep1: Scientology
Join hosts Lisa and John as they dive into the world of Scientology. In this episode, Lisa shares her diverse experiences with Scientology, from her interactions with their recruitment efforts in New York City subways to a more in-depth visit to their well-funded Church in Times Square. Lisa reminisces about her house of worship day and her many run-ins with Scientology, including personal audits and a visit to the cult's epicenter in Clearwater, Florida.New co-host John, an accomplished journalist and host of "The Cult of Christianity" podcast, also shares his experiences investigating his local Scientology church. They discuss the cult’s tactics in recruiting members, the controversies surrounding its celebrity followers like Tom Cruise and John Travolta, and the oppressive experiences of Sea Org members. 🎭 Watch Lisa's Full One-Woman Show – Only $10: 👉 Lisa Joins a Cult on Gumroad🎧 More from Lisa:🌐 Website: lisajoinsacult.com📘 Facebook: Lisa Joins a Cult📝 Blog: Lisa's Blog📸 Instagram: @lisa_vanarsdale🎙️ More from John:🔊 Podcast: The Cult of Christianity🌐 Website: jverner.com📸 Instagram: @johnmyronverner🧵 Threads: @johnmyronverner✍️ Substack: johnverner.substack.com
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S1Ep8: The Amish
In this episode, Lisa delves into her immersive experience among the Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, known for its significant Amish population. Staying with an elderly Amish couple, Lisa explores the intricacies of the Amish lifestyle, emphasizing their strict adherence to traditional practices and their aversion to modern conveniences. Her intimate encounter provides a rare insight into the personal and community dynamics of the Amish, revealing the complexities and contradictio...
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S1Ep7: 12 Tribes
When Lisa embarked on her exploration of the 12 Tribes, what she encountered was a microcosm of communal living that operates at the intersection of Christian communalism and retro-hippie idealism, underscored by a unique self-sufficiency reminiscent of a Mennonite settlement. The 12 Tribes, with their self-governing ethos and economic reliance on internal businesses like the Yellow Deli, illustrate a potent example of how religious and communal identities can shape economic structures and da...
A show that explores the world of cultic organizations through real life encounters and lived-in research. Joins hosts Lisa VanArsdale & Syran Warner as they explore the world of secret societies, cults, & off the beat religious groups in an attempt to learn about their practices & culture.
South Africa