Surviving a Christian Religious Cult – Peter Young

Surviving a Christian Religious Cult – Peter Young

Author: Meli Solomon, the Talking with God Project June 22, 2023 Duration: 50:51
Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily Life
ReligionReligion & SpiritualityIslamJudaismSpirituality

Episode 42
Peter, author of Stop the Tall Man, Save the Tiger, describes his journey through a small Christian religious cult. Getting drawn in was not his intention, and he believes that no one knows they’re in a cult, just that they were in a cult. For Peter, the group was an unavoidable aspect of marrying the love of his life. Neither the cult nor his experience in the cult is what you would expect. The particularities of his faith story open the mysterious world of a cult, the common characteristics of the leader – narcissistic, charismatic, and manipulative – and the journey of survival. As Peter describes his long process regaining sanity and custody of his children, there is redemption in surviving, for which he is grateful.   

Highlights:
·      Peter Young’s life, work, and faith
·      The danger of the leader’s slow deceit and twisting of biblical text
·      Understanding that salvation stories are unique to each individual
·      The leader, Uncle Robert, influenced Peter’s marriage and family
·      Distinguishing a cult from a strong culture
·      Importance of faith in getting through tough times and not putting identity solely in a profession


References:
New Yorker, https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/07/12/what-makes-a-cult-a-cult

Social Media links for Peter:   
Website – https://www.authorpeteryoung.com
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbyoung/
Facebook – @Peteryoung32 
YouTube – @authorpeteryoung 
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Tall-Man-Save-Tiger-ebook/


Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript:    https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/13056749


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The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 

Comments?  Email  Méli – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project. 


Hosted by Meli Solomon of the Talking with God Project, Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily Life is a conversation about the practical realities of spiritual life. This podcast moves beyond abstract theology to examine how ancient traditions from Judaism, Islam, and other spiritual paths actually inform our modern routines, decisions, and relationships. Each episode delves into the nuanced spaces where belief meets action, exploring the challenges and rewards of aligning deeply held values with everyday behavior. You'll hear from a variety of voices discussing how they navigate this integration, whether through ritual, ethical choices, or community engagement. The discussions are grounded in real-life experience, focusing on the tangible ways faith provides meaning, fosters connection, and shapes identity in a contemporary context. Rather than offering simple answers, this series invites reflection on the ongoing, personal work of weaving spiritual principles into the fabric of daily existence. It’s for anyone curious about how others live out their convictions and seeking inspiration for their own journey toward a more coherent and purposeful life, all through thoughtful, accessible dialogue.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 101

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