Faith on Trial: Hillsong

3.7 (340)
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Subscribe to Crime X+ today. From humble beginnings in a suburban Sydney warehouse to an international pentecostal powerhouse, Hillsong has changed the world around it, counting politicians, business tycoons and A-list celebrities among its true believers. Talking to one of those who has since turned her back on Hillsong, reporter Stephen Drill found himself asking: How did the church get so powerful? And is Hillsong really everything it claims to be? On his journey to find out the truth, Stephen follows the money, exposing disturbing claims of worker exploitation, complicated consensual sexual relationships and a culture where women are allegedly told to physically submit to their husbands. A ground-breaking eight-part investigation, Faith on Trial: Hillsong will leave you asking what you can believe in. Faith on Trial is hosted, written and produced by Stephen Drill and Andrea Thiis-Evensen. The executive producer is Dan Box. Go to faithontrial.com.au for more. Theme song: The Jordan Singers, By His Grace, 2022.

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Introducing - Faith on Trial: Hillsong

From humble beginnings in a suburban Sydney warehouse to an international pentecostal powerhouse, Hillsong has changed the world around it, filling stadiums with screaming congregations and counting politicians, business tycoons and A-list celebrities among its true believers. Talking to one of those believers, who's since turned her back on Hillsong, reporter Stephen Drill found himself asking: How did the church get so powerful? And is Hillsong really everything it claims to be? On his journey to find out the truth, Stephen follows the money, exposing disturbing claims of worker exploitation, complicated consensual sexual relationships and a culture where women are allegedly told to physically submit to their husbands. A ground-breaking eight-part investigation, Hillsong: faith on trial will leave you asking what you can believe in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21/02/2023

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4 min

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3.7

out of 5

340 Ratings

The guy narrating is annoying

05/09/2023

Stepho67980

The sound, inflections of the narrator and the sing-songy way he narrates the story is a bit patronising and sounds like he’s in high school. Just talk normally, dude. The content is okay though - but nothing in addition to what we already know about Hillsong.
Vindicating & compelling

23 Jan

NY Fireworks

As someone who is well versed with the politics of religion and the cooperate machine that crushes people that seems to come with it, for the first time I felt heard, even though it wasn’t my voice. Thought it was a well balance approach, while being respectful of religious beliefs. More compassion and understanding than I would have given. It was well researched, great audio and narration. It was also very respectful to difficult topics/interviewee’s. So greatful to have listened to this and understood I’m not alone, but saddened at the same time that I wasn’t the only one.
Nathan Wilson Mooloolah Valley s my

4 Jan

Nathan W MV Qld

Personally that was a 5 star Podcast.It provided a great insight to to the organisation. Im glad i went with my gutt feeling all those years ago after attending the Noosa Church a few times with my daughter.I saw personally the attraction that my daughter was drawn to.The music ,clapping and arm swaying.Give me a old school church any day .I was totally appalled by the church’s financial documents and figures.Shame on the Houston’s .Doing good is not to bring people down to make your organisation look better hence the volunteer situation i found disgusting. I believe Service is required in charity organisations but not when the cream is been skimmed . Top Podcast Guys Nathan Wilson Mooloolah Valley Qld I will be certain of one thing Any low ballers on the ratings are Church members once again Shame on you Hillsong
Clear and informative

12/09/2023

Ralph'smum

A great exploration of Hillsong’s contentious operations. It’s not “faith-bashing” but rather tries to untangle, in a simple and clear way, the individual and institutional behaviours which are criminal. Issues regarding financial crimes and sexual assault are dealt with and survivors are treated respectfully. Hillsong’s criminal dimension is paired with a culture which actively avoids accountability, and fosters continued bad acts. The cloak of the religious “moral high ground” gives them semi-protected status, when really it’s just another church sheltering tax-frauds and sexual predators. And Stephen and Andrea show us this clearly and concisely. Many Thanks and Bravo to all who spoke out!

Subscribe to Crime X+ today. From humble beginnings in a suburban Sydney warehouse to an international pentecostal powerhouse, Hillsong has changed the world around it, counting politicians, business tycoons and A-list celebrities among its true believers. Talking to one of those who has since turned her back on Hillsong, reporter Stephen Drill found himself asking: How did the church get so powerful? And is Hillsong really everything it claims to be? On his journey to find out the truth, Stephen follows the money, exposing disturbing claims of worker exploitation, complicated consensual sexual relationships and a culture where women are allegedly told to physically submit to their husbands. A ground-breaking eight-part investigation, Faith on Trial: Hillsong will leave you asking what you can believe in. Faith on Trial is hosted, written and produced by Stephen Drill and Andrea Thiis-Evensen. The executive producer is Dan Box. Go to faithontrial.com.au for more. Theme song: The Jordan Singers, By His Grace, 2022.