Heaven Bent Heaven Bent+
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- History
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Explore the fascinating, mysterious, and sometimes dangerous world of evangelical Christianity, with host and creator Tara Jean Stevens. This documentary series focuses on different Pentecostal, and charismatic movements, one season at a time. Season 4 starts September 25th with a spotlight on the extreme beliefs and practices at the International House of Prayer, in Kansas City, Missouri.
In season 3, Tara Jean follows the Pentecostal spirit of revival to Nashville, Tennessee, where a once thriving church is up in flames and a mutilated body is found inside. In season 2, she examines the questionable teachings and spectacular spiritual practices of Bethel Church, in Redding, California. And, in season one, Tara Jean seeks to understand the “Toronto Blessing”, a movement she was raised in.
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S4E1: The 24/7 Prayer Room
They pray 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the return of Jesus. What could possibly go wrong? Join Tara Jean Stevens for her exploration of the International House of Prayer, in Kansas City, Missouri.
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S4E2: Rachael
Rachael Bailey was once on the cover of the Kansas City Star. The headline read: “Youth Cult”. But was it? This episode, Rachael shares her journey at the International House of Prayer.
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S4E3: Austin
God wanted Austin Williamson to be famous, according to some leaders at the International House of Prayer. Austin dishes to Tara Jean about his time on IHOP’s elite worship team, and his coming out journey.
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S4E4: Bethany
It’s 2012, IHOPU student Bethany Deaton dies in a shroud of mystery. Tara Jean explores what really happened and how it put IHOP’s spiritual practises, leadership and culture into question.
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S4E5: The Micahs
An exorcism? A false-murder confession? Rumours of a sex cult? Tara Jean explores the aftermath of Bethany Deaton's death. Also, a further spotlight on how IHOP leadership managed this crisis in their community.
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S4E6: Gracia
Gracia dedicated 6 years to IHOP’s 24/7 prayer room. But, she has grievances about her time there, especially when it comes to how they handled her sexual assault claim. Also, on the final episode this season, the surprising person who is coming to Gracia’s defence
Customer Reviews
Heaven bent
Signed up in January. No new episodes since. I will be canceling my subscription (money). Typical religious move. Money hoarders.
Healing
I needed this podcast. Thank you.
Great Podcast!
Tara Jean does an admirable job of balancing the many issues and over-indulgences with compassion but reason. We dabbled in the Toronto Blessing and saw it deteriorate from a spontaneous outpouring of religious fervour to an overwrought manipulation as people tried in their own strength to “keep the blessing going”. I have heard of Bethel and believe it also went off the rails from what were humble beginnings and a desire for sincerity. Our family has experienced the disordered thinking and “super religiosity” that the cult following inculcates in its unsuspecting victims. Many of the people involved need professional intervention, not a “super spiritual” escape to more unreality.