In this episode, Tamara names how high‑control religion—especially in its LDS expression—turns money, sexuality, and safety into tools of control, all in the name of obedience and love of the gospel. She weaves together whistleblower reports on LDS finances, mental‑health statements on worthiness interviews, and domestic‑violence research on strangulation risk to show that what many were taught was “faithfulness” was, in fact, systematic exploitation. You’ll hear about: Economic exploitation:Tithing as a de‑facto requirement for worthiness and temple access, taught to be paid before rent, food, or medical bills. The Bishop’s Storehouse as “help” that actually reinforces dependency and keeps financial control in the bishop’s hands.How this wires your nervous system to associate money with danger, shame, and power—even long after leaving.Sexual exploitation:Worthiness interviews where untrained bishops ask minors explicit sexual questions in closed‑door settings, documented in thousands of accounts and challenged by clinicians in the Mormon Mental Health Association. Why this is best understood as spiritual sexual abuse, especially for children already carrying sexual‑abuse trauma.Physical exploitation:How patriarchal teachings and “eternal marriage” messaging keep women in unsafe relationships, even when strangulation—a major homicide predictor—is present.Tamara’s own stories from abusive marriages, and how religious authority figures told her to return and “work on it” instead of prioritizing safety.Tamara then introduces Dr. Steven Hassan’s BITE Model (Behavior, Information, Thought, Emotional control) to show that this isn’t just “imperfect people”—it’s a high‑control system that owns every part of life. Finally, she offers gentle, nervous‑system‑aware practices to begin reclaiming: Your money (small “sovereignty” steps and new money scripts)Your body and sexuality (simple somatic affirmations: “This body is mine. My sexuality is mine.”)Your safety (naming strangulation as a lethal red flag, and honoring leaving as sacred stewardship)Your inner authority (a daily journaling question: “What do I know, deep down, that I’vSend a text If your nervous system feels tired—and you’re longing for a deeper, more embodied connection with the Divine—I’d love to invite you to my free Sacred Intimacy Snapshot. In just a few minutes, you’ll discover which area of intimacy in your life is asking for care right now—and you’ll receive a gentle four-part mini-course to help you tend what’s next on your journey. You can take it at innerlightcompanion.com The Art House of Sacred Becoming is a body‑safe, archetypal art journey for spiritually attuned women longing for deeper becoming. No art skills required! Join the interest list and receive a free Wise Woman Journal Prompt at ArthouseofSacredBecoming.com. 🌿 The Inner Light Companion is hosted by Tamara Ridge, LMFT — guiding spiritually curious souls into deeper connection, intuitive healing, and divine remembrance. 💌 Connect with me: Website & Guest Submissions: www.innerlightcompanion.com Spiritual Counseling: www.guidinglightspiritualcounseling.com Instagram: @innerlightcompanion 🎧 Subscribe for weekly stories, tools & reflections to help you reconnect with your inner light. However you show up on this path, your story is sacred. Let’s walk it together. 💫