Episode 4 - Embedded Theology Welcome to another episode of the First Tuesday podcast! This week, April and DC sit down with Lyndon, a pastor of 30 years, a hospice chaplain of 13 years, and a Yogi meditation teacher, to unpack the deep-seated religious programming we inherit from childhood. If you’ve ever wondered why you still feel a lingering sense of guilt over secular music, or why taking a step back from your childhood church feels like losing a piece of yourself, this episode is for you. We dive deep into our Deconstruction Dictionary word of the episode, share some wild stories from the frontlines of conservative evangelicalism, and discuss the beautiful, painful process of hitting the reset button on your worldview. 📖 Deconstruction Dictionary: Embedded Theology Embedded Theology refers to the beliefs and values instilled in us throughout our childhoods that exert an unconscious influence on us, often surfacing under stress. These are the pre-critical, unexamined beliefs and habitual practices that become an intrinsic part of our worldview before we even have the chance to choose them for ourselves (as defined by religious trauma expert Carrie Doehring, PhD). 🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss: Lyndon’s Journey: Growing up as a minority Southern Baptist in Catholic South Louisiana, surviving a regressive seminary experience, and ultimately walking away from the Southern Baptist Convention after its conservative takeover. The Insulated Christian Bubble: How growing up in evangelicalism insulates you from the outside world, dictating everything from who you vote for to the music you listen to (and why toys like Masters of the Universe were suddenly deemed "demonic"). Why People Stay: Unpacking the heavy reasons people remain in toxic religious environments, including the fear of hell, the threat of social isolation, and the "martyr syndrome" of staying to try and fix a broken system. Women in Ministry: A candid look at the SBC's historical and recent doubling down against women pastors, the deeply ingrained patriarchal teachings of fundamentalism, and the trauma it leaves behind. The Grieving Process: Leaving your church often means losing your primary social circle. We talk about how to mourn that loss, re-evaluate the "infallible" texts you were raised with, and build a new, authentic community. 📚 Resources & Mentions First Tuesday Book Club: We are currently reading A Well-Trained Wife by Tia Levings. Grab a copy and read along with us as we unpack the fine line between fundamentalism and extreme control. Local Community Plug: If you are in the Alexandria, Louisiana area and looking for a safe, grounded community, check out Lyndon’s CenLa Meditation Group. They are celebrating their 15th year and meet every Tuesday at 6:30 PM at the River Oaks Square Art Center (on 2nd Street). Beginners are always welcome! Connect with Us!If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who might be navigating their own deconstruction journey. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!
