As someone who went to BJU and has since left the faith for personal and intellectual reasons, I don't feel that this is the best representation of our cause. I fear this podcast will easily function as more ammunition for the fundamentalists to invalidate our position. I suggest getting more reputable speakers (eg public figures/doctors/lawyers and otherwise credentialed and successful people who went to BJU) on here and keeping to the content objective, robust and evidence based, and not lopsided.

So monotone and boring. I shut it off after about 30 Minutes. Easily the worst one I’ve listened to.

This podcast is not really worth your time. There are far better podcasts about cults out there where the arguments are better formulated and the presentation is informative and entertaining. This is really just a cathartic podcast for people who are already angry at Bob Jones University and is not very educational for people outside the so-called cult. Seems more like a poorly put together thesis statement instead of an actually good podcast. Most of the stories are truly disturbing and showcase terrible things about the university, but most of them don’t actually support the proposition that BJU is a cult. I’m glad these victims get an opportunity to make their voices heard. Overall, however, it’s a pretty bad podcast and I applaud anyone, who doesn’t have experience at the university, for being able to listen to the whole thing.

For almost a century BJU has hidden behind their walls and gates of secrecy and control. Now the digital age has eroded the absolute control the school has on students, faculty, and graduates. This podcast is an instrument of shining a light on the dark and corroded “city upon a hill” and exposes the sinister foundations and traditions of a manipulative and controlling institution.

If I could give this podcast a zero I would. His tone is very boring and sounds like he is trying to sound out words. A lot of his issues are basic Christian beliefs, not just BJU.

I grew up in the IFB circle that funneled into BJU, so many of the stories that Andrew and his guests tell resonate closely with me. Andrew did a fantastic job researching for this podcast and had a wide variety of amazing guests. I appreciate Andrew using the term “survivor” throughout the podcast, as that is exactly what anyone who survives a Christian cult is. I hope Andrew continues to make great content like this podcast!

I learned so much, and admire you and the brave folk that came forward to make this Podcast series with you.

I love documentaries, and I also love topics like these. But I have some issues with this. First, it’s boring, dull, dry, and he sounds like he’s trying to sound out the words half the time. The delivery is just awful. He sounds like he’s just reading from a script he’s never read before. Did he even try to prepare ahead of time? Do a run through? Second, even though the interviews are (thankfully) less boring and monotonous, both the interviewer and interviewees make a lot of speculative statements, which are clearly meant to lead you to a certain conclusion. Maybe that conclusion is right, or maybe it’s not, I don’t know. But a lot of the discussion was just speculation and conjecture. Compelling stuff. 🙄 Third, some of the stuff that was mentioned that was supposed to be part of why BJU was so bad, is stuff that is not exclusive to BJU. It’s the position most Christians have because it’s what the Bible says (I.e. homosexual relationships being sinful). Which should’ve been differentiated, because, are you trying to explain why you think BJU is so bad, or Christianity in general? Or both? You gotta pick. You can’t just rant against random stuff. If you think Christianity is okay, but want to expose all the wrong BJU does in the name of Christianity and the things they do that aren’t biblical, then do that. If you don’t like Christianity at all and think it’s wrong? Then BJU is kinda beside the point. Third, this guy is clearly biased. And because of that I feel like I can’t fully trust what he’s saying. His goal is to convince, not inform. I’ve never been to BJU, I’ve never known anyone who went there. I’m aware it’s a pretty messed up school with a lot of incorrect teachings and maybe it is a cult, but I’ll wait to make up my mind about that until someone can explain the facts in an interesting, logical, unbiased way.

Thank you so much for the time and research you have put in to this podcast. As someone who is in their 60’s, I have had a religious journey of Catholicism, Campus Crusades For Christ, Missouri Synod Lutheranism to ELCCA Lutheranism. All of them fostered exclusion of anyone who did not follow their version of life. At this point of my life, I have chosen to live a Christian life without a church family that prevents me from living as such. I thank you and respect you for your bravery.

Thank you for your courage and steadfastness in sharing this painful information. The rampant manipulative tactics of those in control, not only of religious organizations, but groups in general, need to be brought up, so that more people can become aware of their slow to burn modus operandi, and avoid becoming victims themselves. Keep up this important work.

This podcast is so well done. He even has a very therapeutic voice that I can just listen to and listen to. The content is interesting and accurate and it’s bringing attention to a real problem within the IFB cult. Thank you Andrew.

Incredibly boring! and obviously not an unbiased opinion. Hosted by a person who wants revenge

Poor guy should’ve paid someone to do this podcast. It’s unbearably boring.

In another life, I attended Pensacola Christian College for a semester. Looking back, I felt it was a cult. Hearing about BJU, sounds very similar if not identical to what PCC was like. I appreciate walkng through what makes it a cult, and unpacking the dysfunction similar to what I experienced in my time at PCC.

I have lived 45 min from BJU most of my like and I knew they were a bit different, but I had no idea about the North Korean style rules and demerit system and so forth. Very good listening.

I came across this podcast series via a Julie Roys article that I read on her website regarding Bob Jones University. First of all I want to thank Andrew for making this podcast series and for the time he took to interview and record all the guests he brought on his show. I can’t imagine how emotionally traumatizing it must have been for him as well all the others who suffered the indignities inflicted upon them by staff members at BJU. Many of the interviews are revealing and insightful of life on the BJU campus and I can’t imagine anyone else going out of their way to expose all the issues that plague this university. However I hesitate to give this series five stars for TWO main reasons: (1) one of the most frustrating part 0f this podcast series is the abrupt manner in which interviews are suddenly cut off in order to transition to another segment and while I can partially understand why Andrew needs to do this I think there are so many other ways these transitions can be done smoother. (2) this is a minor complaint but it ties to the first part. I think many of these clips can be vastly improved by the inclusion of some music or soundtrack in the mix, this to me can help with those abrupt transitions that I complained about earlier. Overall despite these few issues I have I highly recommend this podcast series to anyone who is interested in these topics about Christian universities and the abuses that goes on in them.

Dear Andrew, thank you for sharing your story and the stories of other survivors of the BJU cult. I have several more episodes to listen to, but the episodes that I’ve listened to have made me feel better. Even though I thought I was alone in my struggles with depression, anxiety, thoughts of ending it all, the stress, the shame, and the fear, I really wasn’t alone. Many of us suffered in silence. Attending BJU between 2004 - 2007 was one of the worst experiences of my life. This podcast brings healing to those of us who survived the abuses of the BJU cult.

People who are involved in this podcast or broken people who I have tremendous empathy for, however, this approach only appeals to haters.

I wish I could give more than 5 stars. Andrew did so much research on the organization , but also cults in general and high demand religious groups specifically. This is beyond well done. I love how he took so much time to accurately and concisely share information about the different topics and tie them together in such an enlightening and engaging way. You’re making a difference - keep it up!

Andrew has researched the history and the present with meticulous precision. The voice and spectrum of survivors are heard and professionals and insiders provide context. This is a journalistic masterpiece. It is also hope for those who are still see themselves as trapped in the system.

With an over saturation of audio content today, I really enjoy hearing authentic stories of substance. I’ve been listening to Andrew’s podcast and I admire his bravery in telling his story. I hope it inspires others who are in his position or come from similar backgrounds to break away from the bondage of religiosity and live life freely — the way God intended. I highly recommend taking time to give his podcast a listen.

Interesting interviews with a great sampling of those that were subjected to so much trauma at the hands of those in leadership at *The World’s Most Unusual University* Thank you for your work, Andrew!

Fascinating! Especially how the definition fits many aspects of cultures. We’ll done!

Andrew Pledger has taken on a major project and described in detail the effects and harm done by a high control system like Bob Jones university. Andrew explores the history of the school and traces the present day culture back to its historical roots, opposed to modernism, integration and women’s equality. Andrew exposition is thorough, the best parts however are his interviews with fellow students. Together the stories paint the bleak picture of abuse and outright cruelty when finding oneself in the outgroup of a high control religious system.

I’m a 1992 graduate of BJU, and this podcast accurately tells what the BJU world is like. My heart breaks for those who have been most hurt, and this podcast honors them their stories. It is well worth a listen.

I graduated from a school in OKC called Christian Heritage Academy who was founded by a BJU mega fan and IBLP disciple (I was in class w 3 of his grandkids, he had over 50?). It was a thoroughly traumatizing experience that had me so disoriented when I left and, thankfully, went to public college… which opened up a lot of doors to unlearning and understanding about myself and feelings of “not fitting in” or being “different.” This is a life saving podcast. So informative, tysm.

Although I never went to BJU or any Christian college it is something that is very familiar as family members have gone to BJU, Maranatha Baptist and Patrick Henry College. I love that you are deep diving into the cult that this college is and shedding much needed light on thus un plain sight cult that has caused so much damage.

I graduated in 2013. I did NOT have a bad experience there, but I know several who did. This podcast sheds light on what’s wrong with BJU.

What’s interesting about this podcast is not just that it’s well researched and well-executed. It’s informed by a creator who grew up in a different ecosystem (Hyles-Anderson), where BJU is a bit too liberal. It’s refreshing to hear from someone who spent a few years at BJU, but wasn’t a lifer. Yet the conclusions are very much the same.

This podcast is very well done. I came very close to attending BJU and I am so glad that I didn’t. Bob Jones University is run like a paranoid boot camp that provides an “education” that may not be recognized by other educational institutions. Also, the fact that students are required to be in a dormitory where they are spied on by other students and even their own roommates is an indication of the level of paranoia and attempted mind control BJU is known for.

Wow! This podcast is so good. It's like a documentary but more personal. The wealth of information provided, regardless of whether you went to BJU or not, is absolutely mind-blowing. It's eye-opening to learn about this cult and how it gives context to numerous political issues in our society today. By shedding light on the dangers of fundamentalism, this podcast offers a deeper understanding of the world around us. An absolutely captivating and enlightening listen.

I (M 56) graduated from BJU nearly 35 years ago and still have nightmares about being forced to go back there. The experience of being a student there has messed me up for life. It’s great that the truth about the place is being told.

I’ve just finished Andrew Pledger’s first episode about the history and politics of this bizarre but relatively insignificant fringe institution. The quality of the production is professional and the hosts and guests are entertaining and knowledgeable. They and Andrew shed light on the delusions that fundamentalism and BJU require. Can’t wait to listen to the rest of the series!

Thank you so much Andrew! ❤️

The stories here are so chilling in an odd way. This abuse mentioned is so subversive and psychological that I couldn’t stop listening. Such a wonderful breakdown of a modern cult! I hope this school goes out of business for good!

As a woman who grew up IFB, complete with A.C.E. and then Abeka curriculum in small homeschooling group schools through my childhood, I was not prepared to rebel against my parent’s college decision for me at the age of 18. Instead, I did so dramatically once I graduated BJU after encountering some medical emergencies. 20 years after being shunned (although this was a gift), I’m still deconstructing. Generally I feel isolated and alone in this process, since surprisingly few of my childhood acquaintances have publicly denounced the subculture in which we were raised. I’m so glad I found Andrew’s work. Andrew’s bravery and depth of research, with bold willingness to confront painful triggers of his own, is such a powerful expression of care and compassion. For myself, and I’m sure many others, BJU was the culmination of a lifetime of agency and autonomy being forcefully stripped away, while having little social support. I appreciate immensely Andrew’s ability to recognize that he was not alone or at fault in what happened to him, and to immediately begin to create recognition and community for those of us who were ostracized or made the choice to leave the extremism behind for one reason or another. I have only been able to listen to a couple of the episodes so far and it is providing me the ability to piece together aspects of my past in such a way that I can more directly heal that trauma years later. Thank you, Andrew, for your work!

Hats off to Andrew Pledger for putting together such a great series! I’m thoroughly enjoying my listen through of the Patreon Early Access release. Pledger’s in-depth research and firsthand accounts paired with thoughtful interviews from other survivors - as well as professionals from outside BJU - form a chorus of voices bringing to light the reality of BJU. As someone who attended a similar institution in the IFB movement, it is extremely validating and gives me such great hope for those not only who have already left but also for those within who are struggling and questioning. I have no doubt this series is going to stir the fundie pot and be a positive force for change and enlightenment.

I attended BJU and received both an undergraduate and graduate degree. Then I worked on staff there for 12 years. Our first three children were born at Barge Memorial Hospital. We left in 2001. By far this is the most controlling and self righteous organization that passes themselves off as an institution for higher learning. This podcast details the control that the university exercised over their students and employees.

Andrew Pledger has outdone himself! To everyone who shared their stories, THANK YOU!! ❤️