Reconstructing Your Faith with Sarabeth Kapusta: Recent Episodes
Sarabeth Kapusta
Sarabeth is a survivor of over 25 years of abuse within a cult masquerading as a baptist church. Join her as she discusses deconstruction and the hope that lies beyond it in reconstruction. Episodes release weekly.
Thank you for listening! Here are some links I mentioned in the episode.
Please click here to subscribe to my Substack so you don't miss an episode or an article!
Link to Tenielle Neda's song What is my Hope
Episode 1 True Affirmations
Episode 2 True Affirmations
Episode 3 True Affirmations
Modern Reformation Article, Jesus the Second and Greater Adam
Romans 5:12-21
The Heidelberg Catechism: A Historical, Theological, and Pastoral Commentary by Dr. R. Scott Clark
As always, please feel free to reach out to me!
Email: Reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
Get full access to Reconstructing Your Faith at www.reconstructingyourfaith.com/subscribe
We are continuing in the True Affirmations series, and I released this a little bit earlier because I felt like it went along well with my Friday post: Engaging Our Stories Part 4: Two Things at Once
The next in the series will be released first week of December.
Contact: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
Get full access to Reconstructing Your Faith at www.reconstructingyourfaith.com/subscribe
This week, we are hearing MaKayla’s story of the last 6 years of recovering and healing following abuse in Potter’s Field Ministries.
In two week, I will pick back up with the True Affirmations series with our next section of the Heidelberg Catechism Question 1.
Thanks for listening!
Contact: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
Get full access to Reconstructing Your Faith at www.reconstructingyourfaith.com/subscribe
This week, I'm joined by my friend Makayla Ross, telling her story of spiritual abuse in a ministry that was not what it seemed.
Next week, we will hear part 2 of her story, and focus on the healing God has done in her life.
I love to hear from you! Please reach out: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
Get full access to Reconstructing Your Faith at www.reconstructingyourfaith.com/subscribe
I started this “True Affirmations” series a year ago, and then life happened, but I have been determined to get back to it, and here we are. I highly recommend going back to Episode 29 and listening to that first for a refresher.
Links I mentioned:
Heidelberg Catechism
Song—I am Not My Own
Thanks for listening!
Contact:
Reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
Get full access to Reconstructing Your Faith at www.reconstructingyourfaith.com/subscribe
I just loved my conversation with Sarah! We talked about her story of healing and freedom from the chains of boundary-less people pleasing, as she learned her identity as a beloved child of God. We even get a little poetry reading as she reads selections from her book, An Ocean Without: Learning to Embrace Boundaries
Sarah's Bio:
Sarah Steele is a spoken word performer with a knack for turning emotions into performances that make you laugh, cry, or question your life choices. Her poetry memoir, An Ocean Without, became an Amazon #1 Top New Release, proving she can turn complex ideas into relatable experiences—and, occasionally, into impulse buys. Sarah has written for many publications and serves as an editor for The Way Back to Ourselves. When she’s not writing or performing, she can be found wielding her teacher’s hat over students of all ages—including her four spirited redheads, who ensure her life in Michigan is anything but boring.
Sarah's website
Sign up for Sarah's emails (You want to; trust me!)
Buy Sarah's book on Amazon here
Things we mentioned during the show:
Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend
Elizabeth Elliot: A Life by Lucy Austen
Contact and Subscribe:
Thank you for listening, and if you want to reach out to me, please feel free to email me at:
reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
Please also consider subscribing to my substack! There, you will find articles that I write, as well as every episode of the podcast. You will not be spammed, but only alerted each time I write or post anything new!
Subscribe here: reconstructingyourfaith.com
Get full access to Reconstructing Your Faith at www.reconstructingyourfaith.com/subscribe
I'm back with guests this time! Episode 30 features Michael Lewis and Brad Kafer, hosts of The Reclamation Podcast. They both share their reconstructing faith story of how God worked in their lives to bring them rest and peace, as they healed from spiritual abuse and gained Gospel clarity. I had a great time talking with them!
Check out their podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-reclamation-podcast/id1747221237
Here's their website: https://www.thereclamation.info/
If you are not already subscribed to my Substack, please go to https://www.reconstructingyourfaith.com/, and sign up with your email! I have a couple articles up already, and am working on more.
Thanks for listening!
Get full access to Reconstructing Your Faith at www.reconstructingyourfaith.com/subscribe
I’ve decided to stop promising what the podcast schedule will be for now, but I am happy that I have this episode ready for you! In Episode 29, we’re exploring the idea of true affirmations and why it’s so important for us to replace the lies of spiritual abuse with deep and eternal truth.
Links:
True Affirmations playlists:
Spotify
Apple Music
The White Horse Inn Episode—Is God Useful?
Heidelberg Catechism with scripture texts
Be Thou My Vision devotional:
Amazon
Reformation Heritage Books
Valley of Vision
Contact
As always, I love to hear from my listeners, so please feel free to reach out!
reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
And please, if you have not already, subscribe to my Substack:
Reconstructingyourfaith.com
All podcast episodes and writing will be there!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.reconstructingyourfaith.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.reconstructingyourfaith.com
Here is the entire livestream of The Getty's Sing!An Irish Christmas from earlier this month. It's just so good, and I wanted to share with you as you think about what good news it is that Jesus, our Savior, was born! He is worthy of our worship!
https://www.gettymusic.com/christmaslivestream?fbclid=IwAR05ZqDcdu8eLHhp7Tas9fcksBATx7G2r5oIVJvpMKfOMlVyQTVK0vTPsw4
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus:
https://youtu.be/ez6QPDpgzXI?si=D7wSD1kLw_RlKf9q
Christianity and Liberalism: https://www.amazon.com/Christianity-Liberalism-J-Gresham-Machen/dp/1642894915/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1NDJYVXNIVMLH&keywords=christianity+and+liberalism&qid=1703187254&sprefix=christianity+and+%2Caps%2C1115&sr=8-3
The Heidelberg Catechism: https://students.wts.edu/resources/creeds/heidelberg.html
As always, please feel free to reach out!
Email: ReconstructingYourFaith@gmail.com
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.reconstructingyourfaith.com
I'm finally back and starting a new series! We are going to be doing a deep dive into Progressive Christianity and contrasting that with historic Christianity and why those of us who are recovering after spiritual abuse should watch out for progressivism as we reconstruct our faith.
I've got a lot of resources here for you:
Alisa Childers: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/225-frequently-asked-questions/id1260262855?i=1000635095795
https://alisachilders.com/
https://www.alisachildersblog.com/blog/heres-why-christians-should-avoid-the-teachings-of-richard-rohr
Michael Kruger: https://rts.edu/resources/what-is-progressive-christianity/
https://www.amazon.com/Commandments-Progressive-Christianity-Cruciform-Quick/dp/194925321X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2W40ACTL1VN66&keywords=The+10+Commandments+of+Progressive+Christianity&qid=1701815248&sprefix=the+10+commandments+of+progressive+christia%2Caps%2C722&sr=8-1
https://michaeljkruger.com/
Gresham Machen: https://www.amazon.com/Christianity-Liberalism-Anniversary-Gresham-Machen/dp/1955859108/ref=m_crc_dp_lf_d_t1_d_sccl_3_2/139-3720620-0486910?pd_rd_w=lYSqp&content-id=amzn1.sym.76a0b561-a7b4-41dc-9467-a85a2fa27c1c&pf_rd_p=76a0b561-a7b4-41dc-9467-a85a2fa27c1c&pf_rd_r=HW8MKDPNRDVAN0MSSSHG&pd_rd_wg=7JZPt&pd_rd_r=a38fcafd-2013-4f92-bd0f-466c1e54147d&pd_rd_i=1955859108&psc=1
The White Horse Inn: PDF summary of Christianity and Liberalismhttps://secure.whitehorseinn.org/special-offers/christianity-and-liberalism-100-years-later/
Beginning of the series on Christianity and Liberalism: https://whitehorseinn.org/resource-library/shows/shall-the-fundamentalists-win/
The Humble Skeptic: Is Faith a Feeling? https://shanerose.substack.com/p/is-faith-a-feeling?utm_source=%2Fsearch%2FWhat%2520is%2520faith&utm_medium=reader2
Theocast: Leaving Pietism https://theocast.org/leavingpietism/
Notes/references on Doug Wilson: Short article on his views: https://heidelblog.net/2022/10/federal-vision-qualifies-salvation-by-faith-alone/
Video critique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=cTD4_RIpzzg
As always, please feel free to reach out to me! The best ways to reach me are:
Email: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.reconstructingyourfaith.com
Today, I am talking with Emily Thomas of the Struggle Well School podcast (formerly known as Mom Struggling Well). Emily shares her story of escaping abuse and finding out that not only did God rescue her, but he wanted to restore and use her life to bless others. Her story is pretty incredible, and I think her podcast is great too!
You can find all of Emily's website, including links to her podcast and social media here.
As always, please feel free to reach out to me!
Email: Reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.reconstructingyourfaith.com
Back with a fun episode with guest Katie Koplin to discuss the Barbie movie.
Do yourself a favor and listen to the Freely Given podcast here, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Contact:
Email: Sarabeth.Kapusta@gmail.com
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.reconstructingyourfaith.com
Sarabeth is joined by Rebecca Davis and they discuss topics covered in book 2 of her Untwisting Scriptures series.
Resources:
Rebecca's website Here's the Joy
Rebecca's free guide to studying the Bible after spiritual abuse
Contact:
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
Email: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.reconstructingyourfaith.com
Sarabeth makes some comments on things that stood out to her while watching the new Shiny Happy People documentary.
She mentioned Bill Gothard's teaching on not giving a bad report. Read more about that here.
Rebecca Davis books on Amazon (She has 4 on Untwisting Scriptures and is working on a 5th right now.)
IG: reconstructingyourfaith
FB: Reconstructing Your Faith
Email: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.reconstructingyourfaith.com
Sarabeth and Rachel discuss various topics covered in Rachel's book, Beyond Authority and Submission: Women and Men in Marriage Church, and Society.
This is just a general overview of some of the topics that will be covered in future podcast episodes, so stay tuned for more, and feel free to reach out with questions, comments, or for more resources.
Links and Resources:
Beyond Authority and Submission
Theology Gals podcast
Contact:
I would love to hear from you!
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
Email: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sarabeth-kapusta8/message
Shane and Sarabeth continue their conversation on the topic of faith and Shane answers the question, What makes Christianity different than other religions?
Resources:
The Humble Skeptic
Contact:
Email: Reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sarabeth-kapusta8/message
Sarabeth interviews Shane Rosenthal of The Humble Skeptic Podcast. They talk about why it's problematic that many Christians seem to define faith as a blind leap, how this kind of blind faith can be manipulated and part of spiritually abusive environments, and how the Bible actually defines faith.
Link to The Humble Skeptic podcast here. (I recommend that you start with episode 1 and work your way through.)
Shane recommended the book Creed or Chaos by Dorothy Sayers, linked here.
As always, please feel free reach out. I love to hear from my listeners. I’m on Instagram @reconstructingyourfaith. Or, you may email me at reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
It's been a while, but I'm back with guest Todd Bordow to talk about Dominionism.
Check out the Kaisis podcast (This links to the first episode on Dominionism in the six part series.)
Contact:
Please feel free to reach out!
Email: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
We're still going along (not strong, but still here!) on the Advent themes! Today, it's all about Joy!
Please enjoy this version of Joy to the World by Keith and Kristyn Getty. I don't talk much about it on the pod, but I am a violinist, and particularly love Irish fiddling, and can't help but dance around when I listen to this.
Contact:
Please feel free to reach out!
Email: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
Continuing our behind schedule observance of Advent with the topic of peace this week!
Contact:
Please feel free to reach out:
Email: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
This week, we are diving into Advent over one week late, and it's ok! Resources: Intro to Eccelsiastes Come Thou Long Expected JesusContact: As always, please feel free reach out. I’m on Instagram @reconstructingyourfaith. Or, you may email me at reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
Y'all, the sound quality is bad this week. It just is what it is. Thanks for bearing with me as I figure out podcasting during nap times, timers going off on the stove, and dog collars jingling in the background...
This week, I am sharing my story (the nutshell version!) of breaking out of the bad ways of reading scripture I learned during my time in the cult that I grew up in, and what to expect as I start a new series on the podcast!
Recommended Sources:
Jen Wilkin's Women of the Word
Theocast recent episode on Biblicism
Contact:
An episode like this will naturally bring up questions for listeners, so please feel free to reach out with your questions!
Email: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
Today, we're joined by friend, and resident in counseling, Lisa Fox. We're discussing trauma, professional therapy, EMDR, and how this all fits in with our beliefs as Christians, especially after spiritual abuse. I recorded this episode earlier in the summer, and this is when I was still recording with baby Marigold, so please enjoy the baby sounds in the background.
Important note:
The mental health information provided in this episode is solely intended for informational purposes and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Consult with your provider before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. Lisa Fox is a Resident in Counseling practicing under the supervision of a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Resources from Lisa:
About EMDR: https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/
Getting Past Your Past: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Past-Your-Self-Help-Techniques/dp/1609619951
The Body Keeps the Score: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748
Guided Deep Breathing Exercises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYQsRBNYdPk&t=68s
Contact:
An episode like this will naturally bring up questions for listeners, so please feel free to reach out with your questions!
Email: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
This season, I am taking some concepts/topics from Season 1, and doing more of deep dive, especially some of the complex issues brought up by Episode 7: John. MacArthur Article Explained.
Today, I am joined by Pastor Todd Bordow of Cornerstone OPC in Houston, TX. We are discussing the very difficult and, at times, controversial topic of divorce in an abusive marriage.
Episode Resources:
Dissertation: http://kingdomkompilations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Dissertation-What-Did-Jesus-Really-Say-About-Divorce-2.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0lxi2VcYxSnCQfvx_rpioboDYUFrxuqD2HOPYK-_9u8ih1czSQ4DfXbuE
An episode like this will naturally bring up questions for listeners, so please feel free to reach out with your questions!
Kaisis podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fyw7tVenLh2aWdtzQJquW?si=4daf011a82574b8e
Email: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
Leave a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sarabeth-kapusta8/message
We are {finally} BACK with Season 2 of Reconstructing Your Faith. Thanks for joining us today!
Sources:
Threefold Use of the Law by Nathan W. Bingham (Ligonier Ministries)
Scripture:
Mirror (Rom. 3:20; 4:15; 5:13; 7:7-1)
Civil (Deut. 13:6-11; 19:16-21; Rom. 13:3, 4)
Reveals what will please God (Eph. 2:10). (Matt. 28:20) (Rom. 6:14; 7:4, 6; 1 Cor. 9:20; Gal. 2:15-19, 3:25), (1 Cor. 9:21; Gal. 6:2)
God’s Way of Peace by Horatius Bonar
Theocast-Rest In Christ: Leaving Pietism (Podcast audio) Leaving Pietism (Transcript)
As always, please feel free reach out. I love to hear from my listeners. I’m on Instagram @reconstructingyourfaith. Or, you may email me at reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
We've got another great episode with Audrey today! We do a little deeper dive into her faith and into a season of doubt in which Audrey explains some of the ways that her time growing up in a spiritually abusive environment informed how she felt about her questions and doubts, but ultimately, she faced her questions head on and found out that there were answers.
I wanted to make a little disclaimer for my listeners. Many of you, like me, can be quite sensitive when recommendations for particular pastors or leaders come up. In this episode, Audrey credits a YouTube video by Voddie Baucham called, Why You Can Believe the Bible, as having a big impact on her life. This podcast is NOT a discernment ministry, but I wanted to make a small statement that, in the past, and possibly even today, since I have not found statements to the contrary, Voddie Baucham has taught and aligned himself with teachings that have been used in heavy patriarchal circles, and participated in the "Stay at Home Daughter" movement. I do feel that I would be negligent if I didn't at least address the problematic side of some of his teaching, even if it is only in the past. The fact is, the Truth is the truth, and that video contained objective truth that helped Audrey in her time of doubt, so I was compelled to leave that part of her story in the episode. Christian leaders are still fallen humans, and we each have to be careful and use wisdom in discernment when listening to anyone teach the Word. But I wanted to at least clarify for the sake of my listeners, many of whom have been abused in circles that taught these heavily patriarchal teachings of things like the Stay at Home Daughter movement, I do not support this teaching, believe that it is extra-biblical, and can be easily used to spiritually abuse women.
It's also impossible to completely review any recommendation, so it should be noted that on this podcast, recommendations for resources do not necessarily equal a full endorsement.
Audrey made a lot of resource recommendations (she's great at finding resources!):
Voddie Baucham video
Michael Kruger
Women in Apoligetics
Os Guinness
John Lennox
Veritas Forum
Jason Lisle
Sean McDowell
J Warner Wallace
Phylicia Masonheimer
I wanted to add a few of podcast episodes from The White Horse Inn on the resurrection of Christ from earlier this year:
Six Minimal Facts
Resurrection Objections
Christ Is Risen Indeed
I would love to hear from you!
Please reach out:
IG: @ReconstructingYourFaith
Twitter: @FaithAfterAbuse
Follow on Facebook: @ReconstructingYourFaith
Email: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
If you would like to reach out to Audrey about resources, send me a message, and I will connect you.
I'm excited about today's episode! As you might remember, Audrey Yadon interviewed me for my first episode, and today, I get to interview her. What you are going to hear is a story of redemption in an unlikely circumstance. In part of one of our conversation, we discuss Audrey's experience growing up in the same cult that I did, how that affected her general perspective on God and the Gospel, and ultimately how she came to saving faith.
As with all of my episodes, the content is appropriate and clean, but it is potentially triggering and/or more mature and heavy in nature, dealing with issues surrounding abuse, so listen with caution around young ears.
I would love to hear from you!
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
Twitter: @faithafterabuse
Email: Reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
We're picking up where we left off in episode 6, finishing up this conversation about doubt in the life of a Christian. I hope this helps you get these kinds of conversations started in your community. You don't have to struggle through your doubts alone, and you don't have to stay in them, either.
Reach out:
email: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
This week, I am delaying the release of Part 2 of Addressing Our Doubts because I felt it was important to speak to the recent Roys Report article about John MacArthur's church, Grace Community Church. Next week, we will get back to our regular schedule and finish up my conversation with Pastor Greg Smith, but you can expect that we will have some episodes in the future dedicated to diving deeper into some of the theological points you'll hear in this episode.
For this episode, I am using the article as an outline, so if you haven't read it, you can find that here: Roys Report
Reach out:
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
Email: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
This week, we're diving right into the subject of doubt in a Christian's life and talking about some reasons why the issues of doubt and deconstruction are so prevalent today. We're interviewing Audrey Yadon's (she interviewed me in the first episode) pastor from Grace on the Ashely in Charleston, South Carolina.
A few weeks ago, Greg preached on a passage from Luke about John's doubts. Find that on YouTube here. (Sermon begins at about 22 minutes.)
Reach out:
email: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
Don't forget to rate and review!
Going back to church after spiritual abuse can be extremely difficult, and that's why I want to talk about it. In a variety of ways, many pastors and churches have and are failing to function in line with the standards of scripture, resulting in widespread abuse. This week we are chatting with my pastor, Bryan Rigg, about some of the basics of what a healthy and safe church looks like, why Christians belong in church with other believers, and God's heart for those who have been abused by pastors.
Reach out:
IG: @reconstructingyourfaith
Email: Reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
Sarabeth discusses the details surrounding her escape from the cult she grew up in, and how healing often comes in tiny, baby steps. She is celebrating 9 years of freedom from the cult this week. Resources: The Scars That Have Shaped Me by Vaneetha Rendall Risner Contact: IG: @reconstructingyourfaith Email: Reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
Sarabeth gets right to the point of one of the common results of spiritual abuse-- difficulty reading scripture. She gives 7 things to do when reading the Bible is a trigger.
Book Recommendations:
Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin
Ragged: Spiritual Disciplines for the Spiritually Exhausted by Gretchen Ronnevik
Reach Out:
Instagram: @reconstructingyourfaith
Email: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
Sarabeth discusses part of her own story and gives a definition of spiritual abuse, as well as some general signs and symptoms of a cult or controlling environment.
Book Recommendation:
Healing from Hidden Abuse by Shannon Thomas, LCSW
Reach out:
Email: reconstructingyourfaith@gmail.com
Instagram: @reconstructingyourfaith
Sarabeth is interviewed by her lifelong friend, Audrey Yadon, and they discuss some of Sarabeth's background and why she would like to talk about reconstructing faith.