Ep9: Fear, Doubt, and the Devil - How Religion Uses Control

Fear is one of the most powerful tools religion has ever used.

In this episode of the Unchurching podcast, Clint and Rachelle take a raw look at how fear, doubt, and the devil have been woven into church life as mechanisms of control. They share personal stories of living under judgment, explore the historical roots of fear in Christianity, and unpack the contradictions between theology and love.

This conversation is both deeply personal and deeply practical: how fear manifests in our bodies, how it affects our mental health, and how awakening is the process of remembering who we truly are. Listeners are invited to question inherited beliefs, embrace authenticity, and discover that real community is built not on fear, but on love and connection.

✨ Fear is baked into theology.
✨ You are free to question.
✨ Constructed fear can be deconstructed.

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🌀 Unchurching is for the spiritually curious, the deconstructing, and the awakening.

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🕒 Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Unchurching Podcast
02:35 – The Role of Fear in Church Life
05:21 – Personal Experiences of Fear and Judgment
08:45 – Theological Contradictions and Fear of God
11:21 – Historical Context of Fear in Christianity
14:27 – Fear Mechanisms: Hell and Spiritual Control
17:18 – The Devil, Demons, and Mental Health
20:18 – Awakening from Fear: A New Perspective
23:26 – The Journey of Self-Discovery and Authenticity
26:18 – Tools for Overcoming Fear
29:37 – Building a New Community and Identity
32:17 – Conclusion and Encouragement for the Journey