In this episode, we visit Hillsong's mothership in Baulkham Hills so you don't have to! We unpack the atmosphere, the music, the offering, the supposed miracles, the sermon and the continued exploitation of volunteers. Join us as we reflect on the evolving, yet somehow still familiar landscape of the 'new' Hillsong and its diminishing impact on those of us who have left the faith.

Key takeaways:

1. Atmosphere and Scale: Hillsong's grand scale and corporate feel can be both impressive and overwhelming, reflecting its status as a mega church.
2. Volunteer Involvement: The church relies heavily on volunteers, highlighting the importance of community involvement in its operations.
3. Sermon Analysis: Pastor Robert Ferguson's sermon emphasized movement and miracles, but raised questions about interpretation and relevance for exvangelicals.
4. Cultural Diversity: The diverse congregation at Hillsong showcases the church's broad appeal and the changing demographics of modern Christianity.
5. Community Connection: Despite the large scale, the sense of community and belonging remains a strong draw for attendees.
6. Comparative Reflections: The visit prompted reflections on past church experiences and the evolution of evangelical practices.
7. Emotional Responses: The service evoked a range of emotions, from nostalgia to skepticism, among those familiar with evangelical culture.
8. Impact on Exvangelicals: The experience highlighted the ongoing influence of mega churches and their role in the faith journeys of those who have left.

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Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

Troy and Brian chat with journalist and author Claire Hoffman about her book Sister Sinner, which explores the life and mysterious disappearance of Aimee Semple McPherson, a pioneering figure in American evangelicalism and Pentecostalism. The discussion covers Claire's own upbringing in a transcendental meditation community and then explores the complexities of McPherson's life, her scandalous disappearance, and the impact of fame on religious figures. The conversation also reflects on the nature of celebrity, the challenges of historical narratives in religion, and the importance of embracing the complexities of human experience.

Links:

• Claire Hoffman – Author & Journalist
• Sister, Sinner
• Greetings from Utopia Park

Takeaways

• Claire Hoffman grew up in a transcendental meditation community.
• Amy Semple McPherson was a pioneer of modern evangelicalism.
• The scandal surrounding McPherson's disappearance was unprecedented.
• McPherson's life reflects the complexities of fame and faith.
• The podcast discusses the importance of historical narratives in religion.
• Outrage against public figures often overshadows their contributions.
• Celebrity culture in religion has deep historical roots.
• Hoffman's book aims to present a balanced view of McPherson's life.
• The conversation highlights the role of community in shaping religious leaders.
• Hoffman is working on a novel about a yoga sex cult.

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We're now on video on YouTube here.

Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here.

Our blog is here.

Join the conversation and connect with others here.

The transcript of this episode is here.

All our other links are here.

Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

Brian & Troy used to be loyal megachurch leaders. They’re not anymore. This podcast explores life in and after Christian Fundamentalism.

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We're now on video on YouTube here.

Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here.

Our blog is here.

Join the conversation and connect with others here.

The transcript of this episode is here.

All our other links are here.

Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.