Harmful Practices Inside Hillsong Megachurch EXPOSED

[@bryankm2]

Conversion therapy is disgusting. I love how the pastor told you that you shouldn’t have gone to college and learned critical thinking 😂 When critical thinking is the enemy, you need to re-evaluate your position.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

100 percent!!! Thanks for tuning in, Bryan!

[@Timmeh_The_tyrant]

But progressive coversion the other way is totally ok right? Especially with minors right?

[@bryankm2]

@@Timmeh_The_tyrant you lost? Seems like you might’ve wandered into the wrong comment section. Not sure what you’re talking about as no one here has alluded to anything about progressive politics. I suggest a Daily Wire video or maybe something by Jordan Peterson.

[@Ripdric]

​@@bryankm2but what do you mean by 'do' or 'mean'. Jordan B 'what do words mean' Peterson. Have a good day Bryan sorry the zealots gotta screech!

[@tinyybiceps]

@@Timmeh_The_tyrant Man I always hear this point. Why is it this type of person who always says something like "have fun in your echo chamber", when your news feed is probably constantly feeding you misleading and false articles based on an opinion that you take as gospel. Yknow, instead of actual statistics or science. Nobody is making the kids turn gay or transgender buddy.

[@DarthxErik]

What particularly reverberated with me is when you described that NO ONE from the church visited you in the hospital. I belonged to a church that used Hillsong much like a template, and when my mental health plummeted, when I began questioning, when I became aware that I had suffered trauma and that I needed help, I left that church and no one ever reached out or asked about me, unless it was to try and get me to return. No one was a true friend after 15 yrs of growing up in it--not one true friend, apart from the ones I reconnected with later who were also queer and questioning, feeling alone. Those environments do not encourage questioning so when you begin to question, it feels unsafe to express that openly, so I had to leave quietly and so many others before and after me did the same thing. Luckily, we all find each other once we're out.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi there! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I think it really helps people to see that they aren't alone in their suffering. I'm so happy to hear that you found help and support elsewhere. Thanks for tuning in!

[@msbeecee1]

Similar thing happened to me...left my church/school environment in a crisis and NO ONE reached out to me...These were people who claimed to be Christian and were studying to be therapists!!

[@MelussinasSong]

Were you raised JW?

[@suzannep]

51:45 This point that you made is so important, making it clear to people that as queer people we have mental health crisis not because we are LGBTQIA2S+ but because of the way we are mistreated and marginalized. In the cult I grew up in they taught that homosexuality CAUSED depression and suicidality, I believed it for so long because I knew that I was extremely depressed and suicidal, so I assumed it must be true. But eventually as a teen I started to realize what made me feel that way was being spoken about in such abusive terms and being told I didn't deserve to enter the kingdom if I didn't get rid of my "sins" of being attracted to the "wrong" people. I now realize just how much hate speech I was exposed to in that cult, and how much hate there is in society, on news, from politicians etc. It wears on you. But when I am in queer spaces or among completely accepting and supportive allies I don't feel that huge anxiety and depression until I remember the hate and violence perpetrated against us. It is the abuse that makes us suffer with poor mental health.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi Suzanne! Thank you for sharing this. I completely agree and I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Such an important distinction here.

[@alterego2978]

This!!! This is the thing that so many people fail to understand.

[@thisbeem2714]

It sickens me. It is so far from what Jesus taught. I mean, he sat with the outcasts. Also, in none of the four gospels does Jesus ever mention homosexuality. Not one. Weaponizing Christianity makes me sick.

[@tiryaclearsong421]

One thing that really kills me about this is that even within their own argument, nothing they are doing makes sense. So I have a chronic health condition that has depression as a common symptom and I have depression. I have even been suicidal before I was diagnosed and started treatment and I have to regularly be checked to make sure it isn't coming back. Like what would this group say to me? Don't be born with a genetic condition and you won't be depressed? Should I have succeeded in disappearing in their eyes? There is literally no cure, only management so I will always have this struggle for reasons completely outside my control. Maybe if I just pretended I wasn't sick I would never be depressed. Like exactly wtf do they think they're accomplishing here?

[@thisbeem2714]

@@tiryaclearsong421 so true.

[@JHabc]

This was great. Naomi’s identification as a “religious trauma survivor” gives me language to identify an experience none of the years of therapy I have had has been able to address. Also, just the idea to ask a church directly if they will marry a same-sex couple or hire an openly queer person as a way to find an accepting community rather than being drawn into something that means to destroy who I am.

[@amde8554]

Definitely

[@emmawoolley9021]

all of the guests on her channel are so well spoken and eloquent. as an ex mormon, every time i’ve ever had conversations like this and try to tel my story, i get so tripped up with my words, lose trains of thought, have a hard time organizing my thoughts, all sorts of stuff like that. none of her guests ever do that and i am always so impressed

[@emmawoolley9021]

like the words theological and secular? i would never in a million years be able to just casually toss those in a conversation without really thinking about it and selecting those words aha

[@helenr4300]

Churches that see mental wellbeing as a spiritual matter cannot comprehend how to deal with mental ill health. My sister experienced this, her closest friend in the church dropped her after my sister said she was not ready to go back to church. Basically the leadership view was come to church and pray and end of problem. I have encountered a local big church (looked on as good for having the big auditorium full of students etc) who sold a booklet by their pastor saying that psychiatric and psychological care are of Satan, because Yung and Freud were 'anti God'. Basically he had a tough life and didn't need therapy so noone should. He claimed that depression is simply self pity!! As a church minister with a bipolar diagnosis I am constantly trying to counter all this theologically dodgy rubbish.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Wowwww! That’s wild!! So harmful

[@danielleroberts6334]

I went to an evangelical Pentecostal church from 8-18 and I can totally sympathize with being terrified of the rapture. If I was home alone for too long I would freak out thinking the Raptured happened and I was left behind. I would call my sister (the holiest person I knew). When she picked up I would know that the rapture didn't happen.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Woah, that sounds terrifying!

[@danajones6907]

That! And why can't we read the Bible in context? I have to wear skirts why? Because we use it to separate ourselves from the world. Why don't males have to separate themselves? I can't cut my hair because it's my glory. Men don't have glory? Sorry for the angry rant. United Pentecostal preacher's kid from birth to the present and I just can't anymore.

[@lauratejeda8188]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@connieash1110]

I just started viewing your podcast last week. OMG!!! I am so intrigued by the stories. At almost 60, I spent 55 of those years terrified of burning in hell. This past 5 years since I took eternal hell off the table have turned into at times a living hell. The fear of losing the church community, family, and friends has been a dark place to walk through. However, I have never felt SO FREE TO BE ME. I have been extremely encouraged by Mormon Stories, Ex-mo Lex, (She's where I found you) and many others. Thanks for what you are doing.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi Connie! Welcome!! You made my day. I'm working on scheduling a collab with John at Mormon Stories actually! YES! GO BE YOU!

[@headfangs]

Hillsong is like a lot of contemporary churches who are aware that socially it's unacceptable to be outright against LGBT people, so they offer a "soft" kind of homophobia/transphobia. One tell for these kinds of places is that if you ask what their position on LGBT people is, they say they're "welcoming to everyone," as Chris Pratt himself said about Hillsong. "Welcoming" only means they'll let you inside the building-- that they won't immediately kick you out for having gay attractions or being trans, they might even be "kind" when you tell them about it. But rest assured, they don't view you any different from a thief, or a drug addict who needs to repent for your "sins." If you are LGBT and searching for a church, don't accept anything other than complete acceptance. Not "welcoming," not even "tolerance," acceptance. (Though in my experience, atheism is a whole lot simpler...)

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Absolutely! This is the same for Mormonism as well

[@iimezimouseii3024]

I can really relate to the “end of days” trauma especially in my early childhood. Me and my boyfriend are both former pastor’s kids in the Black Church and we both realized there were long stretches of months where we wouldn’t get good sleep because we were having horrible nightmares stemming from this theology. I still get them and I’m 22😭

[@msclaudiarosales]

Honey you get terrified because your sould screams the truth & you know you are headed for eternal condenmation if you do not repent of fornication. Run to Jesus. He still forgives. But repent & turn from your sin and find mercy & grace.

[@iimezimouseii3024]

@@msclaudiarosales If Jesus is so loving why fear him? And how can you have a relationship with someone who you pretend to like because you fear hypothetical situations out of your control? I choose to have a relationship with Jesus but I don't believe in heaven or hell, religion is just a way to make sense of the world and get through hard times. And on this earth, I will fornicate until my ushy gushy moose-knuckle grip of a cooch can't take it no more.

[@queenmotherhane4374]

@@msclaudiarosalesYou aren’t helping here. You’ve wandered into the wrong comments thread.

[@justkiddin84]

@@msclaudiarosalesWhat the…wow. Way to help her not have nightmares. 🙄 You are welcome to your beliefs, but turning toxic on folks having pain is NOT helping them.

[@justkiddin84]

It’s hard enough living in this mess of a world with the threats to us that surround us. Faith should supply comfort and community. I hope the dreams will stop. If not you may need some trauma therapy. ♥️✌️

[@gensoriano]

I was a part of a Christian Church that's very similar to Hillsong. It's so comforting to hear it from someone else how pastors/leaders forcing people to change their identity and masking it with lines like identifying as "child of God", also how they're not taking mental health seriously is veryyy damaging. Another part I really relate to is how you're basically given all these responsibilities at church as a volunteer that it's taking too much of your life. That although they're not isolating you from the world, it's almost becoming a huge part of your life that you lose connection outside of church. Thank you so much for doing interviews like this ❤️

[@misterdiffiCULT1]

This one was phenomenal. I went through VERY similar things and learned to stick up for myself. Had this one missionary who "sat me down" for the "have you truly given the Lord your God your entire mind" speech and my past pastor asking, "Well, why is it that you still say you're gay?" Funny, his wife is a HUGE supporter of my journey. Kind of yin and yang for you.

[@plantinghope5193]

I saw Noemi in the documentary. She is well spoken and I'm sure she's an inspiration to other people finding there way in the shame-maze that is so common in these types of churches ❤

[@CultstoConsciousness]

I agree! She’s amazing!

[@kimberlyguerra4283]

Thank you for sharing this important story. I am a woman who was raised up in a very conservative evangelical christian tradition. I started seeing the cracks in the teachings as a teen and when I raised questions, I was told to just be quiet and listen. I stayed in the church for two more decades because I was not strong enough to break the ties, but eventually one of the main reasons that I left the church was its lack of acceptance of queer people. So many of my fellow parishioners preached love but modeled hatefulness with the LGBTQ+ community. I could not tolerate this hypocrisy any longer. I am now in my 60s and while I am no longer involved with the organized church, I still have faith and am a strong ally of those who have been rejected by the church. Stories like this break my heart, but are also encouraging as people are standing up and living authentic lives. Y’all are doing good work with this podcast/vlog. Again, thank you!

[@michellehabza2290]

Religious Trauma Survivor....those words just hit me. So much of your story is familiar but I come from a different religious organizational background. My memories and heart hurt again when you tell of sitting down with your pastor and them turning against you and using your father, ugh. It is so familiar. It is hard when you are raised to believe these people have your back but are only self serving. Thank you Naomi for sharing and thank you Shelise for all you do to share how people with true love and faith in their hearts rise above and survive and thrive! Sending love, always!

[@hilarymol6607]

I'm late to discovering this channel, but It popped up out of the blue on random today. I'm a member of the LGBTQIA "alphabet mafia" (we're adding so many letters that I've been known to lose track, so it's easier to just refer to it as the alphabet mafia in my middle-aged brain fog) and was drawn in immediately to this podcast/video. Both you and Noemi are absolutely stunning human beings who are making this world a better place, making use of the voices you were given. You've both found a way to get past feeling like you're just uselessly shouting into a void, instead discovering an avenue that allows both of you to amplify what you have to say, conquering the void and enlightening everybody who happens to be anywhere near where the void USED to be. Thank you for hosting this channel, and this podcast in particular. It's such an important topic, especially since Noemi is a minority inside a minority inside a minority (woman, LatinX, queer) who was done SO wrong by the "christian" churches she both grew up with and found as an adult. I applaud her for finding her voice and standing up to the leaders of the church, especially the bit where she went what we refer to on my mom's side of the family as "going Full Metal Gertrude" - my mom's mother, Grandma Trudy, was not someone you messed with if she was in the right and she knew it, and especially if she knew YOU knew it, too. Noemi saying "oh, no, I'm not asking for permission. I'm TELLING you what's happening here." GO NOEMI. And while I'm at the whole speaking my mind thing, let me just say that you're very well spoken, you have your topic well-prepped and well-thought out, and you exude a warmth and compassion that is sadly so rarely seen these days. I appreciate the way you've put your channel together. I have a lot of female role models in my life, and a lot of women I'd like to be when I grow up. I've just added both of you to that list. I'm glad YT randomly added your video to my "check it out" list today. I've happily subscribed to your channel. ❤

[@msclaudiarosales]

Mark. 8 Verses 34 to 38 [35] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. [36] For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

[@queenmotherhane4374]

@@msclaudiarosalesGo away.

[@Aelffwynn]

Crying tears of joy at the end of this story. Noemi shines bright! How could you not embrace someone so genuine and warm?

[@lauramoss30]

Another great episode. Missed you so much last week! I really look forward to each new episode. I figured out I'm queer after leaving mormonism a few years ago at age 51. Really enjoyed Noemi's story!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi Laycie! Aww I really appreciate that! Wedding planning has taken ALL my time lately so I had to push it back a week :D But it's so nice to know you look forward to them! Glad you enjoyed my mom's as well! Also, congrats on finding yourself and getting out of Mormonism. It's definitely not an easy task, as you are well aware!

[@danihawkinspreissler8017]

Everybody needs to come back and watch these older episodes. So informative! Thank you for sharing your story Noemi.

[@djjoelley931]

Very disturbing and truly abusive. Also want to note Bethel Church in Redding CA also sadly supports this type of theology/abuse. They need to do an expose on that cult as well. Glad that people are sharing their stories for healing.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi! Thank you for sharing this. I will definitely look into it. Do you personally know anyone who has gotten out of that church? Maybe I could interview them. Thanks for your support.

[@djjoelley931]

Correction meant to say gay conversion therapy.

[@noyesbonne]

We have a Bethel here. They used to be situated in a window-covered, fenced off entrance.. I kept wondering what they were about. Never saw activity or people coming or going. They're in a nearby, new location. I am deeply curious, but slow on the research uptake.

[@Xaforn]

California has some wild strict churches, the western district from the UPCI is the strictest in my experience

[@poxyfairy]

Thank you for this video. I have been currently trying to unlearn a lot of things I grew up in church being taught. I've felt so guilty my whole life for caring about and supporting queer people, and knowing it was wrong in my heart for churches to speak again them. I've always thought it was rather hateful. This has helped me process it in a better light, and am disgusted by the conversion therapy. They also pull this with mental health in general and all sorts of things. I'm so happy people are finding their voices, because there's no real support in church unless you're following all the stupid rules that basically make no sense.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thanks for watching! I’m happy it was helpful!

[@amde8554]

I’m glad the end times concept was touched on in the conversation bc as someone who was raised Catholic I was like where did this come from? Interesting to learn it was fairly recent

[@Xaforn]

From what I read recently it had to do with a vision a teenage girl had?

[@violetsimmonsbrain]

pentecostal christian cult survivor/pastor's daughter here with religious trauma and cptsd. thank you for sharing your story!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Xaforn]

Yes I hope she interviews someone from the UPCI like I grew up in, most people don’t even know what it is or even heard of it!

[@mystery79]

Thank you for sharing your story. As a non practicing Catholic I find a few elements in common. I attended a couple of masses recently to support family members and it just reinforced for me why I don’t identify with this religion anymore. I’m still trying to come to terms with my spirituality but I at least understand what I no longer accept as truth anymore.

[@lancedance2239]

Thank you so much for this episode. I related so much to Noemi's story. We shared many of the same experiences of being a queer person of color in the church. It always breaks my heart to hear stories like this but I am overjoyed to see she is thriving today. I am definitely reaching out to her in hopes that we can collaborate somehow. I am currently pursuing my PhD in Education Curriculum & Instruction focusing on Indigenous LGBTQIA+ curriculum here in Hawai'i. Love the podcast! I've been binge-watching for the past 2 weeks haha! Aloha!

[@pyenygren2299]

What a beautiful conversation. ❤️💛💚💙 💜

[@mariapark2374]

What a strong young woman she is, I'm so happy she's doing advocacy work. There is nothing more powerful than someone who has gone through a similar situation. Great interview! Hugs to her. 💜🤗🤗💜

[@GoodGolly.MissLolly]

I’ve been a Christian for nearly 30 years, but of late have been questioning, and I suppose am heading into a time of deconstruction. One of the things I often questioned was the stance against LGBT. I just don’t understand how who someone sleeps with has anything to do with their faith. There are far worse things being allowed in churches!

[@elizabeth714]

Who you sleep with has everything to do with your faith if you believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

[@mazer4112]

So, if you really think about the entire journey, it took her going to Hillsong which was the exact right thing for her to do in order to testify against abuse as well as to embrace those who have been abused. She has a unique history where she can stand on her own 2 feet call out those in power in a non-threatening way. Dang!! This is an amazing journey. AMAZING

[@Mamalaura208]

I can only empathize with how my child feels as I will never directly know what it feels like to know your body doesn’t fit who you are. I try to learn as much as I can and be as supportive as possible. Being able to listen to these podcasts and learn makes a huge difference. It’s already hard enough navigating in public as a trans teen, home needs to be one the safe places. I’m so glad your mother came around to see that you are you.

[@rachelh9150]

I got out of a controlling Christian cult (a branch off Calvary chapel aka Jesus movement which incidentally David Berg came out of as well) in 2014. The healing is slow. I struggle with PTSD dreams and guilt over how I treated people when I was involved. You are both very VERY brave strong people. Keep up the great work. ❤

[@jojowynne233]

Hi Shelise. I popped over from Andrew Gold’s channel after seeing your interview and subscribed. I left a comment for you. This was a great video too. Well done! If the video wasn’t an older one, I’d have a couple of questions for your guest but all good, she seems to be doing well now.

[@communistsharks6889]

Just to address the comment about Indigenous hair -- that's not how that works in many Indigenous cultures. Long hair often isn't gendered in the way that it is in Western cultures (that's why Indigenous kids in residential schools and foster care were forced to cut off their hair in places like Canada). It's also not universal -- there are many Indigenous nations in North America, all of which have their own cultural understandings of the significance of hair. Just wanted to clarify that, because Western gender norms and Indigenous hair traditions really aren't comparable. I also think the comparison is a bit fraught considering the many histories of cultural genocide that have occurred in part due to missionary work, spearheaded by churches like the Mormon church or in this case a Pentecostal one.

[@caseyjude5472]

Oh how great that your parents are on board! I love these younger generations-they will change the world!

[@clairebear9517]

Late to the party but thanks for sharing. I was brought up Christian, initially Methodist but my parents didn't feel it was enough and so most of my childhood was spent in the Pentecostal/Evangelical sphere. I related so hard to the bit about them asking who wanted to receive the Lord, every wedding or baptism (no christenings here) I attended ended with that "invitation". I don't think there is enough talk about the psychological pressure they put on people. I haven't attended church since I was 15 but I still have a lot of the guilt and fears that were programmed into me. I'm thankful for channels like this that reassure me that I'm not alone or bad for questioning things. I know there are genuine people out there who believe but all the scammers and grifters make it so hard to trust anyone.

[@boobuglouisville3851]

This podcast has helped me so much. I grew up in a very judgey baptist church and as a gender questioning 36 year old, it only solidifies how incredibly damaging some churches are to people. As I’ve gotten older I have realized that for me Jesus is love and who is anyone to judge anyone about anything going on in their lives. Love Naomi and love the channel!

[@Millelykkeandersen]

As someone attending Hillsong for a decade and only occasionally attend now, something I have always found concerning, is, that waaaay too many people gets promoted to "pastors" without proper qualifications - both theologically but also on the mental health side when it comes to councelling. This leader was OBVIOUSLY not equipped to handle this situation 🤯. There is a way to have a more traditionalist view of genders without inflicting harm on others, and what this young lady has experienced is horrific 😮😮 Im so so saddened by this 😓 and the double betrayal of not being visited.. this is just cruelty!

[@StrawberryWyldeflower]

That's very true. My father is a Hillsong pastor and I know it's about those who understand the brief, representing an aspirational culture and of course, having the look. Many of these in leadership are extremely ill-equipped for any form of legitimate authentic ministry.

[@angelagraham2001]

Coming from a UPCI background, even in elementary school, we were taught to judge outsiders by the same judgemental standards as we judged each other. It's not as judgy now because of the generational shift, but they lost a lot of congregation members in the 1990s and 2000s because of their critical standards. I went to a UPCI school and there were so many if us who brought a change of clothes for the "real world" which included jeans and short sleeve t shirts.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Oh wow! That must’ve been hard

[@Xaforn]

I grew up UPCI and it can vary a bit by location but everywhere we went it was no jewelry no hair cutting no shorts for men no pants for men, sleeves for girls were 3/4 length (that was in California) but generally shorter sleeves are quite frowned upon anywhere. A few churches can be less strict but the spirituality is still the same. I grew up in it and it’s alot to unpack. Too many people don’t see it as abuse because they were only told abuse is someone physically hurting you. Thankfully that’s changing.

[@wannabetrucker7475]

This was a very good interview. 👍🏼♥️

[@ziontours5893]

So wonderful that her mother overcame her Christian prejudices to accept her daughter for who she is, and in so doing actually practised what she had been preaching in a love for fellow man.

[@kelelizabeth]

Thank you so much for this video. I grew up in a sister Church to Hillsong and Bethel and have such a similar story to Noemi when it comes to the conversion approach. I'm now working to deconstruct but it's so hard. This has been really validating.

[@thomkatt3385]

it's beautiful that you are giving people a place to speak their truth (particularly in light of groups/religions not) 💚

[@GrumpyVickyH]

Such a wonderful interview. Thank you both.

[@valkyrie2922]

I loved how this interview showed how religious queer people want to stay in the church and they search for ways to fit in but the church just keeps pushing them away until they're finally done and leave

[@eleanorwershow7183]

Not all churches require their pastors to go to seminary. I just looked up Hillsong and the About page for the head pastors didn't mention anything about them attending seminary. Seminary teaches a lot more than theology.

[@nicolecribbs6514]

Thank you for this video. It really made me realize some things about the faith I was raised in. It wasn't Hillsong but they took us to events associated with them and its allowing me to unpack some trauma that I didnt even realize I had and hopefully get rid of some of the guilt I feel even years later about leaving the faith.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi Nicole! I’m so happy it was helpful ❤️

[@haylebales]

That was fantastic! Heartwrenching what Noemi went through. She tried to get answers for so long. Part of the damage is systematic and purposeful when an organization that has knowledge refuses to give you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about your future and your own life. I think that leads to the powerlessness and is responsible for people wanting to give up hope. I do feel uplifted however that someone had the integrity to step in and use their power and their knowledge to help Noemi by providing her with *real, *accurate resources. I think Noemi's story is that of systemic oppression that occurs within a number of corrupt organizations (I've experienced something similar myself and threw me into a real mental health crisis). Thanks for what you're both doing by sharing your stories.

[@audreybottomly8321]

I went to a church that was heavily based off mega churches places like Hillsong, Bethel. IHOP etc & it took me a really long time to process what I was actually involved with, how I was manipulated, how individuality & free thinking was discouraged etc after I left. How much the leadership acted like they accepted you until you were in so deep whether relationally, financially whatever that they'd have the leverage to get you to change whatever it was abit yourself that didn't fit into benefitting their own goals. I was exhausted feeling like every move was scrutinized, developed extreme social anxiety & it took a long time to feel like myself. Getting out was one of best things that ever happened to me.

[@CathyPostmus]

Love the beautiful smiles at the end when asked, “how are you now?” ❤️

[@hikariyamato6595]

I did not know that the anti-homosexuality agenda was ADDED well after it was written! I will have to look closely into what this means for my own beliefs. Thank you for enlightening us with this knowledge.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Glad it was helpful!

[@karenpeterson9457]

It actually wasn’t added in 1946 if you read the original complete Jewish Bible (the Torah) which precedes the translations that are widely used today. It’s so sad to see how you were treated with disregard and little compassion, I wish your faith In Jesus would not be destroyed because people hurt you. Sending love and peace ☮️ for healing.

[@kathleengarrison1302]

Thank you Noami for sharing your story. Thank you Shalese for this podcast 💜💜💜 I read some of the other comments. As a mom I am saying don’t worry about what they say. You just be the best you can be. ❤

[@rebekahmehaffey4411]

Wow, as a pastors granddaughter, we could not even trim our hair. UPC raised. Ugh, the more I watch the more I realize I was in something not right.

[@MeganJF2319]

Does she have her podcast up yet? I would love to listen and I love this channel and what u do here!!!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

I reached out to her and got it for you! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/false-profits-hillsong/id1668018669

[@realhealthrealwealth]

Control control control...reLIEgions are ALL about CONTROL.

[@megvoss3329]

That's their primary purpose. Power & control.

[@malloryknox1637]

I'm atheist but I do know that Unitarian churches celebrate ALL religions and are LGBTQ+ inclusive . not many people are aware of them their pretty small but its worth a look.

[@seriouspleasures]

I think it's cool that Storkyrkan here in Stockholm (where the Royal family marries) encourages same sex couples to have their wedding there. With all bells and whistles.

[@bluebellflamesx]

Unitarians are so cool they rent space to witches and pagans :)

[@The_NZ_Crafty]

I am SO sorry that you experienced this! Every person is special! 🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@helenr4300]

From a mainline church context in UK with average congregations under 50 people, and an introvert, the idea of the Hillsong Experience is terrifying. Ah yes you can work for us, as long as not a public or teaching role, for now = until we fix you. I am proud to be in a church denomination where lgbt+ are ordained, and can be married in church. Not all our local congregations have reached this point but there are so many that have.

[@brookedee3902]

Wow listening to this brought me back to my teen years when I was also in an Apostolic cult……so much trauma……everything she said is spot on. No makeup, no pants, no movies, no dating. When you ask why? You get spewed “obedience is better than sacrifice” bull shit. So just do it smh.

[@Xaforn]

Yup I grew up UPCI I know what you mean. They also hide so much abuse because 33 states allow religion to top law enforcement.

[@simplebeauty83]

Thank you for sharing. I'd like to listen to Noemi's podcast.

[@reneecase7317]

My sister was disfellowshipped by by the First Unitarian Church of Omaha for sending an email to the Board about a man who threatened her. She had originally gone to the “Right Relations” team but the man refused to to work with them because they had a problem with what he had done and stated that he was going to the board with it. He was on the board so when my sister shared her side of the story he convinced them that she was spreading gossip. They applied the “Disruptive Persons Policy” on her and sanctioned her and told her that she could not old a position of leadership for one year effectively disfellowshipping her but they don’t call it that. They did all of this without even talking to her the pastor had suggested that they apply the policy to the man who threatened my sister. The pastor disagreed with their decision and asked for them to meet with her and hear my sisters side of the story. They waited for the pastor to go on vacation and called my sister and told her that they would give her 1/2 hour to talk to her between 7:00 and 7:30 pm the next day. She asked then if they could meet at 7:30 on instead and they said no that she could have as much time between 7:00 and 7:30 as she showed up for. After the meeting they decided that they would dial her sanctions back and instead of the ones they gave her before she would meet with one of the board members, a different man, for “counseling” for the next three if four months. The man she was to meet with had no therapy credentials or experience. She told them that this was abusive, church or spiritual abuse I don’t remember. She is at the moment taking a break from the church. We grew up Mormon and she stayed in the church much longer than I did. She said that she was thinking about going back to the Mormon church because this never would have happened there. I have to believe that she won’t do that, but her pint is that she left an ultra conservative church that is very unaccepting of diversity and joined an ultra liberal church who treated her worse than the Mormons ever had. I would love for you to interview my sister.

[@melniee2551]

What a wonderful (in the end) story! You are so open and well spoken about these topics. Thanks for sharing.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

You are so welcome!

[@danielbrewer533]

Throughly enjoy you show! My wife and her family escaped from the Jehovah Witnesses cult. So I appreciate your in-depth conversations about things that aren’t easy to talk about. Great job!

[@eslinden2770]

Bless your heart and don’t be frightened please. I am so alone in the world today, it my ears are open to a truth and now I’m proud to have been beating my drum all this time. Love you sweetheart ❤Love ❤❤❤❤❤Love sweetheart Lyne.

[@c2shiningc903]

The Episcopal Church would be very welcoming to Noemi, if she's still interested.

[@studiosandi]

I'm so glad you found your way in this world to happiness❤

[@happycrabknits9109]

My moms are gay and they are going to heaven. ❤

[@DarcyMidland]

You bet they are

[@carollamontagne6710]

We are all God's children. We are loved regardless of gender, orientation, period. Conversion therapy is unnecessary and evil.

[@bluebird4815]

Omg the rapture thing had me in a chokehold!!!!! I left church 10yrs ago and deconstructed.

[@MissAnn999]

I just found your channel, so I don't know if anyone said this. John Nelson Darby is the bible teacher who came up with the idea of the Rapture. He was one of the founders of the Plymouth Brethren. And that is where weird fundamentalist beliefs come from. As an aside, Alister Crowley was raised in the Plymouth Brethren. Just a fun fact.

[@DawnDavidson]

Innnnnnteresting about Crowley, especially knowing of his connection, via Jack Parsons to L Ron Hubbard, to Scientology. Hmmmmm

[@jenniferakridge5056]

I am so happy for both of you that you freed yourself from such high demand religions and are developing your true self. I am 69 and still devolving my true self.

[@pilgrimpoet]

Noemi, keep doing what you're doing! PERFECT interview to be watching on Pride Sunday!

[@missfeisty]

So weird that they brought up Bethel because there was a big church of theirs in my hometown, and I didn't realize how bad they were for so many years. I even went there once with a friend and thought it was super weird. I grew up Catholic, so the whole live band and singing everything was so strange to me lmao

[@lizzylou-q6f]

In Australia pastors have been equated with school counsellors or welfare workers in some schools to support kids who are psychologically stressed. Often they lack psychological knowledge to meet the job requirements but can pray with kids.

[@andreaperkins3838]

I was apart of the UPCI organization. There are a little differences in the church she grew up in and the UPCI but I have never heard of the organization that she mentioned. So happy she was able to find freedom ❤️

[@adrisaff]

Min 22:10 😭 Yes! This is something that truly takes some time to unlearn.

[@julie_leo_monkey]

Thanks this only appeared on my suggested viewing as when you did the interview with Aaron Smith Levin - as someone who is keen to hear from many points of view and subscribed then. Interesting there was a national expose on Hillsong, entitled Hellsong, here in Australia last week, which provided much shocking information. Namely, it's more than likely that the former Australian Prime Minister was ousted by being of a similar faith as Noemi went thru. As far as I know conversion therapy is officially banned in Australia. The coverage showed Carl Lenz as well as his unsavoury behave. Noemi mentions the former guy in charge Brian Houston - who has now left Australia and is being invited to speak at various US churches. Sorry, I grew up Catholic and not familiar much with the smaller religious groups. Great interview and I will watch more as time goes by, thanks.

[@LadyLeda2]

It may be banned, but likely still practiced.

[@eslinden2770]

I’m sad to hear that there is no where to o turn to t our Savior and Lord. I’m 72 years old and alone in this world but there is no place to turn for comfort . Bless the woman speaking here. Thanks sweetheart so much.

[@RuthEveryoneMakesMusic]

By the end of this , I had fallen in love with this beautiful person. ❤❤❤❤❤❤ so proud of you!

[@mama2dinga]

❤❤❤ We need more of these people on your channel!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

If you mean LGBTQ+ we just did an interview yesterday 😁 and we have a few more in our earlier videos. Here are a few kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqKooKCaqpueeaMsi=WQOrorPchGLCgUnt kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnOqfZKfZ5yLiNksi=48qVenwsJ70Wz9c0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqrNc4GqatWgp7ssi=erqAALZPmQgc-5YP

[@creatureencounters3897]

Demonstrating exactly why high demand religions/ groups try to keep access to education to a minimum. Such an eloquent, intelligent, powerful speaker and advocate for the lgbtq+ community

[@tabithacairns9828]

This was a very eye opening interview! It definitely hits home really hard. Especially growing up in a religion that has told me that being trans is a sin as well as me being a lesbian too.

[@dianeporrier9218]

I identify as Gay and Christian, but everyone including family say I can't be both. But I say Yes I can because I prayed for years and through my prayers I was told that I was accepted by God no matter sexuality I was, so yeah I might still get told by pastors that this Church accepts you to an extent but we won't allow you into this position because of you being gay. And with that is why I step out of church at certain points of my life to see what God will do for me outside of the church in general.

[@Mindy12836]

Did her podcast come out? Would love to hear it

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Yes! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/false-profits-hillsong/id1668018669

[@thread.needle.scissorsstcl9537]

WOW! So good! You go! Advocate, advocate, advocate!

[@liseklerekoper2441]

Thank you so much for this episode as it was fantastic. Noemi is a courageous, well-spoken & beautiful young woman & advocate for LGBTQ+ young people. My heart breaks & my blood boils for what she went thru while a member of Hillsong, as what happened to her should never have been sanctioned by any church. Churches should not be permitted (by law) to engage in conversion practices as it’s dangerous, soul-crushing & useless. There is nothing therapeutic about conversion “therapy.” I’m inspired by Noemi to contact my state legislators to advocate for laws to protect queer young people in churches from these practices. “Churches” are given far too wide of a berth in being able to skirt laws related to conversion therapy & other illegal practices … not to mention paying taxes. I’ve been a licensed psychotherapist for 20+ yrs & regularly work w/ queer (including trans) teens, adults & their families. On a daily basis, I’m humbled & grateful to walk beside members of this amazing community, helping them to heal, realize their full worth, & create connected, healthy & fulfilling lives. Love your channel, Shelise!!

[@HolldollMcG]

The kicker is that the bible doesn't actually say anything about homosexuality; that belief is based on a mistranslation (possibly intentional due to homophobia). In the original Hebrew it says man shall not lie with boy as with woman, condemning pedophilia; says nothing about being gay! So many people have suffered and been persecuted, abused, even murdered because someone messed up the translation. Eta: I believe that if you're gonna claim that God created us, than you need to accept that God created us entirely, as we are. God doesn't make our choices for us, but who and what we are is a result of God's creation and goodness, therefore we are good as we are.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Yes exactly!!! Thanks for sharing, Holley!

[@YvonaLive4Love]

Excellent interview I do have a question which scripture are you talking about that’s a mid translation about homosexuality? I am a Christian and my dear friend child is was also her child is transgender sadly she passed away last year but I know she’s with the Lord 🙏🏼♥️

[@yvonneschwab4853]

I am a Christian in Canada and feel that we are not nearly as judgmental. I also feel that you don't have to agree with being gay, everyone has different beliefs. I feel that you should love because God is love. I have a brother whom is married to his husband and i love him and his partner so much.

[@marilynadams349]

I hope this young person got to finish her education. Then go forward to help others.

[@annieoakley8949]

What an absolutely beautiful person inside and out!! Stay strong!!

[@MsZzzipper]

The Message also controls hair length, clothing, and strict gender roles. My dad was a preacher (and pretty sure a serious personality disorder) and had his own brand of religious craziness.

[@meganfalkenham2389]

Thank you for sharing your story! 💜

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thanks for tuning in and supporting Noemi!

[@MorgantheWhoregan]

I remember waking up home alone when I was around 12. There was no note, no phone call. Texting wasn't a thing yet... I thought my entire family was raptured. I was terrified. I thought I would have to go through the apocolypse alone

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Oh my gosh, that’s terrifying!

[@calinasagilitypartner4444]

This anti-LGTBQIA attitude by churches and religions drives me crazy! It's NOT a choice! I'm from a family of 5 kids. Only 3 of the kids were straight! I'm asexual and I had a brother who was gay. I had two brothers were twins and both completed suicide. Part of the reason the first brother completed suicide was because of the attitude and abuse he endured because of his sexuality. My eldest brother left a church because that church was going to accept LGTBQIA people into the church. I don't talk to my eldest brother much because I don't understand how he can hate a group of people so much when your own brother was gay. I haven't told him that I'm asexual. Asexuality hasn't had the same reaction that other members of the LGTBQIA community has, but people think asexuality isn't a thing, and of course in churches and religions where they see women as breeding bitches (the term used for an intact female dog, not the swear word insult), my asexuality wouldn't go over well.

[@upshitcreek998]

I’m from a Pentecostal Assembly of God and the worship part of the service is extremely moving… doesn’t matter if you believe or not, it’s so moving that it can make you feel very emotional and when you feel emotional they tell you it’s because the Holy Spirit is flowing through. The worship service is songs from Matt Redmann, Hillsong etc. I’m glad I’m away and out. The stuff that happened there was insane

[@Xaforn]

The emotionalism is preached on so much and so ingrained in you that if you go elsewhere you deem it boring so it’s therefore dry and not the truth.

[@upshitcreek998]

@@Xaforn yep. I now know it’s all fake. I think I want to share my cult story

[@Palindrome78]

It always amazes me how the "religious" think are "God" and make judgments and declare people they, personally, hate/disagree with are not "children of God." Seems highly blasphemous and hypocritical...

[@lj9524]

Very interesting interview. I am sorry Naomi has suffered “ conversion therapy” I wish her all the best of everything.

[@andrealewis9636]

Very educational! Thank you!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brendabatt6874]

I work at a university and we have a wonderful LGBTQ resource center. She would have been offered love and support. This grandma just wants to hug her.

[@findingmyhealing57]

This is such an important topic that needs more exploring...