S2 E2: Physical Discipline Breaking the Cycle of Religious Control
Welcome back to another episode of Apostate Sisters! This time, Nancy and Patti are diving deep into a tough but necessary topic: spanking and physical punishment, and how these practices intersect with bodily autonomy, especially in high-control environments like the Worldwide Church of God (WCG). Growing up in a church where authority and obedience were emphasized, many of us were raised to accept physical punishment as "normal" or even "loving" discipline. But what are the real impacts of this practice on our sense of self, safety, and autonomy?
In this episode, we discuss:
Our personal stories around spanking in WCG and evangelical households.
How spanking was justified by religious teachings and cultural norms, especially passages like "spare the rod, spoil the child."
The psychological toll of corporal punishment on children, including struggles with self-worth, boundaries, and bodily autonomy.
A look at shifting societal views on physical discipline and alternative, non-violent approaches to parenting.
Join us as we unpack the complex layers of spanking, authority, and control, and how we can reclaim our bodies and minds from these lasting imprints. If you find these discussions valuable, consider joining our Patreon community, Sinful Siblings, where you can connect with us and support our mission to create healing spaces for others. Patreon.com/ApostateSisters