John and Jed discuss the rise of fake theological degrees in charismatic religious movements, connecting them to deeper issues of control, indoctrination, and hostility toward education. They explore how many leaders in Pentecostal or New Apostolic groups undermine formal academics while handing out unaccredited or self-bestowed doctorates to legitimize their authority. Jed shares his personal experience navigating education after leaving IHOPKC, describing how cult environments discourage critical thinking and instill fear around secular learning, leading many to fall behind professionally or intellectually.
The episode unpacks the historical roots of this distrust in education—tracing it through white supremacy, fundamentalist opposition to evolution, and anti-Catholic rhetoric. John explains how this led to the development of parallel education systems, many of which are not recognized outside their own communities. They expose specific figures like Lance Wallnau, who awarded himself a doctorate from a school accredited by an institution he co-founded. While parts of the conversation are lighthearted and sarcastic, the hosts emphasize the real harm caused by these fake credentials, especially to young people who invest time and money into programs that limit their future options.
00:00 Introduction
01:03 Fake Titles and the Appeal of “Doctor”
05:00 How Cults Discourage Education
10:08 Indoctrination vs. Real College Experience
15:01 The Evangelical War on Public Schools
20:58 Fictional Persecution and Martyrdom Fantasies
26:04 Evolution, Astronomy, and Young Earth Belief
31:02 Ego, End-Times Theology, and Fear of Insignificance
36:00 Diploma Mills and the Rise of Fake Seminaries
42:00 Faith Healing vs. Real Medicine
47:00 Lance Wallnau’s Accreditation Scheme
52:00 The Real Cost: Wasted Time and Trapped Youth
58:00 Final Reflections and Call for Reform
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Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K
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