From Catholic to Confusion: Understanding “Movie Star Christianity” | Joe Schnefke | Episode 386

John and Joe discuss the journey out of authoritarian religion and into a simpler, biblically grounded faith. Joe shares his background growing up Catholic and the spiritual awakening that occurred after the birth of his first child. Driven by wonder and conviction, he set out to read the Bible from beginning to end, expecting to prove his Catholic roots but instead discovering deep personal conviction and transformation. The discussion reflects the shock of entering the charismatic and evangelical world, the allure of emotionalism, and the subtle manipulations that shift focus from Christ to church leaders. Joe describes his experiences navigating charismatic churches, touching on issues of misplaced zeal, revivalism, and emotional highs that often replaced scriptural grounding.

As the conversation unfolds, the two reflect on the importance of critical thinking, humility, and rediscovering the centrality of Christ in faith. They critique movements that elevate pastors to “movie star” status, where challenging leadership becomes taboo and biblical discernment is discouraged. Joe candidly describes the impact on his family and the difficulties of course-correcting after years inside high-control religious environments. The discussion closes with a call to return to scripture, prioritize Jesus, and avoid the cultural entrapments that often masquerade as Christianity.

00:00 Introduction
01:11 From Catholic Roots to Spiritual Awakening
03:04 Testing the Bible: A Journey Begins
05:00 Wrestling with Scripture and Pride
07:13 Discovering the Assemblies of God
08:47 Competitive Zeal and Emotional Faith
10:30 Movie Star Religion and Church Celebrity Culture
12:08 Shift from Leader Worship to Personal Growth
13:40 The Treadmill of Revival and Emotional Highs
15:04 Redirecting Focus Toward Christ
16:54 Independent vs. Mainstream Assemblies of God
18:20 Influence of Brownsville and Charismatic Trends
20:03 Loss of Critical Thinking and Scriptural Discernment
22:00 Misuse of Scripture and Emotional Manipulation
23:15 Seven Mountain Ideas and Misinterpreted Agendas
24:53 Power, Deception, and Emotional Experiences
26:47 Questioning Tongues and Historical Claims
29:00 Falling Under Influence vs. Biblical Practice
30:37 Gradual Shift and Moved Goalposts
32:00 Introduction to IHOP and the Spiritual Elite
34:03 Prophets, Visions, and Unprovable Claims
35:01 Word Salad Prophets and Misplaced Focus
36:44 Heaven Claims and Early Revival Trends
38:18 Waking Up and the Journey to Self-Examination
40:00 Misuse of “Touch Not” and Loaded Language
41:44 Barriers to Leaving and the Cost of Questions
43:07 Letting Scripture Lead and Rejecting Showmanship
45:06 Redirecting Life After Leaving Performance-Based Faith
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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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