In this episode, Andrew is joined by writer and editor Halley Kim to explore the profound intersection of theology, patriarchy, and personal agency. As a former pastor’s wife within conservative Evangelicalism, Halley shares her journey of moving beyond simple theological deconstruction to dismantle the power structures that once defined her life and marriage. Together, they discuss the dehumanizing effects of purity culture and the "anti-knowing" messages that discourage women from trusting their own intuition. Halley offers a unique perspective on the professional and personal costs of questioning the status quo while navigating the slow, redemptive process of building a marriage rooted in mutual power rather than hierarchy.

Beyond her history in the church, Halley brings her extensive background in maternal healthcare as a registered nurse and doula to the conversation, drawing striking parallels between the midwifery model of care and liberation theology. She reflects on the transformative experience of finally preaching from a pulpit once forbidden to her and discusses her ongoing research into how our internal God images—whether authoritarian or benevolent—shape our real-world behavior. This conversation is a deep dive into reclaiming one's voice, the nuances of raising children with theological plurality, and the messy, beautiful work of healing after years of institutional silence.

Share your purity culture stories with us by leaving a voicemail or sending your story to us!

Guest Info:

Website: https://halleykim.com/

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/maybegodisamidwife/

https://www.instagram.com/maybegodisamidwife/
https://substack.com/@maybegodisamidwife
https://www.halleykim.com
Recent article for Feminism and Religion: https://feminismandreligion.com/2025/10/26/god-is-a-midwife-by-halley-kim/#more-72948
My website and portfolio, including my writing, editing, sermons, and podcast interviews: https://halleykim.com/portfolio/
My freelance editing business, Jigsaw Editing: https://halleykim.com/services/
My instagram and Substack @maybegodisamidwife

This podcast is brought to you by the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery: an online trauma coaching company whose practitioners are trauma informed and trauma trained to work with individuals, couples and families who have experienced high control religion, cults, and religious trauma. For more information on the support that CTRR provides, for resources–including courses, workshops, and more–head to traumaresolutionandrecovery.com or follow us on Instagram: @traumaresolutionandrecovery

The views and opinions expressed by Sunday School Dropouts are those of the hosts and not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery. Any of the content provided by our guests, sponsors, authors, or bloggers are their own ideas and opinions.

The Sunday School Dropouts podcast is not anti-religion but it is anti -harm, -power and control, -oppression and, -abuse and will speak to the harmful practices and messaging of fundamentalist groups.

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