Faith on Trial: Hillsong

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Subscribe to Crime X+ today. From humble beginnings in a suburban Sydney warehouse to an international pentecostal powerhouse, Hillsong has changed the world around it, counting politicians, business tycoons and A-list celebrities among its true believers. Talking to one of those who has since turned her back on Hillsong, reporter Stephen Drill found himself asking: How did the church get so powerful? And is Hillsong really everything it claims to be? On his journey to find out the truth, Stephen follows the money, exposing disturbing claims of worker exploitation, complicated consensual sexual relationships and a culture where women are allegedly told to physically submit to their husbands. A ground-breaking eight-part investigation, Faith on Trial: Hillsong will leave you asking what you can believe in.  Faith on Trial is hosted, written and produced by Stephen Drill and Andrea Thiis-Evensen. The executive producer is Dan Box.  Go to faithontrial.com.au for more.  Theme song: The Jordan Singers, By His Grace, 2022. 

True Crime Australia


    • Aug 17, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 25m AVG DURATION
    • 10 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Faith on Trial: Hillsong podcast is a deeply informative and eye-opening series that sheds light on the inner workings of Hillsong Church. As someone who personally experienced life at Hillsong in 2001, I found this podcast to be incredibly validating, as it confirmed that what I went through was real and not just in my own head. The podcast addresses the culture, requirements, and manipulation of its students, highlighting the forced resignations of leadership members and the extreme work conditions that led to physical and emotional collapse. The podcast also touches on the lack of support for American students during the devastating events of 9/11. Overall, this series provides an important perspective on Hillsong Church that many reviewers may not have.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to bring forth the truth behind Hillsong's practices. The interviews with former members and insiders give a voice to those who have experienced manipulation, exploitation, and trauma within the church. The narration, music, and sound quality are all excellent, making for a captivating listening experience. The podcast does a great job in highlighting issues common to mega-churches like Hillsong, such as tithing, prosperity gospel, and using religion as a means of control.

    On the other hand, some listeners may find certain aspects of this podcast troubling or biased. It is understandable that evangelical listeners may feel uncomfortable with some of the coverage or point of view presented in this series. While it is important to acknowledge these concerns, it is also worth noting that any secular listener can still find value in this podcast. It provides insight into issues related to power dynamics within religious institutions and raises important questions about accountability and transparency.

    In conclusion, The Faith on Trial: Hillsong podcast deserves recognition for its ethical interviewing and courage in shedding light on problematic practices within mega-churches like Hillsong. Regardless of one's religious beliefs or background, this series offers valuable information and sensitivity towards those affected by manipulative religious environments. While the focus is on Hillsong, it also addresses broader issues present in other churches across the globe. Overall, this podcast is worth a listen and gives a voice to an important set of topics.



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    Latest episodes from Faith on Trial: Hillsong

    Not Guilty

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 9:53


    Brian Houston's day in court arrives on a charge of concealing his father's child sex abuse. Hear the verdict and what Houston and victim Brett Sengstock have to say. To hear the full bonus episode subscribe to Crime X+ on Apple Podcast today, or visit faithontrial.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Verdict

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2023 37:18


    Subscribe to Crime X+ today. Inside the courtroom where Brian Houston has pleaded not guilty to a charge of concealing his own father's child sex abuse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Submit

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2023 39:25


    Subscribe to Crime X+ today. What Hillsong teaches its young female students about sex.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Missing 40 Minutes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2023 31:25


    Subscribe to Crime X+ today. What really happened in the Pullman Hotel when Brian Houston knocked on the wrong room door. Listen to Faith on Trial early and ad free by subscribing to Crime X+ on Apple Podcasts. New episode released every Wednesday. Go to faithontrial.com.au for more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Affairs

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2023 27:25


    Subscribe to Crime X+ today. What happened when a New York pastor met a girl, ruining his own life and rocking the faith of his followers. Listen to Faith on Trial early and ad free by subscribing to Crime X+ on Apple Podcasts. New episode released every Wednesday. Go to faithontrial.com.au for more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Miracles tonight

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2023 27:37


    Subscribe to Crime X+ today. What it's like to lose yourself inside a Hillsong service.  Go to faithontrial.com.au for more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    First fruits

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2023 27:02


    Subscribe to Crime X+ today. God wants you to be rich, according to Hillsong. He also wants you to give 10 per cent of your money to the church. Go to faithontrial.com.au for more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Slave Labour-ish

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2023 25:25


    Subscribe to Crime X+ today. Are Hillsong's faithful willing volunteers or simply being exploited? Go to faithontrial.com.au for more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Big Eagle

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2023 27:58


    Subscribe to Crime X+ today. Hillsong's rise to global megachurch - or how Hillsong founder Brian Houston took over the world. Go to faithontrial.com.au for more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing - Faith on Trial: Hillsong

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2023 3:49


    From humble beginnings in a suburban Sydney warehouse to an international pentecostal powerhouse, Hillsong has changed the world around it, filling stadiums with screaming congregations and counting politicians, business tycoons and A-list celebrities among its true believers. Talking to one of those believers, who's since turned her back on Hillsong, reporter Stephen Drill found himself asking: How did the church get so powerful? And is Hillsong really everything it claims to be? On his journey to find out the truth, Stephen follows the money, exposing disturbing claims of worker exploitation, complicated consensual sexual relationships and a culture where women are allegedly told to physically submit to their husbands. A ground-breaking eight-part investigation, Hillsong: faith on trial will leave you asking what you can believe in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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