Baptistland

A Memoir of Abuse, Betrayal, and Transformation

De: Christa Brown

Narrado por: Soren McKay

It began with just wanting to tell the truth. But truth-telling has a way of snowballing.

When Christa Brown first spoke out about the sexual abuse she endured in her Texas childhood church, she never imagined it would expose the ethical chasm at the core of the Southern Baptist Convention: male religious leaders so focused on institutional protection that they sacrifice the safety of children.

A book about speaking out and speaking up, Baptistland weaves together Christa’s revealing story of hope amid Southern patriarchy and religious fundamentalism. You’ll meet the young Christa who endures family dysfunction, the trauma of bodily desecration, and the death blows of a gaslighting church and faith community. Then you’ll meet the Christa transformed who finds her voice and rises above the limited expectations of her given culture, becoming a successful attorney and earning the title of advocate for clergy sex abuse survivors.

Ultimately, Christa Brown grows into a vivid tree of life, rooted in love, individuality, beauty, and goodness. But it was unrelenting honesty, to herself and others, that guided her to this ordinary paradise. Baptistland speaks to the power of truth-telling—to ourselves, our relationships, and our institutions.

©2024 Christa Brown (P)2024 Christa Brown

Difficult story of truth telling

This was a hard book to listen to but I’m glad that I did. It’s truth that needs to be told and heard.

Compelling story and wonderful narration

I admire the courage and truth telling in Christa’s story. I am so thankful for the ways she has fought for justice despite such odds stacked against her. Soren’s narration was so easy to listen to. I was caught up in the story thoroughly. She is my new favorite narrator

Depressing book

I was hoping to hear victory in her life but it never came. I hope she can find Truth and Hope.

Meaningful

Great storytelling about how coping with trauma really does matter. It can be passed down without even realizing it.

Light and truth are much more powerful than darkness and fear.

It may not always feel that way when you’re going through it, but it’s still truth.
I don’t understand why there are so many who have not had to stand accountable for their evil. I too grew up in the SBC and nearly killed me. And I only see the SBC becoming more evil.
However, Christa’s truth telling will hopefully let this cult become more aware that they can run, but they can’t hide. And those that help them hide are just as responsible for their sins as the wrongdoers.
Hey SBC, WWJD?

A powerful memoir

My thanks to the author for sharing her story. It was very well done. Good job.

Fantastic book

Christa’s story was inspiring. Her commitment to breaking generational trauma before she even knew what it was Is so inspiring.

Shame on the SBC!

What occurred to Ms. Brown is appalling. Listening to this story was heartbreaking. Though you only get the author's point of view... who knows what another point of view would be from her family. Such as her mother, who she obviously disdains. Besides the abuse this poor lady went through from a pastor, the contempt Brown has for her mother is the other main theme. It almost overtakes the abuse story.
Bravo to Ms Brown for her continued pursuits to hold SBC accountable. What a victory story how she has led a productive life and career as a lawyer.
Such a shame that churches put organizations over people!!

Very inspiring and emotional

So glad to have read it. Highly recommend. Very moving and inspiring hearing Christa’s life story and how she has been such a powerful advocate for abuse victims

Outstanding and Crucial Read

it was an amazing account of courage and persistence in the face of personal atrocity