Episode 37: Keep Sweet, Pray and Obey and the psychology of abusive cults (with Merowyn Olaver)

PSYCHOCINEMATIC

TRANSCRIPT HERE

For Psychocinematic’s first foray into the documentary film, Steph discusses the Netflix documentary Keep Sweet Pray and Obey, with the inspiring (and multitasking) Merowyn Olaver, a nurse, writer, mental health & domestic violence advocate, breast cancer previvor, AND a mother as well.

Steph and Merowyn discuss the psychology of religion, how it differs from that of cults or cult-like structures, and of childhood sexual abuse and trafficking. We reflect on how this is explored in the doco with regard to the Fundamentalist Church of the Latter Day Saints, whether it is conveyed respectfully to the survivors, and where it perhaps goes wrong. Merowyn, who has been a front line worker during the Covid pandemic, is an absolute delight and should have her own podcast!

CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNING: sexual abuse and rape, including of children, domestic abuse and violence, religious trauma.

Convince Merowyn to make her own podcast (she has time, right?) by following her on instagram @nurse.merowyn and explore her amazing publications on her linktree. And donate to her LIPTEMBER page here: https://www.liptember.com.au/nursemerowyn !!

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REFERENCES:

• The Psychology Behind Cults | Discover Magazine
• Understanding Cults: The Basics | Psychology Today
• THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE CULT EXPERIENCE - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
• Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - Wikipedia
• Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints | Southern Poverty Law Center

NOTE: This podcast is not designed to be therapeutic, prescriptive or constitute a formal diagnosis for any listener, nor the characters discussed. The host is not representative of all psychologists and opinions stated are her own personal opinion, based on her own learnings and training (and minimal lived experience). Host and co-hosts do not have the final say and can only comment based on their own perspectives, so please let us know if you dispute any of these opinions – we are keen for feedback!

Editor: Nic Fornasier, Music: Michael Watson, Artwork: Bronte Poynts