Why is thinking for yourself such a big deal in spiritual maturity?

This is Part 2 of our conversation on why churches sometimes create dependency instead of discernment, and what it actually looks like to grow up spiritually.

In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele Kus and Martin Trench explore personal agency, inner conviction, and why real Christian maturity isn’t about following rigid rules or groupthink, but learning how to discern, decide, and live from the inside out.

We talk about why Jesus describes the path that leads to life as narrow — not because it’s restrictive, but because it’s custom-made for each person. Faith was never meant to be one-size-fits-all.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why churches often teach WHAT to think instead of HOW to think
• The role of personal conscience in Christian decision-making
• Why fear-based and shame-based teaching undermines spiritual maturity
• Inner conviction vs. external rules
• Becoming un-indoctrinated, living in freedom, and guarding your heart
• What it actually means to grow into spiritual adulthood

Drawing from scripture, lived experience, and wisdom from voices like Meister Eckhart, this episode invites you to stop outsourcing your discernment and begin trusting the relationship God has with you.

“To be born again is not to become a different person, but to become the person God always intended you to be.”

If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, start here: Episode 12

This episode completes the conversation and points toward a healthier, more mature way forward.

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Here’s the spicy Facebook post that started this conversation.

Check out Martin’s Deconstruction → Reconstruction Challenge on Skool.

Check out Martin’s books: Victorious Eschatology, Eyes Wide Open, and Secrets of Spiritual Growth.

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Michele Kus, M.A. on Linktree

Dr. Martin Trench on Linktree

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction

03:42 The Missing Adult Stage of Spiritual Growth

06:27 “Narrow Is the Path” — It’s Custom-Made

09:59 We’ve Designed Churches as One-Size-Fits-All

11:58 Groupthink and the Fear of Other Opinions

14:59 “The Way He Should Go” — Proverbs 22:6

18:50 Inner World Conviction Over Outer World Rules

21:18 Undoctrination, Fear, Rules, and Waking Up

30:43 This Is the Core Issue

31:46 Freedom, Discernment, and Living Your Own Life

33:16 Outtakes & Unhinged Moments