When does a faith community become a place of control? And how easy is it to recognise the signs when you’re on the inside?

In this episode of Lo-fi Faith, Mike and James explore Steven Hassan’s BITE Model, a framework for understanding how high-control groups manipulate behaviour, information, thought and emotion. Reflecting on their own church experiences, they discuss where these patterns show up in religious settings, what happens when questioning is discouraged, and where the line falls between influence and control.

Saying the right things. Attending the right church. Following the right rituals. But what if we’re still missing the point? In this episode, Mike and James explore taking God’s name in vain and the gap between religious observance and a life that reflects his character.

In this episode, Mike and James explore Adventism’s historic claim to “have the truth” and how that mindset can make it difficult to learn from those outside the denominational walls. They reflect on biblical and Adventist examples that challenge the assumption that being used by God means having everything correct, before turning to how our need to be right can shape the way we relate to others—and even make Christian evangelism feel more like a sales pitch than a genuine conversation.

In this episode, Mike and James examine some of the tensions and difficulties within the writings of Ellen White. They explore what these challenges reveal about the nature of inspiration, and also consider whether an all-or-nothing approach is the best way to make sense of the evidence, or whether there is room for a more nuanced understanding of the human and divine elements of the prophetic gift.

What happens when a perfect God communicates through imperfect people? In this episode, Mike and James explore the human side of revelation and inspiration, discussing how factors such as personality, culture, and language influence the message, create interpretative challenges, and even lead to inconsistencies within prophetic writings.

Few topics generate more tension in the Adventist Church than Ellen White. Mike and James discuss why that is, what happens when questions are discouraged, and why truth has nothing to fear from honest inquiry.

What does healthy grief look like, and why do so many men struggle to process it? In this episode, Mike and James are joined by Christchurch counsellor Daryl Parsons, who shares his experience of losing his wife and the extremely difficult time that followed. Together, they explore the harsh realities of bereavement, the need for men to become more emotionally self-aware, and why allowing ourselves to grieve is an essential part of healing.

Can you be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature? In this episode, Mike and James continue their conversation with therapist Orlando Lizardi. Together, they unpack the challenges of emotionally immature relationships and explore practical ways to become more in touch with your inner world. If growing in emotional intelligence is one of your goals, this episode is for you.