Cait West

@caitwest.bsky.social

Former stay-at-home daughter and author of RIFT: A Memoir of Breaking Away from Christian Patriarchy | caitwest.com | she/her

Already tired of debates around how “liberal” the new pope is. Like, women can’t participate in choosing the pope or lead congregations. NONE of these men are progressive, and the Catholic church is one of the largest patriarchal systems in the world.

One of my favorite subgenres to read is something I like to call “unhinged women.” Because they’re aspirational for me. For example, Piglet, Big Swiss, My Year of Rest and Relaxation… any I should add to my list?

Spiritual abusers use the bible, god, spirituality, scriptures, religion etc. to oppress you and steal your agency, and then when you back away because you’re bleeding out, they tell you it’s your fault because you didn’t have enough faith. Spiritual abuse is cruel like that.

When I was in the church, I was told that prodigals ran away from “the faith” or “god” because they wanted to sin or because they were lost. But people don’t usually run away from things that are good, healing, safe, and loving.

It’s not enough to call out individual abusers in your church—you also need to examine whether your theology is abusive. If your organization is barring certain people from leadership or membership because of their gender/sexual identity, I’d argue the system is inherently discriminatory & abusive.

I’m looking forward to speaking with Abbi Nye from CFCtoo today at 4 pm EST—the event is free and virtual so please join us if you can! We’ll be talking about the intersections between Christian patriarchy, homeschooling, and religious trauma. Register at the link below👇🏻 forms.gle/nNnSRTRXm3kd...

Photos of Abbi and Cait with text: Livestream, February 9, 4 pm Eastern

"Logan Davis, a consultant and columnist from Colorado, grew up in a reformed Calvinist church similar to [the one] Hegseth now attends, and spent middle and high school in a classical Christian school affiliated to the one Hegseth’s children now attend." www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...

Revealed: Trump Pentagon nominee endorsed extremist Christian doctrine on podcast

In newly uncovered recordings, Pete Hegseth rails against feminism, ‘critical race theory’, and even democracy itself

theguardian.com