Baptistland

A Memoir of Abuse, Betrayal, and Transformation

By: Christa Brown

Narrated by: 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

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

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.

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.

Fantastic book

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