Breaking Free from Cultural Captivity in Marriage with Dr. John West Ep. 696
Release Date: 09/23/2025
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Awesome Marriage Podcast
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Awesome Marriage Podcast
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info_outlineIn this episode, Dr. Kim and John West discuss “Stockholm Syndrome Christianity” and how cultural captivity can pull Christians away from biblical truth. They explore the impact of these influences on marriage, from weakened faithfulness to the generational effects of broken promises on children. The conversation highlights the need for intentionality in guarding our hearts, shaping our children’s worldview, and staying rooted in truth. Listeners will be encouraged to build marriages that mutually support, advocate, and thrive in a world that often pulls in the opposite direction.
Episode Highlights:
As believers, what we are consuming directly affects how boldly we live out our faith.
Too many believers aren’t prioritizing biblical truth and their relationships reflect their culture more than their faith.
The church has not been immune to cultural influences.
Culture tells us that feelings trump biblical truth.
Quotes from Today’s Episode:
If you live your life oriented towards God's truth, it's designed for our flourishing.- John West
Every spouse needs to be their partner's biggest advocate.- John West
The impact on kids from broken marriages is traumatic. - John West
If you have a certain feeling, you don't have to act it out. - John West
If you're listening to a never-ending stream of lies, you're going to become very reticent about speaking up or living based on your Christian beliefs.- John West
What I saw in the christian community is a lot of christians being culturally captive. - John West
If you’re a christian, especially in industries, you spend a lot of your life around cultural captors.
Many christians have adopted this secular view that sex isn’t to be reserved for marriage.- John West
If you have a diet in your entertainment consumption for you and your kids, that everyone’s doing it- it’s normalized, it’s going to affect how you live. -John West
It’s really important to be in the world, not of the world. -Dr. Kim
You need to be wise enough and intentional enough to know that putting that stuff inside of you is going to have an impact- and impact your kids.- John West
The number 1 thing is you need to ask yourself- who is really raising your kids?
Couples’ Conversation Guide:
As you reflect on your marriage relationship, where do you see culture influencing you the most?
Are there biblical truths you’ve found harder to live out in today’s world? Why?
Do you believe there are any “outdated” parts of the Bible?
Who or what has the largest influence on your marriage?
Who or what has the largest influence on your children?
Mentioned in this Episode:
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Money issues don’t have to be an issue for your marriage. Check out this free course from Centsei. 4 Budgeting Mistakes Couples Make + How To Fix Them FREE Class 💸
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This month’s resource gives you the opportunity to show your spouse the appreciation they long for: 28 Fill in the Blank Thank You Notes
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Want an opportunity to dig into God’s Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Fight the chaos of culture and keep your marriage grounded in Biblical truth. Check out 5 Marriage Lies to Defeat with Biblical Truth.
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If you haven’t browsed our site, you’ve GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !
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Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips!
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Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to receive our 28 Fill in the Blank Thank You Note Prompts.