Walking by Faith… But Not Without Orthopedic Shoes - Hobart Freeman - Chino Ross - Episode 352

John and Chino discuss the long-term psychological and spiritual damage caused by authoritarian religious groups, particularly Faith Assembly under Hobart Freeman. They highlight how scripture was twisted to manipulate followers, especially women, and how fear-based doctrines kept people trapped for decades. A moving story from a woman once married into Freeman’s inner circle brings into focus the emotional weight of this episode. Her testimony sparks a broader conversation about manipulation, misinformation, and the misuse of “divine healing” to hide real medical conditions under the guise of faith.

John and Chino center their critique on the hypocrisy of Hobart Freeman himself—specifically his concealment of a polio-shortened leg while preaching healing doctrines that forbade medical help. They reveal how Freeman wore orthopedic shoes in private while publicly claiming his healing and urging others to abandon medications, glasses, or treatment. Citing Freeman’s own words and audio clips, they expose how this deception became cult doctrine, reinforced by fabricated visions and unchecked authoritarianism. The conversation underscores how such systems are driven not by faith but by control, ultimately urging listeners to reject spiritual bullying and rediscover a faith grounded in truth.

00:00 Introduction
01:02 Leaders Claiming Healing While Remaining Ill
03:10 Positive Confession vs. Reality
05:08 New Testament Healing vs. Faith Assembly Doctrine
06:56 Hobart Freeman’s Shortened Leg and the Cult of Denial
08:01 Survivor Testimony: Years of Spiritual and Emotional Abuse
13:42 Manipulation Through Misused Scripture
15:02 Breaking Free from Fear and Judgment
16:24 Rebuilding Faith After Leaving a Cult
19:15 Mapping Cult Influence and Psychological Manipulation
21:16 Return to Freeman’s Timeline and Decline
25:00 The Anti-Exercise Doctrine and Cultic Home Life
26:58 Personal Control and Banning Joyful Activities
30:00 Website Resources and Research Credits
31:03 Hobart Freeman’s Mental State and the Role of Yes-Men
33:02 Freeman’s Heart Attacks and Denial of Illness
37:01 The Polio Story and Orthopedic Shoes
42:34 Inconsistencies in Freeman’s Faith Teaching
47:14 Personal Testimony: Misdiagnosis and Positive Confession
50:36 “Spiritual Laws” Trumping Reality
53:06 Hobart’s Shoes in the Trunk: Acting His Faith?
55:11 The Narcissism of Prophetic Healing Visions
59:41 The Body of Christ Will Be Healed with Me?
1:00:46 The Desire for Truth After Leaving a Lie
1:01:25 Final Reflections and Closing Invitation
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Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:
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Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K
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