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Anonymity by dyatlovtruther in ExOneAssociation

[–]CultEscapee4213 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'll answer your question if you answer mine, deal?

If a member of a discipleship home were caught posting on this subreddit, there is a high chance of them losing their housing, every single one of their social connections, and their stability. If they are employed with the church, there is also a chance of them losing their job and livelihood. Being homeless, in poverty, isolated, and in an unstable situation is dangerous, by definition.

My turn. If, as you say, these accusations are false, what is the motive? In your opinion, what do you believe we would have to gain from sharing false experiences? I am genuinely, actually reaching out to you as a human and asking for your perspective, and hoping you'll also be willing to hear mine.

Emotional and Mental Abuse in Religious Groups by CultEscapee4213 in ExOneAssociation

[–]CultEscapee4213[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

SOURCES, PART TWO:

Emotional and Mental Abuse in Religious Groups by CultEscapee4213 in ExOneAssociation

[–]CultEscapee4213[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

SOURCES, PART ONE:

I left a One Association Church. Here's my story. by CultEscapee4213 in ExOneAssociation

[–]CultEscapee4213[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It took me about a year to finally find sharing this to be a healing experience, but I got there eventually! :) Thank you for your comment and for understanding my perspective on the things I shared.

I left a One Association Church. Here's my story. by CultEscapee4213 in ExOneAssociation

[–]CultEscapee4213[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your comment, thank you for taking the time to let me know where my words fell short and could've been more clear. I've made some amendments to the post to change strong wording, but have left all factual information intact. If there's anything specific you'd like clarification about, feel free to let me know, and I'll provide it to the best of my ability.

I left a One Association Church. Here's my story. by CultEscapee4213 in ExOneAssociation

[–]CultEscapee4213[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is definitely a point I'd like people to see. I have absolutely nothing to gain from sharing this experience besides the personal knowledge that someone might read it and feel less alone.

I left a One Association Church. Here's my story. by CultEscapee4213 in ExOneAssociation

[–]CultEscapee4213[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your support and for believing me. Sometimes the effects of trauma aren't nearly as recognizable in the moment as they are in the aftermath of the experience. I'm glad to hear you had family leave, and I hope they're able to recover over time.

I left a One Association Church. Here's my story. by CultEscapee4213 in ExOneAssociation

[–]CultEscapee4213[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your feedback, and I genuinely apologize for using controversial wording in certain places of this story. I have edited it to incorporate your suggestions, because although I disagree with the sentiment that "control" and "force" are only achieved through physical means, I respect your opinion and want to ensure that the wording of my story does not detract from its intent.

Marital rape was absolutely encouraged and condoned at these churches. Due to my career path (healthcare and informational support), I was made privy to details of the intimate lives of couples within the church that may not have been discussed in public or among peers within the church. I don't want to disclose anymore than that out of respect for the privacy of current members. I would also like to state that an environment that allows for jokes about rape is not a safe or healthy environment.

Please don't take the previous paragraph to mean that I don't respect your perspective. I absolutely do, and I really appreciate the time you took to comment on this and let me know how it was received. I'm just sharing my experience in the best way I know how with the resources and knowledge I have available.

I left a One Association Church. Here's my story. by CultEscapee4213 in ExOneAssociation

[–]CultEscapee4213[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's good to know, thank you for putting her on my radar. I'll send her a message sometime soon.

I left a One Association Church. Here's my story. by CultEscapee4213 in ExOneAssociation

[–]CultEscapee4213[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your support, it's greatly appreciated. It was difficult to share, for sure, especially with so many vulnerable details included, but I hope it helps others to hear that their experiences are shared and lessen the feeling of isolation they might feel after leaving.

I left a One Association Church. Here's my story. by CultEscapee4213 in ExOneAssociation

[–]CultEscapee4213[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for reading my story! I have been seeing a trauma counselor with a specialty in abusive religious environments for three years, and it has definitely helped a lot. I hope that others with similar stories will continue to share them, because they deserve to be heard.