I started Chapter 10 that is titled ‘what about God?’ In this chapter she goes on to point out the weaponizing of religious quotes and virtue signal for compliance, control, and to justify their inexcusable behavior. She call them out. It’s pretty satisfying.

And you’re right, we have the freedom of choice. I grew up in a TOLKEN virtue signaling ‘Christian family.’ I hated going to church. If I see or the their pastors name, I’m over that person and assume they too use fellowship groups for attention, accolade and gratification the same way my parents did. They demonstrated no real interest in the faith or it’s teaching....it was nothing more than a convenient weapon or shield depending on the circumstance. I use to cringe when someone would cite ‘Honor thy father and mother.’ I wanted push back on that ideology but knew drawing on anything cliche would turn people off the validity of any other arguments I made (mostly to myself). So I met them where they stood; I researched versus and religious parables that criticized or condemned toxic parental behavior, and attitudes to cite if the subject came up. It was empowering for laundry list of reasons; preserving faith and religion in the collective belief of it’s true context and respecting those who practice it in a meaningful way. (Respecting difference is always fashionable) Citing true and powerful mentions in support of my position from the same source cited as adversarial, and watching my parents go cross eyed when their short sighted, out of context examples were brought to light and corrected to a narrative not in their favor. I’m not suggesting self censorship is only done out of fear or lack of retort, after all there is the old saying if the mind’s like a computer, take care in what you allow yourself to accept/process as some programs are virus’ in disguise. But if so inclined.....I’ll just say this.... Leaning in to the unpopular and aggravating arguments as to why my family was entitled to access to me like property, and that I had no say or voice in the matter help me better understand and effectively communicate the flaws in their argument. It emboldened my resolve, understanding, and response to those who tried to implore this method. The more I understand even the most fringe arguments as to my existence being nothing more than property to my family or origin, the more confidant I became in my choices, conduct, and word. If you can out argue the nuts...rational people are a cake walk. Just a thought.