Posted by:
forestpal
(
)
Date: June 12, 2011 04:34PM
You have just cause to rant!
Yes, the cult crosses the line with families, and tries to drive a wedge between children and parents. Even the TBM kids are separated from parents when they walk in the church door--to be brainwashed in Primary and Sunday school. No talking in the halls. No talking in Sacrament meeting. Sure, they are sitting with their parents, but the can't communicate with them. They rush out the door to hurry and strip off the uncomfortable clothes, and get food into their growling stomachs. By then, the questions and opportunity for fresh dialog has passed. Church is something kids would rather put out of their mind, and feel that sweet relief of a whole week ahead, until they are forced to go again.
Definitely, "The Church" forces itself into the role of parent. All the better to brainwash the children. You are a threat!
You are fired up right now, but afraid to "rant" to your wife and kids. You will calm down, too, and settle into the relief, and start enjoying the rest of your Sunday, and delude yourself into thinking that everything will be fine if you just suck it up.
I lived that way for several years--until one day my children got together and told me, in detail, about the physical abuse (plus one attempted molestation) at the hands of the priesthood leaders. I'll spare you the details, but it is sufficient to say that the bullying was extreme enough for me to promise them that very second that they would never have to go to that church again!
The one regret I have in life, is that I didn't realize what was happening behind my back, that I didn't rescue them sooner. True, my kids were threatened not to tell, but as a parent, I should have realized that these were good, decent kids who had a legitimate complaint about being forced to go to church. They have turned out great, but they do have some very unpleasant memories. Though they have forgiven me for forcing them to go to church, I still carry that guilt.
If we had not all resigned together, the cult would have torn us apart.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/12/2011 04:37PM by forestpal.