Escaping Dad’s Deadly Cult with True Faith
Extremist Mormon YouTuber Faces Prison for Child Abuse
An extremist Mormon YouTuber with millions of subscribers is facing up to 30 years in prison for abusing her children. She used religion to justify her actions — just like my extremist Mormon father, a cult leader excommunicated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), who justified his abuse of my seven siblings and me while we lived in motorhomes, sheds, tents, and trailer parks.
Ruby Franke, a mother of six, and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, both members of the LDS, have pleaded guilty to child abuse. They were arrested after Franke’s son escaped to a neighbor’s home, desperately seeking help.
Religious Zealotry Used to Justify Abuse
The county attorney stated that the women used religious zealotry to validate their abuse. He said, “This is a case about religious extremism. The defendants fully believed that the abuse they inflicted was necessary to teach the children how to properly repent for imagined ‘sins’ and to cast the evil spirits out of their bodies.”
As I read this story and learned about the particular form of trauma the children endured, my heart broke. God does not condone such sinister behavior. However, it took me decades to realize the difference between God and abuse disguised as religion.
My father, a violent and mentally ill street musician, called himself a prophet and believed he would become the president of the United States. He justified his actions by claiming that Satan had assigned lesser demons to torment our family. We constantly moved to evade child custody authorities.
We relied on government and LDS church welfare, and my mother gave birth to one of my brothers in a tent while we lived in the woods of a public campground. I attended 17 different public schools and even took my ACT test while living in a shed without running water in the Ozarks.
Several of my siblings attempted suicide, and I myself contemplated ending my life multiple times. One of my schizophrenic brothers even tried to rape me, while the other accused me of seducing him. I have been hospitalized nine times for depression, fibromyalgia, suicidal thoughts, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Eventually, with the help of kind people, I found the tools to heal after escaping our cult.
Don’t Turn Away From God
For years, I believed I would never return to believing in God or organized religion. The evil I witnessed in God’s name closed my heart. However, I realized that my suffering came from human beings, including myself. Instead of seeking help from God, I walked away from the very source of healing. Unfortunately, I am not alone. Record numbers of young people are turning away from God, and it is taking a toll on us.
A working paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that states with significant drops in religious attendance experienced a rise in deaths of despair, and vice versa.
On the other hand, women who attend religious services at least once a week are 68 percent less likely to die from “deaths of despair” such as suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol poisoning. Men are 33 percent less likely, according to research conducted by Harvard University’s School of Public Health.
Evil justified by religion is like a knockoff Gucci purse with a fake “G.” Instead of blaming Beethoven for a poorly performed “Fifth Symphony,” we should hold the musicians accountable.
Through my conversion to Protestantism and baptism in December 2017, I discovered that God can handle our anger, rage, sorrow, and fear. God stands apart from horrific acts disguised as piety. It is perfectly fine to ask questions and scrutinize the behavior of those who claim to act in the name of divine power.
The Franke children have a long and painful journey ahead. My prayer is that they do not turn away from God, but rather seek Him as the life-giving force of healing.
What legal measures should be in place to protect victims of religious abuse and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions
Of being possessed by demons. The abuse and trauma we endured were justified by my father’s twisted religious beliefs.
It is important to note that the actions of individuals like Ruby Franke and my father do not represent the beliefs or teachings of the LDS Church or any other organized religion. Extremists and zealots exist in every faith and can twist religious doctrines to suit their own violent and abusive tendencies.
As society becomes more aware of the devastating effects of religious abuse, it is crucial to differentiate between genuine faith and abusive practices masquerading as religion. Religious institutions must take responsibility for ensuring that their teachings and practices are rooted in love, compassion, and respect for all individuals, especially children.
Protecting Children from Religious Abuse
It is the duty of parents, communities, and authorities to protect children from religious abuse. Education and awareness are key in identifying the signs of religious extremism and abusive behavior. Teachers, neighbors, and friends – anyone who suspects child abuse should report their concerns to the appropriate authorities immediately.
Religious leaders also play a vital role in preventing religious abuse within their congregations. It is their responsibility to promote healthy and balanced interpretations of religious teachings, emphasizing the values of empathy, kindness, and respect. They must be vigilant in identifying and addressing any signs of religious zealotry or abuse.
Furthermore, governments and law enforcement agencies must actively investigate cases of religious abuse and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. Legal measures should be in place to protect victims and enforce appropriate punishments for those who exploit religion to justify their abusive behavior.
Lastly, survivors of religious abuse should be supported and provided with the necessary resources and therapy to heal from their traumatic experiences. Support groups, counseling, and advocacy organizations can offer a safe and understanding environment for survivors to share their stories and seek help.
Conclusion
The case of Ruby Franke and the tragic experiences of my own family highlight the grave consequences of religious extremism and its potential to facilitate child abuse. It is crucial for society to address this issue head-on, not only by holding perpetrators accountable but also by promoting education, awareness, and compassion. We must strive to create a world where religion is a source of comfort and solace, rather than a tool for manipulation and harm.
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