Quote From: juliakellyMy name is Julia Kelly, seventeen years old, and I was born and grew up in the Family International. Never once was I ever abused in any way, physically, sexually, emotionally or otherwise. I was home schooled my whole life, and very happy with the results. I feel just as educated, if not more so, than any student fresh out of high school. Home schooling, by the way, is something done by hundreds of thousands of citizens all over the United States and not at all unusual.
For the record, though it seems ridiculous to even mention, I have written checks, opened my own bank account, have a high school diploma, am working on my drivers license, and know how to use a vending machine (If you get it, you get it).
Living in a Family home, I have a life that supplies my every need, I am advancing in my chosen field of work, happy and fulfilled with what I spend my days doing, in a loving, caring, supportive environment. If I had the slightest inkling that any abuse or mistreatment was going on in my house, (where there are eight children under the age of five), I would report it to authorities without delay.
I have reiterated this statement numerous times, as have hundreds of current second-generation Family members. I live my life for others in a Christian organization that has only ever helped me to be a better person and live a happy life. All I’m asking is that I be able to continue to do so without my way of life being slandered and my organization being made out to be an abusive, unsafe, malicious cult.
That’s the long and the short of it. I won’t feel guilty because I don’t have time to rebut every accusation and complaint made – the facts are there if you’re looking for them. I have a wonderful life that I’d rather live to the full than spend defending to those who have not moved on with theirs.
To the general public, check your facts, please. Don’t let it be said of you that you’ll believe the first thing you read and run with it, you’re better than that. Go to www.myconclusion.com and read for yourself what current and former Family members have to say about The Family International. Make up your mind after having heard both sides and see which one holds more water.
I read all the links I have been given here- completely. (After I discovered pages 2 and 3 -blush)
I have to say, I do believe there are regional disparities that may explain the difference in experiences?
How can some individuals experience such a horrific time and others in the same "religion" have an exact opposite experience?
I believe it is a matter of certain groups functioning differently. I do not think all of these people are liars! I was raised a Witness as I said before. I have known a lot of other Witnesses. There is a difference between one congregation and another. There are even differences within the same congregations. I have seen this in other churches also. (I spent a long time looking)
I do believe that not every outcropping of this 'religion' have behaved in identical manners.
After having read the letters that are sent to their missionaries, however, I believe the foundation is the same and can easily see where the deep depravity comes from.
It is planted there. I guess the interpretation is left to the individual communal groups?
(Original Air Date: 10/03/05) Imagine growing up in a cult where you are forced to have sex with strangers -- when you’re as young as 5. Dr. Phil talks to people who escaped the group known as the Children of God, and need help moving on. Meet a daughter who says she can’t forgive her father for the years of painful abuse she suffered at the hands of this cult. How can she reconnect with her dad and start trusting again? Plus, China and her husband, John, are building a new life after leaving the group, where they were forced to have sex with strangers when they were both underage. They’ve had a difficult time adjusting to the outside world, and China wonders if she should prosecute her parents for abuse. What does Dr. Phil think? Talk about the show here.
