Escaping the Extreme Christian Fundamentalism of "Quiverfull"

[KamaAina]

http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2014/09/22/vyckie_garrison_on_escaping_quiverfull.html

Can religious fundamentalism turn otherwise non-abusive relationships abusive? Vyckie Garrison of the blog No Longer Quivering argued yes in a recent speech given at the American Atheists national convention in Salt Lake City. Garrison is a former adherent to a strain of fundamentalist Christianity called "Quiverfull," an extremist branch of the anti-choice movement that rejects all forms of contraception—including natural family planning—as just an extension of the "abortion culture." In fact, Quiverfull members aspire to have as many children as possible, arguing that to win the culture wars, the faithful must literally "out-populate the 'enemy,' that would be all of you," as Garrison puts it.

Kathryn Joyce wrote about this subculture in her 2010 book Quiverfull: Inside the Christian Patriarchy Movement, but Garrison's speech offers the unique perspective of someone who actually tried to live this lifestyle for many years. As Garrison explains on her blog, the Quiverfull movement is about more than just having a ton of kids. It's also a "patriarchal cult" that teaches that men are "leaders, teachers, initiators, protectors and providers" and women are "helpmeets" who serve men by being "submissive and yielding." Submission is also demanded of children, particularly daughters, which is one reason that dating is not allowed and, instead, girls are to be "courted" under the watchful eye of the father, until they can marry and "experience their first kiss at the marriage altar." Even though they don't use the term "Quiverfull," the Duggar family of the TLC show 19 Kids and Counting are the most famous example of adherents to this lifestyle. ...

Garrison gives plenty of other examples of how Biblical patriarchy, regardless of intention, is indistinguishable from domestic abuse. Isolation "just kind of happened as a logical progression of our decision to live radically for Jesus," she says of giving up work and education outside the home, rejecting non-believing friends and family, and dramatically sheltering her kids from "the evil influence of godless humanism." Economic abuse, where women are kept dependent by not letting them have money of their own or a say in family finances, is also a natural outcome of the idea of "male headship."

"When the very definition of perfect love is sacrificing your children and martyring yourself, there is no place for emotionally healthy concepts like boundaries, consent, equality, and mutuality," Garrison said. She argues that while the Quiverfull movement is an extremist fringe, it exists because "Quiverfull beliefs are not actually a radical departure from conservative Christian teachings regarding marriage and family."

[Tree-Hugger]

1. This has been making the rounds on social media

It's a frightening read.

I've been familiar with her website for a while now. I first read it when I was trying to figure out what was happening to a friend. Sadly, I have watched a few women go down this path. I have watched them go from confident and vibrant women to sullen and depressed. Yet, they claim they are so #blessed because Jesus.

[Triana]

2. . . .

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025558341