tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post1973913763329886334..comments2023-10-10T03:57:29.110-07:00Comments on Razing Ruth: Part 8Razing Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04854418022850278216noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-23180801842336052092010-03-15T05:52:10.665-07:002010-03-15T05:52:10.665-07:00i hate the way that toxic, dysfunctional doctrine ...i hate the way that toxic, dysfunctional doctrine can make people who might otherwise have been flawed but fairly reasonable, into heartless sadists who actually think they are pleasing the Lord.<br /><br />I can't even imagine how grieved Jesus must be like this.<br /><br />God forgive our parents and all of us who have fallen for this shit, and bless and heal and protect our poor children.<br /><br />Ruth, I'm so sorry, sweetheart. How terrible that even before you were born you were subjected to such control tactics. The Word is wonderful, and meant to be a life-giving blessing and comfort - but the way it was applies twisted it into a tool of oppression.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-46035549597001358932010-03-03T18:35:39.332-08:002010-03-03T18:35:39.332-08:00Horrifying. :(
I was spanked on occasion, and my ...Horrifying. :(<br /><br />I was spanked on occasion, and my mom was "a yeller" lol. But never was it abusive and the thought of any child enduring what you went through is just grievous.Margaretnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-18881245253844192662010-03-01T09:11:17.088-08:002010-03-01T09:11:17.088-08:00I just read this and I want to vomit. I remember ...I just read this and I want to vomit. I remember my son at 6 months, precious and darling and full of life, and the idea of someone putting him through what you went through... The thought is enough to move me to violence as well, a product of a mother's instinct to protect her child. Nor can I imagine being so beaten down by another person that I could lose that instinct. Obviously your mother was and did.<br /><br />Your father is a monster. Bill Gothard and his cronies deserve a very special place in hell where they can personally experience their own teachings.jennl777https://www.blogger.com/profile/03381830487012041258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-14837129904280918612010-03-01T08:28:55.623-08:002010-03-01T08:28:55.623-08:00Ruth, I'm from the UK and came across your blo...Ruth, I'm from the UK and came across your blog.<br /><br />What you describe here is horrifying and breaks my heart for you (and your mother and siblings).<br /><br />It makes my blood boil that these abuses are perpetrated in the name of evangelical Christianity. Merciful heaven, no wonder people are atheists when they see this kind of evil justified in the name of God!<br /><br />I actually feel very sad for your father. He sounds like a very disturbed man. What a tragic waste of a life, to honestly believe this kind of abuse of his children honours God! His delusion must go very deep. Obviously he has hurt his family deeply, but he has also hurt his own soul. This is not going to earn him a "well done, good and faithful servant."<br /><br />I think you are a remarkable, and very brave, young woman and you will be in my prayers as you rebuild your life. <br /><br />- PhilippaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-19719400257456965792010-02-28T23:36:02.315-08:002010-02-28T23:36:02.315-08:00Wow, I am so sorry that you had to go through that...Wow, I am so sorry that you had to go through that. How horrible!Catherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03069385563012079451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-50019196999271735192010-02-28T14:34:16.622-08:002010-02-28T14:34:16.622-08:00I hate that you had to deal with that kind of abus...I hate that you had to deal with that kind of abuse, Ruth. It's a testament to your character that you came out of it so strong and determined. (And you are strong! If you weren't, you still be at home or married off to another version of your father.)<br /><br />I also can't stand the idea that deeds such as these are done in the name of Christianity, giving a bad name to Christians everywhere that don't deserve it.<br /><br />JanaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-71080067176270665212010-02-28T10:45:58.203-08:002010-02-28T10:45:58.203-08:00Question to Ruth:
Are you parents still practicin...Question to Ruth:<br /><br />Are you parents still practicing the same child-rearing today?<br /><br />If so, have you ever reported them to child protective services? <br /><br />If they haven't changed their ways, they are surely treating your at-home siblings the same way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-27453447138321161792010-02-28T10:39:11.119-08:002010-02-28T10:39:11.119-08:00Hi Ruth,
It hurts me to know that children are b...Hi Ruth,<br /> It hurts me to know that children are being raised in such a way; but reading your story makes me happy to know that you and some of the older ones have managed to escape that environment. I concur with everyone here- keep blogging, keep telling your story, silence is a powerful tool of those who long to hold onto power. Best to you Ruth.Nataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06253375702367863424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-19683979382948658492010-02-28T09:35:02.938-08:002010-02-28T09:35:02.938-08:00You know reading about abuse supposedly based on t...You know reading about abuse supposedly based on the Bible, I'm reminded of something my grandmother told me once. She's a Unitarian Universalist, and once during her Bible study group, they discussed the line "Spare the rod, spoil the child". Well, apparently that line has been misunderstood - the rod was not a rod to spank, but a rod to measure. The word that was used in the Hebrew should have been translated as measuring stick. What the line calls for is for parents to measure their children to their full potential - don't raise your children to their full potential, don't measure them up, their lives are spoiled.<br /><br />It just shows how easily misinterpreted the Bible is. How many other areas have been used for evil and abuse because people don't look beyond the words on the page? It's sad the number of peoples lives destroyed by that. <br /><br />I'm so glad that you, Ruth, have broken free from all the terror that was your life so that you're life hasn't been destroyed.Lauren H.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-76565171887166099462010-02-28T07:41:18.356-08:002010-02-28T07:41:18.356-08:00That is just horrible what your father did to you....That is just horrible what your father did to you. What you did to your brother is what any child would do when someone sibling or not takes something that they had. Your father sounds like a real PIECE OF WORK!! Like the others have said above.<br /><br />1) Continue blogging, I have truly enjoyed what you have written and because of this I am thankful EVERYDAY that I have the parents I have.<br /><br />2) I am soo happy that you managed to get out and you u are trying to make a good life for yourself.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-5542128887471207432010-02-28T07:28:11.113-08:002010-02-28T07:28:11.113-08:00This Christian parent did just the opposite of you...This Christian parent did just the opposite of your parents! Oh Ruth, how I wish you were treated with the love and nurture you deserved. It is so sad.<br /><br />God is love. Jesus loves me this I know. How did people screw that up so frickin badly!<br /><br />Keep blogging Ruth. Maybe when your parents read that the rest of the world thinks they are batshit crazy- atheist and Christian alike- they will treat your little sister with the love and nurture you ALL deserved!<br /><br />I have taught my children that God loves them, I mean really truly loves them! Prayer to me is communion with LOVE. I am horrified that your parents used the word "prayer closet" for naming their torture device!<br /><br />I hope you still can believe in Divine Love, and pray that it fills your life every day from now on, from any and every source that will allow love to flow. There is a lot of love in this world and I hope you experience riches and riches of love.shadowspringnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-57641173980361189272010-02-28T07:23:18.672-08:002010-02-28T07:23:18.672-08:00so sorry this happened to you ((hugs))so sorry this happened to you ((hugs))mommyoffaith19https://www.blogger.com/profile/01030240982826490223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-15379910924346384622010-02-28T06:50:21.574-08:002010-02-28T06:50:21.574-08:00Hugging my children extra tight today.Hugging my children extra tight today.Mariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16527550535195162631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-33440481683173160312010-02-28T05:11:23.691-08:002010-02-28T05:11:23.691-08:00Jesus. You poor thing. Your folks are batshit craz...Jesus. You poor thing. Your folks are batshit crazy. Stay strong.Kathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11712055839259604172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-46161916509618163532010-02-27T23:05:09.354-08:002010-02-27T23:05:09.354-08:00"And they brought young children to Him, that..."And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God' (Mark 10:13-14)."<br /><br />Is this verse missing from the ATI/Vision Forum/ Bible? How can anyone read that verse and treat their children like this and think they are doing God's will? <br /><br />Keep up the good work Ruth. Be not Afraid!Lynnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04910822489593680526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-83924126273589827912010-02-27T18:04:43.805-08:002010-02-27T18:04:43.805-08:00Ruth ~ I'm saying a prayer that you can heal f...Ruth ~ I'm saying a prayer that you can heal from your childhood. It's hard to believe what you and your siblings had to endure in the name of God (according to your parents).Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12490427526774651850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-52917310728103717412010-02-27T16:39:12.052-08:002010-02-27T16:39:12.052-08:00Every day I read or hear or see something else fro...Every day I read or hear or see something else from this these "Christian" people, I'm more glad I have stopped participating in all of this horrific nonsense and have become an atheist. May your God bless you and protect you. I sincerely mean that. I'll take my chances protecting myself though, because that guy so many people pray to really isn't interested in stopping anyone's pain or suffering, and I have zero interest in ever meeting him.Katenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-9734011928202284572010-02-27T15:22:34.834-08:002010-02-27T15:22:34.834-08:00Wow. What horrible parents to think that the Bible...Wow. What horrible parents to think that the Bible would suggest beating, neglecting or abusing a child. It's so stunningly misguided and I'm sorry you had to go through that. <br /><br />No wonder your father is so angry; he was angry even when you were acting like a normal child, and now you're being a "wild" child - getting an education! learning to be independent of your parents! Most parents are proud of their children for leaving the nest, encourage them to go off to college to become engaged citizens, but your dad doesn't want you to be an engaged citizen. He wants you to be his unerring, unthinking subject. It's so crazy and I, too, am glad you found your way out.The Saved Quarterhttp://thesavedquarter.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-87117076089057815152010-02-27T15:15:04.810-08:002010-02-27T15:15:04.810-08:00Ruth,
I was mentally and physically abused as a c...Ruth,<br /><br />I was mentally and physically abused as a child, but not to the extent you were. But I can say, without hesitation, that it has made me a better parent. Because I knew I would never raise my children without love (as I was raised), I've heaped them with hugs, kisses and love, all which were missing from my childhood.<br /><br />I hope that through this blog that you can get the message across to someone thinking about raising their child through this lifestyle.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-47284804808281171612010-02-27T14:43:06.195-08:002010-02-27T14:43:06.195-08:00I'm so sorry that you had to go through this, ...I'm so sorry that you had to go through this, Ruth, and am glad that you managed to get out.No Commenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08063156928667704108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-49859354159712052492010-02-27T14:14:50.081-08:002010-02-27T14:14:50.081-08:00Lyndiegrace, that is exactly what I was thinking. ...Lyndiegrace, that is exactly what I was thinking. Surely Satan rejoices whenever a parent practices this kind of cruel "discipline."Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09961304203923069047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-7711072898789880252010-02-27T13:26:17.977-08:002010-02-27T13:26:17.977-08:00I've been following your blog, and it really s...I've been following your blog, and it really saddens me that people do things like this all in the name of God. I myself am a devout christian, however I cannot fathom practicing this kind of behavior.Lyndiegracehttp://lyndie-graceforthejourney.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-90036614374502487712010-02-27T12:09:59.615-08:002010-02-27T12:09:59.615-08:00I never liked Bill Gothard a whole lot, but I also...I never liked Bill Gothard a whole lot, but I also didn't stress about it a whole lot, but reading this blog and what a girl on a facebook page wrote, it makes me wonder if it isn't time for the law to investigate BG and some of his practices. The diff. with BG and church leaders and pastors, is that normally, pastors still have to answer to elders or deacons or at least a board of some sort or at least the congregation, so there is mutual accountablity. BG's little kingdom, though, seems to me as if it's set up like a totem pole with himself at the top, and he's not accountable to anyone.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03293754839064886803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-30924905261943468772010-02-27T09:21:38.758-08:002010-02-27T09:21:38.758-08:00Ruth - how very terrible, to spend 14 hours locked...Ruth - how very terrible, to spend 14 hours locked in a closet in the dark. I don't suppose your father himself ever made ANY mistake that warranted being locked in a little dark closet for hours on end? This is what I don't understand - in ATI, they demand perfect obedience from their children, yet they are so completely oblivious to their own sins. <br /><br />I was raised in a Catholic family, and as a RC, repenting our sins is just part of the deal. So I was ALWAYS aware that EVERYBODY around me made mistakes. It wasn't just the children going into the confessional booth at church - it was the kids, and the fathers and mothers, and the school teachers, and the nuns and even the priests. It was reassuring in a way, to know that even those who dedicate their lives to serving God make mistakes. How is it that your father felt he was so very perfect, that he was so completely without sin, as to cast you and your siblings into a closet to repent while doing no such thing himself? <br /><br />I'm so sorry Ruth, and I know that it doesn't mean much, but I'm sorry that I was blessed with such a loving father (who is now gone) and a strong mother. I'm the exact same age as you, and I'm finding your story getting harder and harder to read. I lost a brother at a young age, and then my father when I was a young adult. Sometimes the unfairness of life is incomprehensible to me, when I look around at what others have and what I have lost. But then I read a story like yours, and I'm just so very grateful for what I once had... I feel like crying for you. <br /><br />Kudos to you, for being strong enough to seek help. I resisted for so very long but once I finally started to see somebody, that's when I was able to become myself again. The therapist I was seeing literally helped me get through my life when I didn't think that I could. You WILL come out of all of this as a very strong woman. *hugs*Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06265605969252518977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2201165796329163117.post-32403160517302901772010-02-27T06:10:08.866-08:002010-02-27T06:10:08.866-08:00I, too, began therapy as soon as possible to start...I, too, began therapy as soon as possible to start to heal from my childhood. I'm now in my forties, and it has been hard work! By making it a priority to be a good wife and mother, I managed to do a pretty good job. But I'm only now really beginning to uncover my authentic self, and to be brave enough to know that girl. (Choosing to end my relationship with my mother three years ago helped a lot.)<br /><br />So, the bad news: my guess is that you have a lifetime of work ahead of you. The awesome news: you'll be good at the things you care about, and you will become a happier person every year that you keep it up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com