That was an impressive essay. I havent been that deeply disturbed or moved by anything that dramatically in a long time. The fact that things that terrible are still going on in our world really shows that the human race is not as advanced as we would like to think of ourselves as, and the awful things done in the name of "god" or religion. I truly feel for you, and for the millions of others out there who may not be part of a "cult" per se but are also controlled and oppressed by their religious views.
The beauty of a world without religion would be almost impossible to imagine....
//peace
--JC
05/03 |
Yolande,
Your story was so clear. So many of us are seeking love, and doing anything we can to believe in it. I'm honored to know you and happy that Nerve published this.
--C
05/01 |
really engaging and strong piece, one of my favorites on nerve.
--ted
04/30 |
Thanks for such an intimate piece of writting. If you continue this narrative I'd like to read it. Chris onephreeone@yahoo.com
--ck
04/29 |
Whoa! That was intense. I am stunned by what you endured and impressed with your strength
--hw3
04/29 |
There was a lot to interest me in this article. First, I am a person with schizoaffective disorder, and I know what life is like from the other side. I see what my family goes through and it's rough on them. Not that it isn't rough on me.
Second, I read and greatly enjoyed "Combatting Cult Mind Control", a book by another former Moonie.
My last two comments are a bit personal. It seems to me that in spite of your phrase about life, which is indeed just one big surprise, that you are somewhat detached emotionally from the events in your life. Of course, being a member of a cult and undergoing that kind of abuse might cause that.
Finally, totally unsolicited, and none of my business, but maybe it would be best not to replace meaningless sex with meaningless sex. Even as a bisexual male, I don't lay my body on the line unless it means something to me. I've passed up several opportunities lately because of it.
Maybe that's not what your doing, but that's what it seems like to me.
--TDL
04/29 |
This is as strong a case for the total abolition of religion on a personal level as I have read in a long time. On a wider scale, the 11th Century dramatics in the Middle East, and the present Administration in this country, speak volumes for such a posture on a global level. That the world has never been free of religion does not mean that it would not be a good idea. Granted, there is nothing in the database that would give us a reliable predictor as to the effect the complete removal of religion would have on the world, but I am, and I suspect this author may be, willing to give it a try.
--NLW
04/25 |
your are pretty ballsy to write about this, and strong to have lived through it. it is pretty fascinating, your level of introspection, at the same time profound and also completely lacking in clarity. But maybe you are just as lost as the rest of us, and it is only the setting that is a bit more extreme. I have to say, the whole puritannical way of dealing with life's overwhelming quality strike me as a bit odd, but is of course reflected in our mainstream culture. I don't know, i feel like giving you a hug, AND a huge kick in the arse for not taking responsibility for your own life. I mean, come on, you can only blame your old lovers for so much, you know? great frase your old lover coined though, cult of the lover. I truly hope you keep your children away from that cult.e
--eva
04/24 |
life is going on and the Moon marriages apparently have nothing to do with love
--JD
04/24 |
iteresting indeed
--FZ
04/24 |
A magnificent piece. I'm struck by how you are able to lead a professional life that must be full of details and structure and interaction, while on a personal level you seem profoundly lonely, with relationships that seem to touch you only barely. Thanks for the frightening descriptions of life within Moon's organization.
--CC
04/24 |
Hi. That was a really good story. I was fascinated to get to see into the hidden cult world, and I was moved by your personal, emotional experience with it. Thanks.
John
--JDP
04/21 |
Sun Myung Moon was arrested in 1955, "for having sexual relations with a large number of women."
http://www.freedomofmind.com/resourcecenter/groups/m/moonies/moonies_in_Japan.htm
--JQ
04/21 |
Wonderful article.
But why does the author seem to believe that the Moonies have
a monopoly on God?
Their religion seems about idolatry (their founder) and not about God
at all.
--GB
04/21 |
I wish you the best on your journey. If you hadn't written your story, people might forget that this kind of crap is still going on and people are still suffering from it. It seems like most of us do well following our hearts and doing what we have passion for and trusting God to lead us to like minded mates.
--Rev
04/21 |
I'm intrigued by the level of detail in this piece; it feels much more like reporting than reflection. But that's the oddness of it. Refreshing in that way. You can't ask people to be deeply reflective about things they simply are not able to reflect on. Not everyone's life has cliched epiphanies; sometimes we just go along and one thing happens after another.
--cla
04/21 |
Boy was THAT depressing. Just seeing the photo of all those "couples" lined up is enough to make my skin crawl. I wonder how many of them are still together, how many are even remotely satisfied, how many screwed up kids that crowd has collectively produced. Hit your (preselected) lover with a baseball bat to demonstrate your love? If that alone is not enough to make you run to the airport to get the next flight home, you are already too far gone. I suppose not having to think has a positive side in a strange way, but hell, that's what drugs and alcohol are for.
--pm
04/21 |
What happened to your brother?
--JC
04/21 |
I've never read such a sick and painful story. I'm appaled.
There's some people who just can deal with freedom because it's just too scary (read "Fear of flying"). They're totally unable to accept their "own personas" nor create a scale of values based on their own experience. Grown up adults who choose a "boss" to tell them how to live their lives because internally they are so deeply lost...and this is what religion is all about (and drugs too): An escape to another reality when one's own is too painfull to deal with.
Poor Gabriel. I feel bad for him because he must be spending all his money in hookers right now.
Signed:
S.W.V
(Slut with values)
Sorry for my spelling but I'm from Barcelona
--PV
04/21 |
I happen to be a religion prof,and to bare this experience to the world is gutsy and great, 'cause so many people go through these things in "purity-based ' religions. I hope your healing from your moonie expereince continues.
--ab
04/21 |
great story. good luck on your trip.
----c
04/21 |
I loved your story. The narrative was clear and strong. It made me cry
--jb
04/21 |
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