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Hello everyone! I'm a recovering ex-cult member and joined this site in an effort to learn more about life after religion.
I didn't realise I was raised in a cult until I (finally) went to a non-religious therapist, and she opened my eyes to a lot of things. Grateful to have the second half of my life to explore and learn about this gorgeous world we live in.
Since packing my suitcase and leaving home, I've sold a house, gotten divorced, lost my beloved teaching job, and learned both my parents have terminal illnesses. It's been a rollercoaster, but I'm keeping my head up and swimming along.
Looking forward to interacting with others here who have had similar experiences.

OutreDragon 4 Apr 23
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Enjoy being online again!

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34 comments

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6

Sometimes in life it's enough to keep your head above the water in survival mode. I excaped the catholic church but sadly after I allowed my children to be indoctrinated.

6

Wow, welcome and best wishes to you.

6

Wow . Welcome to the community . That's quite a ride you have had.

5

As you transition out of theism, remember… Just as you never feared the alleged afterlives of other religions, you have no reason to fear the afterlife of your former religion. -HTG

Wow this quote hit me hard. Thank you.

5

In one way or another, were we all raised in a cult. But some are a lot worse than others. I joined the Air Force to get out of mine. Then when I went back, I was an atheist. Haha.

5

Welcome! And congratulations on your newfound freedom!

5

Welcome aboard. I do hope you enjoy your stay.

5

Welcome to the freedom that science thinking can give you. It is not as difficult as you suppose.

5

Welcome, and remember that life itself is a rollercoaster ride. I've never had a therapist but a non-religious one would be the only way to go.

4

Unfortunately we don't deceive and offer mystical comfort, but life is indeed precious and short, so I hope you and your parents can find some happiness through all this. Welcome to the group!

4

Now that you have shaken off the shackles of religion you will begin to feel the elations that come with true Freedom of the Mind and the Body.
Welcome to Reality, the ONLY place truly worth living in.

4

It's tough to wriggle out of the grasp of cultists, especially if your parents are members. I congratulate you, sympathize that you had to go through that, and welcome you to the world of reason, as well as to this site. Your mind will take you as far as you let it. 🤓

4

First congratulations on getting out the cult. Houses are sold everyday. Divorcing your spouse is a big step, and sometimes necessary. Regarding teaching, once you are a teacher, you will always be a teacher (is in your blood) I am sorry for your parents, it is always sad, but that's our nature. be always aware and enjoy every moment of your life

Mike2 Level 2 Apr 23, 2019
4

Welcome. There are many here with similar experiences.

4

Welcome. there are some nice people here. What was the cult if you are interested in discussing it ?.

4

What you described is a lot...first, my heart goes out to you! I would suggest that you keep your life as simple as possible. If you keep the small things managed, that will help maintain confidence when you must tackle the bigger ones. At least as you adjust to your new life without the ‘cult,’ you will gather momentum and adjust your life in a way that nurtures and supports your nature. Be patient...you are building something different, learn to feel the ground beneath your feet and carry your head with a sense of purpose. If you error, no big deal, just do things differently, you will feel more leveled out as time passes. And, don’t forget to recognize the joy and beauty in the small things. They will be the tonic, when so many things seem to be deteriorating all at once. Make a life that fits you...that always works. My best to you.

Thank you so much! 🙂 patience is a tough one for me...

@OutreDragon when your patience has warn thin...and after you may need to scream...have a talk with yourself, as you would any good friend (maybe even a stranger) be kind and supportive and remind yourself that you still have a life to live! And LIVE it! An aching heart does not indicate your life is a failure...

4

Welcome to the asylum. Enjoy your stay.

4

Welcome. The only way is up now.

3

That's a lot to lose, but also a lot to gain.

SCal Level 7 Apr 23, 2019
3

i can't even imagine -- i was raised so differently. i admire your ability to break free and to sound so cheerful even during such a ride. welcome!

g

3

G'day! Any particular flavour of cult? Just asking our of idle curiosity, so please feel free to ignore.

Independent fundamental KJV-only slap-your-grandma Baptist.

@OutreDragon Oooh, nasty.

3

Welcome and stay true to yourself.

2

My goodness, I'm shocked at the outpouring of welcome and empathy here! Thank you all for the kind words and for taking the time to read my post. I'm excited to learn 🙂

wow, sounds like you're gong thru the shit. I went thru a bunch of shit in 94, divorce is no good. Right now, I'm subbing, my second year of doing it. I never realized teaching was so difficult.......the kids are so fucked up......wow......"who's your daddy?"....woe fucked up dope-fiend alcoholic parents.....not easy. Im ready to quit subbing.

I had a hard time when my mother died, in 1994. And it seemed like for decades the Universe was out to "GET ME".....but then.....it took a while......it smoothed out, but NOT without challenges. All religions are cults, they are out to control you and take your money; Best example, the Catholic Church.....terrible. HOWEVER, we are conscious of ourselves, the Sun and moon keeps on rising and setting, we have to work, pay the bills......all the galaxies.....billions of them....AND we are part of it. It seems that we are in evolution, we are going somewhere....It's not like you can escape from the Universe. We are part of it......I don't have any answers on the whole thing, but it is bigger than me. I am NOT a christian, I was raised Luteran (Luther did NOT treat women well......as did the Catholics)....but after some LSD trips in the 70s, all that went out the door, I kind of go with the American Indian, the spiritual world is much larger than the physical world....that is for sure. The whole thing is "OF MIND".....

I get sick of the Bible thumpers....that's for sure.....omg....enough is enough. The guy who lived in the fish for 3 days, and if you don't believe it.......you get to go into the LAKE OF FIRE......FOREVER AND EVER!!!

2

I forgot to mention, my spouse and I don't see each other eye-to-eye. A divorce seems inevitable. My mom passed away recently, and my dad has continuous health issues. But that's what life is about. I was a teacher, and I miss teaching a lot.

Mike2 Level 2 Apr 23, 2019
2

Welcome! Please don't get offended,scared or annoyed by anyone ?

It takes a heck of a lot to offend me, especially online, where IMHO the best approach is to 1) take everything with a grain of salt and 2) assume everyone has the best possible intentions 🙂

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