In April or May of last year, I followed a link over to a new blog and started to read the unfolding saga of Vyckie and Laura, new refugees from patriarchy and the Quiverfull lifestyle. I had not even read all the way through Kathryn Joyce's book, "Quiverfull" by that time. (I would read some awful quote from the group or would stop to wonder why Ted Haggard was featured, and I would have to set it aside!) I can barely believe that a year has passed since then.
From No Longer Quivering:
What started out as a small blog with two Quiverfull refugees telling our stories has in just one year’s time become the foremost online resource of information regarding the deceptions and dangers of the Quiverfull philosophy and lifestyle as well as a thriving virtual community of a diverse group of women (and a few men) to support and encourage one another as we process our experiences and recover from spiritual abuse. Read the rest HERE.
I am asked regularly why I am supportive of the website and their endeavors, considering that many who now contribute there are atheists or at odds with their Christianity. First, I believe that the Church-at-large should take note of the fruit of patriarchy and what these teachings do. They promise much which they ultimately cannot deliver, offering help and hope to many who are never given any guarantees of success. In fact, if one fails to get the intended outcome, the criticism always falls back on the follower's technique rather than flaws that are inherent in the system.
