{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "description": "An explanation of the cult-like Christian right as the author works through her own exit from it. You gain empathy, compassion and a freedom to think while losing the friends and family still tightly enmeshed in the institution. I never grew up in an institution like this and McCammon gave (and continues to give) it and its adherents more grace than I would (and do). Central to being a parent is helping your kids grow and flourish. You give them the space to try and fail. You cheer them when you succeed. You love them unconditionally, do your best to guide them and support them. The evangelical method(s) of parenting as I understand it (and as McCammon explains it) is far sterner, dictatorial and rife with fire and brimstone. There's a zealous conviction about what is or isn't wrong with no wiggle room. There's suppression, admonishment and self-righteous hubris. There are many religions I'm not a part of (all of them?) and that's great. Do your thing, let other folks do their thing, be kind and move on. Seems simple. Instead, we have a bucket (basket?) of evangelicals so utterly hypocritical it would be funny if not for the harm they're inflicting. McCammon speaks at length about the harm caused by growing up in this institution, the extent to which it hampers social development, experience — you name it. Now said institution has put a fascist in power and will gladly damage the country and the world as enthusiastically as they do the members of their own church. : Cult adjacent? right-wing Christian cult? It's a shameful institution, pick a name and a characterization.",
  "path": "/reading/books/9781250284471/the-exvangelicals",
  "publishedAt": "2025-02-17T00:00:00Z",
  "site": "at://did:plc:sttgf52vkk46f6yuknvqxvgh/site.standard.publication/self",
  "tags": [
    "religion",
    "nonfiction"
  ],
  "title": "The Exvangelicals"
}