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'Glad she's speaking out': Jinger Duggar reveals 'cult-like' beliefs that shaped her childhood

'Fear was a huge part of my childhood, I thought I had to wear only skirts and dresses to please God,' claimed Jinger

SAN FRANSISCO, CALIFORNIA: Former '19 Kids & Counting' star, Jinger Duggar Vuolo opened up about various Christian 'cult-like' beliefs she had when she was a child. She stated, "I thought I had to wear only skirts and dresses to please God. Music with drums, places I went or the wrong friendships could all bring harm. There are a lot of cult-like tendencies."

According to People, she said,  "The teaching I grew up under was harmful, it was damaging, and there are lasting effects. I want to share my story." Further, Jinger claimed, "Fear was a huge part of my childhood, I thought I could be killed in a car accident on the way because I didn't know if God wanted me to stay home and read my Bible instead."

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She was raised by her parents, Jim Bob, 57, and Michelle Duggar, 56, who were both ardent followers of the Institute in Basic Life Principles where they followed Gothard's teachings. Gothard's teachings were "based on fear and superstition." The teachings had strict directions in the case of dating life which were "based on fear and superstition." The followers were even asked to avoid dancing, kissing, hugging, and hand-holding, while dating. These regulations left her "crippled with anxiety" and "terrified of the outside world." She explained, "[Gothard's] teachings, in a nutshell, are based on fear and superstition and leave you in a place where you feel like, 'I don't know what God expects of me. The fear kept me crippled with anxiety. I was terrified of the outside world, "as per Daily Mail. 

Further, she added, "His teachings were so harmful, and I'm seeing more of the effects of that in the lives of my friends and people who grew up in that community with me." Jinger also added that her parents are not happy about her newfound freedom. Jinger also spoke about her new book, 'Becoming Free Indeed.' She stated, "That's the beauty of this journey. The teaching I grew up under was harmful, it was damaging, and there are lasting effects. But I know other people are struggling and people who are still stuck. I want to share my story, and maybe it will help even just one person to be freed." Meanwhile, she is married to Jeremy and blessed with two daughters, Felicity Nicole and Evangeline Jo!

Jinger also spoke about her brother Jose Duggar, She said, “It’s honestly just so tough to talk about. And so…I probably will just say this. It’s so heartbreaking to see the decision my brother Josh has mad." The 29-year-old added, “My heart just really breaks for the victims and their families and all that they’ve been through. And I just pray that Josh will genuinely change one day and come to know Christ for who he is and repent.I don’t have any desire to talk to him."

Later, she explained, “I am always here for Anna and the kids at any point that they would want to…talk, or anyway I could help and love on them.I know that they’ve just been through so much. So I just always am here for them," as per Just Jared.com

'Good for her for not repeating the cycle of abuse'

The internet quickly reacted to Jinger's responses. A user said, "good for her for not repeating the cycle of abuse...hopefully all of her siblings do the same!." Another added, "Not Jinger Duggar calling her family "cult-like"!! There are people who have been waiting for this for years! (ifykyk)." A comment read, "Good for her for speaking out." Another added, "I am glad she is speaking out. I've long said that believing in god and believing in religion are too completely separate things. One is spiritual and where is the second is a cult. Jinger Duggar Vuolo on Growing Up Under a Cult."

On Facebook, a user commented, "Jinger has been one of my favorite Duggar girls. You could tell that once she was married she was transforming into another person (in a good way). Her eyes have definitely been opened and I am glad that she is able to work through her fears. Religion is hard because while it brings a lot of positives it also has negatives, like cult like tendencies." Another wrote, "Finally the kids speak out Abt time that dad something off with him n the mom just uses the other girls to watch her kids." "Boy! This girl has got a head on her shoulders that she actually uses. It’s nice to see that good has come out of her untraditional upbringing and she’s not bitter but has a great attitude! She’ll have success in life! Way to go Jinger!, " read a comment. A user added, "I'm a Christian but this was beyond ridiculous and disgusting the way these poor kids were raised, it's abuse in my opinion."

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