I remember leaving the church FURIOUSLY because of the hypocritical falsehoods our youth leaders used in an attempt to control us. Especially the girls.

At 14, I called my parents, left camp, and never looked back. I’m horrified at the level of abuse you sustained at this crazy camp. Wow.

The nature of the church is to bow to an authority figure, and do whatever you need to win the prize, which is of course heaven. The abuse comes in because people are willing to do anything in the now to get a reward that actually no one knows if it really happens.

All of this said, I do know some good people who are Christians. These folks tend to suffer from a martyr complex, but can generally have good hearts and intentions. They are NOT “the church” but rather just some folks who take the basics of biblical teaching to heart.

I don’t get the political support for the big orange mess, but I don’t understand the logic of the faith anyway.

I’m glad you escaped!