At the American Atheists National Convention this year, Vyckie Garrison spoke about how she left the Quiverfull movement after giving birth to seven children and being hailed by many as a model Christian wife:
You can read a rough transcript of the talk here:
The end of my life as a “Bride of Christ” came after a visit to Bright Horizons, which is the local domestic violence shelter in my hometown of Norfolk, Nebraska. I went there for help in filing a restraining order against my husband, whose emotional and mental abuse against me and my children had escalated to the point that I was in the midst of a complete mental and physical breakdown. He had taken 6 of our 7 children to a town three hours from our home and was preventing me from having any contact with them unless I agreed to his terms for our “reconciliation.”
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I did file for divorce and rescue myself and my kids from the tyranny of patriarchy. But for me, the primary break up was with Jesus. You see, being in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is a set up for dysfunctional game-playing and crazy-making head trips. According to Christianity, Jesus subjected himself to torture and death, so that we could have the “free gift” of eternal life… and by “free,” he means, it’s only going to cost you everything you have and everything you are.
It’s an incredibly powerful speech, offering yet another example of how Christianity can be used to justify horrible actions.
On a personal note, Vyckie’s going through some tough times right now and could use some support. If you have the means, please consider helping out.