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"Where are we going to go? Is life actually better outside of this group we're in? If this isn't The Truth, then what is? Show me something better out there and I will switch, but you know there is nothing better."
Millions of people who are members of high control groups (i.e. Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Scientologists, etc.) contemplate these questions, fearing what will happen to them if they walk away from their faith. Just the thought of independently questioning their doctrines or the integrity of their leaders creates tremendous amounts of anxiety - with good reason, as the consequences of leaving are typically quite severe. The beliefs drilled into members is that the world is entirely unsafe, ruled by evil forces, and the only way true safety can be experienced is by staying within the confines of the group. Leaving that safety net puts their lives in direct peril, with the threat of an untimely death being the ultimate punishment. To make the consequences even more brutal, the act of questioning, failing to follow or ultimately leaving the group leads to being labeled as an enemy or an 'apostate'. All so-called 'apostates' end up being completely shunned or even threatened by their family and former friends who remain in the group.
Yet, despite the tremendous consequences involved, countless brave individuals make the choice to courageously conquer their fear and seek a life of authenticity and freedom. While this is truly the hero's path, the results are psychologically damaging and emotionally painful. How do they start a new life? How do they conquer the fear that holds them captive? How do they repair the emotional and psychological damage done?
This book contains the stories of ex-Jehovah's Witnesses who undertook that challenge, came out the other side successfully and found true happiness. As a bonus, a story from Terina Maldonado gives us the perspective of ex-Mormons who go through the same challenges. The chapter from Nesly Brulee gives us unique perspective of what challenges people had to go through in order to rebuild their lives as refugees in another country.
Can life outside religion be better? Stories in this book are a living proof that there is something better - much, much better. It's something that can only be understood after experiencing it. What is it? The answers are inside this book.
