Ep. #41 Unmasking the Seventh-day Adventist Church: Melissa's Deconstruction

Please consider buying us a cup of coffee or two by clicking here. Your support helps fund our out of pocket expenses

In this episode Cultimatum, we dive deep into the complex and often hidden world of the Seventh-day Adventist Church with Melissa Dugie Spiers, a fourth-generation ex-member. Melissa is currently writing a revealing book about her life in the church and the historical roots that shaped its practices. From the strict observance of the Saturday Sabbath to following biblical laws, Melissa grew up in a controlled environment that isolated her from the outside world.

The episode explores the influence of Ellen G. White, the church’s prophetic founder, who shaped the sect’s strict beliefs. Melissa delves into the lesser-known history of White, including her possible mercury poisoning from her father’s hat-making business and a traumatic brain injury as a child, leading to speculation about her mental and physical health. Melissa sheds light on how White may have suffered from Gastaut-Geschwind Syndrome, a neurological disorder that shaped her behaviors and prophecies, which laid the foundation for the church's controversial doctrines—such as anti-masturbation, anti-LGBTQ beliefs, and rigid lifestyle restrictions.

Melissa's personal journey of escape began at 17 when she left the church’s controlled bubble and moved to New York. For years, she buried her past, until a revelation involving a known child predator being protected by the SDA leadership reopened old wounds. This discovery propelled Melissa into her deconstruction process and inspired her to start speaking out, particularly through her growing TikTok platform, where she exposes disturbing truths about the church with factual references.

In this episode, Melissa advises those still in the SDA or any cult-like group to critically assess their personal boundaries, use critical thinking, and do thorough research. Whether you are considering joining or questioning your involvement, this is a must-listen episode packed with insight into the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s darker side and the journey of healing after leaving.

Join us as Melissa courageously shares her story, challenges the SDA's practices, and encourages others to find their path to freedom.

Link to Melissa's TikTok Account: https://www.tiktok.com/@theglorywhole

Cultimatum Podcast Contact Info:

Email: cultimatumpodcast@gmail.com

Cultimatum Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1910498486077283

Cultimatum Instagram page:

https://www.instagram.com/cultimatumpodcast?igsh=MXBnNXllYjBtc2hwcg==

Cultimatum TikTok account :

https://www.tiktok.com/@cultimatumpodcast?_t=8nLKfZ8ShnW&_r=1

Cultimatum Pinterest account :

https://pin.it/YdcAW0Oiq

Cult Escape & Recovery Support Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/257541906940650

Ep. #40 Shattered Faith: Harry's Escape from the House of Yahweh

Please consider buying us a cup of coffee or two by clicking here. Your support helps fund our out of pocket expenses

In this compelling episode, we delve into the harrowing experiences of "Harry," an anonymous former member of the House of Yahweh. Harry joined the cult in 1995, only to witness a dramatic shift in its teachings around the year 2000. Members were increasingly subjected to oppressive controls, including needing the leader's permission to marry, paying a bride price, and undergoing so-called "betrothal counseling."

By 2003, the group's practices had become even more extreme, with a literal wall erected in the sanctuary to divide men from women. The leadership's desire for total control extended to every aspect of members' lives, including who they could see, talk to, and marry. The woman Harry was interested in was taken by the leader, Yisrayl Hawkins, as one of his many wives and concubines—a devastating blow that marked a turning point for Harry and others in the group.

As the group’s teachings became increasingly rigid and abusive, questions about the future leadership and the group's direction were met with swift excommunication. The cult’s indoctrination methods were further entrenched by limiting education, particularly for women, with most members being homeschooled and receiving little education beyond the 5th grade.

Harry sheds light on the shocking realities of life inside the House of Yahweh, where young women are treated as property, and the cult has become a breeding ground for pedophiles under the guise of religious doctrine. Women are often forced into marriages, living in dilapidated conditions, completely dependent on the men who control their every move. Fear of eternal damnation keeps many members trapped, while the cult’s strict control over sexuality has led to disturbing practices, including bestiality.

After a near-death experience, Harry broke free from the cult in 2005, realizing that staying meant a life without the possibility of a partner or wife. Today, Harry is thriving and no longer believes in the fear-based teachings that once kept him captive. He emphasizes the importance of education and self-awareness, reflecting on how absolute power corrupts absolutely.

This episode is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a sobering reminder of the dangers of unchecked religious authority. Harry’s voice is altered to protect his identity, but his story will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned the true cost of blind faith.

Cultimatum Podcast Contact Info:

Email: cultimatumpodcast@gmail.com

Cultimatum Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1910498486077283

Cultimatum Instagram page:

https://www.instagram.com/cultimatumpodcast?igsh=MXBnNXllYjBtc2hwcg==

Cultimatum TikTok account :

https://www.tiktok.com/@cultimatumpodcast?_t=8nLKfZ8ShnW&_r=1

To contact the Anonymous Andrew Podcast Studios

anonymousandrewpodcast@gmail.com

Executive Producer Andrew Polizzo

A Production of Anonymous Andrew Podcast Studios

Copyright 2024 ©

Ep # 39 Daughters of the Cult : Unraveling Ervil LeBaron's Dark Legacy

Please consider buying us a cup of coffee or two by clicking here. Your support helps fund our out of pocket expenses

In this episode, Andrew and Melody discuss the documentary 'Daughters of the Cult,' which explores the dark history of Ervil LeBaron and the Church of the Firstborn Lamb of God. They delve into the cult's violent practices, the impact on families, and the ongoing legacy of its actions. The conversation highlights the complexities of cult dynamics, the psychological manipulation involved, and the challenges faced by survivors. The hosts reflect on the documentary's portrayal of the cult's history and its implications for understanding religious extremism and violence.

takeaways

• The documentary focuses on the lives of women and children in the cult.
• Ervil LeBaron was a violent leader who enforced extreme beliefs.
• The concept of blood atonement was central to the cult's ideology.
• Many members were brainwashed into committing violent acts.
• The documentary features personal accounts from survivors.
• The cult's legacy continues to affect families today.
• Law enforcement struggled to address the cult's violence for years.
• The documentary highlights the psychological trauma of cult members.
• Survivors have found ways to heal and share their stories.
• The conversation raises questions about the nature of cults and organized crime.

Cultimatum Podcast Contact Info:

Email: cultimatumpodcast@gmail.com

Cultimatum Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1910498486077283

Cultimatum Instagram page:

https://www.instagram.com/cultimatumpodcast?igsh=MXBnNXllYjBtc2hwcg==

Cultimatum TikTok account :

https://www.tiktok.com/@cultimatumpodcast?_t=8nLKfZ8ShnW&_r=1

Cult Escape & Recovery Support Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2575419069406501

To contact the Anonymous Andrew Podcast Studios

anonymousandrewpodcast@gmail.com

or visit

www.anonymousandrewpodcast.com

A production of the Anonymous Andrew Podcast Studios

All Rights Reserved 2024 ©