Steve Maxwell Emailed Me....

[pomology]

Yes. They long ago stopped reading the newspaper because it has "disturbing content" and things they didn't want their children to know about. The TV had long been the "Beast" so that was right out, and they don't listen to the radio news either.

They honestly seem to think that they will get BETTER serious news by just seeing what people are talking about at the market. Surely they're imagining 9/11 type events or the like, but I have to just laugh so hard because if the only way you get "news" is waiting to see what people are talking about at the market, you are far more likely to hear the tawdry details of completely irrelevant sex scandals and whatever the latest fear-mongering drivel that Rush and his ilk have come up with than any serious analysis about anything at all.

Take a newspaper Steve, or listen to some non-commercial news (if you're monolingual in English you can start with BBC/NPR/CBC).

But all those are ebil, socialist, and government run.

[NurseNell]

titus2.com/blog/index.php/2011/07/24/making-right-the-wrong/

I'd much prefer Wheat Thins to Taco Bell.

[erunerune]

yeah, the boys really got the better end of that deal!

[Milly-Molly-Mandy]

I'm not a Maxwell fan, but the way Teri describes it really does sound like a true addiction. Thinking about Pepsi all the time and drinking a two liter a day? Granted, I really like my diet coke and have been known to run to the corner gas station to get some when I really wanted it, but it sounds almost like it was far more than a simple "like" to Teri.

I could be way off base, but I almost wonder if there is a level of an addictive personality going on here.

Oh I agree! It does sound like she was addicted to it. She just had to 'fundy it up' by calling it her idol.

[freejoytoo]

I wonder if the 'Pepsi addiction' was exaggerated slightly to emphasise how it was made into an idol. It sounds like they copied it word for word from an AA website replacing alcohol with Pepsi.

[JesusFightClub]

I agree it sounds like what Teri had going on was a little more than enjoying some Pepsi now and again. I think it was the caffeine getting hold of her. Just my view and experience, but if anyone is consuming enough caffeine to get a headache and other withdrawal symptoms when they don't drink it regularly, it only seems prudent to consider gradually cutting back to what many would consider a healthier or more reasonable level. At the same time, I don't think I'd go so far as to consider it the way she did of being so sinful and an idol. I guess a case could be made for it falling under gluttony.

I think what another poster said about self medicating makes sense. Teri was having trouble with other stuff in her life and became depressed and the Pepsi was a pick-me-up. That's why she needed it so often.

Believe me, I know about self medication for depression (and it wasn't Pepsi) and the answer is not to go cold turkey and cry out to the Lord for your sins but to hie thee to the doctor for REAL medication. Don't try stopping overnight, get some pills and a therapist. Or you will just swap one addiction for another.

I wonder what Teri is addicted to now. I highly doubt it's say, crack cocaine ;) but addiction comes in many forms. I know people who swapped an addiction to hard drugs for obsessively cleaning their houses multiple times a day.

(I also know a bloke who swapped an addiction to heroin for an addiction to alcohol, but again I doubt that's Teri's problem :lol: )

[kpmom]

I wonder what Teri is addicted to now.

Crazy religious beliefs.

[Minerva]

When I have been in line at stores, I rarely hear people talking about big news events. Usually people talk about store products. When I'm at clothing stores, I sometimes chat with strangers about the clothes etc. At grocery stores, I've been in lines where people keep to themselves and are just waiting to check out. I sometims wonder about Steve and Terri's claims that they hear news in store lines. They probably do see certain news stories on magazines at the check out aisles. Sarah has said a few times that she is thankful that her parents have kept her sheltered. Let's say back in 2007, she was in line at the store after the Virgina Tech masscare, she might have seen a copy of People that talked about the the massacre and knowing her she would be so glad that her parents sheltered her.

I've always gotten the feeling that most people avoid discussing the news with strangers. The point of small talk is that it's light-hearted and allows you to share common ground with the person you just met. That's why people don't small talk news besides silly gossip unless it's really really serious.

[Angri-la]

I've always gotten the feeling that most people avoid discussing the news with strangers. The point of small talk is that it's light-hearted and allows you to share common ground with the person you just met. That's why people don't small talk news besides silly gossip unless it's really really serious.

I can't ever remember commenting on the cover of Time or Newsweek to either the people in line or the cashier, however, the last in-depth conversation about news I had in the checkout line was about Katie leaving Tom. My checker had already read the article in People, and proceeded to recount it to me. I suppose Miss Sarah might have needed shelter from the information about Scientology and divorce.

Also, I really feel like I should email Teri about this correspondance. We are chaperoning mrsanniebgood, but who, in the Maxwell camp is making sure Steve isn't being led down the primrose path to sin by a known FJ hottie?

I am ever so slightly empted to get in touch with my former Brother in law. He was the nicest of the family, and would be of appropriate age for Sarah (his fiancee passed away before they could marry), and suggest he court Sarah. His family is almost as freaky as the Maxwells, and, iirc, ex-BIL actually has some respect for women.

[anniebgood]

XXSnip

Also, I really feel like I should email Teri about this correspondance. We are chaperoning mrsanniebgood, but who, in the Maxwell camp is making sure Steve isn't being led down the primrose path to sin by a known FJ hottie?

Wow. A Hottie. Haven't heard that about me since I was a young sprout living at the beach. Thank you. That made my afternoon. :D Wait till I tell the errant spouse about that one. TeeHee.

I'm sure Steve emails many of his commentators to correct them in private rather than embarrass them in public.

[TMS]

I asked once on their blog if they ever read any other blogs, and Steve emailed me to tell me that no, they don't. I thought it was interesting that he didn't just answer publicly on the blog.

[Deleted03]

I asked once on their blog if they ever read any other blogs, and Steve emailed me to tell me that no, they don't. I thought it was interesting that he didn't just answer publicly on the blog.

oh that would break Rebecca11!!!111!!!!'s heart!

[bionicmlle]

Am I the only one in line who only ever says "Shit! I forgot the milk (or cheese or bread or whatever)!"

Mine is usually "Shitballs! I forgot the Diet Coke." I'm sure Teri would nod and share a conspiratorial grin.

[terranova]

Crazy religious beliefs.

Smothering her children.

[lilwriter85]

I asked once on their blog if they ever read any other blogs, and Steve emailed me to tell me that no, they don't. I thought it was interesting that he didn't just answer publicly on the blog.

I wonder if they have been secretly reading the Muncks' blog since the engagement.

[gardenvarietycitizen]

I wonder if they have been secretly reading the Muncks' blog since the engagement.

Well if they are, they're no doubt BORED STIFF.

As am I. Come on, people, you hint at going away for a special weekend for some big reason, and then you do NOT deliver the spoilers. Some random middle-aged woman in Illinois (me) is really wanting to know just what was up!!! Spill it!!

[waterlily]

:?: What do you mean by this? What do they eat? What do they not eat? I know about the Pepsi thing with Teri but never heard about food issues.

Pretty much, the pepsi became an idol in Terri's life and Steve took it away. Back when they weren't as Fundie, there's a point in the corner that she talks about it. I'll see if I can find it. Steve took it away. That family has huge food issues, it's a control thing for Steve, I think. Those burritos aren't enough food. Animal crackers are treats for them, which is sad. Not that animal cookies aren't fabulous, but it's a sad commentary on their limited diet.

[waterlily]

:shock: Seriously? That's so f* up! Where did you read hear about this? I've only been reading their blog for about 5 years now. I must've missed a lot of the crazy posts from the past!

I don't think that anyone in the family is starving and there is plenty of evidence that they often eat very well. However, I do think that Steve uses food as a means of control/reward/punishment and that is very wrong.

Examples: Teri needing permission in the first place to have that extra pepsi; John and Joseph being made to miss a meal and sit in the car eating dry crackers in view of the rest of the family eating in a restaurant; Steve expecting perfect manners at the dinner table and sending the children away to miss the meal and wait for 'consequences' if they chewed loudly or otherwise irritated him.

[waterlily]

Who wrote this piece of stupidity? Why do people post such ridiculous stuff about their children (families) online. It just doesn't make them look very good. :?

titus2.com/blog/index.php/2011/07/24/making-right-the-wrong/

[waterlily]

No shit! :lol: Can anyone explain to me just what was the deal with him quitting his job? Was it cuz of a woman that worked with him? Or ?

Wait, wait, wait. Time-out.

Steve has been conversing via e-mail, with a women he is NOT married to??????!!!????

:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

[waterlily]

I'm an evil Lutheran which is Diet Catholic You girls make me :lol: with your sayings!

But I'm a married woman conversing with God's mouthpiece.

He'll never have to worry about running into me at a convention, my kids are grown and we didn't homeschool, I'm an evil Lutheran which is Diet Catholic, and my husband is an agnostic.

I read current fiction, catch up on all the local and international news online and discuss it with my family, love the Green Bay Packers and dislike the LA Dodgers. Drink a little drink now and again.

And I sleep with a little 10 lb dog between my husband and I every night.

I'm too much a sinner for Steve. (And besides he looks like my Uncle Wayne who was as crazy as a shit house rat)

[waterlily]

I'm quite obsessed with the Maxwell family along with the Jepsons, Candy, Joanne, Duggers, & the Bates. Anyways, what sent Steve over the deep end into fundism? How about Teri? What are their backgrounds like? Thanks to anyone who feels like answering!

[waterlily]

I'm sorry for all the questions...Does anyone know who is posting as Uriah Maxwell on T & FB? Someone here? Or someone who just likes to snark about the Maxwells? I Uriah!

[Seven Severn]

I'm sorry for all the questions...Does anyone know who is posting as Uriah Maxwell on T & FB? Someone here? Or someone who just likes to snark about the Maxwells? I Uriah!

It's an FJer.

Uriah must be so relieved not to have to carry another body now that Liz is no longer in the picture.

Does anyone know when they moved to Leavenworth? Were the reversal kids born in WA or KS?

[gardenvarietycitizen]

I'm quite obsessed with the Maxwell family along with the Jepsons, Candy, Joanne, Duggers, & the Bates. Anyways, what sent Steve over the deep end into fundism? How about Teri? What are their backgrounds like? Thanks to anyone who feels like answering!

From what I recall (reading tons of their stuff on the Wayback Machine) - Teri met Steve in college (yes, that's right!!) and they were both "saved" after they'd already been dating (if not married already). They became somewhat fundie, but then after they already had the three oldest kids they went superfundie. That meant reversing the vasectomy and going quiverfull (hence the "reversal" kids) but also throwing out the TV, removing the sons from sports, going to floor-length dresses only, and forbidding all friends. Over the years he's only gotten stricter.

Steve served in Vietnam. He enjoys flying. He's since given it up completely, along with motorcycle riding and running.

Now, it's just my own personal suspicion, but I think with Steve the death obsession came first (why? Don't know) and then he was pulled in HARD by the standard Ray Comfort tract line, "where will you go when you die?"

They preach death to such an extent, with that question, that they spent a good chunk of their own son's wedding (Christopher to Anna-Marie) talking about DEATH. At a WEDDING. They hand out "where will you go when you die?" tracts, and they preach that message to everyone they meet. It's the #1 obsession behind all their other obsessions - if they don't use every waking moment not just "not sinning" but rather actively working to serve God, they might be doomed.

Add to that, Steve doesn't seem to believe in the concept of moderation. If you do something, you'll eventually get addicted and be all in. He can't "eat just one" and so assumes no one else can either, everything has to be all or nothing. If some activity doesn't actively work toward the family mission (serve God with every waking moment so you'll be saved) then it's out, forbidden, gone. Teetotalling. So no sports, lest you waste all of your time watching games on TV. No reading, lest you become mired in porn and trashy novels, etc. No secular lyrics (this is a guy who had to white out the lyrics to "Row Row Row Your Boat" in the kids' banjo practice books) because they fill up part of your brain that you might otherwise have available to stuff with Scripture. Etc.