Found a Blog from a member of the "Church of Duggar"

[Elinor]

I think their name is Vanderhoff.

Yes, the parents are Hudson and Patty Vanderhoff. They have eight biological children and thirteen adopted children.

[salex]

[

Is Michelle allowed to speak in church? Or is she under Jimbobs headship, since he is standing next to her and that makes it ok??

[LostSamurai]

Forgive my ignorance, but there's actually black Quiverfulls?

I somehow get the impression that Gothard's not one with anyone not white....

[JMarie]

I read about her day care schedule and I would not want to send my kids there. I wonder if she trains the kids in day care.

If the women are supposed to stay home to raise/educate their kids, why would there be a need for a daycare? Does she take care of non-fundy kids?

[Ellimenopy]

Forgive my ignorance, but there's actually black Quiverfulls?

I somehow get the impression that Gothard's not one with anyone not white....

I'm more confused about the adoptions... when I was in the Basic Seminar, I remember specifically that adoptions were discouraged because "children carried the sins of their fathers to their new families." Maybe if you're willing to wrestle with all those adopta-demons it's okay?

[Inky]

Who is this church not for?

It is not for those who believe children should be entertained by teachers instead of staying with their parents in church.

It is not for those who do not see children as a blessing.

It is not for those who just want to go to stare at the Duggars!

It is not for people who want fancy churches, business connections, or even comfortable seats!

It is not for a worldly family only out to gain what the world offers.

It is not for those who are not serious about raising a family that follows Christ in ALL things.

Wow - Bill Gothard is not married, not a parent, his seminars and business are making him a ton of money, and yet they think he's up there right next to God. It's looking more cultish all the time.

[sunshine]

Wow - Bill Gothard is not married, not a parent, his seminars and business are making him a ton of money, and yet they think he's up there right next to God. It's looking more cultish all the time.

They don't see that. They idolized the Duggars and compare their lives to them. I wish the Duggars will really correct this idea, but it would mean less viewing. I like some of their views, but I am not trying to be nothing like them.

[Elinor]

I'm more confused about the adoptions... when I was in the Basic Seminar, I remember specifically that adoptions were discouraged because "children carried the sins of their fathers to their new families." Maybe if you're willing to wrestle with all those adopta-demons it's okay?

Gothard is against adoption, but not all ATI families agree with him on that.

[snarkyjan]

You need an invite to go to Club Duggar? Wow, how very Christian of them. Does the invite also include a super secret password to get through the doors? The Duggars really are up themselves.

No, but it does include a secret decoder ring.

[Mecca]

No, but it does include a secret decoder ring.

Like a Little Orphan Annie secret decoder ring? :lol:

[snarkyjan]

Like a Little Orphan Annie secret decoder ring? :lol:

Probably, or like a Captain America decoder ring from the 1950s.

[roddma]

I tlooks like half the people are bored in one photo. One kid is stretched out on the pew.

[NeonJungle]

Probably, or like a Captain America decoder ring from the 1950s.

Man, Ralphie tried that secrect decoder ring in "A Christmas Story." All it'll tell you is to drink your Ovaltine.

RE: Gothard, I've got a bone or 87,432 to pick with him.

[MajorMajor]

First, awesome find, Silverspoons!

Second, is anyone else picking up some snarky undertones in that piece? I mean, using blanket training when the Duggars have backed off of that; focusing on "escaping" and how they just. won't. let. you. praisethelord. It just seems like the author is subtly making fun of the Duggars in front of their noses.

Third, I am now fully convinced that it's a cult. Not having open doors or having to be "worthy" to get to a certain level (a la LDS and Scientology) is full-on cult as far as I'm concerned.

Fourth, that advice to the widow? Put kids in school and get a job? That was some legit advice right there. Legit. Maybe even straight from the mouth of God legit.

I felt like the entry sounded almost satirical. The way she talked about buying used and saving the difference praise the lord seemed over the top. I know these people are crazy and generally don't communicate well but this just sounded too forced to be legit.

I think either she is making fun of them or completely nuts.

(edited because apparently I don't know how to bold things)

[Magdelope]

Interesting that she says 'Most of the older Duggar children are friendly'. I wonder which ones aren't?

Yeah, I noticed that too. Maybe the howlers don't want to sit still. Or the older kids aren't very good at faking politeness. :whistle:

[sunshine]

[

Is Michelle allowed to speak in church? Or is she under Jimbobs headship, since he is standing next to her and that makes it ok??

I wonder how long is there service? I'm assuming all day since they won't let you leave. Stay and eat their food. I hope they washed their hands.

[Mama Mia]

ot: major major your avatar made me smile. we had that poster in my house growing up and i did a painting of it when was about 7 that my mom framed and hung in our living room, i think she still has it up. good memories

[MajorMajor]

ot: major major your avatar made me smile. we had that poster in my house growing up and i did a painting of it when was about 7 that my mom framed and hung in our living room, i think she still has it up. good memories

That's so cool that you made one yourself. 7 is a fun age. I first saw that poster around the time I discovered pacifism and socialism in 9th grade.

[persuas1ve]

If the Duggars are so concerned with their privacy/safety then they should have kept their address etc off of the Internet. They have hardly been proactive in keeping the location of their homes, businesses etc private so I see no need for all this secrecy regarding their church... Unless, of course, they are concerned that people will discover how whacked out their beliefs really are...

[Tangy Bee]

Does anyone up here got the guts to attend one of these church services? It would be nice to hear a non-fundie point of view regarding their church membership. I guess you have to know a friend of a friend to get an invite.

[Pearl]

When I first read this post, I wondered if I could talk my headship into taking me to Arkansas (or wherever they live) to visit their church. I figured I could send an e-mail that made it look like I was a serious seeker because I would know the correct buzz words and all that. Perhaps the Duggars would send me the secret address to their super secret club meeting! But, then, I realized that my headship would not be able to handle a church service like the ones the Duggars would have - he might explode in rage (maybe they'd think he had a demon?) And that I would have to go alone - which wouldn't happen because - how could I go anywhere without my covering?

I do wish I could go and visit...although, it might give me PTSD flashbacks.

[NurseNell]

ot: major major your avatar made me smile. we had that poster in my house growing up and i did a painting of it when was about 7 that my mom framed and hung in our living room, i think she still has it up. good memories

I had it on my door in the BOQ (bachelor officer's quarters) when I was a new ensign in the Navy. I was made to take it down.

[formergothardite]

They don't see that. They idolized the Duggars and compare their lives to them. I wish the Duggars will really correct this idea, but it would mean less viewing. I like some of their views, but I am not trying to be nothing like them.

What views of their do you like? The Duggars love the adoration, they aren't going to try to correct it. Plus, they are helping bring in more cult members for Gothard.

[Mommy22alyns]

I have to say, I am really sick of fundies insisting that you have as many children as possible in order for children to be "blessings." I am blessed by my kids. All two of them. And you know, that's partly why I chose to have only two. Just saying.

ETA: Whee, I'm an anaconda hunter! Too bad I can't go on a manly romp.

[Mommy22alyns]

"Look! We accept black people! We're not racist at all!