Jump to content
IGNORED

Safe at Home 5: Something Happened in Arndtland and It's Finger Lickin' Good!


HerNameIsBuffy

Recommended Posts

3 hours ago, Suz8710 said:

@Howl While much of the Arndts behavior is wacky/bizarre, there have been mentions of smaller group trips. Months ago, Rick mentioned that a few of the guys were supposed to go to Israel around April, I believe. 

The oldest four maybe?

I just finally finished reading a book about those hideous Turpins who starved and chained their kids in a filthy house in CA.  I'm not suggesting for a moment that Rick and Cathy were physically abusive in any way, and God knows Cathy must have a tidy house.  But a few comments by a specialist in cults cited in the book made me think of the Arndts and how they've managed to keep 14 offspring, aged 17 to nearly 40, down on the farm all these years.

According to this expert, extreme narcissist David Turpin recruited his wife to form a "self-styled family cult" to worship him.  Rick a narcissist?  Check.  Family cult? Check.

David Turpin started using Pentecostal teachings that he warped over the years.  He saw himself as a charismatic leader with his wife as his deputy.  The Arndts started out very Catholic (especially Cathy) but over the years, Rick replaced the Pope, coming up with his own religion that everyone in the family had to follow, with him as the head of that religion.

The Turpins created very elaborate rules and punishments, conditioning the kids to become both totally obedient and encouraging full dependency on the parents.  We don't know what the Arndts did or how they pulled it off, but they clearly did something to enforce obedience and dependency. 

The goal of David Turpin was turn his family into a group of devotees. And they kept on pumping the kids out - 13 in total. He would be the sun and moon to the family; there would be nothing else for them outside of his universe. Ultimately four of the oldest children were also given privileges and turned into deputies.  They could watch TV with their parents, were given things like cameras and cell phones, and the oldest son even attended community college, albeit with his mother waiting for him outside the classroom.  The trade off was that this deputies had to police the younger kids, so no one could get away with anything.

Rick has always been hyper-focused on his four oldest sons.  It's not a stretch to imagine them as his deputies.  And it's clear that, not only do they have more privileges, one or more of them seems to always be managing younger kids.

Again, I'm not suggesting that the Arndts were technically abusive and clearly the Turpins were monsters. But some sort of intense thought control went into the rearing of the Arndt children and it's still working today. 

  • Upvote 14
  • I Agree 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

See, this is the Arndt conundrum.  They're not normal but the are.  They're normal but they're not. 

@JenniferJuniper, thanks for sharing the info about the Turpins. It's so easy to look at the Arndts as charming eccentrics, but there has to be something VERY dark in the mind control department that's kept a huge number of males and one daughter "Safe at Home." 

Not one of these guys has broken ranks.  Not one.  Not one has left the Collective to live on his own. Not one has broken free and gotten married. Not one has broken free and written a memoir spilling the family secrets about Rick and Cathy's mega  family "Safe at Home" thought control experiment.  Not one has gone to a furry convention as a penguin (that we know of).  And this last one is huge: Not one has acted out as a black sheep.

Somehow, to this point, it's an Arndt mind meld. No one in the family is actually a separate entity. 

 

 

  • Upvote 25
  • I Agree 3
  • Love 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

We are the Arndt. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.

  • Upvote 5
  • Rufus Bless 1
  • Haha 16
  • Love 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Howl said:

It's so easy to look at the Arndts as charming eccentrics, but there has to be something VERY dark in the mind control department that's kept a huge number of males and one daughter "Safe at Home."

Right, on the face of things they have all the looks of a close, loving, Christian family.  But having so many adult kids still at home, with absolutely zero indicators of doing anything like dating, getting married, moving out, or just doing their own thing (whatever it is) separate of the family.  Other than things that are work-related, they do everything together.   

Whatever voodoo Rick and Cathy have wrought on their children, it's something they have done long term, and it is beyond unhealthy because it's just not normal to keep these many kids at home as nice as it all looks.    Something very toxic is going on here.  

Good grief, the oldest is pushing 40 and still was pictured on vacation with the rest of the family.  My last vacation with my parents and siblings was when I was 20 years old, my mother got a burst of nostalgia for our old family vacations and insisted we all take time off from work to do a vacation in the pop-up trailer.  It was awful.  While former vacations had been enjoyable as a kid / early teenage years, by 20 I taken a number of trips separate from my family and being made to relive being a kid packed in the back of the car again...I was over it. 

Edited by nokidsmom
Riffle
  • Upvote 11
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, nokidsmom said:

Right, on the face of things they have all the looks of a close, loving, Christian family.  But having so many adult kids still at home, with absolutely zero indicators of doing anything like dating, getting married, moving out, or just doing their own thing (whatever it is) separate of the family.  Other than things that are work-related, they do everything together.   

Whatever voodoo Rick and Cathy have wrought on their children, it's something they have done long term, and it is beyond unhealthy because it's just not normal to keep these many kids at home as nice as it all looks.    Something very toxic is going on here.  

Good grief, the oldest pushing  is 40 and still was pictured on vacation with the rest of the family.  My last vacation with my parents and siblings was when I was 20 years old, my mother got a burst of nostalgia for our old family vacations and insisted we all take time off from work to do a vacation in the pop-up trailer.  It was awful.  While former vacations had been enjoyable as a kid / early teenage years, by 20 I taken a number of trips separate from my family and being made to relive being a kid packed in the back of the car again...I was over it. 

The vacationing as a family of adults thing I've seen when it was a once in a lifetime event like a cruise to celebrate parents anniversary, or whatever.  Of the couple families where some of the adult kids obey when told they are vacationing with their parents are very dysfunctional, and I can't think of one where all the kids fall in line.

At their ages that not only does no one have a spouse or kids, but they all work in their various family businesses so they can all take off at the same time.

Could any of you get 13 of your adult family members who have their own jobs separate from the family to get time off at the same time, even if they wanted to?  I couldn't do that easily with my kids and I only have 3.  

I've said it before...how Rick and Cathy did this is the holy grail of fundy mysteries to me.  

  • Upvote 12
  • I Agree 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 minutes ago, HerNameIsBuffy said:

Of the couple families where some of the adult kids obey when told they are vacationing with their parents are very dysfunctional, and I can't think of one where all the kids fall in line.

At their ages that not only does no one have a spouse or kids, but they all work in their various family businesses so they can all take off at the same time.

Could any of you get 13 of your adult family members who have their own jobs separate from the family to get time off at the same time, even if they wanted to?  I couldn't do that easily with my kids and I only have 3.  

In our case, 4 people had to line things up.  First my folks, who then told me and my sister to request the time off.  Yup, at the age of 20 I had to go to my boss and basically say "my Mom is making me".   I was also in the middle of college, working full time during the summer to save up tuition money for the following year so it cut into earnings and forcing me to take vacation time reserved for whenever I had semester finals.   I told my Mom it could risk my job, luckily it didn't.    And to top it all off after all this trouble, my Mom got sick 2 days into the vacation and it ended up being cut short, returning home early.  I was beyond ticked to waste the vacation time.

 And yeah, I have come to see my family as very dysfunctional spite of being seen as the close, loving family by some.   Very much like the Arndts.

Anyhoo, rant over.  

  

Edited by nokidsmom
  • Love 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 7/26/2020 at 7:54 PM, mstee said:

I can’t remember- have we had anyone come here that knows the family in real life and give some sort of insight, ever? Surely they have extended family or something. They are so oddly fascinating. 

Well that's the crazy part - we speculate these grown men have outside friends or acquaintances, but not a single person on FJ knows them IRL. I think they are kept far more sheltered than we imagine. When "out in the world", they travel as a group to keep tabs on each other.

The only explanation that makes sense to me is that Rick is running a doomsday cult. We already know he has wacky beliefs, anointing strangers with oil on Facebook Live on a daily basis. It wouldn't surprise me if the whole family believed the end is near and this online ministry is their calling while waiting for the second coming of Christ. 

 

 

  • Upvote 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, usedbicycle said:

Well that's the crazy part - we speculate these grown men have outside friends or acquaintances, but not a single person on FJ knows them IRL. I think they are kept far more sheltered than we imagine. When "out in the world", they travel as a group to keep tabs on each other.

The only explanation that makes sense to me is that Rick is running a doomsday cult. We already know he has wacky beliefs, anointing strangers with oil on Facebook Live on a daily basis. It wouldn't surprise me if the whole family believed the end is near and this online ministry is their calling while waiting for the second coming of Christ. 

 

 

I think they must appear pretty normal on the surface as the family is well known in their town for the Arndt Classic, which was very well attended in years past.  I'd think if they put off a weird vibe in person one of the hundreds of people who've attended would have googled and ended up here at some point over the years.

  • Upvote 2
  • I Agree 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Actually I remember someone who posted here who lived near them and met them.  That was a few years ago.

 

  • Upvote 3
  • I Agree 1
  • Thank You 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

The Ardnts come from a catholic background, maybe that’s why they value celibacy (for everyone except Rick) and see it as a lifetime option. It’s so strange, most of that generation of Quiverfullers are gleefully tallying up their grandchildren and ticking off places on their inter generational 200 year plan. Even the outliers like the Maxwells and the Botkins who can’t give up their daughters are gloating over the fruit of their sons loins. The fact that the Ardnts don’t want grandchildren, after fetishising their own fruitfulness, is perplexing.

  • Upvote 9
  • I Agree 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 7/28/2020 at 11:07 AM, AmazonGrace said:

We are the Arndt. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.

I want to kiss you so hard. 

On 7/28/2020 at 1:15 PM, HerNameIsBuffy said:

I think they must appear pretty normal on the surface as the family is well known in their town for the Arndt Classic, which was very well attended in years past.  I'd think if they put off a weird vibe in person one of the hundreds of people who've attended would have googled and ended up here at some point over the years.

Who is Arndt I love again and what spell has Cathy wished upon me to make me forget again?

  • Haha 8
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, nelliebelle1197 said:

I want to kiss you so hard. 

Who is Arndt I love again and what spell has Cathy wished upon me to make me forget again?

 

It's Luke.  Always Luke.  The one who is the spitting image of Rick.  :) 

  • Haha 7
Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 minutes ago, HerNameIsBuffy said:

 

It's Luke.  Always Luke.  The one who is the spitting image of Rick.  :) 

SHUT UP. He is NOT.

  • Haha 14
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I live in constant hope that someday, I'll read an Arndt thread and something wonderful, I mean normal, will happen to an Arndt... like a wedding, or a move into their own apartment, or a DATE....

  • I Agree 14
Link to comment
Share on other sites

45 minutes ago, Four is Enough said:

or a move into their own apartment

Isn't there a House for Older Boys on the same property?   I wonder how long it took for the chidults to decide to broach that topic with Rick? Years?

"Dad, when I'm 40 I was thinking I'd like to live apart from the main house, or do you think that's too soon?" 

Edited by Howl
  • Upvote 4
  • Haha 9
  • Love 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It’s interesting how some of these fundies are allowing their sons to move into their own place. But they usually don’t do it alone. They need accountability partners. Some of the families that have allowed it: Duggars, Burnett’s, Staddons, and the Arndts. However the Arndts are pretty close to the penguin pod if I remember correctly.

  • Upvote 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Howl said:

Isn't there a House for Older Boys on the same property?   I wonder how long it took for the chidults to decide to broach that topic with Rick? Years?

"Dad, when I'm 40 I was thinking I'd like to live apart from the main house, or do you think that's too soon?" 

I believe there is, but I don't count that as an actual move, do you? I mean, it's just another building on the Family Compound....

  • Upvote 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 hours ago, nelliebelle1197 said:

SHUT UP. He is NOT.

He is.  And yet he's a total cutie.  Kinda like JRod's handsome third son who looks just like David.  It shouldn't be, but it is.

Did the house for Middle Aged Boys ever get finished?  I left off when they were getting the land ready. 

  • Upvote 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 minutes ago, JenniferJuniper said:

He is.  And yet he's a total cutie.  Kinda like JRod's handsome third son who looks just like David.  It shouldn't be, but it is.

Did the house for Middle Aged Boys ever get finished?  I left off when they were getting the land ready. 

I don't think Rick is bad looking.  Crazy, yes, but not bad looking.

And I won't repeat that Luke is his doppleganger as to not risk cutting through the @nelliebelle1197 's carefully crafted denial.

(But he is.  shhhhh.  Don't tell her.)

Also Mary Elizabeth looks just like her dad and Luke.

  • Upvote 4
  • Haha 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

17 minutes ago, HerNameIsBuffy said:

Also Mary Elizabeth looks just like her dad and Luke.

I can't agree about Rick, but it works on Luke.  Mary may look even more like Rick than Luke does.  I remember Rick marveling once that she was the only baby they had that was born with his dark hair and not baby blond like all her brothers  Because like - wow - it's amazing that a female child inherit her father's coloring. ?

  • Upvote 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Four is Enough said:

I believe there is, but I don't count that as an actual move, do you? I mean, it's just another building on the Family Compound....

However the Arndt boys travel all over the US for gigs without their parents. Filled with beautiful single bridesmaids and drinking. I’m not saying they are partying it up and having sex with a bunch of bridesmaids. But I feel like they are way more exposed to a little bit of the mainstream world than a lot of other fundies. 

  • Upvote 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 minutes ago, JermajestyDuggar said:

However the Arndt boys travel all over the US for gigs without their parents. Filled with beautiful single bridesmaids and drinking. I’m not saying they are partying it up and having sex with a bunch of bridesmaids. But I feel like they are way more exposed to a little bit of the mainstream world than a lot of other fundies. 

Between the weddings, the depositions (oh, my!) and all the live sporting events they watch on TV, I don't think it's a stretch to imagine they've been exposed to nearly as much mainstream stuff as normal people.

And yet when they watch movies at home, it's all G rated stuff Rick made VHS tapes of decades ago.  It's a Wonderful Life and Mickey Mouse. 

This is what makes them so endlessly fascinating. 

  • Upvote 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 minutes ago, JenniferJuniper said:

Between the weddings, the depositions (oh, my!) and all the live sporting events they watch on TV, I don't think it's a stretch to imagine they've been exposed to nearly as much mainstream stuff as normal people.

And yet when they watch movies at home, it's all G rated stuff Rick made VHS tapes of decades ago.  It's a Wonderful Life and Mickey Mouse. 

This is what makes them so endlessly fascinating. 

I think they do things they never tell Rick about. Not hookers and blow. More like PG 13 movies and dates with girls.

  • Upvote 3
  • Love 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, JermajestyDuggar said:

I think they do things they never tell Rick about. Not hookers and blow. More like PG 13 movies and dates with girls.

But if they are brave enough to do that, why aren't at least the 30 somethings (including the 40 something to be in a couple of weeks) brave enough to try to strike out on their own?

Rhetorical question, of course, but my guess is that they are terrified. Hard as that is to believe.

  • Upvote 4
  • I Agree 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 minutes ago, JenniferJuniper said:

But if they are brave enough to do that, why aren't at least the 30 somethings (including the 40 something to be in a couple of weeks) brave enough to try to strike out on their own?

Rhetorical question, of course, but my guess is that they are terrified. Hard as that is to believe.

My speculation is that it’s easier to hide these things from dad and mom than to be honest and move out.

  • Upvote 2
  • Love 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • nelliebelle1197 locked this topic
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.



  • Trending Content

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Kiki03910

      Kiki03910

      https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/03/finally-engineers-have-a-clue-that-could-help-them-save-voyager-1/
      GO SCIENCE.
      · 0 replies
    • Kiki03910

      Kiki03910

      I love baseball but I'm dreading the new season because the White Sox ownership is THE FUCKING WORST. I watched Dominican League Baseball (Lidom!) over the winter and fell in love with their joy, spirit, and exuberance. The broadcasts were in Spanish and my Spanish is pretty weak but I loved catching phrases and repeating them. Bombe! I'm sad about MLB and Commissioner Idiota's busywork rules. But I love baseball, always and forever.
      I guess I don't have a point. Just bitching. Te amo mucho, Lidom!
      · 0 replies
    • WhatWouldJohnCrichtonDo?

      WhatWouldJohnCrichtonDo?

      Happy International Women's Day!

      Humanity may have some work to do, to improve gender equality, but I was glad to hear that France has taken an important step to protect healthcare for women (and people of other genders who can get pregnant). 
      (The links are just to a UN page and the AP News.)
      Anyhow, love to y'all!
      · 0 replies
    • Giraffe

      Giraffe

      Feeling ragey this morning. I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon in the hope of getting help for an ongoing injury. I went to a (different!!) doctor late last year who completely blew me off. He wouldn't do diagnostic testin, he refused to send me to a specialist, and he just told me to "take it easy" and "take ibuprofen." I'm hopeful for today's appointment but I'm also feeling a SEVERE amount of rage at that doctor from last year! 
      · 6 replies
    • BlackberryGirl

      BlackberryGirl

      Well, the rash is back with a vengeance. It never completely cleared up. I saw the derm yesterday and they did another swab and yup, raging infection again, still? It is definitely strep skin infection. I am getting so damn tired and run down from this. Who the f would immagine being hospitalized freaking TWICE for a rash? 
      · 2 replies
    • 47of74

      47of74

      So angry right now.  If I could return to Luxembourg tomorrow and renounce my citizenship in this stinking shitpile of a country I would.
      · 0 replies
    • PennySycamore

      PennySycamore

      My niece is going to be a seat filler at this year's Academy Awards.  Seat fillers are asked to wear tuxedos regardless of sex/gender.  If you see a pretty young woman with very curly hair, it could be my niece. 
      · 2 replies
    • 47of74

      47of74

      Yeah, that's me.  Though to be fair I am trying to learn Italian and Spanish.

      · 0 replies
    • Kiki03910

      Kiki03910

      IT'S BASEBALL SEASON!!!!!
      ⚾❣️
      · 5 replies
    • mango_fandango

      mango_fandango

      It’s not supposed to be mosquito season right now but I still appear to have been bitten twice on the side of my foot. Bastards. I know I shouldn’t scratch but it’s so tempting… 😑
      · 0 replies
  • Recent Blog Entries

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.