Raised in the Two by Twos Cult (2x2, The Truth) - Kari and Kyle Hanks Pt. 1 | Ep. 2008

Apr 9, 2025

Kari Hanks and Kyle Hanks, both former members of the secretive 2x2 cult, share their gripping journeys of leaving behind a manipulative faith. They discuss their upbringing in a community with strict doctrines, revealing hidden abuse scandals and emotional suppression. The couple reflects on their personal revelations that sparked deconstruction, the role of the COVID-19 pandemic in their transformation, and their current advocacy for informed consent and support for ex-members. Their candid stories highlight the profound impact of childhood trauma and the challenges of rebuilding identity after leaving.

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INSIGHT

Structure of Two by Twos

The Two by Twos intentionally avoid having a name, written doctrine, or organization.
This lack of structure offers advantages like avoiding scrutiny and fostering a sense of spiritual leadership.

ANECDOTE

Lack of Cultural History

Kari felt emotional at Temple Square, realizing the Two by Twos lack cultural history.
Annual conventions, held on private property, left no tangible heritage for future generations.

ANECDOTE

William Irvine and Early Two by Twos

William Irvine, originally a member of the Faith Mission, founded the Two by Twos.
He preached itinerantly, emphasizing faith-based living, eventually adopting an exclusivist doctrine.

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Kari & Kyle Hanks share their journey of leaving the secretive 2x2 church, a religious group with no official name, written doctrine, or corporate structure. They discuss their upbringings, struggles with faith, the exclusivity of the religion, and the trauma they endured. From discovering the church’s hidden history to creating a support group for ex-members, they expose abuse scandals, strict doctrines on women, and emotional suppression within the group. Their deconstruction was influenced by the Mormon Stories Podcast, COVID-19, and personal revelations about belief, identity, and autonomy. Now, they advocate for informed consent and support those leaving high-control religions.

Show Notes

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00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:40 Kari & Kyle introduce themselves and the Two by Twos group
00:14:04 They do not have a written doctrine, it is all word of mouth
00:21:59 The founding of Two by Two - founded by William Irving
00:28:28 It wasn’t until 1905 that the group started preaching exclusivity
00:37:52 Irving is kicked out of the church, although some still stay loyal to him. Another splinter group.
00:49:50 Three meetings a week
01:00:46 Background of their theology/doctrine
01:09:02 Discussion of Heaven & Hell
01:17:04 Kari’s background in the church
01:23:17 Growing up as a 2x2 girl
01:30:30 How does the group refer to themselves?
01:38:43 Never having the language to describe her feelings or sexuality
01:42:09 Higher education was discouraged for many, especially women
01:54:17 Emotional manipulation in high demand religions
02:24:47 2x2s very politically conservative, but are not typically involved politically
02:27:08 When did she start to think she was in a cult?

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