Jeremy Tucker shares his gripping journey growing up in the strict breakaway Mormon sect known as the Order, illustrating the emotional and psychological toll of indoctrination. He discusses the bizarre health rituals and oppressive family dynamics that shaped his youth, including the burden of being a 'numbered man.' Guest producer Lindsay Hansen Park adds depth with insights on the community's dark practices and Jeremy's courageous path to freedom, exploring themes of survival, faith, and the struggle for personal identity.
Jeremy Tucker's upbringing in the Kingston Group illustrated the stark contrast between the church's promised sanctity and the harsh reality of hierarchy and manipulation.
Jeremy's near-death experience in the coal mine catalyzed a critical reflection, leading him and his family to question their faith and ultimately escape the cult.
Deep dives
Life in a Breakaway Sect of Mormonism
Growing up in a break-off sect of Mormonism known as the Kingston Group, Jeremy Tucker's early life was structured around strict religious beliefs and communal living. The Order emphasized the importance of turning all earnings over to the church, creating a financial system that operated like religious communism. Members believed their contributions were vital for saving the world, reinforcing their identity as guardians of divine principles. This system led to a culture where the leaders lived in hidden wealth while the general membership struggled with poverty, functioning under a facade of humility.
The Inside Experience of Cultic Beliefs
Within the Order, a rigid hierarchy governed daily life, where obedience to male leaders was paramount and personal questioning was discouraged. Jeremy's upbringing included a strict regimen of church attendance and communal prayers that permeated every aspect of their existence, often prioritizing church obligations over family and personal interaction. He experienced firsthand the unsettling dynamics at play when he observed the abusive behavior of leaders, particularly the violent tendencies associated with prominent figures in the sect. These events fostered an internal conflict for Jeremy, as he grappled with the contradictions presented by the faith he was raised in.
A Life-Altering Near-Death Experience
At age 17, Jeremy faced a life-changing event while working in a coal mine, where he found himself buried under a collapse after stopping to pull out supporting pillars. His near-death experience resulted in severe injuries and prompted a period of reflection and questioning about his faith and the Order's teachings. While recuperating, away from the constant indoctrination, he began to investigate the contradictions and manipulations within the sect, ultimately leading him to embark on a journey toward seeking truth. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his quest to detach from the Order and explore a life outside its confines.
The Challenges of Leaving a Cult
The process of leaving the Order was fraught with emotional turmoil and significant risk, as Jeremy weighed the potential consequences of abandoning his family and severing ties with the only life he knew. Initially faced with financial entrapment and manipulation by the sect's leadership, his family had to strategize carefully to reclaim their savings before escaping. However, as they navigated this transition, they discovered a shared conviction among family members that enabled them to unite in their desire for freedom. Ultimately, their departure signified a transformative moment that freed them from a toxic environment, allowing them to redefine their identities outside the limitations imposed by the cult.
When you're numbered among the Lord's anointed, you're supposed to feel special, but for Jeremy Tucker, he was just another mindless cog in the machine of the Kingdom of God. It didn't matter though, he would work hard to do his part, until that hard work nearly cost him his life...
From guest producer Lindsay Hansen Park.
https://www.yearofpolygamy.com/
https://sunstone.org/sunstone-history-podcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsayhansenpark?lang=en
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon
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