Women and Crime Daniella Mestyanek Young - Part 1
Mar 14, 2023
Daniella Mestyanek Young, author of "Uncultured," shares her harrowing experiences growing up in the notorious Children of God cult. She delves into the cult's manipulative beliefs and the traumatic aftermath for its members. Daniella sheds light on the disturbing realities of childhood abuse within the commune, revealing the profound impact on family dynamics. She recounts her journey of escaping strict indoctrination, seeking identity, and finding community while contemplating military service as a means to stability in a new world.
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Grandfather's Conversion
- Daniella Mestyanek Young's grandfather joined the Children of God after a bad acid trip.
- Her mother, Christy, was born into the cult and became one of its first ten children.
Christy's Childhood
- At 12, Christy was initiated into adulthood with wine and asked to list uncles she wanted to have sex with.
- At 13, she was symbolically married to the prophet, David Berg, along with other young girls.
Christy's Pregnancy
- Christy became pregnant at 14 by a 39-year-old financial advisor within the cult.
- This pregnancy prompted the cult to create rules against sex with minors, though these rules were not always followed.