PART ll: Amy Coney Barrett's Relious Order Participation

[mysteryowl]

'It instilled such problems': ex-member of Amy Coney Barrett's faith group speaks out.
Former insiders and religious scholars say scrutiny of Barrett’s connection to People of Praise is entirely legitimate.
[snip]
Amy Coney Barrett, a conservative appellate court judge who is a prominent member of the 1,700-member strong People of Praise, will sit before the Senate judiciary committee to face questions about her judicial philosophy as part of her controversial confirmation to take a seat on the supreme court.
[snip]
But Powers, who is one of a handful of former People of Praise members who contacted the Guardian to describe their difficult experience in the group (using her married name), and some religious scholars who have studied charismatic Christian communities, say Barrett’s membership in this specific religious community does raise legitimate questions. They want to examine how views that are integral to the group’s core beliefs – from its treatment of women to the separation of church and state – might influence her. They are also distinct from most mainstream Catholic faith.

[snip]

In the strict hierarchy exercised by the group, Powers’ parents were often asked to take in other members into their home, even though her own family were using food stamps to get by. As a child and teenager, Powers’ father served as her spiritual “head” and worked multiple jobs, including being asked to tend to the lawns of the community’s properties, free of charge.

Women who are married, like Barrett, count their husbands as their “heads”.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/10/people-of-praise-amy-coney-barrett-faith-group


So, former members of this christian religious cult contact The Guardian to tell what they know. We can appreciate the work of the media to bring us this information. The people need to know what will influence her decision making. A religious cult! No, these views do not represent America. 1,200 members, that tells you it is very fringe.

[RockCreek]

1. I keep wondering

If members of the community are told to provide free child care, and/ or other household services, for ACB and her husband.
I imagine it would be described as helping her to holy work of "helping her promote God's kingdom" or similar.
Are there any legal ramifications of this (tax, etc) when doing unpaid (in material goods) among unrelated people? What about if there was evidence of coercion -- spiritual, of teenagers to do childcare, etc?
Just wondering, and wondering if there is any legal or ethical reason to dig in that direction.

[Buckeyeblue]

2. As an atheist I don't get this.

As a human, I see where people find comfort being around other like minded people. Which is why we have churches and clubs. But it seems as if you have to give up a certain amount of your freedom when you join People of Praise (POP). It seems like the leaders of POP (select men), get a lot of free labor from the members. I'm sure it's all in the vain of one for all and all for one, but it would be interesting to know how that plays out.

[The Magistrate]

3. There Are People In This World, Sir

Who genuinely crave being ordered about.

A religious coloring allows what in other circumstances would require wrestling with feelings one was perverted to be indulged in without such distress.

[Buckeyeblue]

4. You are right. They find comfort in giving up all control.

I know it exists. I just don't understand it.