[kumbaya]

I have also been reading in these threads about people being "married off" at the end of the training. How prevalent is that? Is there extreme pressure in that area?

Hi, I have family and friends in the LC (I grew up in it) and have unfortunately seen a bad trend related to this.

There is such an extreme separation during the training between the brothers and sisters that I've seen (granted, I know this happens just in society!) people almost make it their "idol" or ultimate goal to just get married.

I think the system creates a lot of unspoken expectations while preventing people from REALLY getting to know each other. When you're in a bubble, everyone is HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY.

Who they are outside the bubble and how they handle life after the FTT is a totally different story.

I'm not trying to discourage you and obviously there are probably just as many happy marriages as unhappy ones from people meeting in the FTT but it is a "practical" way to marry someone with the same mindset and happens a lot.

I just don't think its the healthiest environment and think its 100% possible to learn the Bible without "wasting" those years on the Lord as they explain it. I feel that term is highly manipulated to the LSM's goals unfortunately.

I think thats the most dangerous thing they do. Yes, you should follow the Lord but they're using controlling practices to influence you so the lines get blurred. Specifically, I've seen a LOT of cases unfortunately where its the same as your child and I'm so sorry. I don't understand how they can justify it but the pressure currently to move to Europe and other countries is HUGE. I know several people (including close family) that haven't begun their trades or not continued their education in their 20's and moved to other countries to "serve the Lord" as the LC sees fit of course. Two I know were very unhappy but luckily one was able to move back to the US with her husband. It was kind of an ordeal though.

I know several full timers wives that I know feel duped. Raising kids on a next to nothing income at home, in college towns away from their family.

It's considered an "honor" to them to "waste your younger years on the Lord," but they're also putting people in a manipulative system and on a trajectory that's hard to get off of.

I agree that we should give our lives to Christ and serve him, but how can you do that when you're told exactly what to do and how to do it?

I'm sorry you're going through this and if I hear of any support systems for parents I'll come back and list....

Honestly, I think it's hard when you're experiencing Christ but also there's unspoken pressure to confirm and not use critical thinking. There is no avenue for questioning so it tends to not happen until it builds up to a boiling point.

Which- I CAN tell you, DOES happen. I feel like people do come to this realization and just STAY and justify it somehow or they choose to LEAVE.

All the tactics can only work for so long though, hopefully with maturity your son will see the unhealthy practices and be able to choose for himself. When you're young, its such an easy escape from the hardships of the world. The LC is their drug of choice to "check out" from reality.

Sorry if that's a bad reference. I've just seen people use religion as an escape and the same issues will come up later no matter what the escape is.

Hopefully this forum will give you some insight! Much love