As countless viewers watched with their own eyes, Jinger Duggar grew up in the cult.
His parents used fear to control him as part of a twisted belief system that taught him to shut out the outside world. And never make a real choice for yourself.
Jinger lives a very different life, now. He is not the main part, but his children are on a slightly different path.
They are also generally out of the spotlight. Jinger explains why she doesn’t bring her children into the public eye.
Before the release of her new book, Jinger Duggar Vuolo spoke with people in the interview you can watch below.
“One thing we have decided is to keep the girls out of the public eye,” he confirmed.
Jinger then said that if Felicity or Evangeline wanted to one day take advantage of their potential fame, “that’s their choice.”
“I just want to give my kids the best life possible,” Jinger said.
“So,” he said, “that will look different than what we did growing up.”
Being raised in a violent and misogynistic cult is not the “best life” for anyone. And no one grows up on reality TV against your will.
Jinger grew up in rural Arkansas. His family subjected him to homeschooling and controlled his limited social circle.
With no access to the books, music, TV, or movies of the “world,” it means Jinger’s only knowledge of the outside world is through a filter.
They cannot interact with people of different beliefs, backgrounds, etc. He taught her to be afraid of meeting normal people, as if it would diminish her. In fact, it will only help him grow as a person – a threat to any cult.
In contrast, Jinger and Jeremy raised their daughter in California. Her children can meet a variety of people, instead of hearing about her in warning whispers.
“Being in a place where our girls will be able to see different backgrounds and perspectives on life,” Jinger said.
He insisted that it was “great to be in LA.”
Jinger immediately points out that living in the big city means she doesn’t protect the girls “from other points of view.”
It goes against the toxic cult beliefs that define childhood. But no, he said, it was against his faith.
“It’s not God’s word to do,” Jinger said.
Jinger also admitted that her family rules are “like a cult”.
He grew up, by his own admission, feeling “scared of the outside world.”
Jinger notes, “The lessons I learned growing up are dangerous, damaging, and have lasting effects. I want to share my story.”
Jinger said, “I don’t drink, but I don’t have a problem with other Christians.”
Explaining how his opinion evolved, he continued: “Freedom to drink if they choose.”
Jinger added: “And birth control, that’s what I thought was wrong and I don’t know anymore. Well, I’ve definitely changed.
So It’s Absolutely Free out on January 31st.
Meanwhile, some critics have argued that Jinger and Jeremy’s beliefs are still a bit more radical than he wants to be.
In some ways, perhaps. But it is clear that he is still far from the toxic cult that formed him. It’s something.