The Patriarchal Framework of Extreme Religious Cult Communities and the Post-Exit Affect on Families
Date
7-15-2024
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Chair
Durrell Nelson
Keywords
Cult, Religion, Patriarchal Heirarchy, Submissive, Psychological Manipulation, Redemption, Forgiveness
Disciplines
Creative Writing
Recommended Citation
Schievelbein, Pamala M., "The Patriarchal Framework of Extreme Religious Cult Communities and the Post-Exit Affect on Families" (2024). Masters Theses. 1177.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/1177
Abstract
The Lies We Keep is a screenplay about Pinnacle, a patriarchal cult community that employs mind control and narcotics to subjugate the women in the community. They follow a false religious doctrine and community framework that were created during the Victorian era when the Mormons migrated west and ended their culture of polygamy to avoid prosecution. This thesis brings to light the many facets of extreme religious cults and their daily lives within a controlling framework including specific gender roles, abuse, manipulation, and inequality. Government intervention and Freedom of Religion are also discussed in parallel to the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas and how FBI and ATF mishandled that situation. The research also discusses the difficulties of post-exit rehabilitation for community members which mirrors the screenplay. The people of Pinnacle must learn the true Christian doctrine and the lessons of faith, forgiveness, and redemption in order to rebuild their lives.
