His Mormon Father with Schizophrenia Claimed to Be New Messiah (Wrote 2242 Page Scripture)

[@TheCakeIsALie-1]

I grew up with a father who believed he was possessed and an uncle who sometimes believed he was an arch angel. Religion, in our case Catholicism, can make mental health issues harder to treat.

[@TheCakeIsALie-1]

Also it's 100% true that people with schitzophrenia or schitzoaffective disorder aren't inherently abusive. They certainly can be, just as we all can be. But like with any other disability, people with these disorders are more likely to be victims than perpetrators of abuse.

[@nerysghemor5781]

I'm curious, what does the Catholic Church say about mental illness? I just wonder because I'm a Methodist and both in the left-wing United Methodist Church and in the center-right Global Methodist Church, the clergy are very open about mental illness and encourage people to seek medical help in addition to spiritual health. Which was an absolute godsend for me because in addition to my family's support and having my faith, I knew that getting help for (in my case) my anxiety disorder was important. Honestly I think God works through therapists and people who discover medications, too.

[@Luis-zx3ls]

Maybe he should of asked for an exorcism instead

[@RazzlyCrunch]

@@Luis-zx3lsCatholic Priests would most probably send them to a physician first. Exorcisms are often used as a last resort

[@aileenludlow275]

I love that he takes responsibility for how he abused his daughter and gives her space to talk to him about it. That is such an amazing healing gift that most children never get.

[@aurorawolfe6060]

that's very important that he's doing that for her. it's dehumanizing and gaslighting when you confront someone who abused you (esp a parent) when they flat out deny the things they did to you.

[@HellsFurby]

It was nice to see, I’m happy for her. I agree most never will get that, I know I won’t personally, ever. And I have vowed to never be that type of parent if I ever became one. Beautiful moment really! 😊

[@HellsFurby]

@@aurorawolfe6060preach it, even when you’re an adult and mistreat you in front of others known or strangers and will take zero accountability and just light you on fire with their words and it’s so detrimental to people. I understand why so many go no contact that are able to.

[@Aelffwynn]

Just goes to show mental illness doesn't mean the person is always going to be impossible to deal with. Sometimes a "normal" person who's too stubborn to question their perception is more harmful than a "weird" person who's willing to hear they might be wrong.

[@annkupke4263]

​@aurorawolfe6060 yup. They want to move on and say that was in the past. No you need to apologize and validate what happened

[@LeahDyson-kq4bd]

Don't wanna be funny but when I saw the South Park episode about Joseph Smith my first thought was how do we know he wasn't an undiagnosed schizophrenic

[@Kat_Stewart]

He was a con man

[@Aelffwynn]

Yeah he was straight up lying to people and withholding facts. We obviously can't go back in time and read his mind, so maybe he was a con man AND having hallucinations/delusions. But it's more likely he was just a con man.

[@derekpmoore]

More likely an epileptic with sleep seizures

[@cuddlebug8106]

Those that get visited by angels and commune with “lesser spirits” usually are schizophrenic. You’re lucky if you don’t end up possessed. Look up psychiatrist “ Jerry Marzinksy “ for more info

[@Kat_Stewart]

I forgot where I read this but he was actually bragging about how he could make people believe anything..

[@jrr7312]

I have never been a Mormon, but Mormonism has always been so confusing to me. The generational trauma is real and it takes a strong person to break it.

[@rachaelmacnair7133]

I am *so appreciative* of all these adult children coming out and letting us know what's up. Absolutely awe inspiring and beautiful ❤

[@drmay]

7th generation mormon here, breaking the trauma chain

[@edsqueenlarene6917]

Just seeing this comment is helpful to me as someone who left 20+ years ago and still struggles. Thank you!

[@maroonblue7064]

You would be a wonderful follower of organized religion. You give credit to organized religion for causing generational trauma and not medical/scientific theories on clinical mental illness.

[@davidjanbaz7728]

​@@maroonblue7064Mormonism is only one religion: NOT all do what Mormonism does.

[@awesomeblue9841]

Just saw and will be watching today, but I wanted to share how thankful I am to see something like this shared. I have a story of my own with mormonism and mental illness and it means a lot to know that there are others that went through similar experiences

[@greg-op2jh]

Couldn't agree more. Sending you so much love. ❤

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thanks for sharing that!❤️

[@appledpickle]

Oh man, the unclear expectations trauma really hit me. That's exactly how my house was. If we did something wrong we got verbally and/or physically abused but we never knew what exactly we had done wrong or if it would get the same reaction each time. It was terrifying.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

I’m so sorry you went through that

[@denisepace3229]

Same *hugs* ❤

[@EricJacobusOfficial]

What an amazing episode. I have to admit, I'd love to see that holy book the guest's father wrote. I hope he puts an electronic version up online someday. It would be a fascinating look at modern schizophrenia, alienation, etc. I love hearing Adrian's take on the LDS which is very balanced and nuanced, something that's missing and mirrors my own, limited experience with them. And lastly, his path of learning that he was abusing his children was very powerful. Thanks for yet another great episode.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Sami is going to digitize it! We are reading it on a live tomorrow 😁

[@EricJacobusOfficial]

If you read at 2 minutes per page, at 2000 pages, it'll take you 4000 minutes, or 67 hours. You can make it a 3-day fundraising marathon!

[@miak4006]

​@@EricJacobusOfficial Girl that would be over 22 hours per day. If there was 3 readers it would still be almost 7.5 hours per reader. Shelise has an infant and I'm sure the guests have busy lives too.

[@hemlocklatte]

Btw, I just looked at WorldCat, which is what librarians use to look at which libraries have certain books in their collection. There is a record for Effraim's Book of the Priesthood of God, but it only shows the ones they already told us, Brigham Young, the Library of Congress, and the National Library of Israel. The LOC and BYU actually note in their catalog "prepublication copy", interesting?

[@maroonblue7064]

@@hemlocklatte The 50 raw copies belong in a library or museum. Whoever typed 'prepublication copy', realizes the ergonomics of the current publication would make most people feel like they're lifting weights at the gym.

[@annfromma8456]

I think that any religion that is shame and blame based is a religion that needs to be avoided.

[@duerremueller3609]

Wow, this is definitely one of my favorite of your videos! I also had the experience of leaving a high-demand religion as a teen and then my parents followed me and did a lot of healing on their own part soon after.

[@syliadalth]

Facing my child self in her suffering, and telling her "I am here for you, I protect you, I love you" really helped me let go of that suffering, at least partially.

[@rachaelmacnair7133]

Wow how beautiful is it that they can share their healing journey together! Finally watched this and man, what he said at the end about mistakes hit me, personally, and that that fed into his father's illness.... so good, all these interviews are amazing but this one shook me up Thank You!❤

[@CultstoConsciousness]

❤️ I’m happy to see it was so impactful

[@Kadillac_Kim]

1:07:10 wow. Thank you for sharing this story. This part where you spoke about worrying about having to kill your dad. I've been in that exact place. I was a Jehovah's Witness with a horribly abusive father and I spent my quiet time figuring out how to do it if things came down to it. The abuse didn't stop until I hit back at 17 as well.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

❤️

[@dawnhughes9942]

My father believed he was the son of Jesus and he tried to start his own cult. Even changed his name to Star "of" Jesus. Can't wait to watch this episode. Thanks!

[@DustinHawke]

How's Grandpa Jesus doing? Tell him to hit me up, he's been avoiding me for ages.

[@sodonnamounts126]

Love your channel. I have learned so much since watching your channel. Thank you for all you do to bring to light the characteristics and dangers of cults. ❤

[@CultstoConsciousness]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@bethlovelace7395]

Holy cow. I watched all of your videos and I keep thinking how relatable things are, but this story...omg the abusive neglect, drugs, mormonism.

[@helenr4300]

So appreciate your clarity re mental health. This story is where high demand religion and mental illness collide, and the impact of both on the lives of those involved.

[@viancavarma3455]

Hi! correction; the rest of india is not hindu. India is pluralistic (though less so with our current government) and there are several muslim and christian communities interspersed in almost every city

[@kaysharogers32]

Fascinating episode! I want to hear more from them!

[@ane-louisestampe7939]

Definately one of your most interesting interviews!

[@elizabethgeyer-green9910]

Thankyou so very much. Absolutely fascinating 🙏🙏🙏

[@deineadam2240]

My brother caused havoc in our home. I never wanted to be home. I volunteered or worked. And I only recently realized it. We were not a truly religious family. I was going to church by myself as a 12-18 year old.

[@LisaFerguson-lw8il]

The LDS church frightens me. Having followed the horrible Daybell case for years, I have watched Chad Daybell's trial daily for several weeks. I looked into the number of murder cases in the LDS community in the US over a number of years. The results were horrifying. From Ted Bundy being baptised and welcomed into the church in Salt lake city to the current cases and those awaiting trial. How was Ted Bundy, already a serial killer, given access to so many women. Even after he attacked LDS girls, and went on to murder many more elsewhere, church members believed he was innocent. The Church leaders, as usual, said nothing. Listening to an expert on the history of the church, he said that there are nearly 500 cults which are off-shoots of the church. Many people from those cults are still practicing Mormons. Members of Chad Daybell's cult are still practicing. What do the Church leaders do? They told members to not discuss the case. This is possibly my favourite episode on your great channel. The LDS church is haemorrhaging members around the world. Even in Utah it is losing it's best. Over 40% of missionaries came back early from their missions last year. No explanations given.

[@jasmorris1286]

Halfway through. Your a better person than I am I would never forgive, forget or have left him off the hook. Mental illness is not good enough reason.

[@rmandbd2]

My dad is schizophrenic and the sweetest most gentle man

[@conniewhall3109]

What a great episode! There may be other "similar" set-ups like what you offer here. But nothing else compares to what your gig here is evolving into. This is unique unto its own self. I am praying for your family. And for the certain evolution to the greater & higher purpose of mankind. You have something that can save humanity here. Pay attention to your dream-state. This is larger than you know. This episode is the turning point for this energy shift going on here. Get more clear on your intent here. I am looking forward to part 2. tfs You stay blessed while I stay tuned.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

We appreciate you, Connie!❤️

[@conniewhall3109]

@@CultstoConsciousness Thank you. Still praying.

[@michellesunshinestar]

I have schizophrenia myself. I can see how this would happen. I really wanted to go on a mission, I thought that maybe my family would convert while I was on my mission, if I served one. Good thing I didn't go, I was diagnosed with a mental illness while married.

[@deedee2284]

I've never been in a cult, but after watching this channel the last couple of months, my Linda listened would be, listened Linda this sheet is bananas!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

B-A-N-A-N-A-S! Thanks for watching

[@deedee2284]

😂

[@IsabelA-rg4gf]

I love these two. Reminds me a little of my own family.

[@pamelot9158]

Amazing..... thank you for sharing.

[@JIKOKALOL]

Warren Jeffs FLDS is a prime example.

[@BullShark-i2z]

10:05 Didn’t any of the neighbors get suspicious after that?

[@mamadspeachyworld5190]

I have to ask if his father ever suffered a TBI?

[@BullShark-i2z]

19:18 Was there no formal investigation?

[@christianherrmann]

Dad doesn't answer questions, I'm 18 mins in. Will it get better later?

[@12345gerrard]

I have to say what an amazing book even tho that book isn't right

[@lilasfaves7846]

Grateful for this talk… my dad suffered from ‘paranoid schizophrenia’ now I understand it as post traumatic stress following imprisonment in Poland by nazis in pow camp for 5 years 😢 He was only 18 when he went got caught in Dunkirk. He was obsessive like this with books and books of algebraic writings about planets 🪐 and space. It’s left its mark on me and my kids now getting therapy as I did the opposite (but too much the other way of course)!!! Generational trauma is a real thing and soo heartbreaking ❤️‍🩹

[@katwitanruna]

Portraying the family as perfect or at least “normal” is common in abusive homes.

[@LeahDyson-kq4bd]

Every psychologist I follow usually focuses on family and they say a toxic family functions as a cult

[@gailcal]

This man was obviously a genius. I am surprised he was not successful in becoming a “prophet”. 🤣🤣

[@katwitanruna]

Break the silence. Break the cycle.

[@michaeltallon7911]

Adrian, Tom. I had no idea you were dealing with something like this when we hung out in high school. I just remember partying and having fun, laughing at your jokes and humor. And I always looked forward to your underground news paper

[@cassif19]

I love how Adrian kept pointing out how the same thing can affect people differently, with no fault of their own. Abusers or abusive communities will often point to those that "ended up fine" and say it's one's personal failure that they were scarred

[@Aelffwynn]

Not only that, but those who "ended up fine" usually have coping mechanisms that are either hidden, or more socially acceptable than the people they're criticizing. And a lot of those coping mechanisms are unconscious and unhealthy.

[@MaineCoonMama18]

Yes! Also, things like the level of support/ help you receive and whether you have a history of other trauma can have a big impact on how trauma affects someone.

[@KylaA5952]

As someone who grew up with a parent with severe schizophrenia, this video brought up a lot of unprocessed trauma. Holy f. I’ve been binge watching for about 6 months and semi-relating to a lot of the guests experiences, and a lot of their stories have helped understand a lot about my own childhood, but this video hit on an entirely different level.

[@derekpmoore]

Sounds intense!!

[@tsholothuntsi6012]

Hope you're doing well,and wishing you all the best in your healing 🙏😊

[@brendaestrada1782]

Thank you Shelise for your channel! I was raised in a super poor, abusive, Catholic family but have learned so much about different religions/cults in this world through your youtube channel. Thank you for all you do! Congrats on your baby girl! 💖💋😊🌷🦋🌈🐻

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Hi! Thank you for your support! 🥰

[@LisaFerguson-lw8il]

@brendaestrada1782 I'm so sorry you experienced that. I was raised in a warm and loving Catholic family. All my cousins were the same and we loved playing together. My father was so proud of his 4 daughters. He and mom came to all of our school productions, special days and they encouraged us constantly. I loved going to Mass and the hymns were great. We also had very loving grandparents. I knew nothing about parents hurting their children. Even when I went a little wild in my mid-teen years, my parents were patient. My father never laid a hand, in anger, on any of us. When I learnt about the abusive behaviour of parents in other countries, I was shocked. Even worse was finding out that a lot of the abusers were Priests. I'm Irish, so we discussed these issues as a family. Our Priests were very open about that. They encouraged children to come forward to speak to councillors appointed by the local city authorities. I trusted my Priest and he was a family friend. I think many countries had Priests, Bishops and Cardinals who were too removed from the Vatican. They saw themselves as leaders and totally ignored the bad things which were happening in their parishes. Power went to their heads. Your father should not have been around children. Taking out his anger and frustration on children shows what a weak man he was. I hope you find peace and recovery by speaking out. Religious Institutions should never be allowed to rule their members. Parishners are to be guided, not oppressed.

[@whitneysawyer483]

Sorry to hear!

[@Kreepyb5]

I agree and am a recovering Catholic too. ❤☮️

[@TibiSum]

I'm glad to see the abuse involved with the coffee incident labelled for what it is, by the person who enacted it. It is abuse. Admitting so is the only way to address it. Connection and repair are the opposing forces to abuse and these can't be there until light is shone on the fact that abuse was there and each individual is responsible for abusing someone, even if we have been raised in a terrifying home. Even if we live with severe mental health impairments (as I do). I speak as a person who grew up in daily terror in my own childhood home, dominated by two traumatized parents who lived with significant, untreated, mental illness. My home was unsafe, always. I grew up to be a bit toxic. Not as inherent personality pathology, more like "fleas", where my behavior was shaped by what I knew, not what is healthy and helpful. The best way not to be our own parents is not to never make their mistakes, rather to see our own mistakes and grow from there, making repairs with our loved ones as we do. I am no longer toxic, just a regular adult who makes mistakes and works on their crap. Change can happen, but only if the person wants to change and only if they admit hard things about themselves, to themselves. I live with two mental health DX that are portrayed as dangerous in media and I'm as gentle as anyone can be. I'm a safe adult for a lot of young people and I'm a loving and helpful partner. A lot of my generation (Gen X) are trying to break the cycle. And we can. The cycle can be attacked, ripped apart and new growth, post traumatic growth, can happen. Thanks for this. My mother is fully capable of doing something weird like producing a book that is underlined by her scholarship, but twisted by her delusions, with her pion, my father, doing all the boring labor involved. She is Mensa, but also totally incapable of operating in the world. As always with this channel, it is helpful to see that other families can live this way, dominated by ideology and abuse. I don't want that for people, but since it happened, I am always healed a bit by hearing about it. Also, I joined Sami's channel. I want to hear her voice more. Sami, I hope you do anger at the things you experienced. I'm glad your Dad is willing to admit wrong, but that doesn't erase how you felt. I saw that confused and hurt child in your face when the coffee incident was being talked about. That's legit.

[@Aelffwynn]

I'm sorry that all happened to you. I appreciate what you said about seeing and fixing our mistakes rather than trying to avoid our parents' mistakes. In my experience, some DV/toxic parent survivors have this weird hubris where they think they could never fail as badly as their parents did, and that allows them to continue pretending their own flaws don't exist. Then they hurt people, and the pattern goes on.

[@drmay]

My friend's dad had an extreme bi-polar episode where he was receiving visions from angels and my sister-in-law also had a bi-polar episode where she was hearing the holy ghost speak to her and she believed she didn't have to eat anymore if she was righteous enough.

[@_kmCarter]

I won’t get into detail; I just want to say I know EXACTLY what these folks went through. Mormonism exacerbated the mental illness of my male family member. Living subject to his “authority” was hell. I’m still unwinding the experience 30 years later.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

❤️❤️❤️

[@andreafranke8771]

What a wonderful pair! What a lovely father-daughter relationship they have!! Great episode!!

[@pillylamb]

Oh yes - the cult of schizophrenia. I have a family member who has created their own reality in this mental disorder. And yes, on some levels their realities are amusing and entertaining but can also be terrifying, destructive and distressing. I kept on thinking of the old curse - « may you live in interesting times. » For sure I can see many, many conversations with this amazing duo. A million thanks again, Shelise.

[@why55555]

It says 204,000 subscribers today. Congratulations! Bless you for all you do. TY.🙏❤️‍🔥🥰🥳

[@uncleanunicorn4571]

It's important work, Cults pray on our vulnerabilities and we need to be aware of them.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you!!😁🙌

[@msdennish8732]

205K today❤

[@SleepyGoblinPrincess]

I really love the dynamic between father and daughter. It warms my heart to see a dad genuinely care about how they are treating their kids and making changes.

[@ktamsiin]

Thank you Adrian and Sami for sharing and being so insightful and honest about such a difficult topic ❤️

[@tamaratamtammorris8151]

Thank you again for a fantastic interview, Shelise. Adrian and Sami were a delightful pair of guests, and their nuanced tackling of the subject of mental illness and religion was a welcome breath of fresh air, given how mental illness and religion often are painted together in a broad/extremist brush. I hope they can come back in the future. There are still so many stories they can share

[@maroonblue7064]

The painted brush nuance is refreshing. The guests probably have worked regular jobs and have practice with Separation of Church and State laws. This basically means race, religion, ethnic background, value systems, philosophies aren't discussed. People primarily collab for a common cause to accomplish a mission and get paid money.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Glad you liked it! We are going live with them tomorrow!

[@fionafiona1146]

13:00 actually the genetic risk of Schizophrenia seems to be moderated by "adverse life events" (like the violent upbringing, sexual abuse, extreme stress allredy mentioned) There is great data from Australia and Scandinavia, if you want to have some hope for your possible kids avoiding such psychological outcomes

[@arnicepernice8656]

It is not hereditary but they have a predisposition ❤

[@fionafiona1146]

@@arnicepernice8656 yes , people who have a low trauma life can brake that cycle too

[@SarcasticShrubbery]

Perhaps I can shed some light on who would buy a book like this. I work at a specialist bookseller that supplies (mostly) academic publications to libraries. The Library of Congress collects pretty much everything published in the US. I'm not even in the US and they collect most of what is published in my country as long as it adheres to certain standards or subjects, too. On top of that, any religious studies department may be interested in this, so BYU and the National Library of Israel do not surprise me in the least. I imagine that any institution of higher learning that has a professor researching something like fringe religions and/or Mormonism would be interested in this, and they tend to get their literature through their institution's library rather than privately. The book may not even be read by anyone, at least not right away, but if it fits the collection development policy it will be added to the holdings and potentially used for research later on. Religious studies isn't my area (I'm on the arts, mostly) but you'd be surprised how valued these types of "fringe" publications are to (research/university) libraries who specialise in the subject! We're constantly scouring our sources for exactly this type of thing in order to be able to offer our client libraries something they may not be able to find elsewhere.

[@maroonblue7064]

Around the world if people find lost copies of the book in decades, they will find the literature fascinating, and some may believe as scripture. The family probably has some ideas on where the 15-20 copies were sent and is keeping their mouths shut, which is the smart strategy to follow.

[@lisonjacques2139]

So I don’t typically comment on videos much. But I have to say that this has probably been one of my favorites. Absolutely amazing family. ❤

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tarrenp4021]

Oh my gosh I think I saw this person post a couple times on tiktok about this! So excited to watch :')

[@ChristinaCohen-bz5ig]

the father basically copied the Baha’i religion - his son and granddaughter should check it out.

[@sandybowers5085]

Every time I watch one of your videos I think “That one is the best!” THIS video hit me with some issues within myself and my family after getting out of our own “Family cult”!!!! Almost 20 years later and we are all so different in how we deconstructed (myself and my children) but are still so close to each other and respect each other’s own journeys❤ From an ex wife of an NPD and IBLP family chaos. I truly resonated with these two guests.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

❤️🙏

[@arnicepernice8656]

Cannabis and schizophrenia… known to trigger . It is also un explored/ unexplained situation that even people who have never set foot inside a church /christian belief when they are psychotic they think they are the messiah , are walking on water, it is odd why the mind goes to this place. I find this really curious.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

So interesting!

[@arnicepernice8656]

@@CultstoConsciousness I was booked to hear a lady psychiatrist of Muslim upbringing about this phenomen. Sadly my husband of 30 yrs had a psychotic episode and I have been trying to learn as much as possible. Someone who I knew for all those years became someone I didn't know! Also I dont think mental illness is hereditary it is predisposed? Another topic! Anyhow now over 200 k subscribers. Well done both of you! I guess all three now x

[@sugoruyo]

This is likely a result of the prevalence of the Christian (or other Abrahamic) narrative in our cultures even if one is not themselves religious. What I mean is that we, as societies, have acquired a belief in one powerful character who will arrive to save us from ourselves and will be so powerful he (it’s pretty much always a he) be able to actually do it. So we look for charismatic politicians or fantasize about superheroes or just plain hero types like some cop or soldier or something. The so-called Western cultures have been getting increasingly individualistic, further reinforcing such notions. Regardless of one’s own belief or lack thereof, we are all aware of the trope. In fact, these days, there is such a large gap between in the attention and validation that some people receive vs. everybody else that it doesn’t much for someone to subconsciously conclude they’re only worth anything if they can be some type of worshipped figure. And we all want to feel we’re worth something.

[@arnicepernice8656]

@@sugoruyo thank you. That is really helpful and informative.I appreciate you taking the time to write this.

[@oliveoilchic]

I looked it up and that book weighs approximately 15 lbs

[@lotion_laura]

That book is massive!

[@rhondahart2416]

This story almost made me ill and reminded me of my childhood when he said they were coached as kids to make everyone think that their life was perfect and his father could be all things to all people, that was my mom's specialty.

[@afterthestorm221]

The understanding that energy is neither created or destroyed is what shattered my own delusions induced by my parents belief system.

[@davidjanbaz7728]

Only within the Material Universe: science can't prove your statement before the Universe started as per the Big bang.

[@foffndy666]

Terrance Howard knows why.....😂

[@AlexanderofMiletus]

How?

[@graysonspaw8661]

The comments made about childhood around the hour mark are almost universal to trauma. I didn't have problems socially as a child until I was older. I seemed happy as a child because I was able to keep my misery and abuse at home. I started middle school in a small town a few minutes from where I grew up. I couldn't pick up on social cues and suffered. When I suffered at school, I was losing a grip on hiding the abuse I suffered. That's when my mental illness and pain was made aware to other people.

[@liriodendronlasianthus]

Absolutely fascinating episode, thank you for sharing your stories and thank you for becoming a better parent.

[@jewelssylva3738]

Thank you Shelise, for giving voice to these people. I attended a nice Christian denominational church. I am resistant to dogma, & am glad I have been able to question & search. I am very moved by the stories of people who are able to get free of abusive cultic faiths.

[@batyaswiftyasgur9500]

Thank you, Adrian, for your courage and clarity in coming forward with this extraordinary story. Thank you Sami for participating and for your input, and thanks to Shelise, as always, for your compassionate and astute questions and for having such wonderful people on the show. Growing up with such abuse and being determined not to perpetuate the cycle is remarkable and truly inspiring. I would like to add (as a mental health professional myself) that I think the handling of the subject of mental illness in this was quite sensitive and nuanced. I would also like to add that--while I agree with the decision to legalize marijuana (I don't think that its illegality accomplished anything positive)--there is an increasing body of research linking psychosis to cannabis (called "cannabis-induced psychosis"). Based on what I've learned from colleagues who are psychiatrists, more and more people are turning up in psychiatric emergency rooms with severe psychosis tied to the impact of cannabis. So I wonder how much the excessive and casual use of drugs that Adrian's father engaged in (and Adrian too, as a child and youngster) played a role in the mental illness. Obviously, that doesn't mean that everyone who uses cannabis will develop mental illness. For some people, it can be very beneficial. But it is an increasingly common phenomenon and unfortunately, not well known enough.

[@hannahviolette4553]

This is beautiful! My father was schizophrenic and we were raised in a higher demand religion and it has echoed throughout my own life...I see SO much beauty in how this family has evolved. Truly, truly beautiful.

[@katmur7136]

Another great interview! Thank you both for sharing your story. Would love a follow up with the daughter and how she got out first. ( Shelise, you are radiant and somehow managed to keep that on track, brava!) Other folks in the comments talking about how religion ignores mental illness is also an interesting topic. Many just want a happy face.

[@sweet_creature7799]

Hi Shelise! Have you ever discussed Quakers on your channel? Thanks!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Not yet!

[@sweet_creature7799]

@@CultstoConsciousness Oooh! 👀

[@tianna1116]

Ok wow I have SO MANY thoughts. I’ve never heard my own story, specifically my father’s personality, explained so well. I never thought my dad could be schizophrenic but now I’m seriously considering that possibility. Everything described here perfectly applies to my dad too, down to every detail. It’s blowing my mind actually

[@CultstoConsciousness]

🫢

[@Maguire708Julie]

Never expected Doctor Who here!

[@RobertaReal7980]

I can't imagine having to grow up with a self medicating schizophrenic. My heart goes out to you ❤

[@niteshade2271]

I just keep coming back to this channel, thanks again for posting!

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Glad to hear it! 😁❤️

[@greg-op2jh]

Shelise, thank you for bringing these stories to us. It makes you feel human to know about other people survival stories. Not just what happened but how it looks on the other side. I can't tell you how much healing and growth comes from it. Sending them, you, and your family so much love❤

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thank you for sharing that! I’m so happy to hear it’s helpful

[@clifb.3521]

Putting the “mess” in Messiah

[@shirleytrenche7852]

And I oop 😂

[@CultstoConsciousness]

😂

[@BimbleThrooLife]

There's no messiah in here.... there's a mess alright but no messiah 😂

[@AtaraxianWist]

So we have a splinter religion. Of another splinter religion (Brighamite sect) of a splinter religion (Mormonism). But that's a splinter of Christianity (arguably protestantism specifically), which is a splinter of apocalyptic Judaism. Apocalyptic Judaism wasn't a splinter, IIRC, and I don't think Judaism more generally was one either, but that's still a lot of splintering.

[@syliadalth]

Thank you for sharing, thank you Shelise for being such an advocate for the voiceless ❤

[@jamesmorgan1967]

This story would make a good book/documentary. Fascinating.

[@sugoruyo]

I guess there's already a pretty big book...

[@freddenker9537]

The US grandma with the pink hair, Kat Kerr flies every week to God who sits in a gelatin cube, Kat can also scare away typhoons, and people believe her grandma and make her rich... the madness is limitless...

[@_witchdoctor]

It's so funny how all the different cults n religions have all this crazy people and stuff, but then people will be like "But I don't believe in that wacky stuff I'm a Baptist" 😂😂😂

[@annamittal8319]

As an American who is ethnically indian, im extremely curious: how did Adrian (and by extension: his father who chose to join Mormonism, his wife and sons who choose to remain part of the church) reconcile Mormonism’s beliefs and teachings about People Of Color with being Indian themselves? Is it something they “shelf” in order to be Mormon? When Adrian was Mormon, was being Indian something that added to the religious guilt and shame of the high control group? Sorry for all the questions, I think this might be the first time you’ve had Indian Mormons on the channel!

[@maroonblue7064]

They were Pakastani's living in India. Generally, Pakastani's are more likely to look white compared to North Indians. The older members from the guest's (Adrian) family probably would take more insult being considered Indian instead of Mormon.

[@jewelssylva3738]

My mental illness, Thank God, was not involving family or religion. I was abused by a health provider who convinced my mother that I needed to be treated in private with him because I was "more anxious" with my mother present. The abuse lasted over 5 or 6 years, about once a month.

[@stephanieallangarman5598]

His ETERNITY will INCLUDE HIM being SA’d constantly and in separation of GOD. Just know that will happen. We All REAP what we SOW. 🤍🙏🏽

[@jamesstrawn6087]

Given the reach of KZbin, if the wrong someone gets ahold of that book, it may spawn a new religion after all. Makes you wonder about what is often said of Smith ("How could he, the poor farm boy etc.")

[@kipandeee]

Please make a video talking about all of the stories that were just "a story for another day" !!!

[@redfraggle525]

Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@ConstantiaVerted]

If someone has a tendency to mental health problems, genetic etc, then cannabis or any drug is even less of a good idea. :( It is what first landed me in hospital with bipolar.

[@professorkaylafabienne7534]

Considering the means of production (writing one page at a time, giving to mom to type) I would be interested to know how well it works as a text, in terms of continuity, typos, etc.

[@rmj4978]

Loved this duo!!❤ Wonderful people! I could listen to them all day! That book is massive…

[@toriwolverton9515]

What his father did is so interesting to me high key. I’d love to look through a digital copy lol. It seems to tie together the abrahamic religions and that’s super interesting

[@Lisa85]

I’ve watched her TikTok’s and instantly recognized that crazy ass book 😂

[@Ruseri-c8l]

Are you guys going to cover Mica Millers story on your channel? #JusticeforMica

[@Fatfinger4378]

"He was deeply, deeply conflicted because he really thought he was right." That's where a lot of people think Joseph Smith was mentally. That somehow through it all he really thought he was ushering in a final dispensation, and it didn't matter whether his book or his priesthood or anything else was exactly what he claimed, the ends justified the means.

[@andrewc.2952]

Wowwww, my mother has religious based psychosis but was never high functioning enough to pull off something like this. It would be interesting to break down the diagnosis structure of this man. Dang

[@maroonblue7064]

I agree the writer of this book never had an audience his son claims. Sounds like the writer of the book went entire life with no social media account and never received a single comment like.

[@luwildy]

My fiance used to be a huge Christian. Like bible verses as tattoos Christian. I've been an atheist my entire life and so after being around me (even though I really tried not to ruin it for him) he eventually turned away from faith as well. Sometimes when the topic comes up he says "there's situations where it's needed." And I never understood that until I heard this story. I get why he wanted to be mormon after growing up how he did. Thanks for making me understand what my fiance meant.

[@xonlyxjojox]

Its interesting that his father’s upbringing was very strict, because i remember my mom saying that before the islamic revolution in Iran, everyone in the Middle East were very liberal and not strict Muslims. But after the revolution, the effect somehow trickled down and affected the whole ME by becoming hella strict. But seriously, thank you Sami and Adrian for sharing ur story. I wish u all the healing and happiness u guys deserve🙏🏻 ..

[@CultstoConsciousness]

Thanks for sharing!

[@maroonblue7064]

Liberal because the society was cutoff, and no comparisons were possible. Venezuela and Afghanistan were chill places with organized governments in the 60's and 70's and even more so compared to the status of today's Venezuela and Afghanistan. One nation is in South America and the other is considered South Asian, not Middle Eastern.

[@jennifera4178]

This is really sad. Obviously this man was very unwell! The book they talk about was obviously delusional and it’s so undignified for someone who has been unwell to have their delusional ramblings paraded in front of everyone. It was interesting to hear their experience of living with someone with a severe mental illness

[@everlynhoughton1230]

Loved this story, fascinating, and thank you for sharing.

[@Ikine557]

This episode was very helpful for me. I'm going through my own journey of figuring out how to have a relationship with someone who hurt me, and this interview really gave me some clarity on that. Thank you both for sharing your story.

[@CultstoConsciousness]

❤️🙏

[@Ikine557]

@@CultstoConsciousness I want you to know that this podcast gave me the strength to handle that relationship (without going into details) just hours after leaving that first comment. I got so much clarity from watching it, this episode truly changed my life. Or at least my life right now. So thank you.

[@leoak]

I lost my kids and entire family for leaving Islam, but will admit this family was dealt worse cards. So happy to see they broke free and still have each other ❤.

[@m0thdm]

THAT BOOK IS HUGE