Jinger Duggar Vuolo says she breaks free from her strict upbringing | Nightline

The '19 Kids and Counting' star talks to Juju Chang about pulling away from family, the rules she was raised with, and her new book.
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[@AnnAndNala]

She seems very healthy, grounded and balanced. So glad to see her flourishing on her own terms. 🦋

[@cathykrueger4899]

She’s way too thin.

[@Realzproductreviews]

Yes ❤️

[@elizagrogan9454]

@@cathykrueger4899 That's an unkind thing to say.

[@jgjg3848]

@@cathykrueger4899 You emotionally abuse your kids saying things like that to them?

[@elliebellie7816]

I think so, too.

[@lauraash6687]

She said something very powerful. You don’t have to reject your faith just because you were hurt by it or within it. As a sexual abuse survivor by the hands of my own pastor, that comment really gets to me. I’ve struggled with my faith for so long. Thank you jinger

[@MandieTerrier]

❤❤❤

[@MelanieWeed77]

My heart goes out to you. Satan will try every thing possible to hinder our faith. I was also abused as a child & it takes time to heal. And Gods Word is healing and nurturing. Remember, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power & love & a sound mind. Keep that near your heart dear sweet lady. Jesus loves you very much. 🤗💞🙏

[@MelanieWeed77]

@RW I'm sorry you feel that way. Jesus loves you too.

[@bri5155]

I’m so so sorry that happened to you. I can understand why that could give someone a crisis of faith. I wish that bad people didn’t exist within the Church, but, sadly, bad people are everywhere. I hope that he was dealt with, and that you’ve been able to heal. You didn’t deserve that, and I know that it broke God’s heart to watch that evil man use his free will to hurt you. I’ll say a prayer for you. You’re clearly so strong and so loved and you deserve to find healing and happiness. God bless you.

[@ashleywheeler8284]

I too was molested by my grandfather who was active in the church. From one bad relationship to the next even though I thought I loved God I didn’t trust him until recently. I understand what she meant by serving out of fear… I’m thankful now that my walk with God is relationship based, not based on rules… no longer based solely on fear… I’m still breaking those strong holds, or I mean Jesus is… I have more peace than I have EVER had before!!

[@clairedisapia]

So glad that Jinger found her way. God is never about fear but love.

[@catenystrom6506]

Have you even READ the Bible? It's definitely about fear.

[@samniumspyder]

The fear of God is the beginning of knowledge To fear God is wisdom: to shun evil shows understanding. Fear YHVH only

[@taywolf5519]

stfu

[@ga6589]

@@samniumspyder To fear an invisible and make-believe supernatural entity is to leave yourself open to abuse, indoctrination, and manipulation by other human beings who want nothing more than to exploit your fears and control you. If it floats your boat, have at it.

[@Realzproductreviews]

🙏

[@TeaandTacos77]

'Strict' isn't the right term. This sort of psychological manipulation and control is abuse.

[@deeanderson4164]

@@stephensmora Nobody needs to be controllled. That is something God could do but refuses to do...control people.

[@naturefleur2062]

I agree.

[@violinogirl]

God himself calls him self a zealous God. IMHO, Ginger's "religion' of her childhood was and is twisted and far from being from God's heart..

[@rooftopworship]

Although I agree, I think that those parents probably did as best as they could bc they believed in what they were doing was protection for their children

[@joyaustin3140]

It’s called discipline and children and adults need more of it. It would be less teenage pregnancy..

[@cbeyer23]

I love that she said it's much easier to ride a bike in pants. Thats so powerful because she's boldly demonstrating that she will no longer be giving the answers expected of her like a parrot

[@silversweet9211]

Glad to see she has found her own way and her own approach to her faith. Good for her!

[@naturallydope6971]

Me too!

[@Bay510Area]

Me three.

[@jandp2941]

@@Bay510Area me four!!❤❤

[@samniumspyder]

No 1 finds their "own" way blind goat swine. True seekers find the Narrow Way, his way. Secular minions trying to understand spiritual truth 🕳🧠💔🖤

[@glorious9446]

Me five🇿🇦

[@thegraciest_]

hats off to her for not showing her children online or tv. too many children getting exploited and manipulated.

[@keatondauffing1166]

They used to post pictures of their children I believe, but likely stopped because of the problems with predators online.

[@cathrinegray2947]

Parents have to realize their kids are born being their own person. Our job, as a parent, is to be their shepherd, guiding them. All kids grow up and will choose what they ultimately want to do or become. And that, for me, has been what Ive had to realize about my teen aged kids. I try to support them , love them, parent them, advocate for them. Its the hardest job I will ever have and is the best thing I ever chose to do. I can only hope I do it well.

[@emmagriffiths1543]

Thank you for realizing this! As a growing teen and now a young adult my parents still try to guide me in their footsteps which is okay but I’d much rather prefer someone let me choose my own path and be there for me if I fall. I’m sure your kids appreciate you more than you know

[@evelynaaspidov123]

I love that she didn’t reject her faith because of her parents views! 👏🏻

[@Jessica-wt2sm]

This was such a refreshing video to watch!!! She seems so sweet and grounded despite the unconventional childhood she grew up in. It's great that she's able to connect with her faith on her own terms and that she's able to establish healthier boundaries with the family she's raising. I also find it really impressive that she's still in touch with her parents. That takes a lot of maturity, growth, and healing. Proud of her for sharing her story ❤

[@azureart5180]

i agree!

[@angiehier]

I think all the Duggar children are sweet and well grounded...Josh fell into a snare of Satan's....God still loves him and wants us to pray he'll come out of it and be saved. God doesn't condemn the backsides but calls them/us to repentance

[@tonikajdasz4369]

Way to go Jinger, so proud of you

[@livingnatural4295]

'Children may be a blessing but that doesn't mean you have to go forth and have as many as possible' good girl😀

[@maritzarodriguez6256]

Kudos to Jinger for speaking up, writing her book and healing from her difficult upbringing. She has truly found her way and to see her so happy is so beautiful to see. God bless her and her beautiful family.

[@amyad]

So very proud of her strength and discernment in finding what SHE truly believes in. This takes an enormous amount of courage and she is giving her girls a great gift with that courage. ❤

[@Realzproductreviews]

I was thinking the same thing

[@joyaustin3140]

Whose strength does this take?

[@joyaustin3140]

@@Realzproductreviews Whose strength does this take to mock parents trying to raise children in a very godless society?

[@ga6589]

@@joyaustin3140 It is possible to raise good and decent human beings who can think critically, without demanding they follow the man-made rules of some cult-leader. Jinger clearly spells out the damage it caused her growing up in such a restricted and scripted environment.

[@joyaustin3140]

@@ga6589 You may want to be careful of whose coat you’re holding . In Acts 22:20 you witness Saul now Paul holding the coats of those that are stoning Stephen the man of God . These people killed him because of the truth he stood for..it’s not good to speak 🗣 on are participate in a thing without clearly examining it .

[@Natari2121]

What a beautiful young lady who honours her family even though she is making her own way into freedom and faith ❤

[@yvonnewilliams8800]

What a beautiful person who seems to be at peace.

[@TahtahmesDiary]

She’s been through so much, it’s inspiring to see her quietly stand tall in her convictions.

[@lilli10599]

such a kind soul. i love this for her

[@amatuergamergirl1761]

I absolutely love Jinger!!! She speaks so eloquently, with grace & inspiration! My heart breaks for Jana as she has been left behind by the older kids. She also is one of my favorites & it shatters my heart to see her stuck at home raising her littlest sibblings. Way to go on getting out Jing.

[@plumdutchess]

Some have said Jana stays behind to protect the younger kids.

[@pamelaleannefreeland9025]

I’m proud of her for finding her way. I hope this leads to happiness and true freedom in her future. And her girls’ futures. Good on her! 💜

[@timikopacek716]

What a beautiful young woman. I’m so glad she has been able to heal the hurt she felt as a child.

[@innocentnemesis3519]

I think many of those “millions” of fans were hate-watching the show. Those of us who remember the “Free Jinger” forums knew that family was fishy.

[@JimmyJojoshabadoo]

I'm surprised no one has done "free Jana." She's 33, doesn't seem like she wants kids and loves handling power tools.

[@MsNZgal]

It's lovely to hear her honor her parents despite their different views. She seems to be a lovely kind person.

[@holocene2164]

She shouldn't. Her parents were and are, right this day, abusive.

[@Tradebear]

I would NEVER honour a parent, or in this case BOTH fucking parents and honour them! They ARE child abusers. I'd rather leave my children with a room full of drag queens than ONE Duggar fucker.

[@lindsay644]

My story is the same in my family of 9 in the Mormon church. I no longer am mormon, but am Christian and have never felt freer or more in control of my life. Fear and faith cannot exist together and I was raised on fear.....so much that it nearly killed me.

[@cinnomix]

that's so awesome!! i'm so happy for you 💕salvation is relationship and faith-based through Jesus and not rules or good-works based. it breaks my heart to hear of the ways various religions twist the word of God to manipulate and control people

[@ak8990]

Don't know if you are from Utah/out west or not, but I am so sorry to hear that. I am also LDS, but I was raised in the South. Our culture here is not like out west (I lived in CA for 5 years and I can say that out west is wayyyy different than here in South). I can see where some lds families/communities can teach wrong doctrine or instill a culture of fear. My experience in the church was much different and based in love, but I do feel for those who have been raised differently than me within the same faith. I told my husband we would never live out west again after seeing some of the things that go on out there. I am glad you have found something that brings you happiness and closeness with God.

[@kiarabeatty3771]

That's incredible that you left and found the truth! LDS is full of lies and are their own cult. They're great people, but highly deceived and believe they must earn their way to Heaven and may even become a god themselves... NOT Biblical at all. Total man made religion. I hate religion, with their "rules" it's all about knowing God truly and having a true relationship with him and receiving Jesus's gift of Salvation! He is the only way to Heaven. It's not by our works whatsoever. I'm so glad both of you got out of these toxic man made religions, and found the true heart of God! ❤

[@AdelineCowgirl]

Fear?? Girl, that was your parents (and maybe your weird congregation?) The LDS church literally teaches the opposite- that you should not be afraid of God no matter what you do or how much you sin. That's one of the reasons why I joined.

[@AdelineCowgirl]

If you were raised on fear, you were not raised on LDS doctrine.

[@patrikiwi1]

Good for her, she seems genuine and happy.

[@carasachs4004]

Good for her. After 43 years of severe abuse and trafficking by my mother and sister, I finally realized that in a situation like this fear can easily be mistaken for love. At least in my experience, love and fear of someone cannot coexist. Best wishes Jinger, and major kudos to you for bravely finding your truth, even when it totally contradicted the cult you were indoctrinated into.

[@MyWadester]

She has really blossom into a beautiful woman inside out!

[@EmP-2022]

Jinger is a true testament to how to handle hurt! We can address our hurts but still love our family and not bash them publicly! They did what they thought was best, as all parents do. Sometimes we mess up, unfortunately!

[@ninayang9097]

She’s always been my favorite on the show!! I’m so proud of her

[@fiestypisces317]

It’s beautiful to see her growth…. I suspect she has much more growing and unlearning to do. Her journey will be life long. Good luck to her and her family ❤

[@maddyk8505]

yes she is only at the beginning. It shows, but imagine the courage and beautiful soul she has 🙏🏻

[@Deelitee]

So proud of her!! She looks & sounds centered, healthy & strong.💜 Grateful to see this🕊️

[@noellewest4347]

Does anyone else get cult vibes from this family? I"ve never really understood (or cared) who they are. I heard of some group called "Duggars" when I would visit my family in the States, but I figured it was just some American reality show. I was raised very conservative Christian as well, and I would say that what my parents tried to teach my brother and me bordered on extremism. But I would not call the church of my childhood a cult. What this girl is describing really does come across a cult. Anyhow, I am so glad that she has not walked away from her faith and continues to maintain her relationship with God. This is very refreshing, as so many kids victimised by Christian extremism end up just becoming agnostic or atheist. I believe it's also fine to be agnostic or atheist, but this just seems like jumping from one extreme to another if someone used to be a conservative Christian. This Duggar girl's handling of her past comes across to me as the opposite of extreme. Good for her.

[@NEWBOTANICA]

all religions are just glorified cults to me, if you all need to meet up in a specific building to read ur "gospel" and need a verified and validated specific role to head the sermon... cult. Duggars are just a more intense version

[@ashleychurchill9779]

My friend was raised in a conservative Christian home she told r about Jesus I use to to,church with her it was a good church than we left the church and the next one was weird and the pastor got in trouble .The Duggar’s are kind of cultish I didn’t realize that for a long time seems like the men are controlling the women and they are forced to wear skirts and dresses they are legalistic about clothes and music women can dress modestly in shorts making they cover the butt all the way and are not too short.

[@g-girlmail6652]

There’s nothing extreme about being agnostic.

[@noellewest4347]

@@NEWBOTANICA I basically agree with you. I would tell the girl in this video to follow Jesus, not Christianity. It is a religion, and yes, I believe most if not all religions tend to blur the line between community and cult.

[@amghinistar4582]

That institute is 100% a cult

[@lucysilvestri87]

So happy to see her being able to step away from her family and find her own path. Just listening to her speak alone is so powerful and ground breaking! Continuing to send positive vibes to you and your family to continue living on this amazing path you are on! 💜💜💜💜💜

[@dazzlingextremes389]

Oh I feel this so much. I've had panic attacks almost my whole adult life from fears of things I was raised in. It's taken me until age 40 (42 now) to gain relief from them and find some foundation to stand on which doesn't rule from fear. I'm so thankful. I'm thankful for Jinger's resolution and awakening. So thankful. For all of it. For her sake, her children's (as our anxiety can impact our children so much) and for her marriage. It's great to find peace. 🕊️

[@meemeepalmer4144]

I’m so glad she found her voice!!!!💞💞💞

[@CuppaGrief]

So glad these young women freed themselves from their toxic family situation.

[@joyce7892]

She's so well spoken. Wonderful interview

[@alibrodie6678]

I am so proud of her! She is for sure living her best life. I cannot wait to read her book.

[@mariahm16]

I’m so happy for jinger, she healed and evolved from child hood trauma and she is glowing! ❤

[@joyaustin3140]

Holy living isn’t trauma

[@joyaustin3140]

Marching your child into a abortion clinic and allowing her to lay up with her boyfriend is trauma

[@MandieTerrier]

@Joy AUSTIN when you think God is in heaven waiting to squash you like a bug if you step out of line. It is trauma.

[@joyaustin3140]

@@MandieTerrier No..that’s just called a bad understanding ….

[@mariahm16]

@@joyaustin3140 Joy, God bless you but your way of thinking is Ludacris and I hope you heal too

[@nicoledavis6344]

Their parents messed so many of them up…Jinger seems like she has a good head on her shoulders though and I’m glad she has found freedom and peace for herself ❤

[@keatondauffing1166]

Which ones did they mess up? Pedophiles are often born pedophiles… So they can’t take credit for Josh. They tried to get help for him. As far as I am aware, they raised good respectful kids, minus Josh of course.

[@dani4704]

So glad she didn’t let her upbringing drive her away for the Lord. I love that she still honors her parents as they gave her the foundation for her faith even if some of the rules were misguided.

[@brie3679]

SO PROUD OF HER!

[@louise2938]

What a beautiful and gracious spirit. Sending so much love❤

[@parallelworlds4862]

It's about time someone came forward in this family. I'm waiting for Jana to break free and write a book.

[@silviaortiz6271]

So happy for her 🥰

[@katepustay304]

Good for you Jinger on finding your own way!

[@justabitofeverything2013]

Just ordered her book. Can't wait to see what she has to say!

[@hutchyyy6444]

I'm so glad to see how well rounded Jinger has become. Such an intelligent and kind young woman. Its good to know that she has broken free of the bounds of her childhood and has found comfort in her own faith.

[@zp7853]

I always wondered if one of them would break free and start thinking for themselves. So glad she had the ability to ask questions and seek answers that were not already predetermined by the people that raised her. I have never been religious but I was forced to go to church and taught the same things many children are taught which of course gave you anxiety about what was right and wrong. It was not until I met my exhusband who was incredibly intelligient and raised Catholic that I learned the stories I was told in Sunday School and Bible school were nothing but fairy tales. This is why we have not raised our child in a church but allowed her to make here own determinations throughout her life and to study all religions and faiths so she could find what made her feel happy and safe.

[@truthhearit1471]

There is a such thing as a healthy fear .. doing things like drinking and driving .. there's a need for guidance in wrong or right. Jinger stated that a false prophet put lots of man made rules in place that caused her problems of anxiety. True Christianity frees you from lots of man made rules only God's rules are for following.

[@UnderTheTableGremlin]

I’m honestly really impressed by how well Jinger, Jill, and Jessa have been coping outside of the cult that is IBLP, and I’m so proud of each of them for being so strong and having the courage to not only break away but to speak out against their own family members.

[@nicolebezanson731]

Soo happy for Jinger and the beautiful person she hads become ❤️🤗🙏

[@marleeamato4944]

Thank you for sharing. This will help so many.

[@susansgalaxy2219]

I am so happy for Jinger and her family ♥️♥️♥️

[@mmmmlllljohn]

I’m happy for Jinger - she is happy and has grown into her own truth regarding her religion. She and Jeremy make a good team and I’m glad they found each other. ❤🇨🇦

[@MusicMovesMe78]

Excellent and intellectual interview. Very well spoken young lady. I support her on her journey of peace and love. And great job for her husband guiding her to show her the light.

[@Isabella66Gracen]

Beautiful interview. Profound. Thank you.

[@sassyh1935]

So proud of her, for finding her OWN way and sharing her story.

[@scorpiochelle]

So happy to hear she broke away. I hope she has a great support system including a therapist to work through the years of abuse

[@dazzlingextremes389]

Oh I'm SO PROUD of her!!!! Jinger has always been someone I connected with. Fully. I am so proud of her.

[@melindam4841]

Wonderful testimony! Thank you so much Jinger. It takes courage to reveal your thoughts and beliefs to so many. You are a hero.

[@taracat7723]

She will help many others because of this.♥️

[@notchamama7571]

So glad to see her escape the damage. I’m so sorry she struggled and suffered.

[@ElleKay4Life]

Love her! So well spoken. God bless her family.

[@carywilson2807]

Jinger is a incredible lady and she is a inspiration to other, Jeremy and the girls are so lucky to have her she is an amazing mum and wife. God bless you Jinger ❤

[@carynmason3421]

What a beautiful young woman of God! Thank you for sharing your life and heart and encouraging us to line up everything with God's word. Discerning truth from error is so crucial. Keep shining His light!! 💓

[@cathykrueger4899]

His word? How about his creation?

[@MissSpaz]

"her life seemed idyllic" Actually, her life seemed like hell to me. Practices like the Duggar parents breed people like Josh Duggar- sadists

[@samniumspyder]

Pedophole

[@cathykrueger4899]

I would add that all the rules are somehow based on an obsession with sex. And a subsequent devaluing of women and children. With Jim Bob as Josh’s primary role model.

[@joyaustin3140]

You need to stop mocking God and repent. The Duggars were trying to raise Godly kids in a very ungodly world. What is wrong with our hearts when we say to like that . Please don’t try to speak for God because you can’t. Her brother chose to do what he did , what does that have to do with his parents . Our job as parents are to train up a child in the ways of God according to the Bible we can’t make them be Godly. There son needs deliverance, Satan enter his heart and that’s why he did what he did. Sin is the problem, Jesus is the Savior. Any man that cries out to be sincerely delivered, Jesus will come into their life and deliver them. Satan wants to use these kids to destroy their parents, but Satan has already been defeated over 2000 years ago. Praise God

[@joyaustin3140]

@@cathykrueger4899 you don’t know these people if I were you I would be careful you could find yourself fighting God.

[@mooseymcflurffycat3018]

@@joyaustin3140 stop defending pedophiles.

[@fashionforwarddd]

Thoroughly enjoyed this interview❤

[@ashleywheeler8284]

I’m so proud of her!! So so proud!

[@jemmy924]

This was awesome! I am so happy for Jinger and her family. So glad she didn't abandon God and her faith due to all that she experienced. Way to go girl!👏 God is good & faithful always

[@JamStarMom]

Blessings, Jinger. I love that she said you don't have to abandon your faith but separate truth from error.

[@Memphismom123]

Such a beautiful young lady. So glad you saw the light!

[@lisaloomer]

I'm so proud of her ❤️

[@beckyklepper315]

She is a beautiful woman of grace ♥️

[@emilys8999]

Brave girl! Good luck to you Jinger :-)

[@melanieodstrcil3204]

You are so lucky to have found your way. You are smart, beautiful and thank you for sharing your story.

[@crissreyes8508]

So happy for her ❤

[@bettygarrido7621]

Good for Jinger! She’s got it together. I’m so happy for her.

[@ashleejohnson4945]

This is amazing. I never thought I’d see the day they were exposed as a cult. So crazy. I agree that she can be so grateful for her parents and her childhood. There are good things to learn in the midst of the evil.

[@jibarabicha4853]

I know, her story about being afraid of the drums in music reminded me of something I’d hear in a Kimmy Schmidt episode.

[@maryannturton9830]

Well spoken,mature lady shining the light on true faith!

[@heyhey439]

I am so proud of her... It's insane what she's been through but she is so strong.

[@MTknitter22]

She and Jeremy are media savvy too unlike her siblings. Well done Jinger it is very unfortunate the sale of the kids’ childhood privacy was the parent’s paycheck. This was wrong. There is so much wreckage in every reality TV family. It’s a deception to begin with with a script made to look authentic.

[@keatondauffing1166]

I think she was saying that she just didn’t act nervous on camera. The cameras weren’t there all the time, and the kids did enjoy it. She didn’t speak bad of the show, just explained that she was dealing with something off camera. Heck they probably didn’t show it out of respect for her privacy!!!

[@greekchick104]

I think her sister Jessa has a KZbin channel. If I’m not mistaken, it came up in my recommendations at one point.

[@herauthenticself7749]

I'm so happy jinger discovered she can live a happy free life ,and still a good Christian. I honestly feel bad for her parents that they really believe all the teachings of the IBLP.

[@kaykayevans2485]

Beautiful Jinger. So happy she is in a better state of mind.

[@cheynestafford515]

What a beautiful young lady you are Jinger ...I can't wait to read your book..blessings from Australia..

[@Thegracemade]

Love Jinger and so happy for her! Grateful she was able to keep her faith intact while disentangling the legalism and harmful, unbiblical teachings.

[@karlaruter3221]

Very intelligent young woman.

[@codyswan4918]

It takes a lot to examine your own core beliefs and even more to consciously change them. Good for you, Jinger!

[@mahekpatel7705]

“Ginger Duggar’s life seemed idyllic” Not at all ma’am

[@Tourettes0]

you are amazing, jinger

[@songbirdsystem1465]

I’VE BEEN WAITIN FOR THIS ONE. YESSSSSSSS!!!

[@janem2684]

She is so brave. Nice to see her grounded and healing.

[@blueeyesblueskiesahead1612]

So glad to see her doing well! It must have been a very strange upbringing, to say the least. Wishing you and your family all the best Jinger! ❤

[@screamingcats72]

Jinger always had a little extra spunk and I hoped she'd find her own path in life. Great to see she's doing just that.

[@christinabrown8881]

I love the way she articulates her sentences. Like yessss Gil. Everything is well said.

[@SusanAvery-bg3fy]

Way to go jinger!I can't wait to read the book!

[@BookishDark]

I’m so happy she’s able to live her life authentically and happily now! I’m so glad she can see that life for women is more than only being a servant to men - that being Christian isn’t about controlling women and girls and she can carve out her own path. I’m really really happy for her.

[@Kimberly_11]

I bet she is scared to death for her siblings that are still living under THOSE "rules" 😞

[@christinawhitehead4034]

This book is probably as much for them to read as anyone else (maybe they’ll see the truth)

[@mooseymcflurffycat3018]

@@christinawhitehead4034 it’s likely banned from their house.

[@NNicholeHE]

Especially Jana he definitely stopped her from being married

[@joyaustin3140]

Living under discipline…

[@joyaustin3140]

@@NNicholeHE you know nothing about these people, get off the bandwagon

[@stephaniedeegan853]

So proud of you for being so strong. 😊

[@chasingdharmaify]

Anyone who homeschools this curriculum should be required to have family and child welfare checks. Fear-based faith primes groomers. Look at her older brother.

[@mandyyjayyy]

I adore Jinger.