The Abusive Parenthood of Steven and Zsuzsanna Anderson - An Interview With John Anderson

[@salyx]

Every child deserves to feel loved, wanted, and safe. My mom was raised by an abusive father and a neglectful mother. She broke the cycle of abuse. You CAN be a better parent than your parents were, I promise.

[@Fable999]

The more he talks about the awful abuse, the more his voice gets shaky and strained. I don't know how there are people who don't believe him.

[@Bob-b7x6v]

He's reliving the trauma every time he tells the tale. His sister is outright crying by the time she tells her story. No crocodile tears, this is real pain.

[@stephenpoole5331]

There are cult followers who will NEVER believe the kids!!

[@marahaquala1686]

@@Fable999 he's obviously traumatized

[@hollydavis6294]

they are 1) motivated not to believe him and 2) conservative, so less likely to have the empathy to identify that sign

[@BlitzedPort]

14:59 I relate to this shit a lot. My mom constantly thought I was lying. One time when I was 16, they accused me of stealing my dad’s wedding ring and selling it for “drug money”. My whole family sat me down in the living room and screamed at me to confess and to tell them where the money or the ring is. I’m crying and telling them I didn’t do it and for hours it keeps going. Then my dad finally realizes he had set a fucking coke can on top of it and lost it.

[@julsdemers4740]

why did they instantly assume it was you?? just "oh I can't find my ring, clearly my child sold it for drug money" ?? did you even do drugs or did they assume that part too?? im so sorry you had to deal with that in the first place but im also genuinely befuddled by their logic!

[@Riplee86]

@@julsdemers4740 Logic doesn't apply to abusive parents. They hold some hate or grudge against their kid, and when anything goes wrong, the kid takes all the blame.

[@julsdemers4740]

@@Riplee86 but why would you have a kid in the first place if you're gonna hate them-??

[@sunstone1957]

@@julsdemers4740 Many kids are 'oops' babies, or born out of religious obligation to populate the world with 'god's army.' When sex ed and reproductive care are illegal, you get this.

[@Riplee86]

@@julsdemers4740 You've...never heard of an accidental pregnancy...have you?

[@ObeyTruth]

They hid the abuse well. We went to FWBC. I will say, once the kids including the Anderson kids were drawing. So I took a look and I saw one of them had drew a man getting hit on the head with a sledge hammer and a speech bubble that said "is that good enough for you or is that enough pain for you?" Something like that. I remember Zsuza saw me looking and got up and grabbed the picture. I was mostly always suspicious so I told my husband about it, and unfortunately just added it to the list. I wish I would have befriended the children instead of being terrified to interact with them. Im sorry to hear about this horrific, traumatic abuse, and Im sorry you were isolated and manipulated. We are praying for you all! ❤

[@JakeMargo]

poor things :(

[@truthseekerjesusfollower6393]

Wow

[@DrewH-u9f]

Wow that FWFB looks scary all most cult like

[@ObeyTruth]

@DrewH-u9f It is a actual cult, in that the members choose the leader over Jesus. The leader is a hypocrite and doesn't do what Jesus says at all. He is a hearer and not a doer, he doesn't love his brother, he renders evil for evil, he doesn't love his enemies, nor his wife as his own flesh. He doesn't have the fruits of the spirits and so he bares bad fruit. He is a disobedient child and the Bible tells us what's going to happen to him. His followers don't follow Christ they follow him and that makes it a cult.

[@JC42023]

The fact the Anderson children are cutting ties with him is one of the least surprising developments I've ever heard.

[@rachelfay9582]

Sad, but not surprising. I hope they’re doing better these days.

[@palmtreesmusic1945]

I am hoping that the Anderson parents get thrown in jail soon. This is WRONG and just wicked.

[@BiTreeFrog]

​@rachelfay9582 it isn't sad, it's sad that they have this shit happen to them, but them escaping is great.

[@8elionadvancing884]

Steven cut ties with him, he said that earlier not the other way around.

[@JC42023]

@@8elionadvancing884 does it really matter?

[@guestaccount6953]

I’m sorry you went through this. Thank you for sharing your story. My mom was so similar to your descriptions of your mom in so many ways that I’ve never heard anyone else talk about. Getting in trouble for getting injured. Being locked outside in the middle of summer all day. Regularly hearing how much she hated being our mom. Withholding food. The bizarre laziness - my mom would call us from another room to pick up her glass of water from the coffee table and hand it to her where she sat a few feet away on the sofa. The rage at random facial expressions on the faces of children, even very young children. Insisting that she knew we were lying about one thing or another. The round-robin beatings of everyone to elicit confessions for insignificant incidents that nobody had any memory of. Writing thousands and thousands of sentences. I’m so sorry you had this parent, too. Thank you for speaking out. People who haven’t experienced it firsthand might claim it’s “easy” or “trendy” to speak out about domestic and parental abuse and neglect, but it’s not. It’s agony to face your own abuse without making excuses for your parents. It’s agony to lose your family bc you left or told the truth about them. I wish you well. Hang in there.

[@Itri_Vega]

Realising your parents don't love you is a grief not many speak about.

[@recovering_potato]

Facts Peace brother❤

[@jhildebrand7447]

Yup. This is my reality too. It's traumatic.

[@sassylittleprophet]

I realized this about my parents when I was a kid and immediately attempted sûıcíde. That was my immediate impulse because I couldn't handle the intense emotions that arose from knowing my parents didn't love me. And when I told my mom a few years later, she actually laughed at me for being overdramatic (and my parents wonder why I don't want to talk to them anymore).

[@jhildebrand7447]

@@sassylittleprophet I'm glad you're still here. You're not alone. This was my experience as well.

[@lesbeean3517]

​@@sassylittleprophet I only came to that realization after I had done a lot of healing and realized I never loved him either. It's tragic but ultimately something we can live with. How are you doing now? And thank you for sharing

[@tatianatub]

As someone who grew up with a abusive mom she would point to extreme situations like this and gaslight me into believing our household was normal.

[@Lady_in_Yearning]

Same...

[@Bettylala4321]

😢 what!?! Omg! my heart broke in 5 pieces ! How u put it that way 😢and so awful I’m sorry u had that happen and then someone also said same ugh! I can’t fathom how people even get to that level of cruelty and so outside reality to do to your own kids and whole families are living like this, and it’s sad to see! So sorry to you both. Ugh ,so many people in comments raised in high demand religions and cults either born into, became or was taken somewhere by parents and it’s so many more people than I ever thought !

[@Itri_Vega]

Mine as well, very relatable.

[@Findecommie]

Same, the extreme abusers enable the less extreme abusers

[@Lady_in_Yearning]

@@TooDog-k9f No thanks

[@PixieUppercut]

If John reads the comments I wish you hope and healing. It’s not easy to break the cycle, but you’re doing it. Thank you for telling your story.

[@johnanderson2951]

Thank you. I’m reading all the comments and responding to anything I can

[@kathleenlamb597]

​@@johnanderson2951 go D-Backs!

[@johnanderson2951]

@@kathleenlamb597 another d backs fan let’s gooo

[@laurag988]

There are lots of us out here who have been rooting for you and your siblings for a very long time. 💓

[@johnanderson2951]

@@laurag988 thank you!🫶🏻

[@DlosStrongestSoldier]

As someone who was put into the CPS system in california i feel for Jonathon when he talks about how bad the system is that’s supposed to protect kids like his family

[@palmtreesmusic1945]

The system is hardly reliable.

[@palmtreesmusic1945]

Even cops are hardly reliable.

[@WilliamBrowning]

I hope you are well.

[@crazypeoplearoundtheworld304]

@@DlosStrongestSoldier no kidding. They won't do anything to protect kids with both parents doing drugs. California's cps, actually every States cps is a joke.

[@gretaholmes783]

I was a kind and gentle mother, who fiercely intervened when my husband tried to act violent to our children. I try to humiliate my husband by saying, "I'm sorry, sweetheart" to my son and saying "I didn't know that I was marrying somebody who would be a mean daddy to you. Nobody is allowed to hit in this house and I will get between him and help you." I tried to get out, but the courts, imy state wouldn't let us take the kids when women try to leave! It's literally easier to escape a polygamist cult with your children than it is a violent man, especially if he has social standing. Patriarchy is a euphemism for violence, and abuse of every kind. You poor baby! I'm so sorry that your mom didn't jump between the two of you and criticize him for being such a viscous abuser!!

[@luked7256]

As somebody who’s regularly kept an eye on the hateful rhetoric of pastor Anderson, I am so so pleased to see his life falling apart, and his family finally speaking out against him. Let’s hope he faces some serious jail time for all the hurt he’s caused.

[@EmyrianMusic]

I wonder if he views his dad more favorably simply because he wasn't *as bad* as his mom.

[@emersonb1664]

I’m only 20 min atm but that’s the vibe I get too

[@alexwyatt2911]

It’s just proximity. The reality is that his father was less angry and performed less child abuse because he simply wasn’t doing much of the childcare. If his father had been doing more of the childcare, his father would have been angrier and more physically abusive of the children.

[@labradorklife72]

And his dad is barely around. Steven Anderson is constantly away from the house.

[@palmtreesmusic1945]

Watched the whole interview and yes, this is the impression that I get. But I also watched Isaac Anderson's interview from a few months ago. Given the testimonies of both Isaac and John, I can honestly say that both Anderson parents were problematic. I am not sure why Isaac never talked about his mother. I was really shocked to hear what Zsuzsanna did, but Isaac talks little about her in his interview. He claims that his mother was able to hit less hard than his father, but that she was onboard with the program. But I am sure that Steven Anderson KNEW what was going on and did nothing about it. This is the problem. And the fact that he fought with his wife constantly (within earshot of the kids) and assaulted her shows that he is not a good guy.

[@jaimesfolly]

@palmtreesmusic1945 Abusers often do not abuse all the kids the same way. Isaac for some insane reason may have been his father's main target.

[@mooatthemoon538]

This is abuse that will kill children. I hope more people will see this video and that awareness spreads.

[@TheAoide82]

I think the saddest part was that his mom is so awful that it made his dad seem "okay" in comparison- when he has literally beaten his son with closed fists. And... allows his wife to terrorize his children

[@NewsMediaOutletsSuck]

I can relate to that. That is not uncommon in very abusive families.

[@marahaquala1686]

I grew up in an abusive home. And I thought my mother was the worst too until I grew up and realized dad's psychological and emotional abuse was what caused most of my mother's issues. She would have been a fine person and a much better mother if it weren't for his awful behavior to her and her family. he couldn't allow her to care about anybody but him and he couldn't allow us to care about her.

[@deborahshedslighton1427]

Yep

[@LandonStrauss-hc1sc]

She is fully responsible for the safety of her kids. Screw that.

[@marahaquala1686]

@LandonStrauss-hc1sc no, you as the man are fully responsible for the safety of your wife. if you drive her insane and overload her with children it's nobody's fault but your own.

[@alejajm1666]

John's the sibling who has nothing left to lose and so he's being completely honest. I appreciate how he's kept his kindness mostly intact, and I wish him lots of love and healing. My mother was similar, except she never acknowledged she didn't want me.

[@courtneyamir794]

Wow. I’m actually speechless. To come out of an abusive hell as a childhood and still love god, still want the best for a community you’ve been alienated from, and still try to find humanity in a very dark person is kinda unfathomable ngl. I gave up my faith a long time ago for a lot less but idk this interview has pushed me even further down a path of reconsidering that decision. I hope everything works out well for all the Anderson children! Y’all deserve unimaginable happiness/peace after living through so much evil.

[@Quaggabagel]

Onorato diamante* is the new channel

[@annabrewer5469]

As a Christian who has followed/listened to many New Independent Fundamental Baptists including Pastor Anderson I’m very thankful for this. The Bible is living and active and has apparently had a good effect in the lives of the children despite hypocrisy, lies and abuse of the parents

[@Lycaon1765]

Completely off topic, apologies, but I love your icon

[@Quaggabagel]

@@Lycaon1765 are you replying to me?

[@miss.baptist394]

LORD JESUS NEVER EVER said to do this to children!! If you read the scripture it is the EXACT OPPOSITE!! At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:1-6 People are "christian in name/vain religion NOT in Spirit or in Truth!!!! LORD JESUS commands us to LOVE!!!! Not hurt!! LORD JESUS guide!!

[@electra424]

Thank you Dead Domain for giving a platform to those seeking to expose abuse and save children from abusive situations

[@MasonShmason]

*that actually works

[@good4gaby]

@@electra424 💯

[@Theonlyoneclyde]

As someone who was raised an Evangelical Protestant under a very strict, conservative and abusive upbringing, let me tell you this: There is a difference between disciplining your child and outright physically, verbally, and emotionally abusing your child…I suffered the latter. Evangelical/Protestant pastors like Steven Anderson need to be called out.

[@agutierrez4328]

I'm so sorry you went through that, glad to see you come out the other side

[@NoMastersNoMistress]

He needs to be in JAIL alongside all the rest of the reactionary monsters who aid and cover for this kind of insanity.

[@themajesticspider-man6116]

He needs to rot in jail, along with this person's mom.

[@astraenomine]

Theres a very thin line between the two if any in this country. Even the most liberal of catholics still believe in yelling at, scolding, condescending, and striking their kids

[@phuck8627]

The problem is that people who are abusive will read this and go, "yeah!!! This person agrees with me! What I'm doing isn't abuse! It's discipline!!"

[@labradorklife72]

Whew, those final few moments. I'm so sorry John. Know that there are people cheering for you. You've taken a lot of good steps and that demanded incredible courage. I wish you nothing but the best.

[@alexwyatt2911]

John spoke to one of the most confusing and painful realities of abuse-the love mixed with the pain. It would be easier to emotionally heal if an abusive guardian was always abusive but that’s usually not the case. Usually, they’re loving as well as abusive, which makes our feelings more confusing and complicated. However, having good memories of your childhood doesn’t mean you didn’t suffer abuse. Feeling love for your abusive parent doesn’t invalidate your pain and trauma. It would be simpler if abusers could always been written off as “all bad, all the time” but life is messy.

[@johnanderson2951]

So true. It took a long long time to accept this

[@agentry455]

This is one of the hardest things to come to terms with. It’s also hard to understand that just because one parent wasn’t as abusive, doesn’t mean they were good.

[@alexwyatt2911]

@@agentry455 You’re so right. My mother did the majority of the physical abuse but she simply did the majority of the childcare. My father was not a loving, supportive parent who made sure I was safe at home. He was my mother’s enabler and doled out abuse on his own. They were both crappy, abusive parents.

[@gabriellemesko6879]

I feel this so hard. As someone who no longer speaks to my mom because of emotional and verbal abuse that escalated the older I got (and got physical when it came to other members of my family) I still have wonderful memories of her especially when I was a baby/toddler and it is so exhausting sometimes to juggle both in my mind. Learning to live with that tension every day.

[@TanyaB2024]

Yes!!! Exactly!

[@Kestra84]

So many times he mentioned his mother's "laziness" as a motive for medical neglect. As a mother and a DV survivor, I'd lay any amount of money that the underlying reason was keeping the kids from saying something (like mentioning being locked out in the heat for hours without water) or the doctors in the ER would discover something to trigger a CPS report. Merely the sheer volume of head injuries would eventually lead to someone connecting the dots. Much like alcoholics rotate liquor stores to avoid the clerks noticing their patterns, she wanted to avoid anyone putting together the reality of the kids' situation. Also as a mom, my heart hurts for him and his siblings so much. Lord knows I have issues with my parents, but I never felt unloved by them and they never tore me down or tried to turn me into a robot for their vision of what I "should be". Holy shit dude, I really wish/hope someone will give you a hug and tell you it's not your fault, it was never your fault, and you did nothing wrong. In fact, you did the exact right thing: I am so proud of you for speaking up and trying to help your siblings, at great personal cost. You are a man of integrity and, if you'll pardon an atheist for saying so, true Christ-like virtue and devotion. Be well, you've survived this long, eventually you'll learn to thrive. PS: The word you were searching for describing the type of injury the electrical cord beating your dad inflicted on your mother and both inflicted on their children is a "welt".

[@damesbooknook9885]

It's really fucking weird that he goes with, "I think he was a decent Dad," and then the first story, he tells the story of his Dad helping her torture him. Edit: I'm a survivor too. This is just something that struck me while watching the video.

[@luxury5990]

Abuse is really difficult to come to terms with. I'm no psychologist, but I think the guy has a lot of stuff to work through

[@johnanderson2951]

I said that he was a decent dad most of the time, which he was, those instances were very rare. He is a bad guy and shouldn’t have an audience or kids, yes, obviously. I’m just being 100% honest tho, and and the day-to-day, no, he was not usually abusive towards his children

[@luxury5990]

@@johnanderson2951 Oh hey, you're here. I just wanna say I wish the best for you and your siblings. Nobody deserves to go through what you all have

[@ocularshift1091]

​@@johnanderson2951sometimes I'm amazed when I hear mothers being more abusive. It's curious to me how "patriarchy" is regarded as male led, yet it sounds like your mom had power over him. I really wonder if she put him up to "whipping her behind closed doors". Pure speculation, but it's weird how she seemed to hold sway over him yet he simultaneously had the gall to beat her.

[@stevenhinshaw3922]

@@johnanderson2951I have a lot of respect for you. This took courage, I hope you and your siblings are able to heal.

[@nellautumngirl]

John, I'm sorry you have lived through stuff no child should live through. While you have many wounds, you also have strengths that other people will never have. You mentioned your job - you are resilient, you have a perfect bullshit detector and are used to stand on your own two feet and care for yourself and others. Never forget that :)

[@KJV4eva]

Went to Faithful Word for 6 years, left in 2021. John confirms what we've always suspected was going on behind closed doors. We are praying for the safety of all the Anderson children. Thank you John for your bravery. God bless you!

[@johnanderson2951]

Thank you! What was your name? Would I know you?

[@KJV4eva]

I dont know if youd remember us, you were a lot younger then. Id rather not say online, the cult members would start their usual harassment. Youve got this, I can see your strength. Youre going to prove them all wrong, youre gonna win. 🙏

[@KJV4eva]

Sound right, total control freak. We left after the online chat stuff went dwon, too many lies to look past. Plus, I didnt want him to get into my wifes face, would have to whoop his ass in front of everyone, better to leave. He liked getting into peoples faces he thought he could intimidate, not me. He woulda found out.

[@Quaggabagel]

You are weak

[@KJV4eva]

Did Stevie give you permission to speak? Back to your cult now. 🙄

[@katrebaryoga2025]

John, your bravery and love for your siblings is admirable. They’re lucky to have a brother like you, and you all deserved so much better. It’s really inspiring to see you breaking the cycle of abuse.

[@johnanderson2951]

Thank you 🫶🏻

[@b-ild-ang]

His love for his siblings is profoundly Christian. Willing to sacrifice everything, even being able to maintain a relationship with them, in order for them to potentially find the happiness, freedom, and safety that they deserve.

[@johnanderson2951]

@@b-ild-ang thank you

[@OMEGA-362]

The only thing being paranoid about your kids lying does is teach your kids how to lie

[@grmpEqweer]

Well, if you don't abuse your kids, they have a lot less impetus to lie.

[@Bob-b7x6v]

Truth 100.

[@nickit7655]

It sounds like Zsuzsanna never wanted to be a mother but enjoyed playing the part to the outside world.

[@johnanderson2951]

That’s exactly it

[@laurag988]

I used to read her blog from time to time (as a horrified observer) and I really never picked up on her hating being a mother. It breaks my heart for the kids even more than it already was.

[@promisemochi]

@@laurag988 that was me with ruby. i used to watch her channel ages upon ages ago and i thought they were a bit nutty but i never, ever imagined it could be so bad. when i mentioned that to some, the response was "how could you watch and not pick up on it" but people are so careful about what gets seen and what doesn't.

[@stillnotscaredofspiders]

I think that's because, according to their beliefs, it doesn't matter what they want, it's what the Bible says they should do. I do think they genuinely believe the Bible, or at least their twisted interpretation of it.

[@RyanWilson-qy7kb]

A woman? Attention seeking? Colour me shocked

[@caradine898]

It's a testament to your kindness, open-mindedness and care that more than one of the family has reached out to speak out against these extremely popular hate preachers, especially knowing the consequences both you and they will face. Great work.

[@JohnBainbridge0]

DD, this video is living proof that the work you're doing is working. If you hadn't exposed this church, you wouldn't have reached two children from this family and let them air out their baggage with an audience who will listen. Who knows how many other children of other families these videos will reach. Keep up the good works, DD ♥

[@goblin3359]

"I regret that she was my mum." Jesus. You know you fucked up as a parent when your kids would rather they had never been born... I can feel the pain and the trauma through the screen. I hope that he can find space to heal and to feel loved and safe.

[@palmtreesmusic1945]

Yep. I get a different impression from John's interview than from Isaac. John seems more frank and willing to talk about it.

[@pilgrimmum]

THIS IS INDEED TRAGIC.

[@Kimberly-jk5xm]

Johnathan never said that he wished he'd never been born...just that he wished his mum wasn't his mum. ...maybe wished he had a different mum....not that he didn't want to have been born.

[@fakepatois3992]

How can a parent do this? you are suppose to protect them, not only is horrible but man, it's so tragically unfair for the poor kids

[@rileyfaelan]

Most commonly, a personality disorder. You might want to read up on 'dysfunctional family'. There's multiple subtypes, but, surprisingly enough, they tend to develop in similar ways even though the underlying personality disorders can be quite different.

[@wmdkitty]

@@rileyfaelan No. Abuse is a choice. There is no "disorder" that causes it.

[@BrianForTheWin]

Fundamentalist religion is the answer you’re looking for. That kind of belief can make you think the harm you’re doing is actually helpful. It’s that poisonous.

[@chrisp7044]

@@wmdkitty I would agree that there is, in the cycle of abuse, a time where the abuser can and should put a stop to the behavior, but personality disorders can be instilled in people also. I'm specifically thinking of the kids, many of whom will grow up thinking that type of abuse is normal. Abusing children in their formative years is not only obviously cruel to them and makes them victims, but also sets them on a path to be the abusers. It's not so cut-and-dry in my opinion. That being said, fundamentalist religion is not an immutable trait, and we should dismantle their abusive structures whenever we see them, damn any government's squeamishness around interfering with religion.

[@rileyfaelan]

@@BrianForTheWin Have you heard of Ireland? Neither of the major religions is clearly identifiable as fundamentalist, yet both have a clear track record of association with child abuse.

[@aprilmacg169]

Really appreciate him coming guard with this, I hate this church so much. It's damn depressing to listen to someone giving so much grace to one abusive parent because the other one is so bad. A grown adult man deserves no credit for choosing to hit a child *but* feeling bad about it. A grown woman putting her foot down about not hitting her while letting him hit her kids and hitting them herself is some kind of obscene irony. I hope all these kids are able to separate from their parents safely and be happy ASAP.

[@animationunlimited2958]

This has very little to do with the Church. Both Zsuzsanna and Anderson present their family life as a happy trad household to the church as much as the rest of the world despite lying being a sin according to their holy book.

[@CompComp]

I blamed my mom less for some reason for a while. She was just more emotionally abusive than physically while he was more physically abusive. I didn't know emotional abuse was a thing until I was an adult.

[@0reht0ps]

@@TooDog-k9f It's common to believe that everyone is a certain way if all the people who surround you are like that or if you yourself are like that. Whatever the case, you're wrong, this isn't human nature, and you should probably change something, get out of a toxic environment, or get therapy if you're toxic yourself.

[@y2ksurvivor]

​@@0reht0psnaìve.

[@0reht0ps]

@@TooDog-k9f I'm not perfect at all, I'm a pretty bad person, I have anger issues, but being abusive is not normal.

[@lauraclay8006]

I was watching Miriam and her story. Is there anyway to call Maricopa county and let them know what is going on?

[@lindagrant9619]

This broke my heart. Poor John and his siblings. I'm a Mum of an adult son and teenage daughter in Scotland, John feel free to join our ranks. You deserve a loving family ❤shame on your parents

[@Omega-AlphaStudios-lh1rz]

What did they do wrong?

[@megah5028]

@@Omega-AlphaStudios-lh1rzare you commenting without listening to this interview?

[@megah5028]

@@Omega-AlphaStudios-lh1rz you can’t answer me? Come on, let’s interact about those two sociopaths, Steven and Zsuzsanna.

[@splendidwittyman2611]

Shame on you with your comment

[@fettkes05]

He is in so much pain. I wish I could comfort him and tell him how much better life can get. I wish so much he had been able to get into the military, as he would have had some support there. He can still build himself a great supportive network, thought. And I believe he will. He is smart and strong and has already survived terrible things!

[@annabrewer5469]

I disagree on the military, I think it’s God’s grace he didn’t get in. That has messed up (and as far as the marines go has mentally broken and even physically damaged/killed people. My husband’s family members were involved in the Navy and Marines and one was a sniper and he had to raise a goat like a pet, almost like a child, and then was forced to shoot it. Another thing they do is make people swim so far that some actually drown cause they were dropped off and left to get back to land without a life vest. The military is evil

[@greeneyedlady5580]

​@@annabrewer5469 That's really horrifying, and it shouldn't be allowed to continue.

[@LandonStrauss-hc1sc]

What needs to happen as one of the younger children need to detail the abuse in public, then get to safety.

[@dustinthedamned]

I was in the marine corps and they always had us believing we were property and that hurting yourself was destruction of government property. How it worked, I can't say but they told us this.. I feel so bad for these kids that have to grow up this way. Thank you for shedding light on this.

[@caz1842]

Wow John I just want to say you spoke brilliantly in that interview on a really difficult life and topic. I'm in awe of your bravery and how you are standing up for your siblings. I can't imagine how difficult and painful it is to stand up to narcissist parents and go it alone. You've overcome a lot at such a young age. I really wish you all the best.

[@johnanderson2951]

Thank you!!

[@DapperMrAlex]

Hey so when people file reports with cps, they can't be hearsay. That is, the one reporting abuse /neglect have to have witnessed first hand the abuse occurring or nothing can be legally done. Reporting hearsay in a real situation is not ultimately helpful to the children being abused as it causes law enforcement /cps to take it less seriously, especially when a bunch of random people from the internet start calling in crimes they have not directly witnessed. Calling on local news to talk to the adult children speaking out may be a better route to take for those of us not directly connected to this ongoing abuse. EDIT TO CLARIFY I was referring to the start of the video, the text on screen referring to calling. I'm not making any claims to the victims validitity. I'm saying that internet strangers calling about a case involving people they do not know irl is literally hearsay and cannot help the case and will likely harm any cases against the perpetrators (parents in the this case). I'm stating factual information about how US cps system works when reporting child abuse and neglect. If STRANGERS to the victims call they will ONLY HARM the victims chances of rescue.

[@johnanderson2951]

They should still at least try to look into issues tho and garner evidence

[@jaybee4118]

@@johnanderson2951it’s likely to add more work to an already overwhelmed system. They have reports already, John has reported them, the ball has started rolling, it’s a really tough job they have.

[@wmdkitty]

It's not "hearsay".

[@janinebasil]

@@wmdkitty But it is. I absolutely believe him, but it's the definition of hearsay.

[@DapperMrAlex]

@@janinebasil right, that's all I'm saying. I belive victims, especially children (or those who were children during their abuse).

[@ArgDu]

DD you are a very compassionate interviewer. I imagine this must be difficult content to create but it is compelling and valuable. On a more selfish note, this makes me appreciate my own parents so much more. Definitely giving them a big hug next time I see them.

[@austynkersey1982]

I can tell by his body language alone that he is being 100% truthful about his upbringing.

[@johnanderson2951]

It’s easy to recognize the truth🤷‍♂️

[@jslindholm259]

Doing a bit of statement analysis yourself, huh?

[@inlonging]

@@jslindholm259my thought exactly

[@macro3751]

hope the other kids get away from that abusive bastard like John did, they're the kind of parent that simply doesn't deserve to have kids.

[@fowlbovine]

Having gone through an abusive childhood, if you survive long enough to get out mourning the parents you wish you had is a really hard part of it. I hope you can continue to heal and I hope you can help your siblings get out too.

[@mariannesartcorner]

John, I don't know if you will ever read this, but I have to say this: you are so brave for telling your story. For standing up to your abusive parents. It's hard to confront your parents, it takes so much maturity and inner strength to do so.

[@johnanderson2951]

Thank you🫶🏻

[@christinerocks2933]

Oh dear John my heart breaks for you and your sisters and brothers.

[@eltoro2150]

John, you are a courageous and kind man. I remember you as an artistic young man overlooked by your mother on her blog. She was trying to sell an image of perfection, but the cracks of her facade were apparent to anyone who really looked. You are a brave and insightful young man. The compassion and consideration you have, after your brutal childhood, is very life affirming and hopeful. As an adult, I am sure you don’t want to be hugged by me, a stranger. However, through the years of your parents’ online presence, I worried about you and your siblings, prayed for you, and held you in my heart. I send you a big hug and I am so stinking proud of you. I am thankful that you are out of that house, helping Miriam, and trying to get the authorities to intervene in the lives of the youngest children. God Bless You and keep you, dear one.

[@johnanderson2951]

@@eltoro2150 thank you, that’s very nice of you!! I doubt I’ll ever meet u, but if u do, I’ll take that hug lol

[@PatrickWDunne]

The party of preserving the family and protecting the children, everyone

[@ifeobasa5459]

Those good 'ol fashioned family values on which the wokes have destroyed.

[@wunderfuls]

The nuclear family is the downfall of the family unit, it is selfish, psychopathy in physical form.

[@janinebasil]

Well, you know what they say, "it didn't kill us so that makes it good" or some shit like that. It seems more like they want someone to pay for the crap they went through (and forget it probably didn't do anything).

[@archangel9363]

The GOP loves the "Nuclear Family" so long as it's built like a poorly-maintained Soviet RBMK reactor.

[@gwendolynstata3775]

@@janinebasil "I'm willing to accept the abuse I suffered as normal and fair as long as I'm promised the role of the oppressor when I grow up and have kids."

[@Sindravora]

I can’t imagine going through something like this. I’ve never been abused even once in my life by my parents and now that I have a son of my own the idea of hurting him for the sake of control is absolutely vile and disgusting. I cried during this video and I’m infuriated that people like this are still out there continuing their abuse.

[@thatsfunny2051]

Never heard of this podcast before, but you're a good interviewer. Didn't interrupt, asked good follow up questions etc

[@LCEVIDS]

Steven has really created a situation where he can be the rescuer and the “good dad” even though he to was abusive

[@Lambdamale.]

I'm not sure that's intentional. I've seen it where the father reacts to his hysterical wife and ends up going along....just as his kid says in this interview. His father needs to recognize this weakness of character for what it is.

[@nathanirby4273]

His dad built the system where the mother was constantly stressed and made to serve, and she is in turn venting her frustrations of that stress onto the children...it's a negative feedback loop...ultimately he is the one , by his own ideology, who is responsible for keeping his house in order, everything the wife and kids do is on him I think he would agree...even if logically that's not true. They enabled each other and either through malice or negligence or both, they have cause untold harm to a large number of children whos trauma will ripple out to their children and so on and so forth.

[@natalies4409]

The Anderson kids are wise beyond their years. God gave Steven and Zsuzsanna all these wonderful children and they chose to horribly abuse them. As a parent, and a Christian, it’s hard to wrap my mind around it. I’m just absolutely heartbroken for them. I am praying for all their children.

[@onga999]

I'm only 17 minutes in but I relate to this a lot. I'm not going to act like I received the same level of physical abuse as he did, but the way he describes his parents hits extremely close to home.

[@NoMastersNoMistress]

Yeah, that's how it can be: there's an enabler who covers for the true monster in a household that is able to put up a functional front or conventional image of success to keep food on the table and pay the bills plus keep the revenue streams flowing.

[@johnanderson2951]

Exactly. Just to be clear i wasn’t justifying my dad, he’s equally wrong for being an enabler

[@all4jesusCarnivore]

@@NoMastersNoMistress Zsu is the REAL MONSTER, she has tried for years to cover it up and make Pastor Anderson look like the bad one. from what we all knew about him and dealing with him in the first few years when he had only 3-4 kids he was very kind and loving with his kids and everyone at the church, he was funny, loved joking, laughing, playing games at the same time was respectful and good natured, yes he did preach strong against sin and ungodliness and that is how EVERY preacher should preach but when Zsu saw how much the people liked him and tallied around him to support him she got filled with more hate and despise for him, his kids and the church people and called them all WIERD, STUPID, DUMB, UGLY, she literally hated even little kids that were around and you can tell from her looks and her dead eyes!

[@all4jesusCarnivore]

@@johnanderson2951 I really believe she had and still have some kind of strong hold on him and threatens him with that, he has known about how wicked she was from years ago, he even mentioned her name as a witch and said all the witches in Hungry have the name Zsusa, it was hilarious but when you really think” it was God revealing that to him and to all who will hear that sermon about the horrible wickedness and hate filled dark heart inside her and Like you said ( without natural affection” this phrase fits her %100, I believe every thing you said about her and a lot of what you said about you dad, but I do believe that she is the one beat him first because she is VERY violent, we have seen it when she hit you guys when you were still babies, she thought no one can see but there was too many eyes around, he probably started hitting in self Defence and figured if she hits me, I will hit back, I grew up in the exact environment, my dad was pushed so hard by my mom to hit us but we could still see the pain in his face and how much he did not want to do it, I never held anything against my dad and had wonderful relationship until he passed.

[@prim3134]

Thank you for giving John a platform! John, I hope you and your siblings are able to heal from this. I wish you have a joyful and peaceful life ahead.

[@chwtoy]

Hopefully, your sister is in a safe space and can stay there until she turns 18. I can only imagine what kind of horrible things would happen to her if she got sent back. I'm glad you escaped and are hopefully seeking professional help to piece yourself back together.

[@Closersince2005]

Again, I am in tears. I am so sorry Anderson kids, my heart breaks for you all!

[@TrashcanBaptist]

"I am in tears" this isn't funny.

[@Closersince2005]

@@TrashcanBaptist you know what's funny.... Your face!!

[@dr.7539]

This was a hard interview to listen to. Just like the previous one. Thank you for telling your story John. You and all your siblings deserved better. I hope you succeed in working with CPS to get your siblings out of a terrible situation (and that your sister suceeds in staying away from your parents).

[@johnanderson2951]

Thank you 🫶🏻

[@suzannetitkemeyernlq]

Bless you dear Dead Domain for being so calm, kind, and being open to this interview. Bless you Johnathan for being strong enough to expose the abuse. May your healing journey be swifter than most. I cannot imagine what it was like to be raised in that family!

[@thenewguyinred]

Despite all the abuse and trauma he suffered at the hands of his over zealous Christian parents he still believes in God and Christian goodwill. I commend such faith and seeing the good in others, most people who suffered from abusive Christian parents immediately loose faith in God and won’t see any good in Christianity.

[@palmtreesmusic1945]

His parents are not overzealous. His parents are just bad. They reject Dispensationalism and other key truths. His parents aren't Christians. They don't believe in the Gospel. They believe that homosexuals can't get saved.

[@palmtreesmusic1945]

Steven Anderson is NOT a Christian in any sense. - Believes homosexuals cannot get saved - Believes Jesus burned in Hell to pay for sins - Does not believe in repentance or that salvation leads to a changed life - Rejects Dispensationalism - Promotes anti-semitic conspiracy theories - Hates Israel - Promotes Replacement Theology - Promotes Babylon USA None of his major doctrines are correct. He does have some correct teachings, but he is just off on all major doctrines.

[@thenewguyinred]

@@palmtreesmusic1945 But they sure as hell like to pretend that they are Christians.

[@y2ksurvivor]

​@@palmtreesmusic1945precisely. these aren't Christians. they'll be turned away by Christ, no doubt.

[@palmtreesmusic1945]

To add onto this, Anderson pushes all these heresies. - Jesus burning in Hell - Rejection of Dispensationalism - Hatred of Israel - Claiming nonsensically that Jews run everything - Hatred of homosexuals - Homosexuals can't be saved - Rejection of Pre Trib Rapture - Replacement Theology Ironically, by claiming that some classes of people are reprobates, Steven Anderson and his wife perfectly got the reprobate description.

[@seanmccrary8300]

I want to say this. John, I was a part of the NIFB. Back in the day, I met you when you were very young. I’m sorry you went through that stuff man. Corporal punishment is definitely biblical. But abuse isn’t, and my brother, this was definitely abuse. I’m sorry you went through that with your mother. It hurts man. I went through it with mine. I’ll always pray for you, keep your head on your shoulders which it sounds like you already do. Proud of you for coming out and shedding some light on your story. God bless you!

[@404maxnotfound]

It sad how common stories like these are within extremist/strict religious families. All of the accusations of queer people harming kids is usually projection by people like Steven and Zsuzsanna Anderson or people who are friends/in community with those types. Especially that whole property thing, That basically kids are not allowed their own lives or own thoughts but are expected to be perfect little dolls for the parents public image.

[@julsdemers4740]

im honestly starting to think of it more as distraction than projection, like "uhhh look that way! they're the true baddies! not me! nonono! i would never! its them i swear!" while they're desperately trying to cover up their crimes

[@iraqiimmigrant2908]

Projection is correct, it’s what narcissists do to shift guilt for what they themselves do.

[@julsdemers4740]

@@iraqiimmigrant2908 true, but it definitely also feels like, trying to scapegoat another group of people so that noone pays attention to the bad things they're doing?

[@maplemusic8851]

I admit it; the Anderson family does seem like a perfect, pristine model of a Christian family with over 10 kids and everything, but honestly, this is just a facade for their real selves. The real Anderson family is a dysfunctional, abusive family. I had no idea that Zsuzsanna was a violent, dangerous mother. She seems quite relaxed and chill on KZbin, but again, narcissists are great at acting.

[@shaneamundson1192]

Baloney. When I was only 85 lb, 12 year old walking through a parking lot, a hmsxl prvrt asked me if there was a secret place we could go to be alone. I knew what he wanted to do, said no, and kept walking, looking over my shoulder to the grocery store. Stayed there a long time and walked home a differnt way. They're creeps. They're reprobate beasts, and they are a real threat to children.

[@katehepburnsgardensign1350]

Whenever his parents say they don’t remember doing XYZ, imo it’s bc for the abuser it’s just a regular tuesday and for the kid, it’s a huge fucking traumatic event. Wishing John and his sibs the best :/

[@johnanderson2951]

Yea, that’s probably it

[@inlonging]

This and also meltdown rage blackout

[@Anunnamedtank]

I didn't feel so lucky about my life and how I was raised until i watched this

[@lulu_TheWitchBoy]

Some people have it worse, but it doesn’t mean your struggles don’t matter.

[@ysf-psfx]

John, I hope you get to read this, thank you so much for sharing a story that I'm certain is very difficult to talk about. You seem like you are a good man.

[@johnanderson2951]

Thank you 🫶🏻

[@kathysees4177]

I truly hope this courageous interview saves his siblings. I related to so much of what he went through with my ex husband. As a survivor of domestic violence, there is a reason for not taking people for medical care. When you go to urgent care, ER’s or any doctor, the injured person is normally asked if they are safe at home. Not to mention, other bruises and scars being seen and asked about. I had this happen with a rib injury to myself, and my son’s broken collar bone when he was 5. I was also asked this when I showed up in an ER to give birth after a pregnancy not having seen a doctor, but out of fear said I was alright at home. Breaking the generational cycle takes such bravery! Thank you for helping him do that!

[@PatrickWDunne]

Thank you DD and John for this interview. This was extremely rough to listen to.

[@this_is_kino]

Hey just wanteed to leave an early comment on this saying i found your channel while working pretty long shifts at my job and your content really helped pass the time, you make well informed, interesting videos and I hope your gaming videos get the recognition they deserve

[@abhodgin7193]

Oh honey, I am so so sorry. You've been through so much. I hope you have a peaceful, joyful adulthood.

[@johnanderson2951]

Thank you, so far it has been

[@kentuckypreacher]

This young man was very brave to tell this story. Best always, sir.

[@patrickhamilton7849]

Amen. Denominations are wicked

[@Mangacide]

It's interesting seeing how he downplays the abuse from his father. Like; he has no problem talking about how violent his mom got with the kids but when the story came up about his dad cracking open his brother's skull suddenly it's like "oh well I think he exaggerated and the injury wasn't THAT bad". There's definitely a bias there whether unconscious nor not. Whether his mom told his dad to or not he still beat his kids and at best stood by and did nothing while the mom did the beating.

[@johnanderson2951]

I may have not made it clear enough in the video. I very much hold my dad responsible for letting that happen. I simply made an observation of fact that he was rarely physically abusive

[@gogoa942]

Plus another comment talked about the dad might have been worse if he too was stuck in the home with the kids as much as your mom was? Do you agree with that? It sounds pretty reasonable to assume that since your dad was away a lot, and even now is according to other comments I have read about your family, it would make a difference as to which one was more abusive, in your specific situation anyway? Also do you think that the pearl versus Anderson battle had anything to do with “going to far” sexually with one’s own children too? I’m just asking here is all. Seems like some extremist holy are in that camp of, anything goes! And some draw a line at “just” physical, mental, emotional and neglectful types of abuse? Also, Thank you for sharing your experiences so openly, and honestly, know that has to be hard for you to do. The road is narrow but you can see the whole light at the end of the tunnel and I’m really proud of you for walking along side Jesus like you are now. Much love ❤️ for your whole heart. Just remember that Jesus’s specialty is healing broken hearts completely too. He’s got your back son. 💙🌈💔 Plus isn’t it wonderful that he has so many whole spirits helping him to spread the right gospel now like dead domain is?! I laugh at that because lots of people who are constantly marginalized and attacked for who they are in society are actually chosen teachers by Jesus himself too! They just don’t know it is all! Ha! This can be our little secret so don’t tell anyone that Whole Spirit angels come in all forms of life here🤫. Anyway, The Whole Spirit is rising however so Jesus has lots of people helping him in all walks of life and I for one absolutely L💙VE it, and the King of Whole life itself only too aka Jes🇺🇸US. Js! 😊🙌🌟

[@gogoa942]

Plus another comment talked about the dad might have been worse if he too was stuck in the home with the kids as much as your mom was? Do you agree with that? It sounds pretty reasonable to assume that since your dad was away a lot, and even now is according to other comments I have read about your family, it would make a difference as to which one was more abusive, in your specific situation anyway? Also do you think that the pearl versus Anderson battle had anything to do with “going to far” sexually with one’s own children too? I’m just asking here is all. Seems like some extremist holy are in that camp of, anything goes! And some draw a line at “just” physical, mental, emotional and neglectful types of abuse? Also, Thank you for sharing your experiences so openly, and honestly, know that has to be hard for you to do. The road is narrow but you can see the whole light at the end of the tunnel and I’m really proud of you for walking along side Jesus like you are now. Much love ❤️ for your whole heart. Just remember that Jesus’s specialty is healing broken hearts completely too. He’s got your back son. 💙🌈💔 Plus isn’t it wonderful that he has so many whole spirits helping him to spread the right gospel now like dead domain is?! I laugh at that because lots of people who are constantly marginalized and attacked for who they are in society are actually chosen teachers by Jesus himself too! They just don’t know it is all! Ha! This can be our little secret so don’t tell anyone that Whole Spirit angels come in all forms of life here🤫. Anyway, The Whole Spirit is rising however so Jesus has lots of people helping him in all walks of life and I for one absolutely L💙VE it, and the King of Whole life itself only too aka Jes🇺🇸US. Js! 😊🙌🌟

[@tripletmommyusa]

John- if you are reading these comments, I just want you to know how sorry I am for your experience. I “met” your mom about 15 years ago through blogging. I had a mommy blog about my triplets plus one and your mom didn’t like me originally because my triplets are from IVF, my kids went to public school, and I’m not religious. Then we sort of made an online friendship and when I shut my blog down publicly, she is still my friend on FB to this day and we occasionally message. I never unfriended her because she was very nice to me. I once had a terrible bicycling accident and she sent me healing salve for my face when I was injured. Likewise, when she went through all the trauma with Boaz and losing the twin, I was a big resource for her with my multiple mom network. I’ve always felt I have been the one person completely outside of her community that she could speak with so I never unfriended her on FB even though I disagree with almost everything your father stands for. Never in a million years did I ever know you or your siblings were being abused. I admired her parenting. Your video was so earth shattering for me that I had nightmares last night. I hope that you are able to help your siblings. You have my support and thank you for speaking out. I wish you happiness and healing.

[@kevinjohn5652]

as someone who has worked with CPS on a professional and personal basis, he's not wrong, they don't do shit even when presented with the evidence they are asking for.

[@tangerinefizz11]

John is very intelligent, insightful, and articulate. I hope he has a bright future ahead of him and that he has a good support system.

[@marilynl335]

And I remember God is Grey showing a clip of Zsusanna decrying the Pearl’s methods (to Train Up a Child). The nerve of that woman. Good on you, John, for getting out and calling them out.

[@johnanderson2951]

Thank you!🫶🏻

[@mrsrobinson2364]

I was thinking about the video his mom put out about the Pearls. So, she's all smoke and mirrors. John, I wish you and your siblings well. As one who suffered at the hands of my parents, I understand. 1:05:22 1:05:22 1:05:22

[@joshuagies4900]

Thank you for speaking out and sharing this. I hope actions are taken to protect your siblings ♥️

[@deaddomain]

I hope so too

[@janetwalton1321]

I hope CPS investigates all this.

[@johnanderson2951]

Im trying, unfortunately the first caseworker I got was very lazy, trying to get another soon

[@yourclairygodmother]

​@@johnanderson2951 God bless you, Jonathan. And good luck! ❤

[@lesbeean3517]

​@johnanderson2951 keep fighting the good fight man! Let your voice be heard. Someone HAS to hear you and take action eventually. Never ever stop speaking up. I wish you the absolute best in life and I hope you are able to find a fantastic chosen family who will love you how you deserve.

[@sbg2520]

I was really struck by his statement that his medical work is traumatic but nothing ever comes close to what he experienced at home. That is how I felt, too.

[@physalis17]

I am so sorry you went through all of that John. I didn't get the beatings you did, but mine was enough to cause PTSD. My mother would tell my dad I was "rebelling against her and God. Being defiant" She would have him whip us with belts and paddles because it would hurt more. My dad also choked me out after pinning me down and I swung at him when I got free. My mom just watched him do it with a smug look like "that's what you get." My brothers came downstairs to see what was going on and she told them to go back upstairs. Along with the physical abuse, I was also told as a child demons are real and goat demons chased my mom in her dreams. I saw A Thief in the Night in church at age 8-9 along with a movie about the Antichrist chopping Christian's heads off, on top of being sexually abused by a Church family friend for 3 months. It's no wonder I have been in therapy for years. Hang in their man! I'm glad you are out of that awful house.

[@JakeMargo]

I really feel for John. He seems like a really sweet young man. Hugs to you, John.

[@lellachu1682]

God bless you, John. I've followed your mom for a long time and I'm sad to hear your story. As a Catholic, I knew your parents thought I was going to hell, but I found her to be an intelligent and seemingly loving mother. I had a mother like you describe and it unnerves me that I was fooled. Thanks for being brave enough to tell the truth. It's a wake-up call as a mother to check myself and my relationship with each of my children. You and your siblings will be in my prayers.

[@vapiddreamscape]

john is so brave and articulate regarding his experience, even now so close in time from that pain. i hope his siblings can come to him as a safe space in the future; I hope he can get someone to help him and can contact legal counsel or something before one of his siblings loses their lives; and I hope John himself can find healing now that he has gotten away from that household. you are providing an excellent platform for him to share his story w this interview. i hope this reaches the right people and they listen

[@johnanderson2951]

Thank you🫶🏻

[@erxa781]

This is so important. Thank you sm for everything you do

[@emilykaneshiro2894]

these people are just sick and should not have children in their care. My heart breaks for them, if there is anything we can do to get these kids(and others in their situation), we should. Thank you so much John for this interview. I hope you are doing okay

[@johnanderson2951]

Thank you 🫶🏻

[@sagethevvitch]

I really feel for this guy.. and especially his siblings still in that situation. I had the same kind of family, but nowhere near this bad

[@toraquan]

It's an absolute wonder this kid lived to see adulthood.

[@MammaMo09]

Wow, John...such heartbreak. Thankfully, your faith and belief in the Lord remained intact - thank you for sharing that with us. Your strength and resolve to save your siblings is amazing. We are praying for the kids, for their safety, and if possible, for your dad's heart to soften and ultimately protect all of his children from Mommy Dearest. She hid that side so well from the congregation. I'm terribly sorry for the years of abuse you suffered at your parent's hands.

[@johnanderson2951]

Thank you!🫶🏻

[@Bleplebeian]

this isnt related to the video but im scared for later this year. i feel like things have the potential to get really bad here in the usa and im scared for myself and my sibling and my friends who are gay, trans, disabled, ect ect. and the anxiety isnt going away

[@sagethevvitch]

As long as we vote, it's going to be okay. I was sitting in a very rural Republican filled place today and heard multiple old men announce their intentions to vote for Kamala. If they're turning on Trump, a lot of people probably are. We just gotta get people to the polls. Remember to take some deep breaths.

[@Bleplebeian]

@@sagethevvitch thank you. the problem is that im not old enough to vote, so i have no control over the matter. i just have to hope that things will be okay but im a very anxious person so im obviously gonna worry at least a little bit

[@ysf-psfx]

@@sagethevvitch "just vote" is the libbed up version of "thoughts and prayers." The reality is people SHOULD be scared of Trump, his cronies, and Project 2025, and if you think this all dies when Trump loses (aka claims to have been cheated again), you are mistaken.

[@julsdemers4740]

​@@Bleplebeiani understand the anxiety that not having control over the situation can cause, im not american so i cant vote either, but all my friends are american and queer, and i worry for them too, but try to stay hopeful and to convince as many of the adults you know to vote democrat, its the best you can do until you can vote yourself, hope you're hanging on okay, and if the anxiety gets too much for you, try to take a moment away from political topics and news until you feel stable enough to return to it 🫂

[@madday9589]

Theres nothing to be scared about. 95% maybe more of the side that you’re worried about don’t want to do and won’t do anything that will harm you or your friends. Whatever side wins will will not affect anyones daily life much

[@fordouken9448]

I think perhaps the most chilling part of this interview is the way he is still so deferential to his father. Sure he would beat us until we screamed and begged for mercy, but he would look like or profess that he felt bad about it. Sure our mom would engage in extreme acts of abuse and he would not intervene, but he didn't like that she did it. Sure he would beat our mother in the same way he beat us, but at least he was easygoing most of the time. I'm glad he was able to get out of this environment in which violence was so normalized to produce this mindset. I hope he is successful in pursuing legal action against these wretched people, they deserve worse than the legal system ever could do to thek. Especially because worse than this level of treatment of your children is validating if not encouraging this behavior of others with the stamp of approval of the creator of the universe. Truly fucking vile.

[@Lady_Merlin_]

I really hope these interviews are used as evidence in court against the Anderson family

[@johnanderson2951]

And I hope this is going to be taken seriously by law enforcement soon, I am more than willing to tell these same stories in a courtroom

[@mrMoose-un9pt]

​@@johnanderson2951 Come to visit Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church or Laestadian Lutheran Church of Prescott. I invited your father 12 years ago, he never showed up or even answered invitation. Hope you come and find the peace above all understanding. Love you!

[@waldemarsilas6675]

​@@johnanderson2951Some 13 years ago I invited your father to visit our church, Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church. He never came. I hope you to visit us and I pray you would find the peace of God that which passeth all understanding. Love you.

[@HarriHautala]

@@johnanderson2951 Some 13 years ago I invited your father to visit our church, Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church. He never came. I hope you will visit us and I pray you would find the peace of God that which passeth all understanding. Love you.

[@SarahWilk100]

48:00 Marine vet here (2016-2020), part of my time on active duty was working in legal, they don't "charge" you for hurting yourself, they get you help.

[@johnanderson2951]

Okay makes sense, that didn’t sound right, that’s just what my mom said, not surprising that’s a lie

[@SarahWilk100]

​​@@johnanderson2951 By help sometimes that could mean sending the Marine to a hospital/ER psych eval, sometimes the help could also mean the shop/squad getting together and saying "hey this Marine has not been doing well mentally, I think that it may be because they are alone in their barracks room all day. One of you be their friend, and don't be a 'forced' friend actually be there for them". On a political level and maybe the battalion/statistical level sure, you're just a number, but you will never hear an NCO (at the least, especially not an SJA (Staff Judicial Advocate, similar to what most would think is a prosecutor) in a non-sarcastic way say "oh your government property". I hope this message finds you in good health, take care of yourself, it kind of half broke my heart hearing that you wanted to join the military but couldn't make it through MEPS. On top of everything else it may have provided a great fresh start for yourself but there's a TON of opportunities out here in the civilian world, don't lose faith and try to keep your head up this weekend. We're proud of you!

[@SarahWilk100]

​@@johnanderson2951 Thanks for the reply I hope this finds you in good health. Make sure to take care of yourself and try to keep your head up this weekend, we're proud of you!

[@johnanderson2951]

@@SarahWilk100 thank you, I’m trying, and thank you for your service

[@molybdomancer195]

The nearest I’ve heard was soldiers in WW1 being shot for deliberately injuring themselves as an attempt to be sent home. I doubt any sensible military would do this now

[@laurag988]

I used to loosely follow Zsu's blog (and fundie culture in general), so none of this really surprises me. I feel so much empathy for the Anderson kids and hope they all find ways to heal in healthy ways.

[@lightningbug276]

I saw her speak out against the Pearls and so I liked her. I fell for it.

[@SomewhereInTheMaidenverse]

I always suspected that Steven was physically abusive to his kids and Zsuszanna, but I never suspected that Zsu was physically abusive to her kids. She always seemed so calm to me. But I did see a couple questionable responses to comments by viewers. A woman commented that her husband was cruel to her and Zsu was very dismissive and said, “So what?” The older daughters seem terrified to me. Now I know why. 😢

[@la-uwu-rence]

If ya read this John, thank you so much for sharing and being proactive in fighting child abuse. I hate it seems the weight is all on you, when you are a victim who needs love and care. I'll be praying for you and your family, that the kids will be safe and that there will be justice in handling your parents. You can take this or leave it, as I think talking to a counselor/therapist would better and more insightful than YT comments. However, just want to encourage that just because your Dad gets more criticism and was less abusive towards you doesn't make him a good Dad. I understand, as my childhood wasn't happy either as my Dad was abusive as well. I had to learn that even though my Mom was a victim as well, she has been (and still is) codependent and didn't leave him, even though he hurt her children. I think the fact alone that your Dad was passive when your Mom abused you does not make him a good Dad, quite an awful one imho, not even considering how he abused you. I say the above not to nitpick your thoughts and experiences, as I know there's a lot of mix emotions and sometimes its hard to put in words how things were in reality. I know for me, I have a lot of fond memories of my Dad and I watching movies, listening to music in the car, and things that any other kid remembers from their childhood. I also understand how painful it is when you had to cut them out of your life because of how abusive they were and to still hold onto those memories. I guess my word vomit main point is you don't need to stick up for your Dad in order to shine a light on what your Mom did, they can be both awful

[@johnanderson2951]

Thank you! I think I wasn’t clear enough because a lot of people misunderstood. I’m in no way defending my dad. I fully recognize that he is a bad abusive person, and want nothing to do with him as well. I just made the observation that he was less physically abusive towards us

[@la-uwu-rence]

@@johnanderson2951 I gotcha and understand. And again, thank you so much for sharing!

[@SongoftheBride]

Wow, this was an EXCELLENT interview. The interviewer was great at letting John share and asked extremely relevant and heart-touching comments. John, you are an amazing young man and I would adopt you in a second lol (I'll be 70 this December lol). You speak so honestly, express yourself so articulately, and yet you have such a mature and balanced perspective on all of this. Thank you for your courage to bring out the Truth here as it impacts many people's lives, not to mention the 8 remaining siblings you have. Lord willing your sister Miriam will no longer be under any threat from your Dad. It is so critical that people know that this your parents are not representing the heart of Jesus as they would claim. Jesus calls us to love and when we have hurt anyone in the least way He nudges our heart by His Spirit. The fact that your parents after all these years never had or responded to those "nudges" shows that their consciences are seared: they have no conscience and that is not a good place for them to be. The Wartburg Press needs to hear about this story. They will be all over it. It's time that Steve and Zsuzsanna Anderson took their masks off and let the remaining eight children be raised by those who truly love them. And as for their notion that the "Bible" supports corporal punishment for adults, Steven obviously never got that information from Jesus because it is absolutely and completely false.

[@verajones]

Thank you for sharing your story, John Anderson.You're a brave young man. I hope you get all the support you need to move ahead in your life. I use to watch your father's sermon's, as a study in human behaviour, before he was kicked off KZbin. I try to understand where hate comes from. You're an intelligent, resourceful young man. And let yourself be looked after by those you trust. Thank you for exposing this horrible child abuse.

[@Jaq2Jack]

Thank you for giving a voice to victims. ❤

[@marymac3572]

CPS is underfunded and understaffed, it's really hard to actually get anything done even when conditions are horrific. I'm so sorry for those kids, I hope they're able to be taken away to safety.

[@julsdemers4740]

defund the police and fund CPS instead? seems like a good idea to me that the party of "protect the children" should be for, wonder why they arent? 🤔

[@marymac3572]

​@@julsdemers4740 I'm all for that.

[@madday9589]

@@julsdemers4740CPS can’t put anything into action without the police, you think these parents just willingly hand over their kid(s), there needs to be funding for both

[@palmtreesmusic1945]

Read the horror stories of CPS. I for one would not trust them to save anyone. I do pray that the Anderson children get rescued (get taken into custody of their brothers) and the eldest Anderson daughter is now 17 (only a few months away from the age of majority). I do hope that the Anderson children get placed into the custody of their adult brothers (Solomon, Isaac, and John) and not in the hands of some strangers. Because foster parents are statistically 6 times more likely to abuse their kids and there are plenty of horror stories in foster homes.

[@fortreimratada]

CPS are also basically cops. They tear apart working class and poor families.

[@DaysieRose]

I have so much respect for John. It can't be easy to be ostracized from your family, or to live your life contentedly after being raised with so much fear and manipulation, or hell, even to continue having faith in a higher power that would allow him and his siblings to go through this. I'm really in awe of him and of other survivors that persevere. Thank you for providing a platform for him to speak his truth

[@puppylove9349]

Charges need to be filed and get those KIDS OUT NOW!! This is as bad or worse than Ruby Franks!!!!

[@watchdognifb]

Congrats everyone who reported steves channel and got it removed Great job

[@DestinyArmstrong0201]

It is horrifying that your mother, after condemning the Pearls and their disgusting abuse, was just like them anyways.

[@0r1gam1Abby]

This story was heartbreaking. My mother and I had a similar relationship into my mid-teens. It stopped when I told a church retreat about my home life. My mom was the nursery director and had to save face very quickly when the people I had talked to confronted her. She told them all that I had lied as a result of trauma from being bullied at school and that I made up stories to get attention. She then attended counseling with me to save her job. The abuse after that point became psychological/emotional, but she never hit me again.