It’s worth pointing out that the scenario in “Lessons From Moral Failures in a Family” isn’t based on Josh Dugger or the Dugger family.
I realize that. Gawker actually picked up the story from recoveringgrace.org. They reprinted one of their articles. Sadly, that part of the whole pamphlet has been around for YEARS! People have been trying to expose this organization since at least the 1970's. The only reason I know anything about them is one of their main offices is near my town.
I friend of mine has been researching, and has been asked to speak at many cult recovery, spiritual abuse, mental health, etc type of organizations from the viewpoint of Christianity. She is a Christian, and at times that's interesting for her since most of them don't like Christian's (professionals in that field). lol! She is preparing after their request for her next talk in Sweden soon. I brought them up a couple of times due to literature (to her) of theirs floating around here, and I have been quite aware of the danger of them for a number of years now. She has some of the stuff that was given to her from members that left that group, and let me tell you - it will curl your hair! It's like it has a small grain of truth, and the rest is just awful.
It's hard to find the actual documents right now, because google is swamped with the current story right now. Before the story broke? It was easier to find - I may ask my friend whom I'm sure has links to other material. Their views of sexuality are unhealthy - even towards the males.
It was no secret the man (Gothard) was messing with the girls that worked for him, and that he hand picked himself. People knew about that for years, but because the girls are so far down the chain of command? You have to keep in mind they have very EXTREME views towards gender, and they were looked at as unreliable. These children are brought up from cradle to grave with really strange outlooks on life, and many outright cruel scare tactics.
His position almost reminds me of that wacky Mormon leader (that takes more than one wife) that is in jail, because of underage marriages, etc. Whatever Gothard says - must be true! He is a single man that has never been married, but shows you how to be a good spouse - and how to raise children properly. If Gothard says its better to have curly hair? The women get perms. If he says the boys pants need to lay on their shoes just so? It's done. He almost has a Pope Position, but in a twisted way. God speaks through him!
Sadly, the Duggars spoke of him and his following for years. They have adopted it, and promoted his seminars, etc. They bought into it hook, line and sinker.
Girls are not allowed to have minds of their own - its looked at as sinful. You are under the umbrella of authority of your father until such time he finds you a husband - and his authority is transferred to him. College and trades are frowned upon for women - even if their family is in dire need of money. Their whole life is steered by men - not just Daddy.
You need to keep in mind that they don't look at it as 'blaming the victims'. They have been taught otherwise, and they believe it! Generally, the boy will take some responsibility...yet the girls are asked to repent of their actions that helped it happen.
Basically, its modesty overload! Those girls are always dressed how they should be, and take great care to do so. Yet, if a boy has some lust? They must do self reflection as well, which to me has to be confusing as all get out. Yet, not uncommon. The common question: What was your sin that caused your brother to stumble? Ask God to forgive you for it! He (the boy) has asked the same, and we need to keep in mind he is forgiven. Their counseling on a more intense level can't be much better. Those kids never had a chance within that movement. None of them - the girls or Josh.
Remember the women are completely covered not just due to scripture, but because they protecting the men from lust. Yet, even with their modest attire - if he does - she still has some part in that. If he lusts - they both own it. That's just the way they think. It's also why many are badly damaged once they do leave, and have counseling to get out of that mindset. It's really sad. The whole thing is.
Most of these families are poor as church mice too. They don't have what the Duggars have. Many come out malnutritioned, because they didn't have enough food to feed everyone. Their clothes are awful after many generations of hand me downs, because even Goodwill is to expensive. Its awful the struggle they have when they leave. Just awful.