Jinger Duggar Vuolo Calls Her Family ‘Cult-Like’ As She Explains Why She Rejected Her Parents’ Beliefs
Jinger Duggar Vuolo has publicly labeled her family’s strict religious upbringing with terms many find shocking. The former star of TLC’s “19 Kids & Counting” and “Counting On” is opening up about the faith system that governed her childhood. Her characterization of the teachings marks a significant departure from the beliefs she was raised to follow.
Having grown up under the Institute in Basic Life Principles, Jinger experienced a rigid form of Christianity that dictated everything from clothing choices to social interactions. The mother of two has been vocal about her transition away from these teachings since 2017. What specific terminology did Jinger use to describe her family’s religious practices? How does she characterize the impact these beliefs had on her development? Keep on reading to learn more about it.
Duggar News: Jinger Opens Up About Religious Upbringing
Jinger Duggar Vuolo, who rose to fame alongside her 18 siblings on TLC reality television, is sharing new details about her childhood faith system. Moreover, the 29-year-old was raised as an Independent Fundamentalist Baptist and followed the teachings of Bill Gothard through the Institute in Basic Life Principles. This strict religious framework governed nearly every aspect of the Duggar family’s daily life. Jinger’s parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, raised all 19 children under this system.
The religious organization emphasized rigid moral codes and strict behavioral expectations. Jinger Vuolo began questioning what she calls an “unhealthy ideology” in 2017, the same year she started her journey away from her parents’ teachings. She married pastor Jeremy Vuolo in 2016. The reality television personality is now promoting her book, “Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear,” which was released on January 31.
Duggar News: Jinger Duggar Vuolo Describes Duggar Family Teachings As ‘Harmful’ & ‘Cult-Like’
Jinger Duggar Vuolo used stark language to characterize her upbringing in a story published by People magazine on January 18. “There are a lot of cult-like tendencies” within her family and the IFB religion, she stated. Jinger also described the environment as “harmful” and rooted in fear. Moreover, she told the publication that “fear was a huge part of my childhood,” explaining she believed specific clothing choices and activities could bring harm or displease God.
The former reality star detailed the restrictions she lived under. “I thought I had to wear only skirts and dresses to please God,” Jinger explained. “Music with drums, places I went or the wrong friendships could all bring harm.” Under IFB teachings, women were considered inferior to men and encouraged to be subservient. Alcohol, dancing, makeup, high heels, and anything shorter than ankle-length dresses were prohibited.
Jinger Vuolo described the lasting psychological effects of Bill Gothard’s teachings. “His teachings in a nutshell are based on fear and superstition and leave you in a place where you feel like, ‘I don’t know what God expects of me,’” she said. “The fear kept me crippled with anxiety. I was terrified of the outside world.” Moreover, she noted that the teachings were “so harmful” and that she continues to see effects in the lives of friends who grew up in the same community.
Despite her criticism, Jinger maintains she is still Christian but holds different beliefs than her parents. “The teaching I grew up under was harmful; it was damaging, and there are lasting effects,” she shared to People in 2023. “I want to share my story, and maybe it will help even just one person to be freed,” she added. What do you think? Do let us know in the comments section. For the latest Duggar News tea, keep coming back to TV Season Spoilers.