Breaking Baptist: The Dangers of the IFB Subculture
The Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement is
a prominent subculture in our society. Based on the belief that the Bible is
the word of God that is meant to be interpreted in a literal sense; the IFB movement
imposes strict rules that many times inhibit young men and women to experience today’s
culture. For example, going to a movie theatre and hanging out with friends is
out of the question. Women must always wear skirts or dresses because it is the
modest thing to do and Lord forbid you cause a man to lust after your own body.
Men are the sole provider in the home and women are to attend to their husbands
and children. Couples who are dating are to be chaperoned and no physical contact
is allowed whatsoever?
Feeling uncomfortable yet? It gets a whole lot
worst. The church is in complete control of your life. Yes! If you do not
attend church every service than you are considered a heathen. You are to give
10 % of your income to the church because that is what God commands. You pastor
is he only proprietor of the churches income (with the exception of a treasurer
or a deacon). Such is the life of an IFB member. Such was the life that I grew
up in. A whole lot of fucked up things went on but everything was silenced and
went unseen.
Serious crimes such as abuse, forgery, fraud, and
many other things went unreported. Many of the main pastors and leaders of the
IFB movement went to the same school and received the same training. One of the
most prominent schools is that of Hyles-Anderson College, located in Hammond,
IN. I do not wish to stain the reputation of the aforementioned institution but
these secrets should not be kept hidden.
This institution may sound familiar to you.
Recently, the pastor and president of the college Jack Schaap was convicted for
taking a minor across state lines and engaging in an affair with her. Yes! You read
write. This is not bull shit. Check out the link below. This is no new news to
me. I grew up in this cultic culture and I am glad I broke free. ABC’s 20/20
dedicated an entire episode the victims of the IFB movement. Many of them were
silenced for years. To IFB pastors, you are not a sheep which they lovingly shepherd.
You are simply their next meal. It is important to remember to always voice
your opinion and to never be silenced. There is no freedom. There is no equality. This must be stopped.
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