After eye-opening revelations in the docuseries, Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets, some ex-members of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) are now grasping the shocking reality that they were part of a cult.
A TikTok user called Andrea posted a clip from season 1, episode 3, “Under Authority,” featuring her sibling singing with a large congregation, and the caption:
“I kept hearing the word ‘cult,’ and not wanting to believe or admit that our lives were so influenced by a cult mindset. We were just Christians, right? But then Prime Video does a documentary about the Duggars and Bill Gothard and your sister is in it. We had no idea!”
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar were active in a faith-based organization called the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), which they promoted on their reality TV show 19 Kids and Counting. The series fascinated audiences for ten seasons, airing from 2008 to 2015. However, the docuseries exposed the cult-like characteristics of the IBLP and how the Duggar family’s reality show became a vehicle to promote it. Now, former members are using social media to share their harrowing stories and experiences.
Another TikToker also realized she had been in a cult after the fact, explaining:
“It was my kids who first used the word with me a couple of years ago. I kept thinking… I was? But now I agree I was.”
OP’s experience resonated with a TikToker who had a similarly challenging experience growing up.
“The docuseries resurfaced a lot of childhood trauma. Definitely not an easy watch but so educational for the rest of the world.”
Former IBLP member Emma Tieman posted a message of solidarity and hope:
“Right there with you, sis. My family is highlighted in this, too. It blew my mind. Lots of tears. You’re not alone.”
Cults are harmful because they typically use different coercive tactics, such as isolating members, gaslighting, and intermittent reinforcement to manipulate and exploit them. Steven Hassan, Ph.D., author of Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs, explains how to tell the difference between healthy and toxic organizations:
“Think in terms of a continuum of influence: at one end, respectful, ethical, growth-enhancing influence that recognizes the value of individuality, human rights, and creativity; at the other end, conformity, dependency, and slavery, where all authority lies with the leader and the group.”
The powerful impact of the docuseries is evident in the comment section of OP’s post, as viewers share how it has opened their eyes to the truth. The must-watch series has become a catalyst for reflection, thoughtful conversation, and liberation.
Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
