Thread by @hinz_tamara

Well, I avoided it for a while but I finally brought myself to read through the “child training” manual written by Keith Johnson, former pastor of the church now called Mile Two.

Trigger warning: predictably it is incredibly distressing and problematic.

#LegacyOfAbuse

The entire method centres around coercive control to produce meek and obedient children who will never question an adult (this is slightly besides the point, but this is absolutely the perfect recipe to groom children for sexual predators)

Remember: only the devil gives options.

Susanna Wesley (according to Wikipedia, the ‘mother of Methodism’) is praised for apparently disciplining her children “until their will was broken.”

Consider me a liberal humanist because yes, I am shocked and horrified.

As expected, extreme physical punishment features prominently, with clear instructions for abuse.

Any pediatric organization worth its weight in salt has put out position papers on the short and long term damage corporal punishment causes.

js-advocacy.ca/pdf/JS_highlig…

“There is strong evidence that physical punishment places children at risk for physical injury, poorer mental health, impaired relationships with parents, weaker internalization of moral values, antisocial behaviour, poorer adult adjustment and tolerance of violence in adulthood”

As a child psychiatrist, I was particularly distressed that Keith Johnson states that children with ADHD don’t need other forms of treatment, they simply need to be spanked into submission.

This drawing makes me feel like puking. What. The. Fuck.

Johnson, who I don’t believe has any actual training in parenting or pediatrics, also recommends treatment of infants that are known to interfere with secure attachment and breastfeeding. For the love of Pete, babies are not manipulative creatures to be ignored into obedience.

I realized when I finally scrolled to the end of the manual that I had been holding my breath for quite some time. It is incredibly upsetting and heartbreaking to think of the untold families who were coached into abusive parenting by a pastor in a position of authority.

My heart is with all the victims and former students of Legacy Christian Academy who faced abuse, humiliation, and discrimination at the hands of those in power who should have known better. I wish you peace, validation, and justice. Thank you for your bravery ❤️