In Reply to: Re: German bros & sis posted by Perry on November 10, 2005 at 17:29:23:
Once FFing became widespread, which to me seems like it was in the latter 70's and early eighties as far as trickle down effect to the most far flung homes, I just remember how many women had that as a complete "ministry" and many women were encouraged by leadership to join escort agencies. Others went out on their own, even starting to go alone. Berg was not at all concerned about safety, once again, if something bad happened it had to be the person's (the victim's) fault. Otherwise "the Lord" would have protected them.
I remember big meetings in the more loosely organized RNR that occurred and hearing some women going at it arguing over a fish and that degrading sort of experience when a fish would be disgusted with the girl or whatever. Also STD's were rampant. Berg wrote that hideous letter some time before and said in answer to someone about the time it took to clear up from STD's that what was more important? To save the Body or the Soul? Or, in other words, keep having sex without regards to what you are spreading. Keep going for the gold..
I remember a few women in Switzerland that were so sick they kept working but finally one of them ended up being hospitalized. I also heard of a woman in Asia who was assaulted with a coat hanger from a "fish" in Asia. Surely Berg heard much more about what was happening to people in his monsterous new "ministry". Did he give a care? NO. Why did women put up with this? Why did men? We were told it was for "the Lord" and believed it even if it was so destructive. IT wasn't an overnight process, going from children of God to God's Whores and Pimps for Jesus.
Once a person has become an object it is hard to have a MIND OF ONE'S OWN. It can take a series of really bad experiences to wake up to having to get away even if it kills you. And "it" (leaving) "killing you" is a real perceived threat. So it is a long term process to stop being a doormat and object.
I understand how people thought like we did while in. It wasn't because we were monsters or weak people(for the most part anyway, imo) but I do believe that many of us were quite vulnerable due to age at time of recruitment, or some other vulnerability. Many joining pre-FFing, many joining post, but introduced to the doctrines gradually and systematically. Just like pimps troll the streets for converts.
Some men were very abusive or without regard when commanding or pressuring for sex, others did regard the woman and if there was resistance they were sensitive to that.
Just as there were some women who enjoyed the FFing. Lydia is one who says she did at the time. I can't imagine that at all, but some did. Of course she thinks very differently today.
I know that in Europe the whole culture of the family was highly sexualized. It sounds like it was in South America too though, and Asia, blecchh.