Esther Royer Ayers

Girls in the Cult: a Journey into Self Discovery Esther Royer Ayers

When I Was A Child is an innovative breakthrough into understanding the Old Order Mennonite religion. Answers for 'free thinkers" who ask: Is this religion a cult? Why would people of a religion systematically program their children to fear the outside world? Why would the people of a religion limit a child's education to eighth grade? Why would people of a religion make their members live in the past? What could prominent Dr. Eric Erikson and his "Eight Stages in Life" say about the people of my childhood religion? How does the "Amish in the City" television show fit into this book? When I Was A Child is a first-hand account of my Old Order Mennonite childhood. Very few people ever get a chance to leave this religion. My seven siblings and I were fortunate, and only got out when our mother experienced a "spiritual breakdown" and moved us out when we were teens. When I was a little girl, I asked my mother who I was. Her "canned" reply didn't satisfy me. Years later I searched to learn the answer, which comprises this book. My surprising self-discovery is told with clarity and honesty, and in good old-fashioned storytelling.