Growing Up Independent Baptist
About the Book
A firsthand account of surviving the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement.
The IFB does not announce itself as a cult. It announces itself as the truth. This book shows how the movement recruits, controls, and damages people — drawing on Jonathan's own story, his half-sister's story, and other survivor accounts. It responds with Scripture, case studies, and unflinching honesty.
Growing Up Independent Baptist is not a polemic. It is a loving, grieving critique written for people still inside, people trying to leave, and people who love someone in both positions. One reviewer described Jonathan's writing as vivid, powerful, and extremely authentic. Another called it required reading.
Themes
Why I Write This
Jonathan survived the IFB. He was expelled from Bible college when his sexuality was discovered. This book exists because what happened to him is still happening to others, and silence was no longer an option.
