336: What if you escaped a polygamous cult?
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Deep Dive
Why did Pamela Jones' grandfather move to Mexico?
He moved to Chihuahua, Mexico, in 1916 with his two wives and children to escape persecution from the Mormon church, which had excommunicated them for practicing polygamy.
How did Pamela Jones' father justify his promiscuity?
Her father used a story from his youth, where his father suggested he impregnate a girl to force her parents to allow him to marry her, as justification for his promiscuous behavior.
What was the Church of the Firstborn of the Fullness of Times?
It was a polygamous church started by the LeBaron brothers in 1955, which practiced celestial marriage and aimed to build God's kingdom on earth.
What is blood atonement in the context of the LeBaron cult?
Blood atonement is a practice where certain sins are deemed unforgivable by God, and the only way to achieve forgiveness is through death by having one's throat slit, with the blood sprinkled on the ground.
How did Pamela Jones escape the polygamous cult?
She planned her escape for years, took her children, and fled to the United States, crossing the border with the help of her sons and memorizing the address on her driver's license to ensure they could enter legally.
What challenges did Pamela Jones face after escaping the cult?
She faced extreme poverty, had no employment history or rental history, and had to learn basic life skills like reading and understanding modern society while raising her nine children.
How did Pamela Jones become a millionaire?
She started a successful house cleaning business, eventually growing it to seven crews and earning over a million dollars a year, while also teaching her children entrepreneurial skills.
What role did Pamela Jones play in helping other women escape the cult?
She provided guidance and support to hundreds of women, helping them start businesses, enroll their children in school, and navigate life outside the cult.
How did Pamela Jones' perspective on her life change after escaping the cult?
She went from feeling oppressed and fearing for her life to experiencing a sense of safety, freedom, and gratitude, eventually achieving financial success and raising successful children.
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