By Sam Doehler
Age 28, father of two

Well, you say that I was abused, and that all, or most of the children within the Family have been at some point or another. But I can’t help but wonder how could you possibly know whether or not I had ever been abused, unless you had been there, or been the one to do so yourself.

But do I suppose though that, if I sit here and think long enough, I could come up with some instances. Such as having to eat liver and brussel sprouts all in one meal. I mean, just eating one of those dishes for dinner would be cruelty, but having to eating both for the same meal would fall under abuse. But you couldn’t be talking about that, because many “normal” people do the same thing to their children!

Perhaps you’re talking about having to sit down for up to four hours a day for the sole purpose of learning how to read, and write, instead of being able to play with my hand-me-down, handmade bow and arrow. Just having to leave the bow and arrow outside was something no aspiring Robin Hood should be asked to do. I mean what if I was jumped by Sir Guy, on my way to the bathroom. That alone is harsh unloving behavior on the part of my overseers. But to be made to sit there and study for something that would never help me out in Sherwood Forest and thus decrease my chances of survival, could be viewed as abuse. But you couldn’t be talking about that either, because many “normal” people do the same thing to their children!

Or could you be talking about having to wake up at 7:30 am to the sound of someone who sounded like he woke up at 7:28 am, singing with an out of tune guitar? First of all, what’s all this 7:30 business? It’s not like I have to catch the bus to school, or anything. I home school! I’m telling you, what kind of weird cult would make their children wake up at such an ungodly hour! That alone is something that I would never wish on a child. But on top of that, the singing! Well, I was told that if I wanted to, I could buy my own alarm clock with my allowance, but if I did that, than I could never afford to buy that cool green T-shirt and tights for my Robin Hood outfit. But you couldn’t be talking about that either, because many “normal” people do the same thing to their children! Okay, with the exception of the out of tune guitar and singer (I hope!)

Another area that could be considered abuse I guess would be, having to live with other families and kids at all times. Sure you may think that living with your friends 24-7 would be loads of fun, never having to leave their house and go home for dinner, having sleepovers any time of the week, having enough friends around to make up Robin Hood’s entire band of merry men. But being expected to not only have to share your toys at all hours of the day, but also to get along with the other kids and play nicely, because you live with them. But I hope you’re not talking about that, since any “normal” parent would want their children to learn the same things! (I know, because I am a parent myself.)

So after having thought about it, I can honestly say that I have never been abused. I have experienced things that, as a kid, I did not like, but I dare you to find any child, in any walk of life, that has enjoyed every thing that they experienced or were made to do. Even yours! I can say that looking back on my childhood, I am thankful for all I have gone through and can think of no better place to raise my children.

By the way, after I out grew the whole “Robin Hood” phase, I and my family left the Family International, at which time I was 14 years old. I have since rejoined of my own free will. So you may ask, “Why would someone rejoin an abusive society, after having seen firsthand all the atrocities that go on there?” Well, the answer is simple, these allegations are lies! It’s as simple as that! I have never regretted growing up in the Family, in fact I count it a privilege to not only live in the Family, but also to suffer persecution with the Family, if that is what it comes down to!

One last thing I wanted to mention. You think that by trying to stir up trouble with the authorities and media you will in the long run be saving those who are still in the Family. But what you must realize is that by doing so you are only encouraging those to remain, who have decided to stay, by fulfilling the promise in Mathew, 5:10-12 which says
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. (Here’s our part!)
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my name sake. (And there’s yours!)
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (You guys have been there, done that. [Guess what guys it didn’t work then, and it’s not going to work now!])

So if you feel that you must do this, to save us and our children, than that is just fine by me, but keep in mind what you are really doing! And go ahead, and give it your best shot!

Sam Doehler is a second-generation member of The Family International