Do You Believe In Monsters?
Viewing comments for Chapter 4 "The Monster Has Two Faces"Living with a madman.
12 total reviews
Comment from Julie Helms
As a Christian, when I see this kind of abuse tolerated or hidden by the church, it infuriates me. The church is made of people, so is of course imperfect, but this kind of thing is a whole other level. I wouldn't want to be one of those who turned a blind eye, misrepresenting Gods love, and have to stand before Him one day and explain it.
Of course, there is also the issue that many, like Dean, treat the church as a club and have no concept of the church as the body of Christ.
I'm so glad you are able to express all this, Douglas. I really hope it helps you to sort through everything this monster did to you, put it to rest, and move on with living. The scars will always remain, but they can help us become better people. Thanks so much for sharing.
Julie
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2024
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As a Christian, when I see this kind of abuse tolerated or hidden by the church, it infuriates me. The church is made of people, so is of course imperfect, but this kind of thing is a whole other level. I wouldn't want to be one of those who turned a blind eye, misrepresenting Gods love, and have to stand before Him one day and explain it.
Of course, there is also the issue that many, like Dean, treat the church as a club and have no concept of the church as the body of Christ.
I'm so glad you are able to express all this, Douglas. I really hope it helps you to sort through everything this monster did to you, put it to rest, and move on with living. The scars will always remain, but they can help us become better people. Thanks so much for sharing.
Julie
Comment Written 03-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2024
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Thankfully he did not push me away from my faith. My current church is living and warm.
Churches are full of flawed people.
Comment from Gayla putnam
I believe in monsters now. I question how such a violent man could hold a position in a church. I realize you can secretly beat your wife and children, but the congregation had to be aware of his violent temper outside the church, for example, in the parking lot. I had to scroll up and realize this is a true story. It very well-written. gayla
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2024
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I believe in monsters now. I question how such a violent man could hold a position in a church. I realize you can secretly beat your wife and children, but the congregation had to be aware of his violent temper outside the church, for example, in the parking lot. I had to scroll up and realize this is a true story. It very well-written. gayla
Comment Written 02-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2024
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Thank you. I was a kid but my best guess is that it is because he gave a LOT of money.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
No child or woman should have to live this way. Dean Paul needed to be in prison. I am sure writing this helps the healing process, and I am sure it will others in similar situations.
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2024
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No child or woman should have to live this way. Dean Paul needed to be in prison. I am sure writing this helps the healing process, and I am sure it will others in similar situations.
Comment Written 02-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2024
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This has been very helpful!
Comment from royowen
How on earth did he ever make it to deacon? The conditions are most stringent, family abuse isn't one of them, he needs a beating himself, I hate violence, it's a place of an incompetent man, beautifully written, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2024
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How on earth did he ever make it to deacon? The conditions are most stringent, family abuse isn't one of them, he needs a beating himself, I hate violence, it's a place of an incompetent man, beautifully written, blessings Roy
Comment Written 02-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2024
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It was the seventies I do know that he gave an incredible amount of $$$ to the church.
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A contradiction, that would persuade them
Comment from LJbutterfly
This is the first chapter I've read of your book and I am appalled by the main character, Dean Paul. My mother used to say, "There is a special place in H..... for people who hide behind the cross to do evil."
Adults don't realize how traumatizing and cruelty is to children. They look to you for protection and don't know how to process harm from the same person. I will look for future chapters.
reply by the author on 01-Dec-2024
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This is the first chapter I've read of your book and I am appalled by the main character, Dean Paul. My mother used to say, "There is a special place in H..... for people who hide behind the cross to do evil."
Adults don't realize how traumatizing and cruelty is to children. They look to you for protection and don't know how to process harm from the same person. I will look for future chapters.
Comment Written 01-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 01-Dec-2024
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It was a shit-show in that house. Fell like it may have left me with some PTSD issues. Not sure. Could also be the job.
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Looks like Dean was a prime candidate for bad mushrooms. Domestic abusers should be dealt with harshly if the victims cannot escape.
Thanks for posting.
Best wishes.
reply by the author on 01-Dec-2024
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Looks like Dean was a prime candidate for bad mushrooms. Domestic abusers should be dealt with harshly if the victims cannot escape.
Thanks for posting.
Best wishes.
Comment Written 01-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 01-Dec-2024
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Thanks, Wayne. Hope all is well.
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
This is an horrendous experience for you and your siblings to be growing up with and I'm left wondering how your mother could remain with him throughout this period. He was a mad dog needing serious restraint/punishment and it makes my blood boil just thinking about his behaviour. And then to act with such deluded sanctimony going to church and thinking himself better than those who had the integrity to confess to their self-perceived wrong-doing! Thank you for sharing, Doug, what was, inevitably, a very difficult and emotional write for you. Take care Debbie
kindergart(e)ner.
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2024
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This is an horrendous experience for you and your siblings to be growing up with and I'm left wondering how your mother could remain with him throughout this period. He was a mad dog needing serious restraint/punishment and it makes my blood boil just thinking about his behaviour. And then to act with such deluded sanctimony going to church and thinking himself better than those who had the integrity to confess to their self-perceived wrong-doing! Thank you for sharing, Doug, what was, inevitably, a very difficult and emotional write for you. Take care Debbie
kindergart(e)ner.
Comment Written 01-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2024
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Just wrapping up the series and putting Dean Paul in the past.
Comment from BethShelby
He is an enigma if he can be a deacon in church and quote scripture and still be someone who steals and beats his wife and her kids. Of course going to church doesn't make you a saint but I would someone with thos personality traits wouldn't feel comfortable in church.
reply by the author on 01-Dec-2024
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He is an enigma if he can be a deacon in church and quote scripture and still be someone who steals and beats his wife and her kids. Of course going to church doesn't make you a saint but I would someone with thos personality traits wouldn't feel comfortable in church.
Comment Written 01-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 01-Dec-2024
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He loved the power. Dean could really put on an act at times.
Comment from Begin Again
Hmm...one of those who uses the "garb" of the church and Christianity to hide the true evilness that lurks within him. And those who saw turning a blind eye to his actions. It's heartbreaking and knowing that you and the others were the tragic brunt of everyone else allowing it to happen. I am so sorry for that!
Hugs, Carol
reply by the author on 01-Dec-2024
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Hmm...one of those who uses the "garb" of the church and Christianity to hide the true evilness that lurks within him. And those who saw turning a blind eye to his actions. It's heartbreaking and knowing that you and the others were the tragic brunt of everyone else allowing it to happen. I am so sorry for that!
Hugs, Carol
Comment Written 01-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 01-Dec-2024
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An ugly time, Carol.
Comment from Tom Horonzy
and yet they never left. Women stayed belittled and masticated into shivering pulp. Heck, even our dog knew when pops was drinking before he left the car, as he woould greet a sober dad but hide neath the bed when d r u n k
reply by the author on 01-Dec-2024
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and yet they never left. Women stayed belittled and masticated into shivering pulp. Heck, even our dog knew when pops was drinking before he left the car, as he woould greet a sober dad but hide neath the bed when d r u n k
Comment Written 01-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 01-Dec-2024
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My mom lived in terror. He beat her into submission. She is still afraid of men
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Amene. He got killed falling off a boxcar riding it down the hump as a brakeman at 48. A good provider but a poor boozer.
