In this powerful episode of The Dark Side of Devotion, we begin a two-part deep dive into Tony’s story—his childhood, the oppression he faced, and how his early experiences made him vulnerable to the conditioning of a high-control religious group, resulting in him eventually becoming a Pastor of the UCKG.

Tony opens up about his life before the church: the abuse, the shelter living, and the feeling of never truly belonging. From a young age, he was conditioned to endure hardship, to suppress his own needs, and to seek validation wherever he could find it. So when he finally found a community within the church, it felt like love—like acceptance. But was it real? Or was it just another form of control disguised as care?

His journey sheds light on how early-life experiences can make us susceptible to manipulation, especially by groups that prey on the vulnerable. This episode is an emotional, eye-opening exploration of the ways trauma and indoctrination intertwine.

Watch now and let us know your thoughts in the comments. Have you ever experienced something similar?

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