This story is unsettling but it's not new. There have always been adolescents and young adults who, lacking purpose or direction, embraced religious fundamentalism. I knew them when I was a college student and I encounter the occasional one now. But it's extreme to say that the movement will "swallow a generation whole". For one thing, there will always be plenty of young people who are suspicious of religon and most of them find purpose in life without giving up their entire being to a religious group. For another thing, this movement will eventually take on mainstream properties...which a movement that swallows generations would of course do...and there will be a backlash and resistance. So I have a feeling that the reach of this group is limited. The "come as you are" thing seems more of a schtick than anything else.

Having said that, the parallels with Mormon fundamentalism, which was the subject of an article some time ago, are striking. The Mars Hill group does not seem to have committed illegalities as the Mormon fundamentalists did, which limits the ability of the outside world to intrude. The subservient women, the multiple children, the commonly owned (and possibly tenous) property, the adherence to the hard line are all similar to the Mormon fundamentalists. Those are some scary people. What will happen to children like Asher, born in the Mars Hill Church to women who frankly don't want children at all, or any more of them? Will they have a decent childhood and will the church toss them if they don't get with the program? That's my biggest concern.

Summing up, I thought this article was rather extreme but did describe a worrisome phenomenon.

If it's someone who will help, who I'm comfortable seeing in disarray, and who is bringing food, I'm all for it. The 20-min time frame is good though. If someone is expecting me to "host", they'd better wait a month or two. Or six.

Thanks for the kind words and even more for the encouraging words. My little guy is only 3 so I'm always happy to hear about adults with Down Syndrome who are doing well. When I was coming to terms with the situation, some of the greatest support came from my students, many who had relatives or who had worked with people with Down Syndrome and reassured me that it wasn't the end of the world and that my child would be sweet and loving (albeit stubborn). They were right!

I don't think there's anything creepy about finding a "silver lining" in my son's condition (and when did I INSIST?). Most people with Down Syndrome are loving and social. Can't I be happy about those things, especially since there is plenty of downside (no pun intended)? The fact is, most people would choose to conceive a child with DS but having done so, many people (including me) choose to continue the pregnancy with the knowledge that the child will have DS.

I know some people have ethical issues with bringing a child into the world with DS. Frankly, I'm not interested in arguing with those people. I can tell you that my son is loved, healthy and well cared for and has a good quality of life.

I'm not arguing that DS shouldn't be prevented. It saddens me that my son will not go to college, possibly not be married and will not have children of his own (almost all males with DS are non-fertile). It's work taking him to therapy and having him followed by several doctors. But that's a problem for ME more than for him. I'm rather making a case that having a child with DS is not nearly as bad as people think. When I found out about his diagnosis 20 weeks into the pregnancy, I was terribly upset. My husband and I cried for several days. Now that we have him, I think "What was the big deal?:

I've noticed among certain of my friends who are well-off that money serves as a trap, a sort of golden handcuffs. People are terrified of trying certain things because it might threaten the money situation upon which they've become dependent. Meanwhile, those with less money are free to try anything as they have little to lose.

I did find the letter a little grating...the people who are around her are so flawed, she is so stunningly beautiful (newsflash...if you have enough money, you can pretty much buy beautiful). But I felt sorry for her at the same time. I think she should take a six-month leave of absence, gather up a bundle of cash and go to New Orleans. Give the cash to local charities, buy some boots and gloves and help the volunteers finish up mucking out/tearing down houses. If she's still depressed, then try the antidepressants.

It's strange how "You might have a kid with Down Syndrome!" somehow is equated with "You might spontaneously combust!" or something along those lines. I have a kid with Down Syndrome and he is the light of our lives and the lives of just about everyone that gets to know him. Plus, kids with DS sleep through the night really early on!