In this installment of our ongoing series, "How To Escape from the GDT Cult", we will focus on the topic of Education and share some valuable resources for church members seeking to enhance their education. As we have previously discussed, Pastor Isaac Noriega of the Golden Dawn Tabernacle church discourages higher education strongly and urges parents to enroll their children in the church school. This establishment provides a basic level of education at best, often resulting in students graduating with high school equivalency diplomas from diploma mills, or just their GEDs at best. This practice subtly creates a hurdle that discourages members from leaving the church as it leaves them ill-prepared to tackle life outside the GDT community.

    Digital Literacy

    Adjusting to the modern world and learning new skills like using the internet, managing finances online, and adapting to technological advancements can be overwhelming for someone who has been isolated in a high-control cult such as GDT, where internet usage is highly discouraged. Here are some educational resources that can help you prepare for this transition. Digital literacy is important to help advance your education, your career, and your personal life once you are outside the church. Feel free to skip these steps if you already feel comfortable using technology.

    1. Online Basic Computer and Internet Skills Courses:
      • GCF LearnFree (https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/subjects/tech/): Offers free tutorials and courses on basic computer skills, internet usage, and online safety.
      • Digital Learn (https://www.digitallearn.org/): Provides free, self-paced online courses on essential digital skills, including internet basics, using email, and navigating websites.
      • TechBoomers (https://techboomers.com/): Offers step-by-step tutorials and guides on using popular websites and applications, such as social media platforms, online banking, and e-commerce sites.
    2. Online Banking and Financial Management Resources:
      • Many banks and financial institutions provide comprehensive online banking tutorials and resources on their websites. Check with your bank to see if they offer any educational materials or support for online banking.
      • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/money-as-you-grow/): Provides educational resources and tools for managing personal finances, including online banking and digital money management.
    3. Local Community Centers and Libraries:
      • Many community centers and libraries offer free or low-cost classes and workshops on computer skills, internet usage, and online services. Check with your local community center or library for available resources and programs.
      • Note: if you are unable to access the internet regularly due to church restrictions, going to the library is an excellent resource. Also, make sure to ask a librarian for any good books to check out if you want to improve your digital literacy such as "Digital Literacy For Dummies."
    4. YouTube Tutorials and Online Guides:
      • YouTube (https://www.youtube.com) has a vast collection of video tutorials on various topics, including computer skills, internet usage, and online services. Search for specific tutorials or channels that cater to beginners.
      • Online guides and tutorials on websites like WikiHow (https://www.wikihow.com/) can provide step-by-step instructions on using the internet, paying bills online, and other practical skills.

    Remember to take things at your own pace and be patient with yourself. It's okay to ask for help or seek guidance from friends, family members, or local resources if you feel overwhelmed or confused during the learning process.

    Social Skills and Support Network

    Developing interpersonal skills, forming friendships, building networks, and learning to interact effectively outside the GDT church environment, both in personal and professional settings, is vital for those planning to leave the cult as they explore the wider world. Regrettably, the environment within GDT fosters an insular bubble where social skills aren't nurtured or taught. This scenario potentially leaves those who depart the church vulnerable, especially if they are ostracized by their known circle and family.

    One critical aspect to remember when departing from the GDT sect is to be discerning about the company you keep. Associating with the wrong crowd could place you in a precarious situation, potentially leading to life-altering missteps. You should seek to build a supportive network of friends who are trustworthy, compassionate, and can aid you in becoming self-reliant. When starting this journey, it may be preferable to be alone than in the company of a misguided crowd, particularly those engaged in illegal or morally dubious activities such as substance abuse and criminal behavior.

    Here are some resources that can help in these areas:

    1. Books:
    2. Online Courses:
      • Coursera (https://www.coursera.org/): Offers a wide range of courses on communication skills, negotiation, body language, and personal development. Some courses may require payment, but financial aid is often available.
      • Udemy (https://www.udemy.com/): Provides various courses on social skills, emotional intelligence, assertiveness, and personal growth. Look for highly-rated courses and read reviews before enrolling.
    3. Podcasts and Audio Programs:
      • The Social Skills Lab (https://www.buzzsprout.com/1111718) A podcast dedicated to how to make friends, improving social skills, conversation, and self-confidence. Provides strategies and advice for building better relationships.
    4. Local Workshops and Meetup Groups:
      • Look for local workshops, seminars, or meetup groups focused on communication skills, socializing, or personal development. These can provide opportunities to practice social skills and meet like-minded individuals.
      • Here are several social network groups you can engage with if you are interested: https://www.meetup.com/topics/socialnetwork/us/az/tucson/
    5. Self-Help and Personal Development Websites:

    We recognize that developing social skills and building a support network takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and embrace opportunities to engage with others, step out of your comfort zone, and learn from your experiences.

    High School Diploma / General Education Development (GED) Resources

    If you do not have a high school diploma or a GED (General Education Development) diploma, we highly recommend you work on pursuing the education required to obtain one. This is a minimum education requirement you will generally need to hold a job in the workforce. If you are a teenager or adult, we highly recommend you pursue this outside of the church, and do not use the church school to help you.

    An excellent and free program that you can start with the High School Equivalency (HSE) program at Pima Community College. It is free, and is very flexible with your schedule.

    We also encourage you to obtain a smartphone or laptop to help further your education. Despite Isaac Noriega's teachings, the internet is a vital tool that you need in today's world to maximize your success. Education and the internet go hand in hand. The HSE program mentioned above will actually provide a free Chromebook laptop to low income students. If you are unable to own a smartphone or Chromebook due to restrictions at home, then we recommend you use a Pima Community College Library or a local Pima County Public Library for computer access.

    College Preparation Resources

    If you are interested in pursuing a college degree, one of the most important things you can do is meet with a college advisor so they can provide some guidance. We recommend you reach out to a Pima Community College Advisor. as they well equipped to provide you with advice on how to navigate both Pima Community College Courses as well as University of Arizona College Courses and Programs.

    Here is the link to apply to Pima Community College : https://www.pima.edu/admission/apply-to-pima/index

    Pima Community College also has an excellent College Career Readiness Program. Below are some of the courses you can take to help you prepare for college and future academic advancements.

    Courses:

    ICS 081 - Integrated College Skills (Mathematics)

    STU 100 - College Success and Career Planning

    STU 102 - Personal Finance

    STU 105 - Math Success Skills 

    STU 106 - Choosing a Major and College Success 

    STU 107 - University Transfer Exploration, Preparation and College Success

    STU 109 - Making Career Choices

    STU 150 - Becoming a Master Student

    STU 200 - Becoming a Critical Thinker

    STU 210UA - University of Arizona Transition

    STU 210UT - University Transition

    If you need to apply for financial aid in order to take college courses, you can apply at the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website at this link: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

    Conclusion

    We hope these resources are helpful to those that need them. We will be covering jobs and career resources in a future article. If you have any education tips that helped you be successful in escaping a high control cult, we welcome your feedback in the comments.

    Do you have any information you'd like to share about Golden Dawn Tabernacle / Tabernaculo Emanuel? Feel free to comment below, or you can contact us directly at our Contact Us page or via our social media accounts below.

      Archived Comments#

      7 comment(s) imported from the original site:

      Brother Berean — May 20, 2023#

      you guys do know this will hurt em in the pocket? Isaac and Matthew do like losing tithe paying members..this knowledge can empower the youth to escape to the freedom this life has to offer..

      Anonymous — May 20, 2023#

      you guys do know this will hurt em in the pocket? Isaac and Matthew don’t like losing tithe paying members..this knowledge can empower the youth to escape to the freedom this life has to offer..

      Anonymous — May 22, 2023#

      Excluding high tithe paying members. We have a member who just celebrated his son’s high school graduation from Amphi. Mr Noriega were you invited to the celebration Saturday night?

      His daughter enrolled in a catholic high school. Is that acceptable Mr Noriega? Oh but you scratch Isaac’s back will protect yours.

      Anonymous — May 23, 2023#

      Great information!

      Anonymous — May 24, 2023#

      Great useful information.

      Anonymous — May 30, 2023#

      This is so nice! Yes, these resources are so helpful. I would also like to add, building a personal support group to help deal with the experience, including but not limited to counseling, therapists and/or trusted friends.

      Exodus — June 7, 2023#

      Yes building and having a support group / friends is so important! Some ways to make friends out here is through work, joining a class (workout, college , hobby etc ) or find a local Facebook friend group.