In today’s society, it is all too common for parents to use their children for publicity and financial gain.
The number of reality shows surrounding what are considered interesting and extraordinary families is disturbing.
Children are paraded in front of cameras encouraging them to smile and play nice as a way to make their parents rich off their innocence.
The use of religion as an excuse for wrongdoing is also too common in our world.
To make money off a belief in God is just as disgusting as the concept of profiting from one’s children.
A recent news story from “Nightline” uncovered a situation in which a parent is combining the aforementioned actions with his teenage daughter and her two friends.
This parent is the Reverend, Bob Larson from Phoenix, Ariz. His 17-year-old daughter, Brynne, and her two friends, Tess and Savannah, are being sought after by producers and directors for an exclusive reality show surrounding their unique extra-curricular activities.
The girls look like they just stepped out of a movie.
They look perfect from their flawless curly hair, to their pearl necklaces and pastel – colored sweaters. These teenagers are avid church goers as well as holders of black belts in karate.
The unique aspect of their lives is not their strong religious beliefs or their kick-boxing abilities, but instead their assistance with Larson’s profitable business.
Larson is not just a minister, he performs exorcisms too.
In a year, Larson and his three young assistants perform exorcisms on “possessed” men and women from all around the country.
Not only are these teenage girls working to protect people from demons, but they even have nicknames for each other. Known as “the enforcer,” “the middle man,” and “the compassionate one,” these girls appear to be a mix between “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the girls from “Charmed.”
Unfortunately though, these girls are not television characters. They are not super heroes that have been dreamed about by a writer or producer.
Brynne, Tess and Savannah are real teenage girls who have been taught how to properly take advantage of others.
Larson insists the exorcisms he and the girls perform are real. He claims those who come to him for help are interviewed before the ritual is performed.
Those whom he agrees to assist or save are those who claim to have had therapy but a demon is blocking the help they are trying to receive.
The girls follow Larson’s lead. They tell others about their beliefs and how they help others through their work. They truly believe they are making a difference in the lives of others, and they believe they are saving people from evil beings.
This is not a case, however, of belief. Their beliefs are theirs alone and should be respected. The issue here is Larson is capitalizing on “helping” others who truly believe they have been possessed by a demon.
He makes a profit from the exorcisms he practices and is now attempting to capitalize on his daughter and her friends.
The big question is, if this man truly believed he and the girls were doing good for God, why is he discussing reality television deals and promotions?
The answer?
This man is a disgrace to both parents and religious figures.