Vyckie Garrison is an American former fundamentalist Christian, atheist, and founder of the online organization No Longer Quivering (NLQ). She is known for her activism and advocacy aimed at supporting individuals, particularly women, who are transitioning out of or questioning patriarchal Christian fundamentalist movements, most notably the Quiverfull movement.
Early Life and Involvement in Quiverfull Born into a conservative Christian family, Garrison became a fervent adherent and public advocate of the Quiverfull movement in the United States. This movement emphasizes large families, homeschooling, male headship, and a strict interpretation of gender roles within a Christian framework. For many years, Garrison and her husband raised their children within this ideology, and she was a vocal proponent, blogging and speaking on the principles of Quiverfull living.
Transition and Founding of No Longer Quivering Over time, Garrison experienced a profound personal and spiritual crisis, prompted by disillusionment with the movement's teachings, personal struggles, and a re-evaluation of her faith. Her experiences, including domestic abuse and what she describes as spiritual abuse within the framework of Quiverfull, led her to question and ultimately reject the doctrines she once espoused.
In 2008, Garrison founded No Longer Quivering (NLQ) as an online platform. Initially a personal blog detailing her journey out of fundamentalism, NLQ rapidly evolved into a significant resource and support network for others undergoing similar transitions. The organization's mission is to provide a safe space, information, and community for survivors of religious fundamentalism and spiritual abuse, particularly those leaving the Quiverfull and broader Christian patriarchy movements. NLQ features personal testimonies, critical analyses of fundamentalist theology, and resources for deconversion and rebuilding lives outside of these environments.
Activism and Views Now an outspoken atheist, Vyckie Garrison advocates for critical thinking, personal autonomy, and the deconstruction of patriarchal religious ideologies. Her work through NLQ highlights the potential for harm within fundamentalist systems, particularly regarding women's rights, bodily autonomy, and mental health. She frequently speaks out against purity culture, biblical literalism, and the subjugation of women in religious contexts. Garrison's personal story and the community she has built have made her a notable figure in the ex-fundamentalist movement and discussions surrounding spiritual abuse.