Jinger Duggar and her sister, Jessa, have been inseparable since they were little kids, but that might all be changing in the wake of Jinger's book release. Reportedly, the sisters are feuding after Jinger revealed in her book that Jessa has left the Institute in Basic Life Principles, and now, it sounds like the family is being forced to take sides.
Jinger's tell-all book was released earlier this week.
In Becoming Free Indeed, Jinger detailed the fear-filled way she brought up thanks to the rules and restrictive beliefs of the IBLP, the cultlike religious group that her parents belong to.
Jinger noted that Jessa and her husband, Ben Seewald, were instrumental in getting her to see the light and walk away from the IBLP, but it seems this admission might have been a problem for the Seewalds.
Jessa and Jinger's relationship may be blowing up.
According to vlogger Katie Joy of Without a Crystal Ball, Jessa and Jinger are no longer the BFFs they once were. In a new YouTube video she shared on her channel, she pointed out that Jessa has remained radio silent when it comes to Jinger's book. Not only has she not promoted it the way their sister Jill has, but she has only liked two of Jinger's many posts about it on Instagram.
Interesting behavior, considering how close they supposedly are …
Ben's most recent sermon seems to say it all.
Ben is a pastor, and Katie Joy also pointed out that on Sunday he gave a sermon about people who "sell out" in the name of Jesus, seemingly accusing Jinger of using their family and her faith to make money.
"When the moment of testing comes, they do whatever they have to do to maintain their position, their influence, to keep their job, to stay popular," he said. "They're okay with offending Christ, but they wouldn't dare offend the world. They think much of what people think, but little of what Christ thinks."
He may have had to take Jim Bob's side on this one.
Though he hasn't shared his thoughts publicly, it's probably safe to assume that Jim Bob isn't happy with Jinger's book, and Katie Joy's theory is that Ben needs to make Jim Bob happy. Between his job as a pastor and Jessa's social media deals, they probably aren't bringing in enough cash, and it's likely that her dad is still supplementing their income.
If these two supported Jinger, they could risk that money from Jim Bob. And if Jinger is spreading the idea that Jessa and Ben have shunned the IBLP, it's possible that any financial assistance they may be getting from him is already at risk.
A source close to the family has already confirmed Ben's sermon was aimed at Jinger and Jeremy.
"Ben has to save face. I 100% ran this sermon by someone that knows both Ben and Jim Bob. I asked them if this sermon is about the Jinger & Jeremy and they said yes. It's all about posturing and saving face," Katie Joy wrote in a comment on her YouTube video. "Ben stuck up for Jim Bob last year after Josh's conviction. He will always stick up for Jim because he's unfortunately financially dependent on him."
There's no doubt that Jinger's family relationships are going to be affected by this book, but it's heartbreaking to think one that was so important to her might be in jeopardy. Maybe after this all blows over, she and Jessa will be able to talk things out.
