In the realm of memoirs, few narratives are as raw, courageous, and emotionally resonant as Growing Up with Satan, the powerful memoir by Dane, founder of Change With Dane. This compelling work dives deep into the emotional trenches of childhood trauma, religious control, and the transformative journey of healing after leaving a high-demand religious group—Mormonism. With searing honesty and a heart full of resilience, Dane guides readers through his journey from darkness to light, from indoctrination to inner freedom.
A Memoir of Truth, Trauma, and Triumph
Growing Up with Satan is not just a memoir—it is a mirror. It reflects the silent struggles of many who have endured emotional and spiritual abuse cloaked in righteousness. The book is Dane's unflinching account of growing up in a restrictive and high-demand religious environment that dictated not only his beliefs but his very identity.
Titled with sharp irony, Growing Up with Satan underscores the feeling of betrayal that comes with realizing that the forces you were told were guiding you toward salvation may have been the source of your greatest pain. The memoir is a deeply personal reflection of Dane's childhood, one where love was conditional, obedience was demanded, and questions were forbidden.
The Weight of High-Demand Religion
At the heart of this memoir is the harrowing experience of growing up in Mormonism, a religion Dane now identifies as high-demand. High-demand religions are defined by their strict control over members' time, thoughts, emotions, and behavior. They often operate through mechanisms of fear, guilt, shame, and authority.
Dane's account captures how such environments can crush a child's spirit while simultaneously instilling a fear of the outside world. Readers are introduced to a world where religious leaders were revered more than parental love, where salvation was earned by obedience, and where the fear of eternal damnation loomed over every personal choice.
As Dane shares his story, he bravely opens the door for others who have experienced religious trauma to step forward and find community, understanding, and healing.
The Shattering and Rebuilding of Identity
One of the most poignant elements in Growing Up with Satan is the deep sense of identity loss that occurs when someone leaves a high-demand religion. For Dane, Mormonism was not just a belief system—it was his entire worldview. Leaving it meant unraveling everything he thought he knew about himself, his family, his past, and even his future.
But this memoir isn’t just about the destruction of a false identity. It’s about the painstaking process of building a new one—authentic, free, and rooted in truth. Dane explores the psychological and emotional toll of deconstructing long-held beliefs and how he slowly learned to trust himself again, reparent his inner child, and reconnect with his intuition.
Mental Health and the Road to Healing
The memoir also delves into the complex intersection between religious trauma and mental health. Dane speaks candidly about anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation—common yet under-discussed consequences of growing up in oppressive environments. His story brings attention to the critical need for trauma-informed therapy, safe support systems, and open conversations about mental well-being.
By breaking the silence around these topics, Dane provides validation and hope for countless others who feel isolated by their pain. Change With Dane—his platform—is now a space where survivors can share their stories, seek guidance, and begin their own healing journey.
The Power of Storytelling as Liberation
Memoir, at its core, is an act of resistance and reclamation. Through Growing Up with Satan, Dane reclaims the narrative that was once controlled by dogma, guilt, and religious expectations. His storytelling is fierce and vulnerable, challenging readers to question systems of power that exploit trust and silence truth.
This book is not about vilifying religion, but about holding systems accountable that inflict harm under the guise of holiness. Dane invites readers to examine their own beliefs, understand the roots of their emotional wounds, and embrace the messy, beautiful process of transformation.
Why Growing Up with Satan Is More Than a Memoir
For many, this memoir will be a lifeline—a confirmation that they are not alone, and that freedom from spiritual abuse is possible. It serves as a guiding light for those navigating their exit from high-demand religions and looking for permission to heal on their own terms.
Dane’s journey is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to survive the unthinkable and thrive despite it. From the ashes of religious oppression, he emerges not only as a survivor but as a healer, mentor, and truth-teller.
Through the Change With Dane platform, Dane continues to advocate for awareness of religious trauma, offering resources, coaching, and community support for others on similar paths.
Key Themes That Resonate
1. Religious Deconstruction:
Dane masterfully illustrates the emotional and intellectual process of unlearning religious dogma and rebuilding personal faith—or choosing none at all.
2. Childhood Trauma:
The memoir highlights how early experiences in authoritarian religious households can leave deep psychological scars, especially when those environments lack safety and unconditional love.
3. Mental Health Awareness:
By normalizing discussions around anxiety, depression, and trauma, Dane advocates for therapy, self-compassion, and inner work as key tools for recovery.
4. LGBTQ+ Identity and Acceptance (where applicable):
Though not always central in religious trauma memoirs, stories like Dane’s often resonate deeply with queer readers navigating spiritual rejection. His inclusive message fosters healing for all marginalized groups.
5. Empowerment Through Vulnerability:
Dane’s raw honesty empowers others to own their stories, no matter how dark or shameful they may seem. He models how vulnerability can be a source of strength, not weakness.
What Readers Are Saying
Early readers of Growing Up with Satan have praised the memoir for its emotional depth, courage, and relatability. Common reactions include:
“I finally feel seen after years of silence.”
“This book helped me understand my own religious trauma in a way therapy never did.”
“Dane’s story gave me the courage to start my healing journey.”
The ripple effect of Dane’s vulnerability is visible in the Change With Dane community, which continues to grow as a safe space for reflection and rebirth.
A Call to Healing and Hope
If you’ve ever felt the weight of religious shame, questioned your worth, or struggled to trust your inner voice, Growing Up with Satan is for you. It’s not just a memoir—it’s a movement. A beacon for those who’ve walked through spiritual abuse and are ready to embrace healing on their own terms.
Dane's message is clear: You are not alone. You are not broken. And your story matters.
Final Thoughts
Change With Dane isn’t just a website—it’s a sanctuary. A place where healing begins through truth-telling, empathy, and empowerment. Dane’s memoir Growing Up with Satan is the cornerstone of this mission, offering not only insight into one man's courageous journey but also a pathway for others to follow.
If you're ready to confront your past, reclaim your voice, and embrace your future, start by reading Dane’s story. Because sometimes, the only way out of the darkness is to walk through it—with truth, with pain, and with hope.
