Religious Nuts Hide Their Children

There is a bizarre story out of York, Pennsylvania. A man and a woman kept their five children hidden away from the "outside world" in appalling conditions for years.

The youngsters, who range in age from two to 13, lived inside an abandoned home at 734 South Duke Street. The home had no electricity, heat, water or functioning toilet. The children were never taken to any medical, dental or vision appointments, and did not receive any type of education. ... there are also no existing birth certificates or records for any of the children. ... The lack of information is one reason the York County Office of Children, Youth & Families couldn't pursue any action when tips came in about the family in 2003 and 2007. Sinhue Johnson refused to cooperate & the children simply couldn't be found.

Why would the parents do such a thing? What's a major reason many people do crazy things? That's right, religion.

[The] York couple told police detectives religion was the reason they hid their five children from the outside world for years.

For some reason the report doesn't identify the religion, or provide any information regarding what practices would cause such behavior. It would be interesting to find out more details.