Stranger things have happened: cults
by Kimmie Andresen-Reed, Flipside Editor
While “cult” originally meant simply ritual practices, in modern times, particularly since the 1980s, “cult” has taken on a new meaning. Today it describes practices in a group that are considered strange or abnormal. In particular, the term “cult “implies that the group is authoritative and manipulative, and furthermore that tools such as mind control and exploitation may be in use.
Though the popular conception of a cult may entail suicides (e.g. Heaven’s Gate and Jonestown) there are many other modern and historical groups that could be considered cults. While these groups may not be dangerous or lethal, they still often entail many parallels to these much more deadly groups. These include isolation, secrecy and manipulation.
Children of God:
Known as the Children of God and, more recently, the Family (or the Family International), this religious movement started in 1968. The Children of God is an apocalyptic group that believes that we are in the last days of the earth. Their leader, currently Karen Zerby (and formerly her late husband David Berg) is seen as a prophet and her writings are considered an extension of the Bible and just as authoritative.
Though the Family has had many controversies, it is particularly known for a practice that continued until 1986, called Flirty Fishing. This practice entailed female members of the group engaging in sexual activity with potential converts. It was encouraged by David Berg and the members of the Family because it encouraged people to come to the church and was a manifestation of God’s love. Through this method, individuals could experience God’s love and get close to him when they may not have otherwise. In fact, according to the Family, “over 100,000 received God’s gift of salvation through Jesus, and some chose to live the life of a disciple and missionary” through this method. In a little over a decade, the female members of the Family managed to have sexual contact with 223,989 people while Flirty Fishing. Naturally, many children were born as a result (the children born out of this practice were called “jesus babies”), the count reaching over 300. Though the practice itself seems controversial right off the bat, often the female members were encouraged to take payment for their services, in effect funding the church through prostitution funds.
Part of the Family’s teachings assert that sex is completely healthy. It is created by God and is encouraged and enjoyed within the group, known as the “Law of Love,” provided that the love is heterosexual for men and women (though women can be bisexual, they can’t be homosexual and exclude men). Additionally, children who are 16 are allowed to have sex with others under 21. Though this was progressive in many ways, the ambiguity of the laws may have resulted in the sexual abuse of children before the laws were reformed in 1986. Since then, adults aren’t allowed to have sex with people under 21 or risk excommunication. Currently, the Family’s rate of sexual abuse of minors is equal to that in society in general.
Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments:
Known as the Children of God and, more recently, the Family (or the Family International), this religious movement started in 1968. The Children of God is an apocalyptic group that believes that we are in the last days of the earth. Their leader, currently Karen Zerby (and formerly her late husband David Berg) is seen as a prophet and her writings are considered an extension of the Bible and just as authoritative.
Though the Family has had many controversies, it is particularly known for a practice that continued until 1986, called Flirty Fishing. This practice entailed female members of the group engaging in sexual activity with potential converts. It was encouraged by David Berg and the members of the Family because it encouraged people to come to the church and was a manifestation of God’s love. Through this method, individuals could experience God’s love and get close to him when they may not have otherwise. In fact, according to the Family, “over 100,000 received God’s gift of salvation through Jesus, and some chose to live the life of a disciple and missionary” through this method. In a little over a decade, the female members of the Family managed to have sexual contact with 223,989 people while Flirty Fishing. Naturally, many children were born as a result (the children born out of this practice were called “jesus babies”), the count reaching over 300. Though the practice itself seems controversial right off the bat, often the female members were encouraged to take payment for their services, in effect funding the church through prostitution funds.
Part of the Family’s teachings assert that sex is completely healthy. It is created by God and is encouraged and enjoyed within the group, known as the “Law of Love,” provided that the love is heterosexual for men and women (though women can be bisexual, they can’t be homosexual and exclude men). Additionally, children who are 16 are allowed to have sex with others under 21. Though this was progressive in many ways, the ambiguity of the laws may have resulted in the sexual abuse of children before the laws were reformed in 1986. Since then, adults aren’t allowed to have sex with people under 21 or risk excommunication. Currently, the Family’s rate of sexual abuse of minors is equal to that in society in general.
The Church of Scientology by Cliff Andresen-Reed, Guest Writer
Known as the Children of God and, more recently, the Family (or the Family International), this religious movement started in 1968. The Children of God is an apocalyptic group that believes that we are in the last days of the earth. Their leader, currently Karen Zerby (and formerly her late husband David Berg) is seen as a prophet and her writings are considered an extension of the Bible and just as authoritative.
Though the Family has had many controversies, it is particularly known for a practice that continued until 1986, called Flirty Fishing. This practice entailed female members of the group engaging in sexual activity with potential converts. It was encouraged by David Berg and the members of the Family because it encouraged people to come to the church and was a manifestation of God’s love. Through this method, individuals could experience God’s love and get close to him when they may not have otherwise. In fact, according to the Family, “over 100,000 received God’s gift of salvation through Jesus, and some chose to live the life of a disciple and missionary” through this method. In a little over a decade, the female members of the Family managed to have sexual contact with 223,989 people while Flirty Fishing. Naturally, many children were born as a result (the children born out of this practice were called “jesus babies”), the count reaching over 300. Though the practice itself seems controversial right off the bat, often the female members were encouraged to take payment for their services, in effect funding the church through prostitution funds.
Part of the Family’s teachings assert that sex is completely healthy. It is created by God and is encouraged and enjoyed within the group, known as the “Law of Love,” provided that the love is heterosexual for men and women (though women can be bisexual, they can’t be homosexual and exclude men). Additionally, children who are 16 are allowed to have sex with others under 21. Though this was progressive in many ways, the ambiguity of the laws may have resulted in the sexual abuse of children before the laws were reformed in 1986. Since then, adults aren’t allowed to have sex with people under 21 or risk excommunication. Currently, the Family’s rate of sexual abuse of minors is equal to that in society in general.