Founding and Initial Teachings: Late 1960s
David Berg, disillusioned with mainstream Christianity, founded a religious group initially called Teens for Christ in 1968. By 1971, it evolved into The Children of God, later known simply as The Family.
Dr. Margaret Singer, an expert in cult psychology, said, “The idea of separating from conventional norms allows cult leaders like Berg to rewrite the social contract for their followers.”
Doctrinal Shifts and Isolation: Early 1970s
In the early 1970s, Berg’s teachings began diverging drastically from mainstream Christian beliefs. He introduced the concept of “Flirty Fishing,” advocating for the use of sexual relationships to win converts. Berg also emphasized communal living and isolated his followers from the outside world.
Ross Peterson, a sociologist who has studied cults, remarked, “Isolation is a textbook tactic in cult leadership. Berg mastered it early.”
Abuses and Scandals: Late 1970s – 1980s
The 1980s saw the cult embroiled in controversies over child abuse and sexual exploitation. A series of investigations and lawsuits plagued the group, highlighting its descent into criminality.
“In such secluded environments, abuses aren’t just possible; they’re almost inevitable,” commented psychologist Philip Zimbardo.
Legal Scrutiny and Rebranding: 1990s – Early 2000s
Amid increasing legal pressures, the group underwent several rebrandings, changing its name to The Family of Love and eventually to The Family International. David Berg passed away in 1994, but the organization tried to move forward with sanitized doctrines.
Prof. Janja Lalich noted, “The attempt to rebrand is often an indication that a group is trying to escape its past, but that’s easier said than done.”
Legacy: 2000s – Present
The Family International officially disbanded in 2010, but its impact continues to be studied as an extreme example of how religious groups can exploit and abuse their members. Several former members have come out with memoirs and documentaries detailing their lives in the cult.
Dr. Alexandra Stein, a researcher on cults, concluded, “The Children of God stands as one of the most chilling examples of how a seemingly innocuous religious group can turn into a haven for abuse and exploitation.”
The disturbing evolution of The Children of God serves as a bleak testament to how easily spiritual pursuit can be twisted into an instrument of abuse. Its story remains a focal point for discussions on the dangers of religious extremism and cult psychology.