An evangelical movement, accused of widespread sexual abuse, that encouraged female members to evangelize through sex with strangers
Religion: Christianity
Founder: David Berg (Moses David)
Founded: 1968
Location: International
Other Names: The Family, The Family of Love, The Family International
Founded in the late 1960s by David Brandt Berg in California, the Children of God, later known as The Family International, represents one of the most controversial new religious movements of the 20th century. Initially part of the broader Jesus People movement that aimed to reach disaffected youth, the group quickly distinguished itself through unique and extreme practices.
David Berg, also referred to as Moses David, positioned himself as a prophetic figure, claiming to be God’s endtime messenger. His leadership was characterized by authoritarian control, where he dictated not only the spiritual beliefs of his followers but also the minutiae of their daily lives. Members were organized into twelve tribes, reminiscent of the biblical tribes of Israel, each assigned specific communal roles, such as cooking or cleaning. The concept of traditional family units was disregarded in favor of a collective “family” with Berg at the helm, effectively dissolving parental authority over children in favor of communal rearing practices.
One of the group’s most radical departures from mainstream Christian doctrine was its approach to sexuality. Berg preached that “God is love and love is sex,” leading to practices that blurred the lines of consent within the community. This ideology manifested in policies like “flirty fishing,” where female members were encouraged, and in some instances required, to use sex as a means to attract new followers. This practice not only exploited the women of the group but also led to numerous instances of abuse, including allegations of child abuse.
Music played a significant role in the group’s evangelism, with the production of music videos and songs that ranged from Christian rock to compositions containing the group’s apocalyptic and controversial beliefs. Such activities were part of the group’s broader mission to spread Berg’s message through unconventional means, including the arts.
The Family International drew attention not just for its beliefs and practices but also for its members. Several individuals who grew up within the group went on to gain celebrity status, including actors River and Joaquin Phoenix, and actress Rose McGowan. Their experiences, along with those of other former members, shed light on the challenging conditions within the group, highlighting the discrepancy between the group’s public portrayal of love and unity and the reality of life under Berg’s rule.
By the mid-1970s, the group had expanded globally, with Berg sending members across the world to establish communes and spread his teachings. These teachings were disseminated through “Mo Letters,” which later became known as “The New Good News.” This period also saw the group rebranding itself as The Family, distancing itself from some of its more publicly controversial practices in response to legal and social pressure.
Despite the controversies, The Family International persists today, though it claims to have renounced some of its past practices and has attempted to rebrand itself in the digital age. The group’s history remains a subject of scrutiny and criticism, particularly from former members and child protection advocates.
image via Investigation Discovery
