Watch Children Of The Cult
- 2021
- 1 Season
-
7.0 (103)
Children Of The Cult is a documentary series that explores the infamous international Christian organization called "The Children of God," founded by David Berg in the late 1960s. The show follows former members of the cult as they share their stories of growing up in an abusive, hierarchical and sexually exploitative environment, and how it has affected them years later.
Throughout the six-part series, former members of the cult open up about their experiences, speaking candidly about the indoctrination methods that were utilized by the cult leaders to entice new members. The show traces the history of the organization and sheds light on how the group ultimately became known for its sexual practices, which led to the loss of many members.
The testimony of those who lived through the ordeal, along with deep dives into archival footage, photographs and recordings, details the transformation of the organization from a utopian vision to an oppressive religious cult that exerted complete control over its members. We hear from individuals as they recount their upbringing within the cult, exposed to brainwashing techniques such as enforced labor, severe isolation, and severe mental and physical abuse.
One of the defining figures of the cult was David Berg, referred to by his followers as "King David" or "Moses David." Berg, who was born in 1919, began his career as a Pentecostal evangelist in the 1940s before he founded what would become known as "The Children of God" in the late 1960s. Berg believed that he was a prophet, and that he had been chosen by God to lead a new age of Christianity, where sex was viewed as a way to spread the gospel.
As the series proceeds, viewers will see how The Children of God became known for its use of sexual practices to recruit new members, including "flirty fishing." By the early 1970s, members of the cult were engaging in sexual activities with strangers, and a system of "love bombing" was implemented to introduce people to the religion. Members were encouraged to cultivate romantic and sexual bonds with those on the outside, as well as those within the cult, as a means of building community and furthering the group's message.
However, the group faced significant backlash and scrutiny from the media and governments around the world because of the abuse and exploitation of children. The members recall how Berg's tenets led to children being sexually exposed and even violated. Young kids were groomed from a very young age to engage in sexual activities in the name of the cult's practices.
The children of the cult who survived the abuse often found themselves struggling with the trauma years later, leading to lasting psychological scars. The documentary explores how individuals in the group tried to break free from the cult, often after much struggle and planning, to find ways to establish new identities and find the healing they need.
Children Of The Cult delves deeper into the psychological and emotional impact of life within a cult, documenting the struggles and cathartic process of healing. The series is an enthralling and moving exploration of the long-lasting impact of cult life, with insights and reflections provided by those who have been exposed to it.
Overall, Children Of The Cult broadens our understanding of the often-complicated dynamics of the cults, providing a raw and emotional narrative that highlights the harm and trauma it can cause. The former members' stories are harrowing and poignant, laying bare the painful path some have traveled to get to a place of healing and hope. The documentary ultimately serves as a stark reminder of the importance of awareness and ensuring that groups cannot hide their dark practices in plain sight.