The Family International (Children of God) : Apologetics research resources

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Academic Supporters of The Family

Posted on the Moving On (ex-member) site, this item addresses the issue of cult apologists for the group.

Brainwashing and Re-Indoctrination Programs in the Children of God/The Family

by Stephen A. Kent, Ph.D. and Deana Hall, M.A., University of Alberta

The Children of God

By Robert McFarland, MD, The Journal of Psychohistory 21 (4) Spring 1994

On October 31, 1993, River Phoenix, a popular young movie star, died of heroin and cocaine use on the streets of Los Angeles. Not only were his fans surprised at his use of drugs -he had a reputation as a vegetarian and ecologist- but they were even more startled when they learned from the People magazine article on his death that he had "lost his virginity" when he was four years old. What People didn't elaborate on, however, was that his parents belonged to a cult called The Children of God since he was a boy, and that this cult openly believed in using children for sexual purposes.

A Brief Historical Outline

"The Children of God, a.k.a. The Family, 1968 - current day"

Children of God

Extensive entry in Wikipedia

Complete Judgement of Lord Justice Ward

'The Family' and Final Harvest

by Gustav Neibuhr, The Washington Post, June 2, 1993. Good overview of The Family's history and controversies.

The Family's Policy on Lying and Deception

An original article compiled by Ed Priebe in 1994, updated & edited by the staff of ExFamily.org

Inside The 'Heavenly Elite': The Children Of God Today

by Dalva Lynch, with Paul Carden. Dalva Lynch, a former top leader in the Brazilian operation of the Children of God, provides an unparalleled glimpse into this notorious cult's current activities, teachings, and international intrigue. Published in 1990.

Family Values

by Hugh Muir, The Sunday Telegraph Magazine, UK, Jan. 5, 1997: "Child abuse, prostitution, promiscuity. That's all in the past for the shiny, happy people of the Family of Love. Or is it?"

I was a Hooker for Heaven in an Evil Sex Cult

by Philip Smith, National Enquirer, July 6, 1999

Lustful Prophet

"A Psychosexual Historical Study of the Children of God's Leader, David Berg" by Stephen A. Kent

Moses Berg: A False Prophet

Article from Dialog Center International

When we take a critical view at the American David Berg, who was considered a prophet and called Moses David by his followers in the religious sect "The Family" (previously known as "The Children of God"), certain norms for true and false prophecy may be used. These are based on the two articles by Knud Jeppesen and Helge Kjaer Nielsen in the Danish publication titled The New Dialog.

My Apology and Accounting

"A confession of my personal involvement in WS" (WS = World Services) by Ed Priebe

My Experience with Children of God/The Family

Testimony on the FACTNet site

New Doctrine of Masterburbating to Jesus

Jan Groenveld comments on The Family's 'Loving Jesus' revelations quoted here.

Apologetics Index

The Family International

Children of God, Family of Love, The Family, The Family International Fellowship; Fellowship of Independent Missionary Communities

Research resources
- Articles

Apologetics Index

The Family International

Children of God, Family of Love, The Family, The Family International Fellowship; Fellowship of Independent Missionary Communities

Research resources- Articles

Research resources
- Articles