Family (ex-Children of God)

the Family is the name of a sectarian group created in 1968 under the name of the Enfants of God . This last organization was dissolved in 1978, but continued its activities under various denominations.

Beginnings

The founder of the Children of God is David-Brandt Berg (1918 - 1994), Pasteur known Méthodiste of his followers under the name of Brace-David or MO. After studies of theology, David Berg leaves his church in 1951 to become TV-evangelist. At the end of the Years 1960, it settles with Huntington Beach, in California with his Jane wife and her four children while being given for goal to carry its religious message to youth Hippie. It is the time of the “Revolution of Jesus”. The disciples are gathered by colonies. Enough quickly, following a vision, Berg leaves his wife and her children to live with Karen Zerby (known as Maria ). In 1971, the Children of God are not numerous but start to make speak about them, in particular on television. Berg regularly affirms to have revelations provided by its Guardian angel Abrahim. The interpretation which it makes of the Bible starts to deviate seriously of that of the established Christian religions since it asks its disciples to reject and to hate their family, their friends and their employer. Assisted of David Hoyt and Linda Meissner, Berg develops the movement which counts 400 followers, gathered in six colonies, in 1972. The Children of God cross even the Atlantic and a French hippie, Joseph, found a colony with Paris. A son of Berg dies at that time and the guru is interested in the communication with deaths. One day, Berg announces with its disciples that on December 4th, 1973 a comet will destroy the the United States by passing very close to the ground. 2000 of its disciples emigrate then in Europe to put itself at the shelter. Berg will have a time its general headquarter in France. In 1974, the Children of God are 4000, distributed in 170 colonies.

“Holy” prostitution

In 1975, Berg develops the flirty-fishing , a form of Prostitution missionary: the followers use of their charm to provide to their guru money, to be able, information and new followers. This method will be prohibited by Berg itself in 1987. Another money re-entry of the organization is the sale on markets of discs, cassettes and posters by the followers. The flirty-fishing and other embezzlements cause legal difficulties with the organization. Thus the Children of God are officially dissolved in France in 1978 for “soliciting and prostitution”, and prohibited in many countries. The organization is beforehand car-dissolved, but is reconstituted quickly under the name of the “Family of Love” ( the Family off Coils ). Berg takes refuge in Asia where it continues its activity. He travels much and its trace is regularly lost until one learns his death in 1994. The organization since is directed by the widow of Berg, Karen Zerby.

Names

After his dissolution in 1978, the sect of the Children of God continuous to exist under various names, in particular Family of Love , Mission for the World , Heavens Servant boys and Heavens Girls Ministries , Heavenly Magic , World Service , the Singing Arrows , Heavens Coils , Familles without Borders , Center with the service of the Families, Service International Missionary , Action International Missionary , International Écoles of XXIe century , the Family, and currently the International Family .

Famous members

the actors To rivet Phoenix, Joaquin Phoenix, Rain Phoenix and Summer Phoenix grew as members of the Children of God of which their parents formed part.
the actress Pink McGowan also grew in a community of the Children of God in Italy.
the musician Jeremy Spencer, ex-guitarist of Fleetwood Mac, is member since 1971.

References

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