The Children of God Who Wouldn’t, but Had To

Abstract

Writing about groups that are typically branded as cults is like walking a high wire; except everyone wants you to fall. The group you choose to examine will certainly never consider itself a‘cult’ (neither should it). Those who are interested non-members (often ex-members) see the group as exactly a ‘cult’. In this chapter, I will not be engaging with the question of what constitutes a ‘cult’. It seems to me, that according to the usage to which the term is put, no group is actually a ‘cult’. I am not, however, going to suggest that groups, especially perhaps religions, are always positive experiences for members. It is clear that they are not.¹

I would like to gratefully acknowledge and thank the help of Mercy, an ex-member, who guided me through doctrinal and historical issues, and answered many questions. Her story can be read at www.exfamily.org. While this account underpins some arguments here, specific help is referenced with ‘personal communication’ which took place July 2004 via e-mail.