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Part Two: David Berg and the Children of God (ft. Ed Helms)

2025/6/26

Behind the Bastards

This chapter details David Berg's transformation from a popular cult leader to a sexual predator, exploring his affairs, the establishment of "free love" within the Children of God, and the use of love bombing as a control mechanism. It highlights the manipulative tactics used to maintain control and justify his actions.

David Berg's affair with a 19-year-old follower and subsequent departure of his wife, Mother Eve.
The evolution of "free love" within the Children of God, used as a means of controlling followers.
The origins and effectiveness of love bombing as a cult recruitment tactic.

Shownotes Transcript

David Berg starts the 1970s as a wildly popular cult leader and immediately goes insane. Robert walks Ed Helms through the invention of "flirty fishing" AKA prostitution for Jesus and a bunch of other nightmare fuel.

Sources;

Children of God)

Children of God cult was 'hell on earth')

'Children of God': Life and Death of the Messiah)

The Children of God: Joaquin Phoenix, Rose McGowan Among Former Members of This Notorious Cult)

Murder and Suicide Reviving Claims of Child Abuse in Cult - The New York Times)

Life With Grandpa (1985) - more perverse puppetry from The Family International)

"Everybody can be happy" - The Luvvets 1980s - The Family International Puppet Show)

Treasure Attic: Let's Have Fun)

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(PDF) Lustful prophet: A psychosexual historical study of the children of God's leader, David Berg.)

The Children of God \ History \ Revolution for Jesus)