9 Documentaries on The Family International and Its Controversial Beliefs
Exploring a Secretive Religious Movement
The Family International, formerly known as the Children of God, has been the subject of numerous documentaries exploring its controversial history and beliefs. Founded in the late 1960s by David Berg, this Christian communal group has attracted both devoted followers and intense scrutiny over the decades.
These documentaries provide viewers with an in-depth look at the inner workings of The Family International, shedding light on its practices, teachings, and impact on members' lives. From firsthand accounts of former members to expert analysis, the films offer a range of perspectives on this enigmatic religious movement and its lasting influence on those who were part of it.
1) Children of God: Lost and Found
Children of God: Lost and Found is a documentary directed by Noah Thomson, a former member of The Family International. The film provides a firsthand account of growing up in the controversial religious group.
Thomson, who began working on the documentary in 2002, explores his own experiences and interviews other former members who have left the organization. The film offers insights into the group's beliefs and practices.
The documentary premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, in January 2007. It later aired on television networks such as Cinemax in the United States and MovieCentral in Canada.
Through personal stories and archival footage, the film sheds light on the challenges faced by those who were raised in The Family International. It examines the impact of the group's teachings on its younger members.
Children of God: Lost and Found presents a critical look at the controversial aspects of The Family International, including its founder David Berg and some of the group's unconventional doctrines.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1014539/
2) The Source Family
The Source Family documentary offers a glimpse into one of the most intriguing spiritual communes of the 1970s. Led by the charismatic Father Yod, this group formed around a popular Hollywood vegetarian restaurant.
Father Yod, born James Edward Baker, founded the family in 1972 during a time of social upheaval and spiritual exploration. He attracted numerous young followers with his teachings on healthy living, cosmic spirituality, and communal values.
The documentary explores the family's unconventional lifestyle, which included polygamous relationships and psychedelic rock music. Their band, Ya Ho Wa 13, gained a cult following and released several albums.
Despite their initial success, the Source Family faced controversy and eventual decline. The film delves into the complex dynamics within the group and the impact of Father Yod's leadership.
Through archival footage and interviews with former members, the documentary provides a balanced look at the family's rise and fall. It examines both the positive aspects of their community and the challenges they faced.
The Source Family (2012) - IMDb
3) Children of the Stars
"Children of the Stars" is a 2007 documentary that sheds light on autism in China. The film follows the Feng Jia Wei family as they navigate life with their 5-year-old autistic son.
The boy's condition presents significant challenges, including an inability to speak and frequent violent outbursts. His parents face rejection from local schools and struggle with public misunderstanding of autism.
In search of help, the family travels to Beijing to attend a behavioral therapy course at a special school called "Stars and Rain." The institution has aided over 1,000 families with autistic children across China.
The documentary captures the family's journey, hopes, and struggles as they seek support and understanding for their child's condition. It offers a poignant look at autism awareness and treatment in China.
"Children of the Stars" provides valuable insight into the experiences of families dealing with autism in a society where the condition is often misunderstood or stigmatized.
Learn more about "Children of the Stars" on IMDb
4) Prophet's Prey
Prophet's Prey is a compelling documentary that delves into the dark world of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). Directed by Amy J. Berg, the film focuses on the controversial figure of Warren Jeffs, the former leader of the FLDS.
The documentary explores Jeffs' rise to power within the church and his subsequent reign as its self-proclaimed prophet. It sheds light on the manipulative tactics he employed to maintain control over his followers.
Through interviews with former FLDS members and investigators, Prophet's Prey reveals disturbing details about the abuse and exploitation that occurred within the community. The film also examines the legal proceedings that ultimately led to Jeffs' conviction and imprisonment.
Berg's documentary provides a chilling look at the inner workings of a secretive religious sect and the devastating impact it had on its members. It raises important questions about faith, power, and the potential for abuse within insular communities.
Prophet's Prey offers viewers a rare glimpse into a world that few outsiders have seen, making it a thought-provoking addition to the genre of religious documentaries.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophet%27s_Prey]
5) The Family: An Australian Cult
"The Family" was a notorious cult that operated in Melbourne, Australia from the 1960s to the 1990s. Led by Anne Hamilton-Byrne, the group blended elements of Christianity, Eastern mysticism, and New Age beliefs.
Hamilton-Byrne claimed to be a living god and convinced followers to give up their children to her care. These children were raised as part of a collective, often subjected to abuse and forced to take LSD.
The cult's activities came to light in the late 1980s, leading to police raids and investigations. Hamilton-Byrne fled to the United States but was eventually extradited back to Australia to face charges.
A three-part documentary series titled "The Cult of The Family" explores this dark chapter in Australian history. It features interviews with former cult members and investigates the group's practices and beliefs.
The documentary delves into the charismatic influence of Hamilton-Byrne and the lasting impact on those involved in the cult. It provides a comprehensive look at one of Australia's most infamous cults.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Family_(Australian_New_Age_group)]
6) Inside The Children of God Cult
The 1994 documentary "Inside The Children of God" offers a revealing look at the controversial religious group. Produced by the BBC, this film provides an in-depth exploration of the cult's practices and beliefs.
Interviews with former members shed light on the group's inner workings. The documentary examines the cult's unique blend of Christianity and sexual liberation, which attracted many followers in the 1960s and 1970s.
Footage from inside the cult's communes shows daily life for its members. The film also delves into the group's missionary efforts and their methods of recruiting new followers.
Allegations of child abuse and sexual exploitation within the cult are addressed. Former members share their experiences and the lasting impact of their time in the group.
The documentary explores the leadership of David Berg, the cult's founder. It examines how Berg's teachings shaped the group's ideology and practices.
BBC Documentary: Inside The Children of God
7) Best of Enemies
Best of Enemies documents the televised debates between Gore Vidal and William F. Buckley Jr. during the 1968 political conventions. These intellectual heavyweights represented opposing ideological viewpoints, with Vidal on the left and Buckley on the right.
The film explores how these debates changed political discourse on television. It showcases the sharp wit and heated exchanges between the two men, which often became personal and antagonistic.
Directors Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon use archival footage and interviews to provide context for the debates. They highlight the cultural and political climate of 1968, a tumultuous year in American history.
Best of Enemies received critical acclaim for its insightful examination of a pivotal moment in media and politics. The documentary premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and went on to win several awards.
The film raises questions about the role of televised debates in shaping public opinion and political discourse. It offers a compelling look at how personal rivalries can intersect with larger ideological conflicts.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best_of_Enemies_(2015_film)]
8) Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief
"Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief" is a 2015 documentary directed by Alex Gibney. The film explores the inner workings of the Church of Scientology, based on Lawrence Wright's book of the same name.
The documentary features interviews with former Scientology members who share their experiences within the organization. It delves into the history of Scientology and its founder, L. Ron Hubbard.
Gibney's film examines controversial aspects of Scientology, including alleged abuses and questionable practices. It also highlights the church's relationship with celebrities and its efforts to gain tax-exempt status.
"Going Clear" received critical acclaim and was nominated for seven Emmy Awards. The film's release sparked discussions about religious freedom and the nature of belief systems.
While not directly related to The Family International, this documentary provides insights into the dynamics of controversial religious movements and their impact on members' lives.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Going_Clear_(film)]
9) Wild Wild Country
Wild Wild Country is a Netflix documentary series that explores the controversial Rajneeshpuram community in Oregon. The six-part series chronicles the rise and fall of Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and his followers in the 1980s.
The documentary focuses on the conflict between the Rajneeshees and local residents of Wasco County. It delves into the group's attempts to build a utopian city and the resulting clashes with nearby towns.
Ma Anand Sheela, Rajneesh's personal secretary, emerges as a central figure in the series. Her role in managing the commune and navigating its legal battles is extensively covered.
The filmmakers present a balanced view of the events, including perspectives from former cult members, local residents, and law enforcement. This approach allows viewers to form their own opinions about the complex situation.
Wild Wild Country received critical acclaim for its storytelling and examination of religious freedom, cultural conflict, and the American Dream. The series premiered at the Sundance Film Festival before its Netflix release in 2018.
Historical Background
The Family International began as a counterculture Christian movement in the late 1960s. It underwent significant changes in structure and practices over subsequent decades while maintaining core spiritual beliefs.
Founding and Early Years
David Brandt Berg founded The Family International in 1968 in Huntington Beach, California. Initially called Teens for Christ, the group attracted hippies and young people disillusioned with mainstream society. Berg, known as "Father David," preached a message of Christian love and apocalyptic prophecy.
The movement grew rapidly, establishing communes across the United States. In 1969, it was renamed Children of God. Members adopted communal living, street evangelism, and unconventional practices that drew controversy. By the early 1970s, the group had expanded internationally, sending missionary teams to various countries.
Evolution Over Time
In the late 1970s, the group rebranded as The Family of Love, then simply The Family. This period saw changes in structure and practices. The 1980s brought increased scrutiny from authorities and former members.
Leadership implemented reforms in the 1990s, distancing the group from some earlier controversial teachings. After Berg's death in 1994, his wife Karen Zerby took over leadership. In 2004, the group adopted its current name, The Family International.
Recent years have seen further changes, with a shift away from communal living and a more decentralized structure. The group maintains a presence in numerous countries, though with reduced membership compared to its peak.
Core Beliefs and Practices
The Family International embraces a unique blend of Christian teachings and communal living principles. Their faith centers on spreading God's love and salvation while fostering close-knit spiritual communities.
Spiritual Teachings
The Family International holds the Bible as the cornerstone of their beliefs. They view it as divinely inspired and use it as the foundation for their faith and practices. Jesus Christ is central to their teachings, emphasizing personal relationships with Him.
The group believes in sharing the "good news" of God's love and salvation with others. They interpret Biblical prophecies and incorporate them into their worldview. Prophecy and divine revelation play significant roles in their spiritual life.
Members engage in prayer, worship, and Bible study as core spiritual practices. They also believe in spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues and faith healing.
Community Life
The Family International originally focused on communal living arrangements. Members shared resources and lived together in spiritual communities. This practice has evolved over time, with less emphasis on physical communes today.
Service and outreach are key aspects of community life. Members actively engage in missionary work and charitable activities. They aim to translate God's love into practical actions that benefit others.
The group promotes strong family values and child-rearing practices based on their interpretation of Biblical principles. Education often combines spiritual teachings with academic subjects.
