The Family International

I have made passing reference this term to the controversial religious movement The Family International and their infamous views/practices in regard to sex. The group was originally known as The Children of God and started in Huntington Beach, California in 1968. It was founded by David Berg who became known in the group as Dad, Moses David, and Father. Berg died in 1994.

The group celebrates its 40th anniversary this coming year.

For the movement's website go here. For a site that contains positive comments on the group, go here.

For sites that are critical of The Family International see XFamily, Moving On, Ex-Family, and CounterCog. For an evangelical Christian response to The Family see Making Things Straight.

HarperOne has just released Jesus Freaks by Don Lattin. It deals with the tragic case of Ricky Rodriquez, the son of Family leader Maria. In January 2005 Ricky killed long-time Family member Angela Smith and then killed himself. This murder-suicide led to renewed media attention on The Family International.

There is a memorial site by ex-members to Ricky here. The Family has a website in honor of him here and one for Angela here.

For an interesting case of alleged plagiarism, see this site on Family Art.

Not Without My Sister is an important autobiographical work by three sisters raised in the group. Also, Sam Ajemian, a former member, has written The Children of God Cult, aka The Family.