The Family International and Jesus Freaks

In order to better understand the noise that the recently published book "Jesus Freaks" is creating and how it's causing a stir among readers especially with the religious sect named "The Family International", it's best to understand the author, the basis of the story, and the organization.

"Jesus Freaks - A Story of Murder and Madness on the Evangelical Edge" is a book written by one of Today's leading journalists focusing on alternative and mainstream religious movements in America, Don Lattin. His previous works include "Following Our Bliss - How the Spiritual Ideals of Sixties Shape Our Lives Today" and "Shopping for Faith - American Religion in the New Millennium" which he co-authored with Richard Cimino. He once was writer for the religion section of the San Francisco Chronicle and served as consultant and commentator of Dateline NBC's Primetime Live, ABC's Good Morning America, CNN's American Morning, and PBS' Religion and Ethics News Weekly. He also taught Religion Writing at the University of California at Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism.

The Family International (TFI) is a religious movement that has become often referred to as a "cult" formed by former Christian and Missionary Alliance Pastor David Brandt Berg. Berg is now widely referred by TFI's members as Moses David, Mo, Father David, Dad (to adult members), and Grandpa (to the younger members). It was originally called the "Children of God", and then it was named the "Family of Love" before it became TFI. According to www.wikipedia.com, TFI members "believe that the Great Commission of evangelizing the world is every Christian's duty and that their lives should be dedicated to the service of God and others." They sect has its own structure and has several levels of membership. They call the members who have the most commitment, "Family Disciples". These people live communally. For their detailed history and doctrines, go to www.thefamily.org.

The book tells the tragic story of Ricky Rodriguez, a former second generation member of TFI who is said to have experienced sexual abuse while still part of the sect. His parents were leaders of the organization and his emotional and physical trauma led him to seek revenge. He initially plotted to kill his mother (whom he hated so much) but ended up killing his Nanny, Angela Smith who is said to also have sexually abused him as a child. After killing Smith in Tucson, Ricky then drove to California to kill himself.

Jesus Freaks basically chronicles the abuse that transpires within the communes of the Family International. This abuse is called "sexual sharing" that involves sexual intimacy between adults and adults, adults and children, children and children, including between biologically-related family members.

In response to the book and in defense to the Family, Claire Borowik released a statement to the ABC stating, "Although Lattin's book does contain some sound research and factual information, it is laced with inaccuracies, misconceptions and erroneous conclusions lacking a factual base -- not to mention, sketchy research. Information provided by a handful of apostates with a clearly delineated agenda to demonize the Family is deemed credible, whereas information proceeding from current Family members is deemed questionable, at best."