From promoting incest to spreading apocalyptic prophesies, David Berg was one of history's most depraved cult leaders — with as many as 10,000 followers across the world.

To his followers, David Berg appeared to be a charismatic man of steadfast faith dedicated to a life full of serving God. In reality, he was one of the most disturbed zealots of the 20th century, and his Children of God cult encouraged the sexual abuse of children and incest. One victim born into the cult later described her upbringing as “hell on Earth.”

The cult first emerged in California in the 1960s, amidst a growing mistrust of larger institutions. While it’s not as well known today, the Children of God cult (now called the Family International) once had thousands of members worldwide. These members included young

See Full Page