It is an American sect founded in the 1960s by David Berg, better known as Moses David.
Born in 1919 into a Protestant family dedicated to religious ministry, he connected in the 1960s with the “Jesus people” movement. He collaborated for a time with the Protestant organization Teen Challenge, and later formed a group with which he went to Arizona, after twice prophesying, erroneously, the End of the World.
He left the United States after some of the sect’s peculiarities came to public attention (use of spiritism, sexual manipulation of adherents, etc.). Settled during the seventies in the Canary Islands, he later took refuge in Libya. His death was concealed by his followers for some time.
History:
Initially arising under the shelter of the “Jesus Revolution”, it progressively acquired a sectarian character (announcements of the End of the World, techniques for depersonalizing adherents, unconditional submission to the sect’s leader, etc.), whose most scandalous manifestations are the prostitution of adherents for the benefit of the sect and the trafficking of children resulting from this conduct.
It is considered dangerous by the European Parliament and by the governments of various States. It currently has a worldwide membership ranging between 15,000 and 30,000.
Brief explanation of its doctrine:
Theologically, the sect has undergone no small development in its theology if we analyze it from the standpoint of the Christianity it claims to profess.
Like the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Adventists, it denies the existence of hell and has also announced – erroneously – dates connected with the End of the World. It believes – as the Adventists do regarding Ellen White and the Mormons regarding Joseph Smith – that the writings of its prophet, Moses David, are inspired by God.
It denies the doctrine of the Trinity and likes to present the Holy Spirit as an attractive half-naked woman. As in the case of other sects such as Mormons, Seventh-day Adventists and Jehovah’s Witnesses, spiritism played a very important role in its origins, although, in the case of the Children of God, this is not hidden but acknowledged.
They think that, in order to be saved, it is enough to accept Jesus, the Son of God, as one’s own Savior, asking him to enter the heart. Christ is the answer to all problems.
Regarding sex, they believe there is nothing wrong with it and that one must not be selfish. Love is demonstrated through sex. If one lives as a couple, one is being selfish. It is very good for winning adherents.
Churches are of no use, since they have complicated Christ’s message.
They interpret the Bible literally, not its message.
Conclusion:
This sect is very dangerous. Certainly they draw people away from alcohol and drugs, but on the other hand they lead them into the most complete slavery, completely nullifying their personality.
This is a case in which the dignity of the person is completely annihilated, which is why the Children of God are incompatible with the Christian faith.
Bibliography:
“Sectas y otras doctrinas en la actualidad”, Francisco Nieto, C.M., Conference of the Mexican Episcopate.
“Diálogo con los Protestantes”, Fr. Flaviano Amatulli, Apóstoles de la Palabra
