Child sexual abusers commonly turn to religion to rationalize their behaviour
In a previous article archived on this site religion writer Don Lattin pointed out the similarities between Phillip Garrido and the self-proclaimed prophets Joseph Smith and David Berg. The article posted below reveals a few more details of Garrido's religious development. The following quotation really drives home just how similar they are since it aptly applies to both Joseph Smith and David Berg:
Garrido's religion had morphed from traditional Christian beliefs to a nearly indecipherable dogma that placed Garrido as a prophet who held the keys to a deep secret.This is precisely the process that led David Berg to form the cult Children of God, now known as The Family International. He started as a traditional evangelical Christian, but created a personal mythology wherein he claimed that he was the subject of various prophecies and scriptures foretelling that he was God's final endtime prophet before the return of Jesus (in 1993 according to Berg's teachings). Even though Jesus never returned (and never will) and Berg died in 1994, The Family cult members still believe he was a prophet of God.
Furthermore, both Joseph Smith and David Berg claimed divine inspiration for the various sexual doctrines they inculcated their followers with. In reality, both men were covering up their own sexual immoralities by claiming religious justification. In David Berg's case, he admitted in his writings to molesting one of his daughters, and his other daughter wrote in her book about the cult that Berg attempted incest with her. He also committed adultery shortly after forming his cult and committed various other sexual improprieties. Then to justify his sexual abuses, he began to claim that God no longer prohibited any kind of sexual activity, including adultery, incest, pedophilia, prostitution, etc. His writings, which are still required reading for all members, are responsible for wide-spread sexual abuse.
At a recent conference of cult apologists in Utah, the current leaders of The Family International addressed the conference in an attempt to gain mainstream acceptance or tolerance for their manipulative, abusive cult. They referred to the various sexual doctrines I mentioned above, as well as to other abusive doctrines, as unique and unconventional.
More:
http://www.anatheist.net/go/news/?x=55fHat-tip to:
http://twitter.com/LoveVickyx/status/3977393177