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.