Faith and spiritualism continue to play an important role in shaping the lives of many individuals across the globe today. But what follows when an individual’s religion itself is questioned? A Netflix documentary series called “In The Name of God: A Holy Betrayal” probes deeper into the subject and offers a never-before-seen perspective on religion and faith. With that being said, here are a few movies and series to try if you like “In The Name of God: A Holy Betrayal.”
The Source Family (2012)
This movie delves into the life and times of the eccentric preacher Jim Baker, widely regarded as Father Yod, as well as the religious group he created called “The Source Family.” The beliefs and shared culture of the organization soon attracted a wide variety of adherents, and the community swiftly expanded in number. Their rising profile in the public eye led many people to label them a sect or a potentially harmful institution. The documentary also digs into the negative elements of the cult’s past, such as claims of rape, molestation, and blackmail, as well as the cult’s breakup after Father Yod’s passing. The documentary gives a varied and impartial portrait of the community, showing both their excellent achievements and their weaknesses, and highlights crucial concerns regarding the structure of religious groupings as well as the perils of unbridled influence.
Heaven’s Gate: The Untold True Story (1999)
The show examines the harrowing account of the highly controversial “Heaven’s Gate” sect, which carried out a collective suicide. In the first episode, viewers meet the leaders of the group, who portray themselves as sentient beings from another world whose objective is to assist their human disciples in reaching enlightenment. Sci-fi movies and books played a significant role in shaping the institution’s worldview, and as they persisted in their objective, they drew more and more apart from the rest of society. The followers frequently acted as preachers, traveling to different parts of the planet to share their philosophy and attract younger recruits through creative means. There were several accusations leveled against the sect, including that they were engaged in fraudulent practices and indoctrination in order to recruit new members.
Prophet’s Prey (2015)
This particular film delves into the controversial past of the FLDS, a Mormon group that broke away from mainstream society. Beginning with a historical context established by a look at the historical Mormon Society, the film offers a summary of the “fundamentalist Latter-Day Saints” and their development. The film gradually reveals more about the FLDS, such as its rigorous religious customs and its influence over its adherents’ lives. The horrifying reality regarding the injustices committed inside the group is revealed through the testimonies of the ex-followers. Things like molestation, child brides, and brainwashing teenagers into the FLDS’s stringent religious views were all commonplace.
The Vow (2020)
This drama chronicles the rise and fall of the scandalous organisation NXIVM, whose founder, Keith Raniere, offered a regimen of seminars and training designed to assist its members in attaining greater prosperity in all areas of their lives. Yet as the episodes go on, it grows obvious that everything is a lie and a mere hoax. The series exposes the dark reality of the cult via conversations with ex-members and archive material involving claims of rape, extortion, and deception. The show highlights the perils of unfettered leadership while also raising pertinent concerns regarding the leadership dynamics of persuasion and control.
Wako: The Rules Of Engagement (1997)
This movie takes a gander at the circumstances enveloping the infamous 1993 seizure of a cultist group in Waco commanded by David Koresh. The movie provides an alternative viewpoint on the police’s tactics throughout the standoff and poses pertinent issues concerning the excessive use of violence by the state. For months, the cultist sect sat on the police’s radar due to its radical ideology and activities. The movie casts doubt on the state’s account of the assault and prompts major inquiries into the legality of the security force’s utilisation of power. The documentary implies the police and federal bureau handled the issue poorly, which contributed to a major death toll.
Wild Wild Country (2018)
The show examines the upward and downward trajectory of the notorious Rajneeshpuram society, which was headed by Shree Rajneesh throughout the ’80s. The first episode introduces Bhagwan, the flamboyant founder of the society, whose message of sensual and individual liberty resonated with a broad audience. With the help of his disciples, Bhagwan bought a sprawling property in Oregon during the 1980s and set about establishing an independent society there. Unfortunately, the rustic Oregonians quickly caught wind of the cult’s existence and reacted quite negatively to them. The show follows the gang through a succession of judicial and social challenges that arose out of the growing tensions between them and the law. As the situation escalated, the cult resorted to more severe tactics for self-defence, such as buying firearms and engaging in a wide variety of criminal actions.
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