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| Black Rose Spiritual Center, Inc : Belief Systems |
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| The Family of Love |
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| ADDRESS: BM Box 8440, London WCIN 3XX, United Kingdom OTHER NAMES: The Children of God CURRENT LEADERSHIP: There is no world leader. Each "colony" is independent and self governing, united only in their goals of "loving the lost and evangelizing the world." Moses David, a name chosen by Rev. Berg, writes letters of fatherly counsel and advice to all colonies and the general public. MEMBERSHIP: Not reported HISTORICAL ROOTS: The Family of Love evolved out of revivalist movements affecting the California youth culture in the late 1960s led by the Rev. David Brandt Berg. At first they took the name "Teens for Christ" and later were called the Children of God by the news media, after Berg's followers travel led through the United States on an Exodus like trek in 1969, settling in Texas in 1970. Although the focus of much controversy, the Children became a highly mobile and evangelical body and continued to grow. In the mid seventies they have attempted to replace their revolutionary image with one more conservative, emphasizing a settled existence of colonies in urban centers. They also adopted the name Family of Love. BASIC BELIEFS: The Family of Love bases its teachings on the Bible, the Revolutionary handbook of Jesus Christ, as expounded by the prophetic leader, Moses David. They believe that all people have sinned, and that the wages of sin is death, but that the gift of God is eternal life. They believe that all evil governments will suffer God's judgments and that the motivation of much of established society is corrupt; i.e., greed and selfishness. They believe that much of the religious establishment is doing little to teach their members to evangelize the world, but that there are millions of other Christians who really witness and win souls both in and out of the churches. They believe that God has in His love sent his Son Jesus Christ into the world so that all who believe in him will be saved by faith (Ephesians 2: 8 9). Following the New Testament example, they sell all that they have, give all property and income to the Family of Love, and hold all things in common. They believe that they are given power by the holy spirit to witness for Jesus, and that this holy Spirit sends them into the world to preach the Gospel to others. They believe that disciples must be willing to avoid worldly entanglements, and to suffer affliction gladly. The Family of Love accepts as equal in authority the Bible and those |
| of Moses David's writings which are inspirational prophetic. Both are considered to be the word of God. The writings of Moses David are published in a series of letters. called MO Letters. PRACTICES AND BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS: Ethical guidelines are drawn from the Bible as interpreted by Moses David. Family of Love are expected to be quiet and orderly, to obey the law and officers of the law, to show respect for owners of property and officials of schools and establishments. Family of Love are not allowed to use narcotics and tobacco. They believe in marriage with permanent mates with divorce being a very rare exception. Sex is seen as a normal and healthy function of marriage. Family of Love are encouraged to fill their life with witnessing and Bible study. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: Each colony is headed by a shepherd who is elected by the colony members. Each three colonies are grouped together into a district with a district shepherd elected by the colony shepherds and approved by the next level up (the regional shepherd), or appointed by the colony shepherds. This pattern is followed with districts being grouped together into regions, etc. Each local colony is autonomous and the overseeing shepherds offer suggestions, teach classes, and help to coordinate witnessing efforts in their area. According to the need, some countries or language areas will have an information and correspondence center that serves the general public. The only international operation of the group is the gathering of news and events worldwide and published bimonthly and sent to all members and subscribers in a magazine called, The New National News. Moses David's position is that of a father figure writing letters of fatherly council and advice to his children around the world. MINISTERIAL LEADERSHIP: Each colony is governed by its local council (comprised of all members of the colony with three months membership or more) which is headed by the shepherd. All decisions are by majority vote of the council members. Although the colonies are a voluntary association, they generally aspire to follow the guidelines of the writings of Moses David. Converts desiring to serve full time in Gospel ministry undergo leadership training and are then ordained for the Gospel ministry. Colony shepherds or elders are formally or informally chosen by the members. Often these shepherds will be a married couple. Within a colony, usually the shepherd or someone the shepherd appoints, conducts inspirational meetings. Outside the colonies (i.e., someone who is not able to live full time in a colony, such as a person in the armed services), anyone may call a service. WORSHIP: All are encouraged, but not required, to attend evening gatherings for prayer and Bible study, and to worship as individuals. Communion with bread and wine may be practiced. A convert or "babe Christian" first spends much time studying the Bible, the teachings of Moses David, and participating in group prayers. DIETARY STANDARDS: None, but members are encouraged to eat "healthful" foods. FUNERAL AND BURIAL REQUIREMENTS: None. Autopsy and cremation are Permitted. MEDICAL TREATMENT: No restrictions, although initial cures may be attempted by praying over sick member. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: The Family of Love requests contentious objector (CO) status for members. Many members who have served in the armed forces have requested non combatant status. The Family of Love engages in active witnessing by word of mouth and by distributing literature, greeting people and talking with them, handing out copies of the MO Letters. Prospective young members, especially those alienated from the mainstream society, are promised experience of a loving, supportive community. The colonies attempt to fulfill this promise. The Family of Love is eager to share its faith with others. The overzealousness of a few early members was viewed as offensive to some churches they contacted, but this was never their policy. Many times they have found acceptance and cooperation among various sectors of the Church and World Council of Churches, and have developed open and cooperative relationships on mutual goals of world evangelism. GENERAL SOURCE BOOKS: None. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: There are no active colonies of the Family of Love known to be functioning in the United States as of 1991. For more information, contact the international headquarters in London. |
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