Ep 6. Twelve Tribes

In episode 6 of season 1 of "Cults and Extreme Belief," titled "Twelve Tribes," we delve deep into a religious group that began in the early 1970s in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The group, which calls itself the Twelve Tribes, is led by a man named Gene Spriggs, who goes by the name of Yoneq. The group's beliefs are centered around communal living and the conviction that the end of the world is near.

The episode begins by exploring the origins of the group, which started out as a simple Bible study group. However, the group's members gradually began to adopt a more extreme interpretation of Christianity, which included the belief that they were the true descendants of the twelve tribes of Israel. This belief led to the group's decision to adopt Jewish customs and a way of life reminiscent of Old Testament times.

The Twelve Tribes' way of life is heavily centered around communal living, and each member is expected to contribute their labor and resources to the group. The group owns multiple businesses, including restaurants and construction companies, and relies on the labor of its members to keep these businesses running smoothly. Members are expected to adhere to strict rules and regulations, including dress codes and restrictions on the use of technology.

As the episode progresses, we see how the Twelve Tribes' way of life has affected the group's members. Many members report feeling a sense of community and fulfillment that they didn't experience before joining the group. However, former members and critics of the group have raised concerns about the group's strict rules and the way in which its members are isolated from the outside world.

The episode also explores accusations of child abuse within the group, which have been raised by former members and investigated by state authorities. Former members allege that children within the group are subjected to physical discipline, including beatings with rods, as a way of enforcing the group's strict rules. The group has denied these accusations, but investigations by outside agencies have led to the placement of several children from the group into foster care.

Overall, episode 6 of "Cults and Extreme Belief" provides a fascinating look into a religious group whose beliefs and way of life are unlike anything most viewers have ever encountered. Through interviews with both current and former members of the group, we gain insight into the group's inner workings and the impact it has had on the lives of its members. At the same time, the episode raises important questions about the balance between religious freedom and the safety and well-being of those who choose to join such groups.