People Magazine Investigates: Cults Season 1 Episode 3 Word of Life

In the third episode of People Magazine Investigates: Cults season 1, titled "Word of Life," the series delves into the disturbing and tragic events that took place within the Word of Life Christian Church.

In 2015, a young man named Lucas Leonard was brutally beaten to death inside the church, while his brother Christopher sustained serious injuries as well. The brothers had been attending the church for years and were well-known among the congregation, but their deaths shocked the community and brought to light the dangerous and extreme practices of the church's leaders.

Through interviews with former members of the church, as well as law enforcement officials and experts on cults and religious extremism, "Word of Life" explores the inner workings of the Word of Life Christian Church and how its leaders were able to manipulate and control their followers.

Viewers will learn about the church's strict rules and regulations, which included isolating members from the outside world, forcing them to adhere to a rigid schedule of prayer and study, and subjecting them to intense physical and emotional abuse. The church also held bizarre and disturbing rituals and practices, such as "counseling sessions" during which members would be berated and humiliated in front of their peers.

As the investigation into Lucas Leonard's death unfolds, viewers will witness the lengths to which the church's leaders went to cover up the crime and protect their own interests. Through interviews with investigators and witnesses, "Word of Life" reveals the shocking details of the Leonard brothers' final moments and the aftermath of the tragedy.

Ultimately, "Word of Life" is a chilling exploration of the dangers of cults and the devastating consequences that can result from blind faith and the abuse of power. It is a cautionary tale that serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and aware in the face of manipulation and control.