Ep 5. The Movement of God

In the fifth episode of season two of People Magazine Investigates: Cults, titled "The Movement of God," the show examines a mysterious group known as The Movement. Led by a charismatic man named Clyde Leland, this organization claimed to be a church with a mission to prepare for the end of the world. However, as the episode reveals, The Movement was anything but a harmless religious group.

Through interviews with former members and expert analysis, the show traces the history of The Movement, which began in the 1970s in California. Leland, a former salesman turned religious leader, began preaching that he had received messages from God, including a revelation that the end of the world was imminent. He began recruiting followers, and the group quickly grew in size.

However, as some members began to leave and speak out against the group, a darker side of The Movement began to emerge. Former members describe being subjected to intense psychological manipulation and abuse, including sleep deprivation and shunning. Others were forced to live in poverty and perform backbreaking labor for little or no pay.

The episode also explores the ways in which The Movement was able to manipulate its members. One former member describes how Leland would use fear tactics to keep people in line, telling them that they would be punished by God if they left the group. Others were told that they needed to do work for the group in order to ensure their place in heaven.

As the show delves deeper into the history of The Movement, it becomes clear that this was not just a religious group, but a cult. Experts weigh in on the psychological tactics used by the group to control its members, and the episode highlights the devastating impact that cults can have on individuals and families.

Ultimately, "The Movement of God" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of cults, and a reminder of the need to stay vigilant against those who seek to manipulate and control others in the name of religion. Through its powerful storytelling and expert analysis, this episode of People Magazine Investigates: Cults sheds light on a little-known group and the devastating impact it had on its members.