How the BLEEP did that happen?! - Episode 18

November 2, 2017 Mark Vicente

[I recommend going in numerical order with the Episodes. They build on each other.]

Episode 30 contains the full resource list.

While we're pondering Narcissistic Personality Disorder, I want to share a Documentary that I found stunningly 'unreal'. It's important to see the patterns at play in different groups. The articles of faith and specifics might be different, but the pattern is fundamentally the same.

The Cult at the End of the World (2007) Director: Ben Anthony

Synopsis: Michael Travesser says he's the Messiah and that God has told him the world will end with an apocalyptic event at midnight on 31 October 2007. As leader of a cult in a remote corner of New Mexico called Strong City, this 66-year-old former sailor, previously called Wayne Bent, has spent nearly 20 years preparing his 56 unquestioning and devoted followers for Doomsday. They say they are all preparing for death, to go to a better place. As the programme delves into the world of Strong City, the program finds out whether Michael Travesser is about to lead his cult to suicide. Will this be another tragedy like Jonestown or Waco? Or is Travesser just a skilful manipulator, who undermines his subjects before convincing them that he is the route to all wisdom? Our world did not come to an end on 31 October 2007 - but did theirs?

To be continued....