People Magazine Investigates: Cults

Prophet David Berg attracts thousands of followers as the Children of God cult spreads through communes around the world. But his free love message turns sinister, espousing prostitution, sexual abuse of children and rampant violence in prison camps.

In the late 60s, Charles Manson entices dozens of young women to live with him in a California desert commune. The facade breaks when Manson orders his followers to commit a string of gruesome murders that 50 years later, still haunt the nation's psyche.

In 1997, Heaven's Gate leader Marshall Applewhite convinces 39 people to follow him to their graves; the world sees the event as the largest mass suicide on U.S. soil, but for Applewhite's followers, it is a way to catch a UFO to heaven.

In 2014, a severed human leg draws attention to The Work, an apocalyptic cult; known as the Sinful Messiah, Julius Shacknow commands total devotion and terrible sacrifice, called "the special work," as the only way to achieve eternal salvation.

Charismatic preacher Sam Fife inspires a worldwide network of nondenominational Christian groups; to prepare for the apocalypse, followers renounce everything to move to the wilderness where they're subjected to beatings, exorcisms and brainwashing.

Lost souls flock to North Carolina where they're promised deliverance from demons by Pastor Jane Whaley at the Word of Faith Fellowship; however, deliverance comes at a price, including beatings, medical horrors and psychological abuse.