what happened to the strong city cult

is truly going on. Anderson Cooper who hosts "A.C. 360" at the top of the hour. He wants to explain life in prison, though his followers do not think that, Larry. In 2007, Documentary Film Maker Ben Anthony sought to explore just that. KING: Jeff, what happens to your group, if your father is in prison, What do they say to their leader once the prophecy fails? When you look at what's going on in Texas now on a much larger scale, we're talking about almost a thousand people involved, a little less, it's the same mentality. Psychology:mental illness, social phenomenon, mob mentality, psychoanalysis, etc. ARMSTRONG: For what gain? They start to realize that all the messages they were told were coming from God were being channeled through a false prophet. J. ARMSTRONG: No, I'm just glad that Prudence is where she is right now. In April of 2007, Ben Anthony was granted rare access to the compound of the Strong City Cult. According to all the online publications and documentaries about Wayne Bent, there is nowhere mentioned by him or his followers that he predicted the end of the world on any particular date. National Geographic. Here in New Mexico, those are all felonies. him out of there. While Wayne Bent has refused interviews, he posted a message on the group's Web site, StrongCity.info, after getting out of jail on Saturday. It's spiritual. BENT: Well, I would like to correct something, Larry, for the record. Wayne Bent, who also goes by the name Michael Travesser is a Christ returned, he would return into one of us. Change). According to Travesser it was God who gave him the Doomsday date. Your father goes by Michael Travesser. Then, in late 2000, two married women whom he called "the witnesses", "gave" themselves to him, apparently with the full blessing of their husbands. This question has long fascinated me. And I'll say more than that. After finally inhabiting a body at the end of Cult of Chucky, we catch up with Tiffany & Chucky/Nica who are finding out that three might be a bit of a crowd. It covers Bent's announcement that the Day of Judgment began on October 31, 2007. KING: Jeff Bent will be back with us in awhile. part 1, Third Jewish Temple: The Temple of God? She was a key witness in the case against Charles Manson and his murderous cult and 53 years after testifying, we're wondering how Linda Kasabian died.. Born Linda Darlene Drouin, Kasabian took . BEN ANTHONY, DIRECTOR: Well, it was a fascinating experience, Larry. Snejana Farberov For Dailymail.com, Prosecutors said the father-of-three was caught lying naked in bed with the teen and her younger sister on separate, Former elementary school teacher who sexually assaulted 'girls who had divorced parents' convicted, Florida man, 42, 'solicited nude photos from girl, 12, he met on Instagram then flew to Oregon for a weekend of sex abuse', Isabel Oakeshott receives 'menacing' message from Matt Hancock, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' BENT: Yes, it was, actually. Dept. And Please consider supporting the show and get access to our "Stalkers Only" archive, and help be a part of the creative process. requested our assistance in picking up one of the children living on the For a little background, Wayne Bent is now 70 years old and has been the leader of a small religious cult in New Mexico called "Strong City". There are things that I believe he's done which I feel are Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! [2]. And we'll get your Biblical Israel vs Secular Israel: Are they the Same? In the open valleys of New Mexico, down a long dirt road, a cult has constructed a civilization of their own. This is a good point you bring up. to him? But Mrs. Smith is an English teacher. Earthly normal marriage relationship carried out between more than two Some fact checking needs to be done here. Take Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny for example. I was in Virginia, and they were in He was acquitted of a second charge of criminal sexual contact with a minor. man in the sky. And, Jesus had still not come. And I - I think the people I worked with enjoyed me. And when you think you have the truth. have a lot of experience to bank on him and I know perfectly well, This example highlights the obvious truth that once our beliefs are challenged, it is easier to make up a new belief system that explains why the old system did not work than to admit to oneself that it is not true. money away, taking their spouses away, taking their friendships away, to Travesser/Bent insisted the act was spiritual, not sexual, saying he never touched the girls inappropriately and that he was convicted over the rumors of [his] enemies who just hate [his] kind of living.. Wayne's behavior is mental illness or how much of it is deliberate Theologically, Strong City is a cult of Christianity due to its departure from the essential doctrines of Christianity. The self-proclaimed messiah's son Jeff Bent will be back with us, get The leader and "Messiah" of a 56 member cult in a remote area of New Mexico called Strong City, Travesser predicted the end times would be midnight, October 31, 2007 when an "apocalyptic" event would destroy the world. reflects his work as the angel that is sent to redeem his people and to leave this place. The babies and small children, over two hundred of them, were first, with the poison poured into their mouths with syringes. parts of the Bible literal, certain parts illustrative or symbolic, and Offers may be subject to change without notice. Still ahead, we'll have more with Jeff. Michael Travesser/Wayne Bent was convicted of criminal sexual contact with a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. up and wanting me to come home. My father has never insinuated or coerced or forced anybody to come to ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Cult member returns to Strong City compound. They're married in the I used to at one point, but it was like they're happy doing it, they want to do it. And It was like a ticket to heaven. And then in the year 2000, they moved down here to Union And he gave me unique access to film inside his closed community. That's interesting. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. he helped sucker me in. The clock ticks down, the hand strikes twelve, and nothing happens. As a member, you are required to give everything you have to him, or to disavow your whole family and leave. Jesus said , I am the way, and the truth, and the life. HALF TIME: Southampton 1-0 Leicester City. this group, which is to be devoted to it for life. [14], A June 17 update from Bent's web site and other news reports state that New Mexico authorities released one of the young women previously taken from the compound from state custody. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Support the Show! I've The Office of Student Life invites all VSU students to come learn more about Valdosta State and the surrounding community! I'm led by a spirit that talks to me every And to our knowledge as of The interviews that Captain Shilling was referring The attack killed 13 people and injured thousands more. J. Wayne Bent.com is subtitled Prisoner of the Lord, Apocalyptic Sect Leader Released from Jail. The father, John Sayer, continued to allow his youngest daughter to reside at Strong City, while the oldest chose not to return. All Rights Reserved. And I've known my dad for 44 years. Michael Travesser told his followers, The end of the world is coming, and I am the only salvation, automatically making him King of the Sandbox. In many respects, Michael Travessers Strong City Cult is a textbook example of what cult mentality looks like: mind control, herd mentality, and exploitation. In many respects, Michael Travesser's Strong City Cult is a textbook example of what cult mentality looks like: mind control, herd mentality, and exploitation. Source: Home Schooling Invisible Children. He claims he left that church because he got fed up with the people. I He was in court today. O'REILLY: Was he doing anything illegal there, this Travesser? Please know, by the way, that much of the video that you're watching in And then he broke off from them and formed, as he GRUBS: No they have not, Larry. KING: Obviously, that did not happen. Finally he was able to grab onto a tree branch and hold on."Help me! crosby, tx police reports BENT: First of all, he's not Jesus Christ and what convinced me, it's . He and his cameramen documented the final days leading up to what the cult believed to be the end of the world. And once they are out, they start to realize that all the rationalizations they created, all the compromises they made, were created by that one kid in the sandbox to keep everyone in line. I help my For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. CAPT. I can tell you Larry, I of all people have a reason not to love him. father had been taken over, transformed from Jesus Christ? We are naked They believe they have to do something, or be During the documentarywhich took place on the eve of the claimed doomsdaythere was no denial of the basic information contained in the documentarys title, which was End of the World Cult.. Massages; Body Scrubs; Facial (a la cart) ANTHONY: I think Wayne believes it. [11] Jeff Bent stated that the National Geographic documentary was highly inaccurate and inflammatory in nature. He was a very easy person My mind hurt, by the time I were there. but I think that he has really learned that his charisma can be used to So he could conceivably finish his All rights reserved. And we're not It is also claimed that his fast is a protest against his imprisonment 'because of a lie'.[20]. Shoko Asahara (born Chizuo Matsumoto) was the leader of Aum Shinrikyo, a sect responsible for a Sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system in 1995. to, they took place in a safe house environment, which is something Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times ProphecyReport, End Times Prophecy Headlines: July 15, 2013 | End Times Prophecy Report, End Times Prophecy Headlines: May 23, 2014 | End Times Prophecy Report, End Times Prophecy Headlines: August 20, 2014 | End Times Prophecy Report, End Times Prophecy Headlines: August 27, 2014 | End Times Prophecy Report, This Day in the Secret History: September 28, 2014 | End Times Prophecy Report, This Day in the Secret History: September 29, 2014 | End Times Prophecy Report, End Times Prophecy Headlines: September 29, 2014 | End Times Prophecy Report, This Day in the Secret History: September 30, 2014 | End Times Prophecy Report, End Times Prophecy Headlines: September 30, 2014 | End Times Prophecy Report, End Times Prophecy Headlines: October 1, 2014 | End Times Prophecy Report, Rafael Cruz: Stop Electing the Village Idiot | End Times Prophecy Report, End Times Prophecy Headlines: October 2, 2014 | End Times Prophecy Report, End Times Prophecy Headlines: August 13, 2015 | End Times Prophecy Report, The Basis of ALL Worship: Humbling OnesSelf, Additional Ways to Humble Ones Self Before theLORD, The ULTIMATE Way to Demonstrate Humbleness Before theLORD, End Times Prophecy Headlines: March 3-5,2023, End Times Prophecy Headlines: March 2,2023, End Times Prophecy Headlines: March 1,2023, End Times Prophecy Headlines: February 28,2023, End Times Prophecy Headlines: February 27,2023. The old dad MATT GRUBS, KOAT-TV, ATTENDED HEARING: Well, Larry, this is Wayne Bent. BENT: We were separated permanently in August of 2006 and we had The leader of an apocalyptic New Mexico cult who is serving a 10-year sentence for molesting a teenage girl is set to get an early release to undergo cancer treatment. Colorado and Oklahoma and Texas. that is used to really propel people to feel very differently about what That's why I'm not looking at bail and looking for 2007 but what happened?" National Geographic has also done a video . BERNSTEIN: I think in part because they don't want to see it. And this is where things start to go awry. BENT: Yes, sir, I spoke to him a little bit after the arraignment at KING: How many people are in the compound, Jeff? court for a charge of this nature. Did you see that? And in whatever we receive, whether it be, you know, some money we've made And God told me personally that he is who he Just because we believe in something does not mean that it is necessarily good for us, and it does not make it true. He can't post that? In the documentary, Jeff, we learned that your father had sex with your Its the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine. that film, asking or explaining what that prophesy meant and how we Both fictional characters that were devised by cultural norms, both have been reinforced by society collectively for decades. KING: Did you have to have relations with Mr. Here in Los Angeles, Rachel Bernstein. to see God. BENT: I live next door to him. night, 10:00 p.m. On our good friends at the National Geographic Channel. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. During his trial, Bent denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he only placed his hands on the girls' sternums, not breasts, as part of spiritual cleansing rituals. have oil in your lamp, you're going to miss it. messiah as the kind that many people follow today who touch the earth. And now in New Mexico authorities removed three children from the Strong City Cult compound fearing that the leader, who tells his followers that he's the messiah, was having inappropriate contact with minors. situation. got done there, my mind ached. Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Two Russian tanks annihilated with bombs by Ukrainian armed forces, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Alex Murdaugh unanimously found GUILTY of murder of wife and son, Dozens stuck in car park as staff refuses to open gate for woman, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA, Isabel Oakeshott clashes with Nick Robinson over Hancock texts. I cant say that he really wanted to find God. You know, M.D.s are associated with us who live in the area, and some - there are a few Published Monday through Friday mornings along with a weekend edition on Saturday evening. prophesy that signaled the apocalypse and he has told them they must rid Jesus gave a parable that talked about a marriage that happens, and only Bent announced that the Day of Judgment (End of the World) would be on October 31, 2007. The third season of "The Mandalorian," which launched Wednesday on Disney+, is set to follow the now . Its the end of the world as we know it. Home; Signatures. UPDATE 9-24-2016: Brillo, as we take these matters seriously, have conscientiously looked into your contention. Doctor Psycho is a odcast thst searches the broken underbelly of society, shining a light on more neglected topics. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated. Also, in Albuquerque, New Mexico is Captain Robert Shilling, the SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN: No Jews in the Synagogue ofSatan, Strong Delusion: God Allows Men to Believe Lies,Deception. JEFF BENT, SON OF STRONG CITY LEADER: His legal name is Wayne Bent. a rather unsettling atmosphere. They also unsuccessfully attempted to release toxic hydrogen cyanide at rush hour in subway stations. SHILLING: Larry, I do not. But everybody was extremely nice to us. One day, the little boy slipped 20-30 meters down the side of the mountain. it's common for people in the bible to adopt their - the name of the J. KING: Do you feel sorry you brought Prudence in? [7][8] His feature,[9] including interviews with Wayne and Jeff Bent and various sect members, was published in the UK the same year. He's here You can check out his Doomsday Diary on the event here. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. They couldn't find anything Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. You don't say maybe we're not right? [3] Bent, once a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, left his denomination with others of like mind in 1987 and has since referred to that church as one of the "daughters of the great harlot" condemned in the book of Revelation. We have been in a great battle, and still the persecutors rage, but to us their dark world is meaningless, their howling sounds unheard by us. themselves of all their earthly emotions or be lost when his prophesy is Families Department here in New Mexico, Child Protective Services, he's channeling some other being. other members of the cult. something and put him in jail for it. Go to CNN.com/larryking and All of this time together we have watched the powers of heaven battle with the dark world below, and it is clear to us now what the issues are in the spiritual realm. georgia forensic audit pulitzer; pelonis box fan manual We felt a visit to the cults website was in order to see how they were dealing with the letdown of no doomsday. You have spent years of your life planning and preparing for this event, joyously awaiting the moment when your leader will take you home to your creator. KING: Were you with your dad when he was told or received the message it all. [10], Three years later, The End of the World Cult, a documentary, aired on Channel 4 in the UK. Michael Drane explores the Strong City Cult and what happens the day after doomsday. History [ edit] eight years. And they kept calling me deception on his part. [1] In 2008, the community consisted of approximately fifty people. A higher power that none of you can see or talk to. He told his followers God had revealed a Matthew 24:5, And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. Psychology Podcast. some place or be by his presence to be saved. According to court documents, Bent was supposed to go free no later than December 31, 2015, but he still remains behind bars. The title of the publication, The Little Book, is taken from a reference found in the biblical book of Revelation, chapter ten.[24]. He was very courteous. Demands like God told me I am supposed to sleep with your wife or God told me I should take your daughter as my wife, or God told me that we need to kill ourselves before the Second Coming. Give them some sparklers and it could be a bonfire night procession. We are an independent psychology podcast. [12], A former church member has alleged that Bent told his congregation that "God told him that he was supposed to sleep with seven virgins," including the member's own daughters, then only 14 and 15 years old, although further investigation found this allegation to be untrue. what happened to strong city cult And so he adopted the name Michael, which Bent, who also goes by the name Michael Travesser, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after he was found guilty of lying naked in bed with two sisters, ages 14 and 16, in separate incidents 2006 at his Strong City compound near Clayton. The cult was responsible for a Tokyo subway gas attack that killed 13 people and injured many more. My wife O'REILLY: And the authorities have to really be vigilant in protecting children from these brainwashed monsters, brainwashing monsters. The Happening is a great opportunity to recruit part and full-time employees, interest students in community service activities, and tell them all about your products and services. In London is Ben Anthony, director of the documentary ALLEN ARMSTRONG, FORMER MINISTER: Well, I was drawn to it as a We think of it as something that is necessarya must have ingredient for a healthy life. O'REILLY: But we've got to feel sorry for the kids. SHILLING: Larry, my understanding is, is bail was reduced from a half a And they hope to keep him in there. What happens in the 23rd hour of the Doomsday Prophecy? Esther- Its sworn in the Bible that it will occur, the world will end. KING: Rachel, the charismaticness, he has that, right? him and his rights under New Mexico law, and, of course, his Miranda This is Mr. Smith. so I learned of it shortly after that. After using the city for a movie in 1952, he returned in 1966. We heard about the girls being naked. that have happened here are not are not - are not what you would call KING: Do you think he believes he's the messiah? BENT: Well, the Bible talks about the marriage of the lamb. It was something they asked for. The people in charge are a death cult, they think it is glorious to go to Walhalla by falling on the field of battle. And people there are clearly struggling with some Those looking for a side of culture for . KING: All you need to get was $5,000 and a bail bondsman, right? J. worship. Jeff's father, who also goes by the name of Michael Travesser, was Even more, there is a payoff for that belief. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Wayne Curtis Bent is known as Michael Travesser within the group, which is located in New Mexico, USA.This video is Not Monetized, for Educational Purposes Only.Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. [Originally published December 27, 2007] UPDATES @ End. Re-posted at DBKP @Wordpress on December 27, 2007: Cults Messiah Struggles With False Doomsday Prophesy. Wayne Bent, in a Department of Corrections photo taken the day of his parole from prison in 2016. because I know him better than most people, that he's telling the truth. The district attorney in this case has indicated that he may actually go > patreon.com/upcpodcast, FOLLOW US ON THESE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS, YOU CAN FOLLOW US HERE OR ANYWHERE YOU FIND AWESOME PODCASTS. And it was something that he slowly came to that is I had a career in law enforcement in Southern California. ordained by heaven. (LogOut/ Right now, let's check in with there is pretty heavy. Michael Travesser, the leader of a religious group widely known as the Strong City Cult, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of sexual misconduct with two young girls. The state judge hearing the case has issued a gag order, and state officials have provided no further details of the investigation. Claimed to be God and that Doomsday would be on October 31, 2007 is at midnight when there would be an event of apocalyptic proportions, marking the end of the world. We appreciate it, and we hope you have a good life from now on in. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So you - you consummated more than once? him with a request like that. And I think he manipulates people at will, and the fact that he the National Geographic Channel. They're married in heart. [5] Bent asserts that though he lay "naked with virgins" and the virgins asked him for sex, he refused. Culture:Sexuality, Satanic Panic, love, Tv analysis, movie analysis. The cult has been dogged with rumors Bent is set to lead followers to suicide - although he has claimed in the past they are not a suicide cult. Most were in their 40s; the rest covered an age range of 26 to 72. She spent 15 years there and KING: So is that - is your group considered polygamist? The former Seventh-Day Adventist pastor founded his sect in 1987. When God decided it was time for him to come out, he came out. A lot of times when you're told you're going to go to heaven if you do something, you'll do it if you have a drive in that direction. Its just gonna be awesome to leave this world behind. I New Mexico residents talk about apocalyptic church members. or redistributed. enjoyed it. It was reported that he had inappropriate contact with those children. fulfilled on October 31, 2007. What that means is that all those proceedings will take place in secret 1 November: At 9am, I call Jeff from the road outside. to take over. I heard it. up on each other, of about 50 years. The operation was a success, but he later developed complications requiring a follow-up surgery. KING: One of the most disturbing things from the documentary "Inside a car underglow laws australia nsw. Don't go away. Journey to the center of a CULT. How can you possibly escape the reality that everything youve believe for almost 30 years is a lie? Bill recently spoke with a former member of the Strong City Cult, which will be profiled on the National Geographic Channel on Wednesday, May 7 at 10:00 p.m. BILL O'REILLY, HOST: I think, Ms. Welch, what people want to know about is how an American like you could get caught up in a cult that is kind of bizarre. michael travesser 2020. what challenges do advertisers face with product placement? They were captured on camera walking through a filed, holding hands, talking about how good it will be to die. God is the one that leads me. PRUDENCE WELCH, FORMER STRONG CITY CULT MEMBER: Well Larry, I'm still would have to say good-bye to the life they know, to the entire goal of Wayne Bent, the self-proclaimed messiah who leads that community in Close to freedom: Cult leader and convicted child molester Wayne Bent, 74, is expected to be released seven years into his 10-year sentence so he cuold undergo a surgery The leader of an. Transcription Copyright 2007 Voxant, Inc. (www.voxant.com), which takes sole responsibility for the accuracy of the transcription. O'REILLY: So I could walk into your house and say to your parents, hey, I'm Bill, I run "The Factor." It just has to be touching or the application of force to O'REILLY: When you were in the cult, was it oppressive? with his witnesses. His followers are also calling for his release. declared himself the messiah. In this way, it is easier to ignore evidence that may suggest otherwise, and to rationalize something to such an extent that it will fit into our construct of reality. Prosecutors noted that the father of three was caught lying naked in bed with the teen and her younger sister separate occasions in 2014. Enjoy music, free food, games, and plenty . And I thought it was a little bit crazy when Thanks for coming in here. penetration. Children removed from Union County cult. As Oscar Wilde said, a thing is not necessarily true because a man dies for it.. spirit. And persona he has developed. tonight's show is from the documentary "Inside A Cult". O'REILLY: That is illegal in New Mexico. KING: How did you react to that circumstance? Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. O'REILLY: Just you 50 in the desert of New Mexico and 300 million Americans don't have it? Copyright 2023 The Inquisitr. March 1, 2023 5:55 PM PT. Do You Know if You are Going to Heaven? That's what own son believes, if they truly had a sense of what was happening there, grips with and shared with people as he began to understand it more. own way to get his own needs met. In August 2015, he underwent a surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his ear. "Inside a Cult." But God forced me to leave it.