Throughout history, various religious and spiritual groups have incorporated sex into their rituals and practices. While some of these practices are rooted in ancient traditions, others have emerged more recently, often attracting controversy and legal scrutiny. Here are five sects that have required sex as part of their rituals:
1. The Children of God (Family International)
Founded: 1968 by David Berg
Primary Belief: Free love and sexual liberation
The Children of God, now known as Family International, was founded by David Berg in the late 1960s. The sect gained notoriety for its practice of “Flirty Fishing,” where female members were encouraged to engage in sexual relationships with potential converts to bring them into the group. This practice was based on the belief that sex could be a tool for evangelism. Over the years, numerous allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation have been made against the group, leading to significant legal and public scrutiny .
2. The Branch Davidians
Founded: 1955 by Benjamin Roden (Branch off from the Davidian Seventh-day Adventists)
Primary Belief: Apocalyptic Christianity
The Branch Davidians, led by David Koresh, believed that Koresh was the final prophet and that all female members were his “spiritual wives.” Koresh asserted that he had a divine mandate to father 24 children who would become the ruling elders after the impending apocalypse. This belief led to practices where Koresh engaged in sexual relations with many women and underage girls in the group. The sect came into the spotlight during the 1993 Waco siege, which resulted in a tragic standoff with federal authorities.
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3. NXIVM
Founded: 1998 by Keith Raniere
Primary Belief: Self-help and personal development
NXIVM started as a self-help organization but was revealed to be a front for a secret society called DOS (Dominus Obsequious Sororium), where women were branded and coerced into sexual slavery. Keith Raniere, the leader, manipulated members into performing sexual acts under the guise of spiritual advancement and personal empowerment. The group was exposed in 2017, leading to Raniere’s arrest and subsequent conviction on charges including sex trafficking and racketeering .
4. The Rajneesh Movement (Osho Movement)
Founded: 1970 by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho)
Primary Belief: Neo-Sannyasism and spiritual enlightenment
The Rajneesh Movement, also known as Osho Movement, emphasized meditation and free love. Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh encouraged his followers to engage in open sexual practices as a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The movement’s commune in Oregon, USA, became infamous for its controversial practices and legal battles with local authorities. Despite these controversies, the movement attracted thousands of followers worldwide .
5. Oneida Community
Founded: 1848 by John Humphrey Noyes
Primary Belief: Perfectionism and communal living
The Oneida Community was a utopian religious commune founded in the 19th century. John Humphrey Noyes, the leader, preached the concept of “complex marriage,” where every male was considered married to every female, and sexual relations were encouraged within the community to strengthen social bonds. This practice, known as “free love,” aimed to eliminate possessiveness and jealousy. Despite its eventual disbandment, the Oneida Community remains a significant example of a religious group incorporating sex into its practices .
Conclusion
The intersection of sex and religion in these sects often highlights the complex and sometimes exploitative nature of charismatic leadership and doctrinal manipulation. While some members may genuinely believe in the spiritual benefits of these practices, the ethical and legal implications have often led to controversy and condemnation. Understanding these sects helps in recognizing the potential for abuse in any religious or spiritual context.