ABSTRACT
This chapter details the specific ways the range of attachment relationships are affected and controlled by totalist groups. David Berg, head of the Children of God/The Family, was known alternately as Father David, Dad or Grandpa. New members of cults are predictably pulled away from their families of origin and in fact this is often the first time people become aware of cultic activity—when their son or daughter becomes estranged from the family. As with family of origin relationships, romantic relationships must also be closely monitored. In many cases it is Communist Party functionaries who have taken on the traditionally family-based role of arranging marriages. As with family of origin and romantic relationships, so it goes with close friendships. An ersatz closeness can also be created by long hours spent working together, group living and sharing of the daily chores and other matters that might normally occur in a family or between close friends.
