People Magazine Investigates: Cults

Tony and Susan Alamo found a Christian cult that holds out hope for a better society, then Susan dies of cancer, and Tony reveals his dark side, turning his anger on his followers and taking multiple child brides.

At first, Reverend Jim Jones focuses on helping those in need; then, in 1975, Jones establishes a utopia known as Jonestown in Guyana which turns into a hell on earth as Jones spirals deeper into his own paranoia.

The Word of Life Church starts as a small bible study group led by Pastor Jerry Irwin; after the pastor's death, his daughter, Tiffanie, gains control and makes life hell for the church followers, leading to the brutal beating death of a teenage boy.

Yahweh Ben Yahweh is a respected religious leader, but behind the facade, he rules his followers with terror and violence; one survivor shares the story of this cult leader whose ruthless tactics ruin hundreds of lives and leaves 14 dead.

Deborah and Jim Green believe they are generals in a holy army; for more than 30 years, the Greens destroyed families and ruined lives; cult survivors reveal how the Greens transformed from charismatic hippies into militant cult leaders.

Cult leader Dwight York's followers come from all walks of life; Ruby joins the Nuwaubian Nation looking for answers to life's big questions, while Niki is brought in as a child; both become disillusioned as they learn the truth about York.