CHICAGO, March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Inside a 10-story dorm-like commune on Chicago's North Side, the controversial religious sect Jesus People USA quietly thrives. In 30 years, it has converted thousands, some who believe in it devoutly, others who claim to be the financial, emotional, and spiritual victims of its restrictive theology.
In a two-part series beginning in the Sunday, April 1, Chicago Tribune, reporter Kirsten Scharnberg tells the story of a religious commune that, despite an onslaught of criticism that the group is overly authoritarian, secretive about its finances and psychologically abusive, continues to attract troubled, disillusioned youth as it has for nearly 30 years.
At its establishment in 1972, Jesus People USA, and other groups like it, delivered the appealing message: turn away from a Vietnam-divided, do-your- own-thing society and join a poor, transient ministry focused solely on ensuring that your next life is better.
In following decades, the group turned into a multi-million dollar business, complete with rock bands, summer festivals, and commercial enterprises. Since 1990, this once 500 member strong sect has continually lost members amidst cries of free-labor exploitation, emotional dependency, and spiritual disenchantment.
The two-part series on Jesus People USA begins in the Sunday, April 1, Chicago Tribune, which is available in Chicago beginning Saturday morning. The series also is available on http://chicagotribune.com .