What is the Process Church of The Final Judgment?

Answer

The Process Church of the Final Judgment was established by former Scientologists in 1960s London. The group’s beliefs were a mix of Dianetics, paganism, nominal Christianity, and pre-New Age ideals. Much of this was influenced by experiences with hallucinogenic drugs. Central to the Process Church doctrine was the concept that Christ, Lucifer, Satan, and Jehovah represented the four primary facets of human personality. Despite relocating globally and releasing a magazine, the group never exceeded a few hundred members. Following a split in 1974, the remaining followers embraced Christian beliefs more prominently. Subsequently, the group went through various name changes incorporating the term Foundation before—strangely—transforming into a secular dog rescue organization in Utah.

Without the nostalgia for hippie culture, gossip, and sensationalist journalism, it is probable that the Process Church of the Final Judgment would have been forgotten today. The widespread attention was drawn to a series of murders committed by the Manson Family cult in the late 1960s. The Process Church had an interview with Charles Manson during his imprisonment. Speculations arose that Manson’s cult drew inspiration from The Process, partly due to comments Manson made to law enforcement. Although no concrete connection was ever proven, this association significantly tarnished the group’s reputation, leading to the eventual disbandment of the Process Church.

Conspiracy theories and myths surrounding the 1960s and 1970s, along with contemporary documentaries like Sons of Sam, have continued to imply a link between The Process Church of the Final Judgment and Satanic killings. However, no such connection has been substantiated, and it is likely that none existed. Overall, the group’s spiritual influence was minimal, and they are primarily remembered for their aesthetics and urban legends rather than any substantial religious impact.