Friday, April 10, 2009

Family of David

I've recently been trying to find out some information about the Family of David, which was founded by the infamous Bruce David Longo, also known as Immanuel David by his followers. The group was founded by Longo in the mid to late 1960s after Longo began receiving revelation. Family of David members believe Longo to be none other than God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost all in one.

The group became known to the public in 1978 when Longo's wife committed suicide by jumping from an 11-story hotel window in downtown Salt Lake City. Before her own suicide, several children of the group were either thrown or jumped to their own deaths. The only survivor from the fall, Rachael David, is mentally disabled from her injuries. This horrible event was precipitated by Bruce Longo's own suicide just days earlier. The group was being investigated by the FBI for improper fundraising at the time of these suicides.

Several relatives of Longo remain faithful to his message and teachings, and the group has recently sent out a letter to the LDS Church in Salt Lake City, proclaiming Longo to be God. Matthias David, who may be living in Salt Lake City, and Jacob David, who lives in Aurora, Colorado, lead small congregations of believers.

The only unique doctrine that I am aware of with this group is the belief that Joseph Smith, Jr.'s death was necessary in order to atone for sins Smith had committed previously. The group also apparently believes in some form of reincarnation or multiple mortal probations, in that Jacob David proclaims himself to be the reincarnation of Abraham and Matthias David claims to be Moses reincarnated. I am attempting to gain more information and will post it on the wiki when I have it.