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by William Sims Bainbridge (Author)
Lucifer's Power: Beliefs and Practices
of the Process Cult offers a riveting exploration into one
of the most mysterious and influential cults of the 20th century. Founded in
London in 1963 by Mary Ann MacLean and Robert de Grimston, The Process Church
of the Final Judgement emerged from a scientology-inspired psychotherapy group
and quickly became a cultural phenomenon before its dramatic split in 1974.
What did The Process truly believe? Their secretive nature kept many in the
dark, but sociologist William Sims Bainbridge gained unprecedented access to
this elusive group. As a young researcher in the late sixties, Bainbridge
earned the trust of the Processians in Boston, becoming the only non-member to
witness their rituals and practices firsthand. His rare and sought-after book, Satan's
Power: A Deviant Psychotherapy Cult (1978), first unveiled his
groundbreaking findings.
Now, fifty years after the cult's decline, Bainbridge revisits and expands
upon his seminal work in Lucifer's Power. This updated
edition uncovers the motivations of The Process's members, reveals their
intricate beliefs and rituals, and explores the cult's enduring legacy and
influence. Packed with new material and never-before-seen historical
photographs taken by Bainbridge during the height of The Process's popularity,
this book provides a comprehensive and compelling look into the world of The
Process Church of the Final Judgement.
Author Biography
William Sims Bainbridge earned his doctorate in sociology from Harvard University in 1975. Altogether he has published about 300 articles and written or edited 40 books in a variety of scientific fields. Currently, he is Co-Director, Cyber-Human Systems (Human-Centered Computing) at the National Science Foundation.
