Introduction
Founded in the 1960s, The Process Church of the Final Judgment became notorious for its black-clad members, wild publications, and apocalyptic philosophy that blended Christianity, Satanism, and pop psychology. Did they worship both Christ and Satan? Were they linked to the Manson Family, or scapegoated by the “Satanic Panic” era?
Origins
The Process was established in London by Robert de Grimston and Mary Ann MacLean, former Scientologists who developed a theology of reconciliation between Christ, Satan, Jehovah, and Lucifer. Their cult-like image—German Shepherds, black capes, psychedelic magazines—captivated and alarmed the 60s counterculture.
Controversy and Theories
- Satanic Cult: The Process has been blamed for everything from ritual murder to programming Charles Manson, mostly by the tabloid press and conspiracy theorists.
- Misunderstood: Others see them as eccentric spiritual seekers who embraced “process” over dogma and were unfairly demonized.
- Legacy: Their graphic design and language influenced punk zines, heavy metal, and occult revivalists.
Key Examples
- Rumors of Process involvement in the Son of Sam and Manson murders (never proven, but repeated in “Helter Skelter”).
- The Church’s trippy magazines and apocalyptic writings, now cult collectibles.
- Modern revivals and the group’s embrace by pop occultists and animal rescue charities.
Critical Analysis
The Process Church’s true legacy may be as a case study in how spiritual fringe groups are demonized—often more for aesthetics than for crimes.
Influential Literature: Pro & Contra
- Timothy Wyllie – “Love Sex Fear Death: The Inside Story of The Process Church of the Final Judgment” – Feral House, 2009.
- Vincent Bugliosi – “Helter Skelter” – W. W. Norton, 2001.
- Jeffrey S. Victor – “Satanic Panic: The Creation of a Contemporary Legend” – Open Court, 1993.