What begins as a small religious movement in rural America slowly transforms into something far more dangerous.

In this episode, we examine the Lebanon cult—a secretive group built on faith, absolute obedience, and psychological control. Behind closed doors, members were isolated from their families, stripped of independence, and taught to fear the outside world. Loyalty was demanded. Doubt was punished.

As allegations of abuse, coercion, and manipulation surfaced, authorities and loved ones struggled to understand how an entire community could fall under the influence of a single belief system—and why so many stayed even when warning signs were everywhere.

We break down:

• How the cult formed and recruited members

• The leader’s methods of control and indoctrination

• Life inside the group—and what leaving really meant

• The investigation that finally exposed the truth

This is a story about belief pushed to the extreme, and the devastating cost when faith becomes power.

Sources

• Lebanon Daily News.

“Children have died from Lebanon’s Faith Tabernacle for 100 years.”

Gannett, March 10, 2017.

(Investigative reporting documenting decades of child deaths tied to Faith Tabernacle’s faith-healing doctrine.)

• Lebanon Daily News.

“Charges refiled against Faith Tabernacle pastor.”

Gannett, May 1, 2017.

(Coverage of felony involuntary manslaughter charges involving the death of a child from untreated pneumonia.)

• Associated Press.

“In sect that shuns medicine, case against pastor is novel.”

AP News, 2017.

(National reporting on the legal implications of prosecuting religious leaders for faith-based medical neglect.)

• People Magazine.

“Faith-Healing Pastor Charged in Granddaughter’s Death.”

People.com, 2017.

(Summary of criminal charges and background on Faith Tabernacle’s beliefs.)

• NBC Philadelphia.

“Faith Healing Churches Linked to Dozens of Child Deaths.”

NBCUniversal, 2017.

(Regional investigative reporting connecting multiple child fatalities to faith-healing congregations in Pennsylvania.)

• TIME Magazine.

“Religion: In Lebanon.”

TIME, 1924.

(Early historical documentation of Faith Tabernacle’s rejection of medical treatment.)

• Children’s Healthcare Is a Legal Duty (CHILD USA).

“Religion-Related Medical Neglect.”

childrenshealthcare.org.

(Contextual analysis on faith-based medical neglect and child-welfare law.)