How does a free-spirited hippie become the authoritarian leader of a religious cult? And why do ordinary people remain loyal to dangerous leaders, even when faced with abuse, isolation, and fear?
This week on Once Upon a Crime, we explore the disturbing history of the Aggressive Christianity Missions Training Corps (ACMTC), a little-known American cult led by Jim and Deborah Green.
What began in the counterculture movement of the 1970s evolved into an extremist religious organization whose members considered themselves soldiers in God's army. Under Deborah Green's leadership, followers surrendered their independence, endured harsh punishments, and lived according to the commands of a woman who claimed to speak directly for God.
For decades, the organization operated largely outside public scrutiny, until allegations of child abuse, exploitation, and other crimes led to a major criminal investigation.
Joining me is journalist and author Harrison Hill, whose book, The Oracle's Daughter: The Rise and Fall of an American Cult, chronicles the organization's history and the extraordinary story of Deborah Green's daughter, Sarah, who risked everything to escape.
Together, we explore the psychology of cult membership, the tactics used by charismatic leaders to maintain control, the complicated relationships between perpetrators and victims, and why leaving a high-control group can be so difficult.
We'll also examine what ACMTC reveals about the darker side of American religious extremism—and the troubling similarities between this organization and other notorious cults.
PLUS: Hear the full, uncut interview with Harrison Hill exclusively on Patreon! We go deeper into his research, the fascinating history of American cults, and the extraordinary people whose stories inspired his book.
Join us at patreon.com/onceuponacrime. Memberships start at just $5 per month.
Featured Book
The Oracle's Daughter: The Rise and Fall of an American Cult by Harrison Hill
Available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats. The author narrates the audiobook.
Purchase on Amazon https://a.co/d/06SYEKds or your favorite bookstore.
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Sources
- Hill, Harrison. The Oracle's Daughter: The Rise and Fall of an American Cult.
- Interview with Harrison Hill, conducted for Once Upon a Crime, October 2026.
Content Advisory: This episode discusses religious coercion, psychological manipulation, child abuse, and allegations of physical and sexual abuse.
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