The Children of God cult, also known as The Family International, is a religious group that originated in 1968 in Huntington Beach, California, founded by David Berg. It gained notoriety for its extreme beliefs and controversial practices under the guise of Christian fundamentalism. Key elements of the cult included its apocalyptic views, the practice of "flirty fishing" (using sex to attract new members), and communal living. Over the years, it faced widespread criticism and legal actions due to allegations of abuse, including child abuse. The group underwent several rebrandings in an attempt to distance itself from its past, but its core controversial doctrines and the negative impact on former members remain significant issues.