Curly Thornton was a charismatic preacher, politician, and cult leader who founded the Lord Our Righteousness Church in the late 1980s. He claimed to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and the leader of the “army of God” that would usher in the end times. He also ran for president of the United States four times, but never received more than a few thousand votes. His followers, who numbered in the hundreds, were subjected to sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and psychological manipulation. He was eventually murdered by one of his former disciples in 1999. This article will explore the life, teachings, and legacy of Curly Thornton and his controversial ministry.
Early Life and Career
Curly Thornton was born on May 20, 1948, in Billings, Montana. He grew up in a religious family and attended a Pentecostal church. He claimed to have had a vision of Jesus at the age of 12, and later said that he was baptized by the Holy Spirit at 16. He became a preacher and evangelist, traveling across the country and holding revival meetings. He also developed an interest in politics and ran for various offices, including governor of Montana, senator, and congressman. He was never elected, but he gained some media attention for his unconventional views and fiery rhetoric.
The Lord Our Righteousness Church
In 1988, Thornton founded the Lord Our Righteousness Church, also known as LOR or the Army of God. He said that God had revealed to him that he was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and that he had a mission to prepare his followers for the end times. He also claimed that he had the authority to interpret the Bible and that anyone who disagreed with him was a servant of Satan. He attracted hundreds of followers, mostly from the Pentecostal and charismatic movements, who moved to his compound in Billings. He also established branches in other states, such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.
Thornton’s followers were required to give him all their money and possessions, and to obey his every command. He controlled their lives, telling them what to wear, what to eat, when to sleep, and whom to marry. He also sexually abused many of his female followers, including underage girls, and fathered several children with them. He justified his actions by saying that he was the “bridegroom of God” and that he had the right to take any woman he wanted. He also said that he was the only one who could give his followers eternal life and that they had to be loyal to him or face eternal damnation.
Thornton also continued his political ambitions, running for president of the United States in 1988, 1992, 1996, and 2000. He ran as a Democrat, but his platform was far from mainstream. He advocated for the abolition of the federal government, the establishment of a theocracy, the execution of homosexuals and abortionists, and the use of nuclear weapons against foreign enemies. He also claimed that he had supernatural powers, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, and controlling the weather. He never received more than a few thousand votes, but he managed to get on the ballot in several states and to participate in some debates.
The Downfall and Death of Curly Thornton
Thornton’s ministry began to crumble in the mid-1990s, as more and more of his followers left him or exposed his abuses. Several lawsuits were filed against him, accusing him of fraud, rape, incest, and child molestation. He was also investigated by the FBI, the IRS, and the Montana Attorney General. He faced multiple criminal charges, but he managed to evade arrest by fleeing from state to state. He also became increasingly paranoid and violent, threatening to kill anyone who opposed him or tried to leave his cult.
On January 21, 1999, Thornton was shot and killed by one of his former followers, David Anderson, in a motel room in Oklahoma City. Anderson had been a loyal disciple of Thornton for 10 years, but he had left the cult after discovering that Thornton had sexually abused his wife and daughter. He confronted Thornton and demanded that he repent and confess his sins, but Thornton refused and mocked him. Anderson then shot him twice in the chest, killing him instantly. Anderson was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, but he pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He said that he acted in self-defense and that he wanted to stop Thornton from hurting more people.
The Legacy of Curly Thornton
Curly Thornton was one of the most notorious cult leaders in American history. He left behind a trail of pain, suffering, and destruction. He also left behind dozens of children, many of whom were born out of incest and abuse. Some of his children have spoken out about their traumatic experiences and have sought counseling and healing. Others have followed in their father’s footsteps and have joined or started their own cults. Some of his former followers have also come forward and shared their stories, hoping to warn others about the dangers of cults and false prophets.
Curly Thornton’s ministry was also the subject of several books, documentaries, and articles. Some of these include:
- The Cult Next Door: A True Story of a Suburban Manhattan New Age Cult by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone, which tells the story of two women who escaped from Thornton’s cult in New York.
- The Army of God: The Cult of Curly Thornton by John H. Richardson, which is an investigative report on Thornton’s life and crimes, published in Esquire magazine.
- The Cult of Curly by David Holthouse, which is a podcast series that explores Thornton’s cult and its aftermath, featuring interviews with former followers and experts.
Curly Thornton’s ministry was also the inspiration for some fictional works, such as:
- The Leftovers, a novel and TV series by Tom Perrotta, which features a cult called the Guilty Remnant, whose leader is based on Thornton.
- The Path, a TV series by Jessica Goldberg, which features a cult called Meyerism, whose founder is based on Thornton.
Curly Thornton was a man who claimed to be God, but who was in fact a devil. He used his charisma, charisma, and charisma to deceive, exploit, and destroy hundreds of lives. He was a cult leader who met a violent end, but who left a lasting impact on American culture and society. He was a warning and a lesson for anyone who is searching for spiritual truth and guidance.