Curly Thornton was a controversial figure who claimed to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and led a religious cult that allegedly abused its followers. He also ran for governor of Montana and sought the Democratic nomination for president in 1992, losing to Bill Clinton. Who was Curly Thornton and what motivated his actions?
Early Life and Ministry
Curly Thornton was born Emmett Curly Thornton Jr. on May 20, 1948, in Montana. He grew up in a poor family and dropped out of high school. He became a football coach and a motivational speaker, and later founded the Curly Thornton Ministries, a non-denominational Christian organization that preached prosperity and healing.
According to his ministry’s website, Thornton had a near-death experience in 1988, when he was shot by a drug dealer. He claimed that he saw God and was told to return to Earth as the Messiah. He also said that he received supernatural powers, such as the ability to heal the sick, raise the dead, and control the weather.
Thornton attracted thousands of followers, mostly from low-income and minority backgrounds, who donated money and property to his ministry. He also established a commune in Billings, Montana, where he lived with his wife and son, and hundreds of his disciples.
Controversies and Scandals
However, Thornton’s ministry soon faced accusations of being a cult that exploited and harmed its members. Former followers alleged that Thornton demanded absolute obedience and loyalty, and that he physically, sexually, and emotionally abused them. They also claimed that he used drugs, alcohol, and weapons, and that he practiced polygamy and incest.
Thornton denied these allegations and said that they were part of a conspiracy to destroy his ministry. He also sued several media outlets and former followers for defamation and slander. However, he lost most of his lawsuits and was ordered to pay millions of dollars in damages.
Thornton also faced legal troubles for tax evasion, fraud, and assault. He was arrested several times and spent time in jail. He also had conflicts with local authorities and neighbors, who complained about his commune’s noise, trash, and trespassing.
Political Ambitions and Death
Despite his controversies, Thornton pursued a political career and ran for public office. He ran for governor of Montana in 1988, but received less than 1% of the vote. He then ran for president in 1992, as a Democrat. He campaigned on a platform of ending poverty, racism, and war, and restoring America’s moral values. He also claimed that he had God’s endorsement and that he could perform miracles.
However, Thornton failed to gain any traction or support in the presidential race. He was excluded from the debates and the primaries, and received only a handful of votes. He lost the nomination to Bill Clinton, who went on to win the election.
Thornton continued his ministry and his legal battles until his death in January 1999. The cause of his death was not publicly disclosed, but some sources suggest that he died of a heart attack or a drug overdose. He was 50 years old.
Legacy and Impact
Curly Thornton remains a controversial and mysterious figure in American history. He was a charismatic and ambitious leader who claimed to be the savior of the world, but also a manipulative and abusive cult leader who harmed his followers. He was a political outsider who challenged the establishment, but also a fringe candidate who had no chance of winning. He was a man of faith who preached the gospel, but also a man of sin who violated the law.
Thornton’s ministry and cult have largely faded away after his death, but some of his followers still believe in him and his teachings. His story has also inspired books, documentaries, and podcasts, that explore his life and his motives. According to C-SPAN, Thornton was one of the most unusual and intriguing candidates in the history of presidential politics. According to Lailas News, Thornton was a cult leader who died under mysterious circumstances. According to Celeknow, Thornton was a cult leader from the USA who was active between 1988 and 1992. According to Hindisujhav, Thornton was a cult leader who ran for governor of Montana and sought the Democratic nomination for president in 1992.