Melissa loved people.
She loved reading.
She loved writing.
But above all, she loved Jesus.
Melissa was my best friend,
my fellow soldier.
My confidante.
I'm Melissa cooper.
I've committed this vile act
because I know I am doomed to damnation
with no chance of salvation...
It was my job to lead her to the light,
and I profoundly failed her.
But when I saw her pale, lifeless body,
I heard her sweet, sweet laughter,
and I knew she was in a better place.
Melissa,
my beloved wife,
was, and always will be, the love of my life.
Ryan?
It's Candace.
Melissa's friend from college.
Oh, yeah, hey.
I remember you.
It's good to see you.
Yeah, you too.
Shame about the circumstances.
Yeah.
I'm still in shock.
She was the last person
I'd expect to do something like this.
You think she really killed herself?
That's what the police said.
And I heard she'd been pretty depressed.
That suicide note did not sound like Melissa.
That's not how she wrote.
And Daniel?
He doesn't seem very grief-stricken.
Church of the blessed light, a local Evangelical mission,
has come under scrutiny
after one of its members,
Melissa cooper,
committed suicide last week.
Critics warn that the church of the blessed light
has become a magnet for Christian extremists
with a militant, end times view of the world.
I can't believe
the media is exploiting Melissa's death like that.
It'll blow over.
You said it would blow over.
Jake, you got to stay, brother.
We need to finish the lord's work.
God commands you to stay!
I'm done, Daniel.
I'll pray for you.
Adam...
They're just trying to protect their image.
That's all this is.
I wish I could stay.
Gary and Paula,
they didn't give us any choice.
You can't trust them.
They're not true christians.
Adam, let's go.
I love you, brother.
I need to speak with someone
regarding Melissa cooper's death.
Sit.
I'm detective Miller.
I hear you want to discuss Melissa cooper.
I'm Paula Martin
of the church of the blessed light ministry?
These past few days,
we've been counseling the people who lived with Melissa.
During one of our sessions,
some new information about her death came out.
This is...
Adam crider.
He was one the men
in Daniel cooper's prayer group.
Adam, tell him what you told me.
I...
Killed Melissa.
I couldn't believe my ears
when he said it.
Did he come in alone?
No, Paula Martin
from the church of the blessed light
brought him in.
This better not be a prank.
Maybe the guy's just crazy, sarge.
Aren't most of those people?
Please state your name for the record.
Adam.
Crider.
You're agreeing to waive your Miranda rights
in order to make this statement?
Yes, ma'am.
You claim to be responsible for the death of Melissa cooper.
Correct?
That's right.
How exactly did you kill her?
At the playground.
I put sleeping pills in her water bottle...
Then...
When she got all sleepy...
I put a rope around her neck...
And I pulled it tight...
Until she stopped moving.
Why did you kill her?
Daniel said that god wanted her dead.
Wait,
Daniel cooper?
Melissa's husband?
Daniel said she would be saved and go to heaven.
We need to get Daniel cooper
in here right now.
If what kid is telling us is the truth,
then this is now a murder investigation,
and the husband is an accomplice.
Daniel.
Sergeant king.
Hi.
This is detective Miller.
I know this must be a very difficult time for you.
It's just... a few things
we need to clarify.
I'll help any way I can.
You said there were some new developments.
Adam crider,
he says your wife's death wasn't a suicide.
He said he murdered her.
Is that a joke?
He says he did it under your direction.
Wow.
That is so screwed up.
I don't really know what to say.
You deny the allegation?
Of course I deny the allegation.
Adam's crazy.
He just... came in here and told you that?
Paula Martin
from church of the blessed light
brought him in.
I get it.
Get what?
Paula came and disbanded my prayer group
a few days ago
and questioned them all at the ministry.
Those people know
how to mess with someone's head.
So a gullible guy like Adam can be made to believe...
Whatever they want.
Are you suggesting it's a setup?
Church of the blessed light
has been getting a lot of bad press lately.
They don't like being blamed for Melissa's suicide.
But if her husband ordered her murder,
then they're off the hook.
I'm the bad guy.
Convince us.
Melissa was my best friend long before I met Adam,
or even led a prayer group.
Melissa! I've been looking everywhere for you.
Oh.
Can't believe you're writing so late.
Yeah, I'm just,
I'm polishing up my short story,
because my professor says
that it's ready for publication, so...
Yay!
That's awesome.
-Thank you. -Let me see--
no, no you can't.
Not until it's published.
What's it about?
Um...
Well, it's a love story,
with a very happy ending.
So, what are you doing here so late?
Did you come to walk me home?
Melissa, I have incredible news.
You know how
we're always saying
that campus prayer groups here are wimps?
Yeah, they're kind of lame.
While I was praying to god tonight,
he commanded me to form our own prayer group.
That's amazing.
It means we can adhere to a stricter interpretation
of the Bible.
This is going to change our lives.
Melissa, I need you with me.
I can't do this without you.
I am always here for you.
Always.
Okay.
So, you're telling me,
the only reason why you killed Melissa
is because her husband told you to?
Melissa was suffering.
Daniel said she would be saved
and go to heaven.
Did you do everything Daniel told you to?
He's been anointed by god.
How did you get involved with Daniel?
Um... Melissa introduced us my freshman year at college.
"...and whenever you touch me, my heart cries out,
"and whenever you're not there,
"the days turn dark.
"Without you,
there is no reason for anything."
Melissa?
Hi.
Uh, that was so inspiring,
what you wrote.
You, like, describe your feelings
with such... honesty.
It was really moving.
Thank you, wow.
That's really nice.
What about you?
When are you going to read us something?
My writing is really dark.
That's okay.
Dark is fine. Dark is good.
You can try it out on me first if you want.
I'll read it.
Nah, I don't know.
I don't even know if you'd understand it.
What do you mean by that?
I've never...
Told this to anyone.
Okay.
I hear voices.
Evil voices.
I can't control them,
and it's driving me crazy.
Adam...
You know what,
I know somebody that can help you.
Really?
I do.
A bunch of us on campus
have started a secret prayer group,
and my good friend, Daniel, leads us,
and he is the most amazing guy I have ever met,
and he's the most devoted Christian
on campus,
and god speaks directly to him.
Seriously?
Yeah. You know,
we meet in John lynch hall.
Here. Give me your hand.
In room 19,
around 8:00.
I'd really it if you came.
Okay?
I'll see you tonight.
Right?
Yeah.
Okay, great.
You will never be saved
if you live in a state of worldliness,
indulging in your favorite sins.
True love of god
means true hatred of sin.
Adam, hi!
I'm so happy you came.
Come on in. Everybody, this is Adam.
Hey, Adam, welcome.
I'm Ryan.
Hi, I'm Sarah.
Daniel.
Start taking deep breaths.
Relax.
Demons...
God the father is with me.
I have his direct authority
to cast you out.
Deeper breaths, Adam.
Through the power of the holy spirit,
I command thee
to come out of the man,
thou unclean spirits!
Adam!
Focus your mind on Jesus.
Submit to god.
Focus your mind on Jesus.
Breathe your faith!
Through the power of Jesus Christ,
I command thee to come out! All evil spirits!
Get out!
Get out! Now!
Out!
Are you okay, brother?
I felt something come out of my mouth.
Demons.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
With believers around me,
I wasn't afraid of demons,
and I looked up to my new friend, Daniel.
And when Daniel got back from the exaltation,
word got out we were more devoted
than any other campus prayer group.
So, more students started joining.
What's "the exaltation"?
It's church of the blessed light's
annual recruiting conference
at their headquarters in Georgia.
Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome church of the blessed light founder
and end times apostle
minister Gary Mansfield!
Welcome to the exaltation!
Praise the lord.
Praise the lord!
Praise the lord.
You are the end times generation
who is actually going to behold
Christ's return to earth.
Hallelujah!
And when armageddon rages,
armies of believers will rise up!
Praise Jesus!
Now, what's important for you to remember,
is that to trigger the second coming,
god needs your help.
So, round-the-clock worship and fasting will...
Will rip open the heavens,
it will release god's power and quicken Christ's return.
Praise the lord!
-Praise the lord! -Praise the lord!
And god will need help from end times apostles
other than myself.
A chosen few of you...
Will hear the calling.
Let the exaltation begin.
Hallelujah!
When Daniel returned to campus, everything changed.
Changed how?
That's when our divine mission started.
God has declared me
an end times apostle.
I am to form one of god's final armies.
Each one of you
has been chosen
to return Christ to earth.
Does that mean
we could actually see Jesus in the flesh?
Not "could."
We will.
This is going to require real serious devotion.
Let's join in a circle.
Holy spirit,
empower this circle of believers
to speak with thee
and possess spiritual gifts and powers.
God, do you hear me?
Whoa.
Incredible.
Daniel...
You did it!
: From that day on,
we had absolute faith
that Daniel was god's end times apostle.
None of us questioned anything he asked of us.
I think if you do the dream in present tense,
the reader will feel like they're experiencing it,
themselves, you know?
Yeah.
And you'll have more empathy for the character.
Yes.
-Anything else? -I think if the--
what are you guys working on?
Melissa's murdering my short story.
No. It's called "constructive criticism."
Right.
You guys are so cool.
You got some serious talent.
But god is telling me
that you need to stop writing now.
Creativity is a luxury
we just don't have time for.
I'm real sorry, Melissa,
but you're going to have to give up your dream
of being a novelist.
God is calling you.
I don't understand.
Jesus was a master storyteller.
I mean, he used parables to tell the truth,
so why can't we pursue writing
while devoting ourselves to god?
I know how disappointed you must feel.
But we must purify and deprive ourselves.
It's the only way to obtain supernatural apostolic power.
Weren't your families upset
that you put worship ahead of study?
No.
Our families weren't Sunday christians.
They live the word.
Melissa was Christian homeschooled.
My father raised me to serve the lord.
That's what we were doing at university.
Serving the lord.
Hi.
-Hey. -Hi.
This is unexpected.
I brought you a gift.
-Really? -Yeah.
Thank you.
Wow.
Check the inside cover.
Okay.
"Dear Melissa,
"I know how much you love great literature
"and what a sacrifice it is for you
"to stop writing.
"So here's the most well-written religious book
"I could find to fill the void.
Love always, Daniel."
Thank you.
I'll always love you, too.
Those clouds...
Some kind of omen?
Welcome.
I'm Daniel. I'm so happy you're here.
I'm Matt.
And this is Melissa.
Hi.
-My best soldier. -Nice to meet you.
Eric.
Hi.
-Hey. -Welcome.
Come in. Come in.
When god spoke to me about end times...
...it was incredibly powerful.
Deeply moving.
I was so honored when he said,
"Daniel,
"I need you to recruit
"your Christian brothers and sisters
on this campus."
For he knows that,
as it is prophesied in the Bible,
the greatest worship movement in human history
has already begun
in the form of ministries
like church of the blessed light.
End times signs are appearing with greater frequency now.
God is coming to punish unbelievers.
Just today,
some of you might have noticed the dark clouds
hovering over our campus.
Are you leaving already, Carl?
This isn't for me.
So now here we are.
Our own little band of brothers and sisters.
And if you're still unsure
whether or not you want to be here or not,
you just ask yourself...
Do I want to live or die...
When Christ returns?
Guys, did you hear about the accident?
Mm-mm.
Come on.
You all remember how Carl left our meeting.
Carl was an unbeliever,
and this is where god created the dark clouds
that we all saw yesterday.
Let this be a lesson to anyone who questions god's warnings.
Mel!
Hi, Candace.
-Hey. -Hey.
I did some research.
I want to read you something.
Okay.
Warning signs you're in a cult.
Oh, come on, Candace--
an "us versus them" elitist mentality.
We're not in a cult, okay?
Our group just follows Jesus more than other christians.
A sense of being chosen for a special calling.
Having a leader who is always right
and exercises control over his followers.
No, it's not like that.
We just follow god's calling.
Right.
By a guy who thinks god's talking to him.
I talk to god.
Do you think I'm crazy?
Yes, actually, I do.
It never occurred to you
that some folks might think you were a cult?
That was just something people said
out of jealousy and fear.
Fear of what?
Our direct access to god
and the supernatural privileges it gave us.
Such as...?
Prophecies.
Hey.
Hi.
Everything okay?
Yeah.
Um...
I, actually... I had a marriage prophecy.
Who's the lucky guy?
It's you.
Me?
Yeah.
God knows how much I love you,
and he told me that, one day,
you and I will get married.
Melissa...
That's not going to happen.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come here.
I'm sorry.
Melissa, wait, wait. Hey!
Melissa, wait.
Hey...
I'm so sorry,
that was really insensitive of me.
God's...
Never spoken to me about my romantic life before,
and your prophecy, it took me off guard.
It's just...
I'm just crazy about you.
You're the best thing in my life,
and...
I was-- I don't know,
if you don't feel the same way about me,
I just don't know if I should follow you
to church of the blessed light
when we graduate.
I didn't mean what I said.
You're the closest friend I have, Melissa.
I don't want to hurt you.
I love you,
and I really,
really want to make this work.
So I will pray to god to marry you one day.
: Sounds like
you only said you would marry Melissa
to lure her to Georgia with you.
Not true.
I was waiting for god
to point me in the right direction
so that I could marry her.
But you only recently married.
Five years is a long time to wait for god's help.
Or maybe help never came.
Maybe that played a role in your wife's murder.
After graduating college,
Ryan, Melissa and some of the others
moved to Georgia
to start church of the blessed light's Bible school
for students willing to abandon themselves to Jesus.
...and you need to be ready
to receive the word of the lord.
Amen!
Amen.
Open your heart, take hands.
Open your hearts!
Open your hearts. Hallelujah!
A call to you, lord, help me now.
Listen to me when I call to you.
Receive my prayer as incense.
Hallelujah!
Praise Jesus.
Hands down.
: From early morning to late afternoon,
we studied biblical analysis and theology.
Please turn to psalm 144 and 145.
Thank you, Jesus.
: Evenings were spent worshipping
in the church's prayer room until midnight--
sometimes all night.
After we finished our first semester
of Bible studies,
our old prayer group reunited.
Sarah!
Students we worshipped with at college
moved here to join us
and attend church of the blessed light.
Sorry, I just got you dirty.
We lived in a farmhouse with two separate living areas-
one for men, one for women.
Everyone was pumped.
Brothers and sisters.
As a community,
we will be a prayer furnace to heat up the second coming.
Amen.
Your days will be spent at the ministry,
studying and attending class.
Evenings, we will meet in the house for dinner,
followed by group prayer every night of the week.
Every night?
Yes, Ryan.
Community is about spending meaningful time together.
Yeah, but won't that present a problem
with the ministry's prayer meetings?
So, you know what's better for us than the holy spirit?
Uh, no.
That's not what I meant, Daniel.
I'm just wondering if maybe we're taking on too much.
Oh?
Well, we all came here
to devote our lives to Jesus, Ryan.
Maybe you're being controlled by demons,
and we can cast them out for you?
No, Eric, I'm not being controlled by demons.
Then why are you questioning an end times apostle?
I have given up everything for this mission.
I'm not commanding anything of you
that hasn't been commanded of me.
Ryan,
I think we need to listen to what Daniel says.
You guys are right.
Sorry, Daniel.
don't apologize to me.
Apologize to god.
And when you arrived,
did you notice any difference in Daniel's behavior?
He was even more obsessive with the end times.
Move it guys! Keep it going!
Keep it going! Come on!
Up and over, up and over.
There you go!
Atta boy! There you go!
Let's go! Let's go!
Pain is just weakness leaving the body!
You got it.
don't just stand there like a dead tree, Adam.
On the ground, now! Come on!
Keep it moving!
Let's go!
You got it.
Fitness is basic to survival.
You must be able to endure physical hardship!
I'm so happy you're here.
I'm so excited to be here.
Adam.
How you doing, brother?
Good.
-You good? -Good.
All right.
You did good for a newbie.
What's this all about?
End times preparedness training.
Ready to see your new home?
Yeah.
All right, come on.
Come on in.
Whoa...
So, I'm putting Adam with Jake,
and Eric,
you're going to share the attic bedroom with me.
Good, good...
Check this out right here.
Whoa!
It's like you've got your own supermarket in there.
No one can say we're not ready
for the second coming.
Hey, let's take a picture with Adam.
Yeah!
I call back!
Man, this place is so awesome.
Well, it still needs some fixing up,
but we really like that we can grow our own food.
And how cool is it
that we're finally in the church of the blessed light's
Bible school?
I can't wait to start studying.
Hi!
You can let yourself in.
Daniel's in there waiting for you.
Daniel's working as an English tutor.
I guess you guys don't have much time
to just hang out, huh?
No.
And when I do ask for time together,
Daniel says that I'm being selfish
for putting my needs before god's.
Do you think that makes me selfish?
There's nothing wrong
with wanting to spend time with someone you love.
The problem is Daniel's on a mission for god.
Brothers and sisters,
tonight I want to talk about the joyful side of devotion.
And the way for god's creatures to achieve that
is to show affection,
even in platonic relationships.
Now, this is especially important for the men,
because we've been conditioned
not to show affection.
My own father never even gave me a hug.
Melissa.
Adam.
Come here.
Come on, guys.
Face each other.
Now, get in close.
I want you to touch each other.
There you go.
There you go...
Feel each other's bodies.
Good.
Now, you guys, come here.
There you go.
Use your hands.
Feel each other's bodies.
God gave our souls physical bodies
so that we could express affection.
There you go.
Come here, guys.
Touch each other.
God wants you to cuddle with Jesus.
Right there.
God is rejoicing.
How are you liking theology class?
It's good.
But this whole year,
I've just been terrified
that the church is going to see right through me.
I've told you before, Eric.
You're not a sinner
just because of how you're wired.
It's only if you choose to be gay.
It's not fair.
I didn't ask to be like this,
and I have prayed for five years
to be saved.
Eric...
You are one of god's beautiful creatures,
and he does love you.
Come here.
Tell me, Daniel.
How do I know that...
How do I know that god will ever deliver me?
Patience is hard.
I know.
But homosexual urges are conquerable.
You've just got to believe me.
Thank you.
I don't know what I'd do without you.
I think I'd go crazy or something.
God will deliver you, Eric,
trust me.
But... in the meantime,
there are some things you can do
to help prepare yourself
for heterosexuality.
I'll do anything.
It's just like I say in my prayer meetings,
god gave our souls these physical bodies
so that we could express affection.
Intimacy,
even with another man,
can help prepare you
for intimacy with a woman.
Just what I need.
Your student's been waiting.
You and Eric have a late night?
Real late.
Helping him work out some of his issues.
Issues?
What?
I don't know,
just hoping you guys kept your clothes on.
If you ever say anything like that again,
I'll curse your computer.
Remember, there's rules for everything--
adjectives before nouns--
but, because there's so many exceptions,
the rules are really just guidelines.
That means you can be flexible.
God, we thank you for this food,
for rest and for home,
and for wind and rain, and the sun above,
and, most of all, the ones that we love.
Amen.
: Amen.
Jake.
Your turn to fast.
Everyone else may start.
Hey,
I'm thinking of taking Mr. Dolan's class on prophesy.
Anyone else taking it?
Mm-mm.
I am.
He's kind of freaky.
The guy speaks in tongues sometimes.
I heard he can see into the spiritual realm.
Whoa!
I have an announcement to make.
God wants me to stop working as an English tutor
and devote myself to our community,
so we'll be ready for end times.
I'm going to need you all to pool your money
so we can keep things running.
Everyone good with that?
Of course we are, Daniel.
Sure.
Yeah!
Whatever it takes, Daniel.
You guys, hang on.
This is something that needs to be discussed.
Are you questioning god's will again, Ryan?
No.
I just don't think it's fair
that we all have to share our money.
Everyone in this community makes sacrifices.
Is that not god's will?
-You bet it is. -Absolutely.
Okay... but don't forget
that most of us are also paying for ministry classes.
Ryan, why do you keep questioning Daniel?
Melissa...
No, I...
Hang on, Melissa.
Ryan makes a really good point.
Church of blessed light classes aren't cheap.
Wouldn't you guys agree?
Yeah.
Way overpriced!
Then you all cut back on the number of classes
you're taking.
Our work here is more important.
I remind you,
Jesus said living in community
produces the death of needy self-obsession.
There you go, Ryan.
Problem solved.
Everyone pools their money.
I think Daniel cursed my computer.
He said he was going to.
That's what happens when you disrespect an apostle.
I am tired of your ungodliness, Ryan.
You're judgmental...
Unwilling to change.
Introverted... Immoral.
You will be shunned
until you learn that you are not an individual,
but part of a community.
Matt, we'll find you a new room.
Hand me that.
No writing.
No music.
No talking to anyone.
When in this house,
you will be confined to this room.
It's for your own good.
How long did you shun him for?
Several months.
Months?
As community leader,
it was my responsibility
to ensure we had harmony in that house.
No one could ever put their needs before the group's.
Not even Melissa?
Not even Melissa.
Mm...
Melissa...
Sorry.
Didn't realize I was touching you.
Tell that arm next time it does that,
it's going to get shunned.
This is so frustrating now, Daniel.
I just keep thinking how nice it would be
if we just had a house, just the two of us.
Just stay focused on the second coming, Melissa.
That's what we're here for.
Everything else is a distraction.
God will let me know when it's time to marry you.
I'll have to ask him what's taking so long.
Ryan.
Hey.
Hey, do you want some soup? We just made it.
I don't want to get you in trouble.
How can I get in trouble?
Jesus always shared his food.
Have you been praying?
No, I've been thinking...
About how corrupt this place is.
Daniel keeps saying how we need to make sacrifices,
but he doesn't.
That's not true.
Daniel makes the same sacrifices that we do.
Open your eyes, Melissa.
He's taking advantage of us...
Including some of the guys.
What do you mean?
You know what I mean.
Talking about me again, Ryan?
No, just saying how you're devoted to Jesus
more than any Christian I've ever known.
Leave him be, Melissa.
He has a wicked heart.
No, no, no.
Keep the soup.
Then you'll be ready to start another fast.
How long is this going to last?
Until god tells me you are healed.
And if anyone is struggling with homosexuality,
you must resist that sin.
You must rise up and declare war on it!
Because if you surrender to that immorality...
Well, that is a victory for Satan!
Rise up, my child. Praise Jesus.
Praise Jesus, praise Jesus.
The lord will also be a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know the name
will put their trust in the lord.
Please help me.
Daniel cooper.
Hi, Paula.
Great service today.
Some students have told our group leaders
that they're unable to attend our services
because they're committed to your prayer meetings.
Now, while we commend your devotion to Bible study,
you need to stop keeping students from our events.
Shouldn't students have the right
to decide their own schedules,
choose activities they want based on personal preference?
Students don't know what they want.
Their job is to listen to their teachers.
Shall I quote Jesus for you, Daniel?
"No disciple is above their teacher."
Can't argue with Jesus.
Mm.
There is one other thing.
I've heard you're shunning Ryan.
I've heard you and other leaders
say shame is useful
to help those who've lost their way.
And how has Ryan lost his way?
He's struggling with homosexuality...
Mentally unstable.
We're trying to save him.
Well, you send him to me.
I'll save him.
I told you no writing.
Step out of the room, Ryan.
What are you doing, Daniel?
We have a Judas among us.
Ryan has been emailing church of the blessed light
that we're mistreating him.
His betrayal has jeopardized the second coming.
We cannot have phonies in the army of god.
You're leaving?
It's for the best.
Be careful, Melissa.
What's happening in this house is not Christian.
Good morning, Adam.
I'd like to speak to Daniel, if I may.
Uh...
Daniel! Daniel!
What the hell, Adam?
Uh, Paula Martin is here.
W-where is she? Outside?
No. In the house.
G-give me a sec.
Okay.
Hey, Paula.
Hello, Daniel.
How are you this morning?
This is a surprise.
Anything wrong?
I understand since our last conversation
that Ryan was excommunicated from your prayer group.
Yes.
It was necessary
for the well-being of our community.
And what exactly would you say is this community's purpose?
Bible study.
Prayer to help Jesus return.
End times preparedness.
Ah, of course.
You're an end times apostle.
It's an impressive lifestyle you've created here.
Shows great leadership, vision.
Good qualities for an end times apostle.
Thank you.
But a necessary quality is common sense...
Knowing where to draw the line.
For instance,
restricting a member to his room for several months
was somewhat extreme, don't you think?
Not if that member refuses to behave like a true believer.
Well, here's the problem, Daniel.
We need to protect ourselves from unbelievers
who want to see us fail.
Extreme punishments only gives them ammunition
to attack us with.
But our intentions are pure.
Every one of our activities is grounded in the Bible.
Cuddling and touching aren't.
Holiness is a call to love each other.
God gave our souls physical bodies
so that we could express affection.
Knock it off, Daniel.
I know it is you, and not Ryan,
who is struggling with his homosexuality.
So you better pray to god to deliver you soon...
Or we will shut you down.
: So marrying Melissa was a cover.
No.
One day, I just knew it was time.
Daniel! I'm so excited.
Guess what happened today?
A prophesy?
No, I got hired to be a Christian counselor!
That's great.
I'm so happy for you.
Where?
At the mission hostel.
: That day,
I suddenly felt myself totally attracted to her.
My prayers had finally been answered.
Melissa...
Hmm?
Do you know you're the most beautiful woman
I've ever known?
You've never said anything like that to me before.
I know.
But I feel it now.
In here.
Oh, Daniel...
I dream about us being together...
Forever.
You're also the most patient woman I have ever known.
Melissa...
We've waited long enough.
And we thank thee, lord, for this meat and drink.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.
: Amen.
There will be no fasting tonight.
Yay!
And before you all stuff your faces,
I have an announcement to make.
Melissa and I are to be married.
Aw!
Congratulations, guys! That's awesome.
-Praise Jesus! -Congratulations.
Thank you.
-Yeah! -You two are so blessed!
Thank you.
Melissa, I'm so happy for you guys.
I don't know when.
What are you doing?
You can't marry Melissa.
You're gay.
I am not gay.
Yes, you are.
I struggled with it,
but god has delivered me, and I'm fully committed now.
What about us?
We're still part of the same community.
This is about you hiding your homosexuality.
You're going to need to move to Matt's room.
My wife and I are going to live together.
"My wife and I." Listen to you!
As if saying that makes you straight.
It doesn't!
Careful, Eric.
don't push me.
Damn you, Daniel. Damn you!
You're telling me
that Daniel struggled with homosexuality?
Yes, ma'am.
Well, did Melissa know this before she married him?
Sure.
But she was crazy about him.
Melissa believed
that god had ordained their union,
and he would use her
to cure him of his homosexual urges.
Marrying him was all she ever talked about.
Thank you so much!
Going to miss you guys!
Thank you for coming.
Thank you.
I'm so jealous. They're going to Hawaii.
I'll take lots of pictures.
Should we get in?
Have you checked out this car?
After you.
Whoa!
Bye, guys!
-I'll get that. -Thank you.
Have a fun time!
Bye!
Have a great honeymoon!
Goodbye!
-Bye! -Bye!
Their honeymoon was awful.
Melissa sent me an email from Hawaii.
Said she spent the entire time being alone.
Alone? On her honeymoon?
Yeah.
Are you coming to bed, Melissa?
It's getting late.
I'm coming.
Can you turn the light off?
What's that you're wearing?
Oh, it's a wedding present from Sarah.
Do you like it?
Sure.
Sure, it's pretty.
Do you like it on me?
Mm-hmm.
You don't like it. I can tell.
It is very pretty, Melissa.
Come to bed.
Can you believe we're finally married?
We're finally husband and wife.
I'm so happy.
God is rejoicing.
Daniel, can we just be alone?
What do you mean? We are alone.
I just...
Can we just not bring god into the room?
Tonight, just this once, I just...
I really want to be alone with just you.
Should we go to the beach tomorrow?
Melissa, stop.
It's okay. We're married.
That doesn't mean I have to do things
I'm not ready for.
I don't understand. I thought...
We've been waiting forever for this night.
You've been waiting for this night for forever.
I only proposed to you last month.
I don't understand.
don't you love me?
Yes, I love you.
But god is telling me
not to be physical with you right now.
Why? Why would god say that on our honeymoon?
Are you questioning god, Melissa?
No, no.
I just don't understand.
God sanctioned our marriage.
Stop acting like a spoiled child.
Your impatience to lose your virginity is sinful.
God is disgusted.
Melissa was not a secure woman.
The nearness of marriage brought up a lot of anxieties
that she was not prepared to deal with.
When we returned, she became very moody.
Hey! They're back!
-Hey. -Hi!
How was Hawaii?
Awesome.
Miss anything exciting while I were gone?
You missed the second coming is all.
Melissa!
Hi, Melissa.
Hi.
Melissa, what's wrong?
Nothing. I think I'm just...
Jetlagged or something.
I'll take these up to our room.
Yeah. I'm good.
I just don't understand.
Melissa.
What are you doing?
Talking to god.
I just don't understand why he sanctioned our marriage.
I'm tired.
Come to bed.
We can talk about it in the morning.
Melissa! Can't you keep still?
Sorry.
I'm just restless.
Well, your restlessness is keeping me awake.
Not enough sleep
is going to damage my prophetic senses.
Maybe I should just sleep in the women's quarters.
You can't do that.
We're husband and wife.
We must share the same bed.
What's the point?
Melissa? What's wrong?
: Did Melissa move back into the women's quarters,
or was it just the one night?
Uh, she lived in the men's quarters,
but a lot of nights, she slept with the women.
And in your opinion,
would you say she was depressed the whole time?
Pretty much.
Daniel was getting really annoyed
with her moodiness.
It was driving him crazy.
Crazy enough to want out of the marriage?
Or want her dead?
Uh, Daniel?
It's my birthday tomorrow,
and my family, they want to take me out,
so is it okay if I have dinner with them?
Happy birthday, Eric.
Melissa...
How would you like to bake Eric a cake
for his birthday?
Sure.
That's... that's great,
'cause my folks, they flew in from out of town,
so they're going to be real happy.
I didn't say you could have dinner with them.
We'll bake you a cake,
and you'll celebrate here with us.
No, they've--they've traveled all this way to come see me.
Then you should have cleared it with me first.
This community is your family.
Others at this table have given up their families.
I see no reason to make an exception for you.
Where do you think you're going?
Home.
This is your home.
Daniel, you're a liar.
I'm not a sinner.
I'm as Christian as you,
or anybody else who serves our lord.
I command you to stay.
Enjoy my birthday cake.
You're all going to hell!
The Bible teaches us
that a husband should have authority over his wife.
Ephesians 5, verse 22 to 24.
"Wives, submit to the husband as to the lord.
"For the husband is head of the wife
as Christ is the head of the church."
My wife has been repelling her new husband.
Clearly, the nearness of marriage
has brought up fears
that she needs to deal with.
Melissa?
Would you like to explain yourself
to the group?
I have sinned.
Then you must confess your sin.
I don't want to.
So you admit to sin,
but you're not willing to share with your brothers and sisters
what that sin was?
Your dark mood is destroying this community.
No one likes seeing you in this state, including god.
We have done everything we can to reach out to this woman.
As the Bible pronounces,
we must disable her selfish self-pity
by ignoring her.
Quarter in Ryan's old room.
How long will we shun her for?
Until god tells me she's ready to come back to us.
It's for her own good.
I know you're upset we have to shun Melissa.
But the truth is, she's been shunning us.
Poor Adam.
You're such a sensitive soul.
don't you still love her?
Of course, I still love her.
That's why I haven't given up on her.
God has been cruel to me, Adam.
I want to love my wife as any man should.
But he won't allow it.
I don't know why he continues to torture me.
I've given my life to god.
You were physical with Daniel
while his wife was down the hall in another room?
Yeah.
So then you were jealous of Melissa.
No, no, no, no!
No!
Melissa was my friend.
I cared about her.
I'm the only one who called her
when she was shunned,
and I could have gotten in a lot of trouble for it.
: Hello?
Hey...
It's Adam.
Hi.
I hope I didn't wake you.
You okay?
No.
I just feel really alone.
I just wish I'd never gotten married.
Yeah, but Daniel loves you.
He told me.
He scares me. I don't know who he is anymore.
I just don't feel like a real person anymore.
I just don't feel like I have a soul.
I know that I'm damned.
: Didn't Daniel isolating his own wife
from the group
seem cruel to everyone?
That wasn't so bad.
Daniel did worse things than shun Melissa.
What things?
Daniel was really... frustrated
he couldn't have sex with Melissa.
He asked...
Me to have sex with her for him.
Did you?
Did Melissa have sex with you willingly?
I don't... I'm not sure.
Daniel gave her sleeping pills,
so she was kind of... Drowsy.
So you're telling me
that you drugged and raped Melissa cooper?
No...
No, no, no, no...
I didn't rape Melissa.
You know, she didn't try to stop me or anything.
That's because you drugged her, Adam.
And if it wasn't consensual, then it's sexual assault,
a serious crime
that would have had a devastating impact
on her mental stability.
The first time, I only cuddled with Melissa...
Just like the group cuddles we had at our prayer meetings.
Daniel said it's what god wanted.
No way.
We only ever cuddled girls in prayer meetings
when all the girls were present.
: A few days later,
Daniel asked me to touch Melissa's breasts.
Are you kidding me?
Why would I want another man to fondle my wife?
That goes against everything in my Christian blood.
It never happened.
A few weeks after I touched Melissa,
Daniel found out that she saw a counselor in the hostel.
He got really mad.
Oh, he was afraid
that if she told the counselor
what we were doing in that house,
the second coming would be jeopardized.
And he said that if I sent her to god,
I could set her free...
And save the second coming.
I could save the second coming.
I could save...
I never said any such thing.
Why are you so late?
You're supposed to be helping prepare dinner.
I won't live with you anymore.
You're my wife.
The Bible says we must live together.
The Bible says a lot of things that we don't do.
Has Paula Martin been talking to you?
I was having a conversation
with one of the counselors at the hostel.
You had a conversation with a counselor?
About what?
Stuff.
I don't really think it's any of your business.
Your wasting time is my business.
You need to stay focused on the second coming.
I don't really care anymore.
You thought your "second coming"
was more important than your wife's well being?
No.
I thought if I could occupy her mind
with something she was passionate about,
she'd start to feel better.
So after you got pissed off
Melissa spoke with a counselor,
you told Adam you wanted her dead?
No.
I never said I wanted Melissa killed.
Well, then,
you must have hinted at something to Adam,
or made some off-the-cuff remark
that you knew he would misinterpret.
I never said I wanted her killed!
I'm not a murderer!
Those are the thoughts of an unstable person
who believes he's possessed by demons.
What about Melissa?
How unstable was she?
Did you take all this?
Ryan was right, you know.
Our lives have become ungodly.
I'm tired of living in sin.
: Days later,
the hospital Melissa was admitted to
asked me to consult with her psychiatrist.
Mr. cooper, Melissa is a very sick woman.
She's suffering severe physical and mental duress.
But you're treating her now, right?
We're giving her mood stabilizers
for anxiety and depression,
as well as medication for insomnia.
I can't tell you how happy I am
to hear she's finally getting some help.
Listen...
This is not going to be a quick fix.
Your wife is going to require outpatient care
to get well.
And in her current condition,
she should not be living in a communal home.
How are you feeling?
Fine.
When Melissa came home,
I couldn't get her to eat.
She refused to take her meds.
So you took Melissa back there
after the psychiatrist advised you not to?
She insisted on going back to the house.
I didn't want to upset her
on her first day out of the hospital.
I'll tell you why Adam made a false confession.
It's just like I told you when I came in here.
Church of the blessed light.
They're the cult,
and, like any cult,
they'll protect themselves any way they can.
Yesterday, they made everyone from my group
stay awake all night in the prayer room.
It was supposed to be some kind of group purification,
but the people who were there told me
it was really a persecution.
All of you share responsibility
for the tragic death of one of our sisters.
: Your sin is also rejecting that young woman
who so desperately needed your love and support.
Shame! Shame on you all.
Not only have you failed a sister...
You have failed god.
But that does not mean you are evil.
It means that you have been demonized.
It means that you are controlled
by evil spirits
that some false teacher has cursed into your bodies.
: So tonight, we are going to deliver you
from your demonic bondage
so that you can all return to being pure spirits.
Prepare to do battle, people.
Demonic spirits are disembodied,
so they will not want to leave your bodies.
Unclean spirits,
in the name of Jesus, I break off every curse
that you have inflicted upon these bodies.
: Holy spirit, bring your fire upon these demons!
Out, demons, in the name of Jesus!
Out! Out!
: These demons...
Expel these demons! Cough them out!
Out! Out! In Jesus' name, I say!
Out!
Get out!
Are you at peace with god, my son?
It's my demons.
I killed her.
I killed her!
: A murder almost slipped by detectives
because they thought it was a suicide,
but an investigation has revealed
a sordid case of sex and religion.
The murder case involves a religious community,
where the members were having sex with each other.
Confessed killer Adam crider appeared in court this morning
where local prosecutors filed charges of murder.
On Monday, he told police
that he killed 27-year-old Melissa cooper
by strangling her with a rope.
Detectives say her husband, Daniel cooper,
was a spiritual leader
who had control over members of the household.
Daniel cooper was the leader of a secret cult
that operated independently
from the church of the blessed light.
We deeply regret our failure
to ascertain the existence
of Mr. cooper's cult-like practices.
Were you aware of the homosexual activities
or the sexual assaults
reportedly occurring in the group?
No, we were not,
and we wholeheartedly condemn these ungodly acts.
Yes, we do.
I'm mark Johnson, attorney for Adam crider.
Today's verdict exonerates Adam of any wrongdoing.
As we've said all along,
Melissa cooper's death was a tragic suicide.
: What about the rape allegations?
Didn't you guys watch the trial?
Melissa's autopsy showed no signs of sexual trauma.
Come on. Adam.
Sergeant king? Sergeant king!
Yeah.
Do you believe Melissa really took her own life,
and does Daniel cooper bear any blame?
Hey, what can I say?
Suicides are frustrating.
There's no killer you can bring to justice.
There's no one you can make pay.
But that doesn't mean there wasn't a bad guy.
Well, Mr. cooper...
Good morning, ma'am.
I'm truly excited to be starting my first day teaching here
on this beautiful campus.
Yes, well, we have to talk about that.
I must tell you, Daniel,
we were all extremely impressed
at your interview.
Unfortunately,
the results of our routine background check
makes it impossible to hire you at this time.
Nothing you read is true.
The man accused of murdering my wife
made a false confession,
and he's recanted his entire statement.
He's been proven innocent.
My wife's death was a suicide.
I have not been charged with anything.
I completely understand.
And you have my sympathy,
but... our board would never approve.