Primary Sources
“Lucifer’s Power: Beliefs and Practices of the Process Cult”
Author: William Sims Bainbridge Published: 2025 Significance: The best resource on Process Church history and practices.
Content:
- Origins and history of the Process
- Description of the creation of its theology and daily practice
- A detailed look at life in the Process Church for members
- A review of online offshoots and efforts post-Process Church
Research Value: The key book on the Process Church. Bainbridge is meticulous in his research as well as first-person reflections in interactions with members.
Books by Former Members
“Love, Sex, Fear, Death: The Inside Story of The Process Church of the Final Judgment”
Author: Timothy Wyllie (Brother Ariel) Published: 2009 (Original), 2023 (Expanded Edition) Significance: The definitive insider account from a founding member who served as the Church’s principal artist and designer.
Content:
- Personal memoir of life in the Process
- Documentation of founding and development
- Insider perspective on theology and practice
- Analysis of the Process Church’s transformation
- Extensive photography and visual documentation
Expanded Edition Additions:
- Previously unpublished photographs
- Additional historical context
- Updated reflections from decades of perspective
- Enhanced documentation of visual materials
Research Value: Essential reading for anyone seriously studying the Process Church. Wyllie provides both personal narrative and careful documentation, balancing subjective experience with historical accuracy.
“Propaganda and the Holy Writ of The Process Church of the Final Judgement”
Author: Timothy Wyllie Published: 2023 Significance: Collection of primary source materials making original Process documents accessible to researchers.
Content:
- Original Process publications
- Theological writings and teachings
- Internal documents
- Propaganda materials
- Visual documentation
Research Value: Provides direct access to Process Church’s own voice without interpretation or mediation—invaluable for serious scholarship.
Process Church Publications
Original Magazines (1967-1974)
Availability: Digitized; original copies in special collections
- Fear
- Death
- Sex
- Love
- Violence
- War
Research Value: These magazines show the group’s beliefs, art and public image.
Theological Texts
Types:
- Teaching materials
- Ritual texts
- Essays by Robert de Grimston
- Instruction guides
Availability: Some published in Wyllie’s books; others in archives and special collections
Archival Collections
University Archives
Some universities store Process Church materials.
Materials Include:
- Magazines
- Letters
- Photos
- Internal papers
- Legal records
- Member notes
Access usually requires an in-person visit.
Private Collections
Former members and collectors hold:
- Personal letters
- Old photos
- Rare documents
- Audio recordings
- Small items from the group
Access depends on the owner.
Audio-Visual Resources
Documentaries
“Sympathy for the Devil: The True Story of The Process Church of the Final Judgment” (2015)
Director: Neil Edwards Length: Approximately 90 minutes Availability: Various streaming platforms and DVD
Content:
- Interviews with former members
- Archival footage and photography
- Expert commentary from scholars
- Examination of myths and reality
Strengths:
- Comprehensive overview
- Multiple perspectives
- Good balance of sympathy and critical analysis
- Addresses Manson controversy responsibly
Research Value: Excellent introduction; includes interviews not available elsewhere
“The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness” (2021)
Platform: Netflix Type: Documentary series Length: 4 episodes
Content:
- Maury Terry’s investigation into Son of Sam killings
- Examination of Terry’s Process Church conspiracy theories
- Interviews with various figures
Strengths:
- High production values
- Raises questions about conspiracy thinking
Limitations:
- Perpetuates some discredited theories
- More about Terry than about accurate Process history
- Should be viewed critically with other sources
Research Value: Useful for understanding how Process myths persist, but must be balanced with factual sources
Interviews and Oral Histories
Available Recordings:
- Timothy Wyllie interviews (various podcasts and videos)
- Former member testimonies
- Scholarly presentations
- Contemporary news coverage
Locations:
- YouTube
- Podcast archives
- University oral history projects
- Museum collections
Musical Resources
Original Process Church Hymns
Recordings:
- Original Process Church recordings (rare)
- Sabbath Assembly reinterpretations (2010-2014)
Albums by Sabbath Assembly:
- “Restored to One” (2010)
- “Ye Are Gods” (2012)
- “Quaternity” (2014)
Research Value: Provides access to Process spiritual music and liturgical practices
Process-Influenced Music
Albums:
- Psychic TV: Various albums incorporating Process ideas
- Skinny Puppy: “The Process” (1996)
- Integrity: Various releases on Holy Terror label
Value: Shows cultural transmission and influence of Process ideas
Online Resources
Academic Databases
JSTOR: Scholarly articles on new religious movements, 1960s counterculture
ProQuest: Dissertations and theses on Process Church
Google Scholar: Wide range of academic materials
Digital Archives
Internet Archive: Some Process materials available
University Digital Collections: Varies by institution
This Website: Comprehensive digital collection of materials
Forums and Discussion Groups
Academic Lists: Scholarly discussion of new religious movements
Reddit Communities: r/ProcessChurch and related forums (use critically)
Facebook Groups: Former members and researchers
Research Note: Online forums provide diverse perspectives but must be evaluated carefully for accuracy
Academic Samples
Process Church of the Final Judgment: The Demise by Transmutation and Replacement of a Controversial New Religion
By Carole M. Cusack
‘I, Jehovah’: Mary Ann de Grimston and The Process Church of the Final Judgment
by Christian Giudice
Citation Guidelines
Citing Process Church Materials
Magazine Articles: Author (if known). “Article Title.” Process Magazine [Issue Title], Year, Page numbers.
Example: de Grimston, Robert. “The Unity of Opposites.” Process Magazine [LOVE Issue], 1969, pp. 12-15.
Books: Wyllie, Timothy. Love, Sex, Fear, Death: The Inside Story of The Process Church of the Final Judgment. Expanded Edition, Feral House, 2023.
This Archive: “Page Title.” The Process Church of the Final Judgment: Historical Archive, URL, Accessed Date.
Citing Interviews
Documentary: Smith, Jane [Former Process Member]. Interview. Sympathy for the Devil: The True Story of The Process Church of the Final Judgment, directed by Neil Edwards, 2015.
Oral History: Wyllie, Timothy. Oral History Interview. Process Church Research Project, Date, Location/Archive.
Research Ethics
Working with Former Members
Respect: Former members have varied relationships with their Process history; approach with sensitivity
Accuracy: Verify information across multiple sources; memory can be fallible
Anonymity: Respect wishes of those who prefer not to be identified
Scholarly Responsibility
Accuracy: Distinguish documented facts from speculation
Context: Present Process Church in proper historical and cultural context
Fairness: Avoid sensationalism while not whitewashing problems
Comprehensiveness: Consider multiple perspectives and sources
Building Your Research Library
Essential Starting Points
- Wyllie’s “Love, Sex, Fear, Death” (most recent edition)
- Bainbridge’s “Lucifer’s Power”
- “Sympathy for the Devil” documentary
- Process Magazine collection
- Academic articles on new religious movements
Advanced Resources
- Wyllie’s “Propaganda and the Holy Writ”
- Archival visits for primary documents
- Interviews with former members (if possible)
- Comparative studies of similar movements
Specialized Topics
Theology: Original Process texts, scholarly theological analysis
Visual Culture: Magazine archive, design history literature
Transformation: Best Friends materials, organizational studies
Cultural Influence: Music scholarship, occult revival studies