Various conspiracy theories have been associated with the “I AM” movement. Some of these include Anti-Semitic beliefs, connection to fascist groups, including the Nazi party, and documented financial exploitation. There is also the unsavory role of the immortal Count Saint Germain. Critics of the I AM movement have accused the group of promoting anti-Semitic beliefs based on some of the teachings of its founder. For example, some of the I AM group’s writings suggest that Jewish people are responsible for various adverse events throughout history, including the crucifixion of Jesus. The movement had a religiopolitical aspect with nationalistic underpinnings. The Ballard’s advertised heavily on the radio and claimed to have one million followers by the end of the 1930s. The I AM groups may be considered marginalized, and their beliefs express ideas about lost agency.
Ballard’s I AM group has been accused of having connections to fascist or Nazi groups through its teachings or membership. However, these claims are controversial and not well substantiated. Nevertheless, the groups “benefited from a trend for metaphysical mail-order tracts and courses and the political turmoil and economic anxiety created by the Depression.” Ballard encouraged a “New Government” to form in America and instructed his followers to “blast, dissolve, and annihilate” anyone who stood in their way, specifically President Franklin Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor, whom he targeted for psychic assassination. In this way, Ballard believed he could purify the nation. Presidential eschatology is unique in that the narrative shifts from the president appealing to God to the president becoming an actual messianic figure. Ballard was able to weaponize this type of political communication to undermine democracy and fashion his millennial narrative.
Another conspiracy theory involved the Ballard’s financial exploitation of their followers. Like other fringe groups, the “I AM” movement has been accused of collecting monetary gifts from their followers. In 1938, The Chicago Herald & Examiner ran a headline, “Woman Sues the Great I AM,” claiming to have been duped out of money in a Lake of Gold venture in California. Some critics have argued that the movement has pressured followers to donate large sums of money to support its activities, often by promising spiritual or material rewards. The Ballard’s were convicted of fraudulently collecting donations; however, it was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1944. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that religious doctrine must not be proven true or false. Judge Douglas stated, “The religious views espoused by respondents might seem incredible, if not preposterous, to most people. But if those doctrines are subject to trial before a jury charged with finding their truth or falsity, then the same can be done with the religious beliefs of any sect.”
Gerald B. Bryan reveals unpleasant facts about the I AM group I Psychic Dictatorship in America, published in 1940. In his book, it is revealed that the I AM group “is a study of strange psychological forces revealed mainly through the history of a single subversive cult, but which have their influence also on other movements operating in America today.” The book aims to “reveal that the Ballard cult is really a political movement and that its metaphysics, among other things, is largely engaged in an effort bring about a weird sort of government in the United States.” Bryan points out the unfounded claims that Ballard has met Ascended Masters and that Ballard is a charlatan.
A person will more likely accept a conspiracy theory if it fits into their established worldview or supports what they already believe. For example, groups like the I AM incorporate a unified global government, or New World Order, that ushers in the antichrist through communist activism. The I AM group emphasizes the importance of the United States in world affairs and, by supporting millennial attitudes, portrays their version of the apocalypse with the rebuilding of America directed by Saint Germain. Here, religion, politics, and conspiracy merge with the unifying factor that there is an element of a threat where the conspirators’ goals are harmful or deceptive.
Gerald B. Bryan, Psychic Dictatorship in America – Free resource
Author: mountshastamyths
Lurking around here with more questions than answers