Ep. #32 Swindled By Faith with Richard Kiers
In this episode, we explore the story of Richard Kiers, who grew up in The Move of God, a cult founded by Sam Fife in the 1960s. Seeking spiritual fulfillment, Richard’s father uprooted the family when Richard was just 10 years old, moving them to a remote commune in Canada. Life in The Move was defined by strict control—members cut ties with extended family, followed rigid rules on dress and behavior, and lived in extreme isolation.
The commune operated on a system of self-sufficiency, but this meant enduring harsh conditions without running water, electricity, or proper sanitation. Every resource, including money and transportation, was communal property. Children, including Richard, were put to work on the farm and in building the community, while food was scarce and of poor quality. Despite these hardships, members were expected to demonstrate unwavering faith.
As Richard grew older, he began to question the group, especially when his father fell ill. The cult rejected outside medical care, insisting that faith alone would heal him. Watching his father suffer deeply shook Richard’s belief in The Move, revealing the cracks in the group’s teachings. Years later, he chronicled his experiences in Swindled by Faith, waiting until after his parents' passing to publish the book. He exposes how the cult discarded members once they were no longer financially useful, showing the dark reality behind The Move’s promises of spiritual truth.
Link to Richard's Facebook page
Link to the Documentary Richard was in
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