Questions & Answers II

Interview with a Christian Author from Poland

Part I: The Mechanics of Deception and False Christo Centrism

Q: On the Hijacking of Christian Concepts: Charles Manson frequently used biblical language and twisted the image of Jesus to control others. Looking back, at what point did you as a young man lose your spiritual vigilance? What psychological and spiritual mechanisms caused that "counterfeit" to feel like the real God to you?

A: That's just it; I lacked spiritual vigilance, only desiring fleshly pleasures. I grew up blinded to the power of the Holy Spirit, so I didn't have the "real" bill to compare with the counterfeit. I was destroyed because of a lack of knowledge, not because of the many counterfeits people blame.

Q: On Leader Authority and Blind Obedience: Today, some churchgoers blindly trust leaders simply because they display seemingly supernatural elements. You once trusted Manson completely. From your perspective as a mature Christian today, how can believers maintain a healthy, biblical boundary with leaders they love, without falling into the trap of human idolatry?

A: A modern-day definition of idolatry is codependency, looking to others for something that only God can truly give them. I suggest reading "Escape from Codependent Christianity" by Dr. James B. Richards. We escape this trap by realizing our identity in Christ alone. That his finished works made us right with God, providing peace and the ability to experience His love and acceptance for security that a spiritual leader can never give.

Q: On Counterfeiting the Supernatural: In the "Family," you experienced altered states of consciousness, bizarre coincidences, and a profound sense of "supernatural unity." How do you now distinguish between the sovereign, pure work of the Holy Spirit and false spiritual manifestations or psychological manipulation?

A: We identify counterfeits like the government does fake money. Instead of studying all the counterfeit money, they get to know the feel of the real bill. Likewise, counterfeits will be easily discerned, when we are experiencing God in all His fullness by living daily in His presence and walking in the Spirit.

Part II: Syncretism and Occult Influences (The Susan Atkins Connection)

Q: On Susan Atkins' Occult Baggage: Before meeting Manson, Susan Atkins (Sadie) was involved with Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan. Having known her so closely, do you believe this early exposure to open occultism opened spiritual "doors" that made it easier for Manson to break down her morality? Do you think her later actions were tied to that early spiritual contamination?

A: I certainly can't speak for Susan, but I believe if she were alive today, she'd say that she was morally depraved long before meeting Manson. Her desires that led to her choices opened the doors to occultic contamination and actions that eventually destroyed her, but God . . .

Q: On Syncretism and Carrying Over Past Practices: Susan Atkins later experienced a profound Christian conversion and ministered to fellow inmates until her death. In your conversations with her over the years, did you notice how difficult it is for someone with an occult background to completely renew their mind? How can a Christian prevent carrying old, esoteric concepts into sound biblical theology?

A: True, Susan led a victorious Christian life in prison, but I never had conversations with her. Regardless, the battle rages for our minds whether in past occultism or not. We are complete in the Spirit, but our minds won't be until we are glorified. We overcome the doctrine of devils by knowing the Word of Truth, testifying of the blood of Christ and overflowing with the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Q: On False Angelic and Demonic Revelations: Manson manipulated the group by claiming deep, hidden spiritual secrets. Today, some circles are shifting toward "angelic visitations" that bring teachings outside of Scripture. What biblical criteria for "testing the spirits" do you find most critical in discerning a true move of God from a deceptive spiritual entity?

A: Contrary to popular belief, I never saw Manson with a Bible. We trusted his claims outside of Scripture, because we were ignorant of God's Word, lacking knowledge. Ask yourself: Is the doctrine an essential of mainline Christianity? Does it line up with God's Word as a non-essential? Like the apostle Paul, make it a priority to share the simplicity of the Gospel with the world around you!

Susan Atkins with inmates caption2

Part III: Spiritual Safety, Healing, and the Church Today

Q: On Modern Deceptions (New Age and Cultural Syncretism): Many modern churches are opening to worldly practices like eastern meditation, yoga, or pseudo-psychological methods, seeing them as harmless. Looking back at the 1960s counterculture—which started with a search for "love and peace" but ended in spiritual darkness—do you see parallels in how easily today’s Christians drop their guard?

A: I see parallels throughout history of people walking in the flesh looking for love and peace, who are powerless over Satan's devices, only to find a counterfeit. If the Pastor isn't centered in the Word of God and on fire for Jesus or Spirit-filled, neither will the congregation. They will be open to worldly practices and become dependent on them rather than Jesus. It may appear as love and only discovered when its toxicity takes the life of the church.

Q: On the Fear of the Holy Spirit: Because of cult abuses and charismatic scandals, many traditional churches have shut down the topic of the supernatural entirely. What would you say to Christians who are so afraid of demonic deception or human manipulation that they completely avoid seeking the genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit?

A: This kind of fear leaves the door open to the demonic, because the power and authority of the Holy Spirit is lacking to keep the door closed, "nor give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4:27). The Holy Spirit is our Helper to discern the spirits that would bring deception into the church. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all" (1 Corinthians 12:7).

Q: On the Foundations of Spiritual Safety: In your writings for Abounding Love Ministries, you often talk about identity in Christ. If you could give a believer three non-negotiable biblical principles to remain completely safe while pursuing spiritual gifts and prayer, what would they be?

A: #1 Keeping saturated in God's Word, #2 Keeping Scriptures about the Blood of Jesus on your lips, and #3 Keeping filled and overflowing with the Holy Spirit!

Q: On the Ultimate Test of Fruit: Jesus said, "You will know them by their fruits." Susan Atkins served inmates until her final days, and you have ministered for decades. From the perspective of someone who walked out of deep darkness into the Light, how do you define a genuine "fruit of the Holy Spirit" that cannot be faked by psychological technique or demonic imitation?

A: According to Jesus, genuine fruit comes from the seed of God's Word, that has been planted only in "good ground," someone ". . . who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty" (Matthew 13:23). He also said: "I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

Q: Last important Question: "There is a spiritual truth that falling into a deep pit of darkness happens in a split second, but climbing out of it is a long, grueling journey. As a Christian who has spent decades walking in God’s grace, how do you personally handle the inner warfare regarding your past? Is it truly possible to experience total freedom and a renewed mind, or is it a lifelong battle against the accusations of the enemy and one's own conscience? What advice would you give to someone who has escaped a spiritual trap or severe sin, but is still fighting the daily weight of their past and trying to completely rebuild their thinking?"

A: In my previous answers, I've shared the key to handling inner warfare past and present. "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God for the pulling down of strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4). Faith in the Word, the blood of Jesus and the power of Holy Spirit is the key to living daily in God's presence. It's a lifelong battle against the world, the flesh and the devil, who tempts the desires of the heart, even Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11). He overcame the devil by God's Word and so do we overcome him "by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony" about the blood of Jesus (Revelation 12:11). Our communion must be more than just Sunday morning, but a lifestyle of transformation through being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Interview Questions by Lukasz Olechnowicz, a Christian Author from Poland, who is writing a book "specifically how occult elements, New Age practices, yoga and non-Biblical therapies quietly penetrate evangelical churches."

The Daily News Interview . . .

Thank you. I think your past is well detailed on your website, but here are a few questions I have:

Q: Patricia Kernwinkle has been recommended for parole again, which is subject to final approval. What is your reaction to the news? Do you expect it to be approved this time? Why or why not?

I was asked this exact question this morning by an inmate while walking back to the cell from breakfast. He thought it gave me hope, but I told him, "I did too much!" He said, "At least you are honest!"

It's hard for me to get excited for Patricia, since Governor Newsom will possibly be running for President in 2028, and will deny her request because of politics. Her Manson connection continues to keep her in prison.

Q: You said in your above message to me, you aren't thinking of parole at the moment. Why is this? Have you lost faith in your chances of release because of 18 denials? Or are you no longer concerned with living life outside of incarceration? Please elaborate if so.

I'm not for certain, but I may not be requesting parole again, though my friends aren't in agreement. I'm almost 80 years old, and my only desire is to spend the remainder of my life reaching souls, not seeking parole. Not that I've lost faith; all things are possible through Christ, but I've learned to be content or at peace, bond or free.

Q: Those who oppose the release of ex-Manson members (including victim's families) such as yourself, often say it's their belief that those capable of such violent acts are beyond rehabilitation. As someone who has clearly undergone a dramatic transformation during your incarceration, what's your response to that? Is everyone deserving of a second chance?

Some people may be beyond rehabilitation, but not in God's eyes. He has made it possible for "Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." But many are so hardened, they will never call on the Lord. But God, Who is rich in mercy, gives everyone a second chance spiritually, though they may not deserve a second chance for physical freedom. I seem to be one of those.

Q: On your website, you outline a list of reasons/factors as to how you came to be involves in these crimes, voicing remorse for your actions. When you look back at the younger version of yourself, do you even recognize that person? Does it feel like a lifetime ago? Or does it all feel very real, and do you ever find yourself reliving those events?

I just relived past events as a prodigal son in my latest Monthly View for Father's Day, June 2025, on aboundinglove.org. The site is a testimony where I apologize for the crimes. But in reality, I see the young, insecure Charles as dead, on a slab in a lab for all these years being examined, giving him a spiritual autopsy. That's what you see on the website, plus the finished work Jesus did on the Cross to bring the new, secure Charles to life. It does feel like a lifetime ago, but at the same time, it still feels very real, because of the victims. I live in deep regret, but God has given me His power and grace to overcome the memories of my past.

Q: You also state on your website that you aren't expecting forgiveness. How deeply do you regret your role in the Manson Murders, and how has your discovery of faith helped you to come to terms with the reality of your past/find comfort in your quest for redemption?

My living amends show how deeply I regret my role in the murders. Its not only words; the victims are given place on the website, under About/In Remembrance of the Victims. Being transparent about my past sinfulness on the website, reveals how God brought me to my knees in repentance. When I turned to God in 1975, He forgave me and filled me with the Holy Spirit for comfort. I don't expect others to understand, but God is willing to accept repentant sinners and desires their restoration.

Thank you so much, Charles! I really appreciate it. Hope to speak with you again soon. -- Luke Kenton.

Drugs & Motives...

Q: What part did drugs play in the crimes?

A: I’ve always tried not to blame anyone or anything for the crimes except my choices and decisions; although drugs were certainly a major contributing factor. For two years, I smoked marijuana, took LSD for over a year and inhaled “speed” for thirty days before the crimes.

In 2019, I saw a documentary on PBS called “World War Speed”. Prior to WWII, all the major players had access to amphetamines (speed) from their pharmaceutical companies: Germany (Pervitin), England and the USA (Benzadrine). The Nazis used “speed” in either tablets, inhalers or injections for stimulating their soldiers in planes, tanks, submarines and on the ground. “Speed” was the driving force behind the Nazi aggression, plus England and the United States were using it as well.

I identified with the documentary because I felt the same effects of “speed” as portrayed in studies of soldiers’ alertness, aggression under fire, a sense of false power, energetic or an adrenaline rush, focused on a mission, fearless, hypervigilance, inability to make rational decisions, lacking a moral conscience, not caring, violent and a post-adrenaline crash—chemical insanity. Regretfully, I took “speed” to do what I couldn’t do without it, that is, commit the crimes for the Manson Family’s acceptance.

Q: Were you a drug dealer as alleged on Wikipedia?

A: This is blown way out of proportion by those who try to make drug dealing the motive of the crime rather than simply the Helter Skelter philosophy, For three months, I did live with a woman, who sold ounces of weed to support herself. I admitted this in my initial book, and that I took $2,500 from a drug dealer without having the weed. Regardless of other allegations, that is the extent of my drug dealing.

Q: What were the motives for the crimes?

A: The late prosecuting attorney Vincent Bugliosi lays these out in his book Helter Skelter, which are verified in my book Will You Die For Me? chapter Helter Skelter I, the first paragraph.

Q: What do you think of the book Helter Skelter?

A: I appreciate all the research, plus his epilogue - "a shared madness."

Miscellaneous

Q: What did you think about the Derek Chauvin verdict?

I’m thankful that justice was served for George and his family. I’ve tried to put myself in their shoes, not only grieving for them, but also for Derek. The prophet Micah wrote, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (6:8)

I grieve with Derek, thinking, what if he had responded reasonably to the call, saying, “I know George, let me talk to him!” George would have explained himself and been able to calm himself, so the cuffs could then be removed, but Derek’s pride got to him. As Solomon warned: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

I pray for greater compassion in society, as we learn to suffer with one another. Remember “…when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:14).

If you have a question, contact Charles.