TIME

Magazine Overview

Title: TIME
Issue Date: October 20, 1975

This issue of TIME magazine delves into two distinct narratives: the lingering controversies surrounding the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy and the emergence of a peculiar new cult known as HIM-Human Individual Metamorphosis.

The Robert F. Kennedy Assassination

The article begins by addressing the persistent questions surrounding the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. Despite the official conclusion that only one gun was involved, doubts remain. Robert Joling, president of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, is quoted stating the need for "next scientific steps" to uncover all the facts. However, neither Sirhan's lawyer, Godfrey Isaac, nor Schrade intends to pursue further investigations, with Schrade expressing relief that the 'one gun' theory has been essentially resolved. Nevertheless, the piece suggests that skepticism will ensure that questions about the assassinations of both Robert and John F. Kennedy will continue to be debated.

Cults: Out of This World

The second major section introduces a new sect called HIM-Human Individual Metamorphosis. The article recounts instances of individuals in Oregon, such as Robert Rubin, Sue Greenberg, Gerald Anderson, and Dan Staggs, who have abruptly left their lives after attending meetings of this group. These followers are encouraged to divest themselves of all possessions and earthly desires as part of an "overcoming process" to prepare for departure from Earth in a UFO.

The leaders of HIM are described as a man and a woman known as "the Two," who are said to be in their 40s with "glassy, hollow-looking eyes." According to their literature, they claim to have come from the same "kingdom" as Jesus Christ and expect to be assassinated, rise from the dead in 3½ days, and then depart for home in a UFO. The faithful are invited to join them, provided they complete the "overcoming process."

The sect's activities began attracting followers around July 4 and have since spread to Colorado, Washington, Oregon, California, and Arizona. The Oregon contingent's disappearance brought the group to wider attention. Travelers fitting the descriptions of the Oregonians have been sighted in Colorado and heading east near the Nebraska border, with a larger group reportedly in Northern California.

Hypnotic State and Proselytizing

The methods of HIM disciples involve alternating between traveling in caravans and fanning out in smaller groups or alone to proselytize. Some converts have contacted news organizations or sent postcards to assure their families they are well and not victims of coercion. One 25-year-old man named Larry wrote to his parents, "Try to be happy for me... this is not an S.L.A. group or a Charles Manson group. You have to be awfully good to go on this journey."

Witnesses in Waldport, Oregon, have wondered if those who disappeared were under a "hypnotic state." The male leader, "the Two," is described as having a rare ability to impress audiences with his message, using gestures that are apparently hypnotic, such as tipping his head back at regular intervals. One witness described him as being like "a robot."

Official Response

Local police in Oregon have not received missing-persons reports, as the converts explicitly stated they were leaving permanently. Law enforcement officials, like Oregon State Policeman Melvin Gibson, are not overly concerned, characterizing the converts as "hippie types" rather than prominent citizens. However, Gibson acknowledges, "there's no question there's something funny going on."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue touches upon themes of unresolved historical events (assassination), the allure of alternative belief systems (cults), and the possibility of extraterrestrial phenomena (UFOs). The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious reporting, presenting the facts and witness accounts of both the assassination doubts and the cult's activities without overt endorsement or condemnation, while acknowledging the unusual and potentially concerning aspects of the HIM sect.