How Did Chad Daybell Begin to Believe He Was A Religious Prophet?
Dec 06, 2023, 12:00 AM
In the labyrinth of extreme beliefs and heinous crimes, the saga of Chad and Lori Daybell continues to unfold, leaving many to wonder if there will ever be an end to this twisted tale. As Chad's trial approaches and Lori faces another potential trial, the question lingers: will they ever recognize the gravity of their actions, or will the drama only intensify?
Leah Sottile, the author of "When the Moon Turns to Blood," provides a deep dive into the origins of this macabre story. Her journey began in December 2019, when the news of the missing Vallow children and their mother's disappearance emerged. Sottile's background in reporting on the fringes of the LDS church gave her a unique perspective to explore the Daybells' extremist beliefs.
Chad Daybell's aspiration to become a writer began at Brigham Young University, where he wrote for the student newspaper. His early works already hinted at a fascination with the conspiratorial side of the LDS faith. Journalism, however, did not satisfy his creative urges. He gravitated towards the emerging trend of near-death experience writers in the '90s, a genre that resonated deeply within the LDS community.
Daybell's transition from journalism to fiction was marked by economic motivations and a quest for a more profound connection with his faith. He founded his book publishing company, capitalizing on the popularity of near-death experience narratives. His books, though fictional, often hinted at a blurred line between reality and fiction.
As Daybell delved deeper into writing, Lori Vallow entered his life. Their meeting at a prepper conference marked the beginning of a partnership grounded in shared apocalyptic beliefs. These beliefs were not created in a vacuum. They were influenced by the fringes of the LDS church and the broader context of the American religious landscape.
Sottile's investigation into Daybell's beliefs raises questions about his sincerity. Did he genuinely believe in his apocalyptic narratives, or were they a narcissistic ruse to gain attention and financial benefit? His sudden relocation of his family from Utah to Idaho, driven by a supposed divine instruction, suggests a deep belief in his prophetic role. This move coincides with a belief among some fringe groups that Idaho, particularly Rexburg, would be the new Zion, a safe haven for the chosen during the apocalypse.
Daybell's growing influence in these circles saw him giving speeches and engaging in practices like using pendulums, a sign of his deepening involvement in cult-like activities. However, the question remains: why Rexburg? Sottile offers insights into Idaho's history of embracing fringe groups and conspiratorial thinking, making it a fitting backdrop for Daybell's narrative.
In Rexburg, Daybell found an audience more receptive to his fringe ideas, influenced by the state's historical embrace of groups like the John Birch Society. This environment provided fertile ground for his apocalyptic visions and extreme beliefs.
As the Daybells' trial looms, the true extent of their beliefs and the influence of their environment will become clearer. Their story is not just a tale of individual delusion but a reflection of a broader societal tendency to embrace extreme ideologies. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked belief systems and the human cost of radical ideologies.
The Daybell saga, with its mix of religious extremism, personal ambition, and tragic outcomes, continues to captivate and horrify. As the trials progress, the world watches, pondering the depths of belief and manipulation that led to this catastrophic series of events. Will the trials bring closure, or will they only deepen the mystery surrounding Chad and Lori Daybell?
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Leah Sottile, the author of "When the Moon Turns to Blood," provides a deep dive into the origins of this macabre story. Her journey began in December 2019, when the news of the missing Vallow children and their mother's disappearance emerged. Sottile's background in reporting on the fringes of the LDS church gave her a unique perspective to explore the Daybells' extremist beliefs.
Chad Daybell's aspiration to become a writer began at Brigham Young University, where he wrote for the student newspaper. His early works already hinted at a fascination with the conspiratorial side of the LDS faith. Journalism, however, did not satisfy his creative urges. He gravitated towards the emerging trend of near-death experience writers in the '90s, a genre that resonated deeply within the LDS community.
Daybell's transition from journalism to fiction was marked by economic motivations and a quest for a more profound connection with his faith. He founded his book publishing company, capitalizing on the popularity of near-death experience narratives. His books, though fictional, often hinted at a blurred line between reality and fiction.
As Daybell delved deeper into writing, Lori Vallow entered his life. Their meeting at a prepper conference marked the beginning of a partnership grounded in shared apocalyptic beliefs. These beliefs were not created in a vacuum. They were influenced by the fringes of the LDS church and the broader context of the American religious landscape.
Sottile's investigation into Daybell's beliefs raises questions about his sincerity. Did he genuinely believe in his apocalyptic narratives, or were they a narcissistic ruse to gain attention and financial benefit? His sudden relocation of his family from Utah to Idaho, driven by a supposed divine instruction, suggests a deep belief in his prophetic role. This move coincides with a belief among some fringe groups that Idaho, particularly Rexburg, would be the new Zion, a safe haven for the chosen during the apocalypse.
Daybell's growing influence in these circles saw him giving speeches and engaging in practices like using pendulums, a sign of his deepening involvement in cult-like activities. However, the question remains: why Rexburg? Sottile offers insights into Idaho's history of embracing fringe groups and conspiratorial thinking, making it a fitting backdrop for Daybell's narrative.
In Rexburg, Daybell found an audience more receptive to his fringe ideas, influenced by the state's historical embrace of groups like the John Birch Society. This environment provided fertile ground for his apocalyptic visions and extreme beliefs.
As the Daybells' trial looms, the true extent of their beliefs and the influence of their environment will become clearer. Their story is not just a tale of individual delusion but a reflection of a broader societal tendency to embrace extreme ideologies. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked belief systems and the human cost of radical ideologies.
The Daybell saga, with its mix of religious extremism, personal ambition, and tragic outcomes, continues to captivate and horrify. As the trials progress, the world watches, pondering the depths of belief and manipulation that led to this catastrophic series of events. Will the trials bring closure, or will they only deepen the mystery surrounding Chad and Lori Daybell?
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com