Watch Set Free Posse: Jesus Freaks, Biker Gang, or Christian Cult?

Set Free Posse: Jesus Freaks, Biker Gang, or Christian Cult? is a documentary film released in 2017, directed by Mark Claywell. The movie takes an in-depth look at the Set Free Posse, a group of bikers that rose to prominence in the 1970s and 80s, and their leader Phil Aguilar, who turned the gang into a Christian ministry known for their radical conversion experiences.

The film opens with vintage footage of the Set Free Posse, as they call themselves, riding through California on their motorcycles, their long hair and leather jackets giving them the look of a classic biker gang. We then learn about Phil Aguilar, a former drug addict and criminal who found God while in prison and converted his biker gang into a Christian ministry. The movie features interviews with Aguilar, his family, former Set Free members, and others who knew them, including Tim Storey, a motivational speaker who was a member of the group in the 1980s.

The film explores the history of the Set Free Posse, its beliefs, and practices. While the group initially drew criticism from some Christian leaders, who saw them as too radical and unorthodox, they continued to grow and gain popularity among young people looking for a more meaningful experience of faith. The movie also delves into allegations of abuse and control made by some former members, who claim that Aguilar had a cult-like hold on them and that his teachings went beyond what most Christians would consider acceptable.

As we learn more about the Set Free Posse, the movie raises some important questions about the nature of religious movements and how they can be perceived by outsiders. Is the Set Free Posse a Christian cult, as some have claimed? Or are they simply a group of passionate believers who found a unique way to express their faith? The film does not offer a clear answer but presents the evidence for viewers to decide for themselves.

The interviews with former members are particularly poignant, as they speak candidly about their experiences as part of Set Free. Some express regret over their time in the group, while others maintain a strong loyalty to Aguilar and the ministry. One former member, Reginald 'Fieldy' Arvizu, who later became a member of the popular band Korn, describes how the Set Free Posse helped him overcome drug addiction and turned his life around.

Overall, Set Free Posse: Jesus Freaks, Biker Gang, or Christian Cult? is a thought-provoking documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the world of a Christian biker ministry. While it does not try to answer every question about the Set Free Posse or Phil Aguilar, it provides a rich and nuanced portrait of a movement that continues to be controversial and fascinating to this day. The movie raises important questions about the nature of religious movements and their impact on the lives of those who are part of them.

Set Free Posse: Jesus Freaks, Biker Gang, or Christian Cult? is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes.