Love Has Won

Love Has Won is a syncretic New Religious Movement (NRM) founded in the mid-2000s by Amy Carlson, who is referred to by her followers as "Mother God" or "Ana Tanrı." It eclecticly combines New Age spirituality, conspiracy theories, and UFO beliefs.^【1】 In academic literature, the group is classified as a "digital cult" or "cyber-sect" due to its organizational structure and methods of spreading its teachings, and is regarded as one of the most prominent examples of "conspirituality" — the fusion of conspiracy theories and spirituality.^【2】

The movement rejects the theological structure of traditional monotheistic religions and instead promotes a millenarian doctrine claiming communication with extraterrestrial entities such as the "Galactic Light Federation" and asserting that humanity will ascend to a higher level of consciousness known as the "fifth dimension" (5D).^【3】 Its theology is based on a hybrid belief system that intertwines modern political conspiracy theories like QAnon, esoteric healing practices, and metaphysical promises of salvation.^【4】

In addition to a core group living a communal life in Colorado state, particularly in the Crestone area, the movement reached a global audience through daily livestreams conducted over the internet. The movement entered international public and legal discourse in 2021 when authorities discovered Amy Carlson’s mummified and decorated corpse; this event prompted scrutiny of the group’s internal dynamics, hierarchical structure, and alternative medical practices — especially the use of colloidal silver.^【5】

The origins of the movement lie in the personal transformation and withdrawal from institutional life of its founder, Amy Carlson (1975–2021). A mother of three living in Texas and working as a manager at a McDonald’s branch, Carlson abandoned her family and job in the mid-2000s to pursue spiritual exploration. This radical break is described in New Religious Movements (NRM) literature as the process by which an individual rejects existing social roles to construct a new identity of "chosenness."^【6】

^{Depiction of Amy Carlson’s Body Decorated by Followers (Generated by AI)}

Carlson initially connected with Amerith WhiteEagle, who played a key role in the group’s early organization through online forums, but later developed her own theological doctrine and emerged as an independent leader. Positioning herself as a divine entity, Carlson began addressing her followers as "Mother God." According to her theology, she was the reincarnation of historical figures such as Jesus, Joan of Arc, Cleopatra, and Marilyn Monroe, and was the messiah destined to elevate humanity from the third dimension to the fifth dimension (5D).^【7】

The institutionalization of the movement entered a new phase with the arrival of Jason Castillo, known to followers as "Father God." His involvement reinforced the group’s dualistic theology (Mother God and Father God) and strengthened its hierarchical structure. After brief stays in states such as Hawaii and California, the group settled in Crestone, Colorado, where they established an isolated commune.^【8】

Carlson’s leadership aligns sociologically with Max Weber’s concept of "charismatic authority." Followers interpreted her physical ailments — such as her claimed cancer and paralysis — as her taking upon herself the suffering and negative energies of humanity, viewing this as a sign of sacrifice that deepened their devotion. However, autopsy reports and witness testimonies revealed that Carlson’s health issues were largely due to chronic alcohol abuse, anorexia, and the consumption of high-dose colloidal silver, which she regarded as "holy medicine."^【9】

Love Has Won’s belief system exhibits a syncretic structure as defined in the sociology of religion. The group fused traditional New Age teachings — such as crystals, energy work, and reincarnation — with modern political conspiracy theories like QAnon and the Deep State to form a hybrid theology. This structure is explained in academic studies under the concept of "conspirituality," the fusion of conspiracy theories and spirituality.^【11】

The group’s core doctrine holds that humanity must ascend from the low-vibration reality known as the "3D" (third dimension) to the higher state of pure love and unity called the "5D" (fifth dimension). According to LHW theology, the modern world we inhabit is a "Matrix" simulation designed to enslave humans. Amy Carlson (Mother God) is the divine guide destined to liberate humanity from this illusion and lead it into the fifth dimension. Followers believe they must destroy their egos and submit completely to Carlson’s authority to achieve this ascension.^【12】

The movement claims to be in communication with extraterrestrial entities. According to its beliefs, a galactic council known as the "Galactic Light Federation" oversees humanity’s ascension. Members of this council include not only alien beings but also the spirits of deceased celebrities such as Robin Williams, John Lennon, and Marilyn Monroe. Carlson and group members frequently claimed during livestreams to receive messages from these "etheric" entities through channeling.^【13】

Unlike most New Age groups, which tend to be apolitical, Love Has Won engaged closely with political agendas. The group integrated the rhetoric of the far-right conspiracy theory QAnon into its theology. U.S. President Donald Trump was viewed by the group as a "Lightworker" and savior figure, believed to be waging a war against a satanic elite known as the "Cabal," which allegedly controls the world. In this context, political events were interpreted as earthly manifestations of a cosmic battle between Good and Evil.^【14】

The group’s belief system rejects modern medicine and the pharmaceutical industry ("Big Pharma"). It claims that the root cause of illness is low-frequency energy. As a treatment and "purification" method, it promoted the consumption of colloidal silver — a substance lacking scientific validation and known to cause toxic effects with prolonged use. Autopsy reports confirmed that the excessive accumulation of silver in Carlson’s body, resulting from her consumption of silver water as a healing agent, contributed to her death.^【15】

Unlike classical cult structures, Love Has Won operates primarily in virtual spaces and represents a new-generation organizational model known in literature as a "Digital Cult." Its hierarchy and functioning are built upon the capabilities provided by internet technologies.^【16】

The group maintained communication with its adherents and recruited new members through daily livestreams on Facebook and YouTube, known as "Daily Energy Updates." During these several-hour-long broadcasts, members relayed messages they claimed to receive from the "Galactic Federation," collected donations, and provided updates on "Mother God’s" health. Sociological research indicates that this constant online presence created an "echo chamber" effect among followers, isolating them from the outside world and rational thought.^【17】

The core group consisted of approximately 15 to 20 individuals who lived physically with Amy Carlson in the same residence and were known as "The Team." These members were responsible for Carlson’s daily care, meal preparation, and management of livestreams. According to witness testimonies and documentary records, a strict hierarchy and discipline were enforced within the commune. Members’ sleep was restricted (sleep deprivation manipulation), their diets were controlled, and those who disobeyed Carlson’s orders were subjected to psychological pressure.^【18】

On April 28, 2021, the Love Has Won movement became an international criminal case when police raided a home in Moffat, Colorado, and discovered Amy Carlson’s mummified corpse.^【19】

When found, Carlson’s body was wrapped in a sleeping bag, adorned with Christmas lights, and surrounded by crystals considered "sacred." Her face and eye sockets were covered with glittering makeup. Forensic examination determined that she had likely died weeks earlier, probably in early April 2021.^【20】

The official autopsy report, released in December 2021, listed the cause of death as "alcohol abuse, anorexia (eating disorder), and chronic colloidal silver ingestion." The body contained levels of silver far exceeding the toxic threshold, resulting from her consumption of silver water, which she believed to be therapeutic.^【21】

Following the discovery, seven members of the group, including Jason Castillo ("Father God"), were arrested and collectively known as the "Crestone 7." The members were charged with abuse of a corpse and endangering the health of two children found in the home. They claimed that Carlson had not died but had merely left her body behind to complete her "Ascension" and return to the Galactic Federation. However, subsequent legal agreements led to the dismissal or reduction of charges.^【22】

Carlson’s death triggered a schism within the movement. Although the group attempted to continue its online presence under different names such as "5D Full Disclosure," the physical loss of its leader significantly weakened the organization’s influence and cohesion.^【23】