How the millennium comes violently : from Jonestown to Heaven's Gate / Catherine Wessinger ; foreword by Jayne Seminare Docherty.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Wessinger, Catherine, 1952-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Millennialism--Case studies.

Millennialism.

Violence--Religious aspects--Case studies.

Violence.

Violence--Religious aspects.

Genre:

Case studies.

Physical Description:

xiii, 305 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

New York : Seven Bridges Press, [2000]

Summary:

Despite the great variety of social and political movements organized around millennial beliefs today, suspicion, fear, and ridicule typically govern society's treatment of these groups. Violence, as associated with Jonestown, the Branch Davidians, Aum Shinrikyo, Solar Temple, and Heaven's Gate, all too frequently is the consequence of this mistrust. Presented here are case studies of contemporary millennial religions that either became violent, or had the potential for becoming violent. Wessinger provides the essential tools for understanding millennial beliefs and the complex internal mix that shapes a group's decision to embrace or reject violence. Wessinger's fair-minded, practical approach will change misconceptions and, ultimately, help prevent the violence.

Contents:

How the millennium comes violently

1978: Jonestown

1993: Branch Davidians

1995: Aum Shinrikyo

1996: Montana Freemen

Other cases briefly considered: Solar Temple and Heaven's Gate

1998: Chen Tao: assessing the potential for violence

Comparative conclusions.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [287]-294) and index.

ISBN:

1889119245

OCLC:

42021377