STUDY ON BRANCH DAVIDIANS

Study on Branch Davidians

Abstract

In this study we try to prove or disprove using Max Weber's and Stark-Bainbridge theories of cults to the Branch Davidians and their leader David Koresh. The main focus of the research is on “sociological theories” and its relation with “Davidians”. The research also analyzes many aspects of “sociological theories” and tries to gauge its effect on “Davidians”. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for “sociological theories”” and tries to describe the overall effect of “sociological theories”” on “Davidians”.

The Branch Davidians

Introduction

Many common religious terms lack a generally accepted, single, current definition. This leads to confusion over the meanings of certain religious terms, such as Christian, cult hell, heaven, occult, Paganism, salvation, Witch, Witchcraft, Unitarian, Universalist, Voodoo, etc. A reader must often look at the context in which the word is used in order to guess at the intent of the writer (Maaga, 2008).

“Cults manipulate people in a special way. They court people to get them in, but once they're in, they're told that they are sinful and only the leader is pure” (Dr. Margaret Singer).

Confusion reigns when an author uses one definition of "Unitarian," while a reader assumes the other meaning. Misunderstandings also happen when an author assumes that both definitions refer to the same organization or belief.

"Koresh" is a Hebrew transcription of Cyrus, the Persian King who granted the oppressed Jews in Babylon to go back to Israel. In early 1990 David Koresh changed his name from Wayne Howell, and qualified himself as the leader and a prophet of the Branch Davidians. His commitment to the Bible was still present. Koresh extended to keep apart the Davidians in their compound, saying that they were the chosen ones, the "good" ones, and the world was built with forces that will encourage the oncoming Apocalypse, the Day of Atonement; and that when that day comes, God will spare the Davidians because of their commitment and loyalty to his truth (Johnstone, 2007).

The psychology of David Koresh

Leaders and self proclaimed prophets like David have a very different mindset; they play with the minds of the people to convert them. Mostly the people who become the victim of people like this are the ones who are in some deep trouble, people who are very rich, who look for something new (Barker, 1986).

Following are the reasons and the ways in which leaders and self proclaimed prophets persuade and convert people:

Compliance with Group Concerned with how they are viewed by the people whose opinions matter to them.

Conformity in Dress, Behavior, and Speech

Members act like they know nothing, like they are inadequate so they can attain security. The inadequate behavior implies that the leader's behavior is above them. Building the dependency of people, on the leader, the leader gets their power from members that wish for an ideal parent. If the followers believe the leader possess superior powers and secretes, the leader doesn't have to be charismatic. Leaders are authoritarians that encourage dependence and discourage ...