Apocalypse Observed: Religious Movements and Violence in North America, Europe and Japan

by Hall,John R.

• ISBN13: 9780415192774
• ISBN10: 0415192773
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2000-02-23
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

As the millennium approaches, there is renewed interest in Apocalyptic visions. Over the years, several groups, or cults have brought the idea of the Apocalypse into the media. In this important and timely work,Apocalypse Observedanalyzes five of the most notorious cults of recent years. John R. Hall, along with Philip D. Schuyler and Sylvaine Trinh present a fascinating and revealing account of religious sects and conflict. Cults covered include: the apocalypse at Jonestown * the Branch Davidians at Waco * the violent path of Aum Shinrikyo * the mystical apocalypse of the Solar Temple the mass suicide of Heaven's Gate. Apocalypse Observedlooks at each of these cults through an in-depth analysis. The authors show how the religious violence that brought these groups to the attention of the world-at-large did not erupt simple from the beliefs of the cult followers. The personalities of the cult leaders are explored. What drove Jim Jones, David Koresh, and Michael Applewhite to becomesome the world most famous "murderers?" What led ordinary citizens to follow these men? In this fascinating work, all of these issues, as well as several other are discussed. Apocalypse Observedwill also shed light on some of the lesser known, yet equally disturbing cults. This book will look at classic questions about the ultimate meaning of existence, and the way in which cults sought answers to such questions.

Table of Contents

List of illustrations	viii
Acknowledgements	x
Abbreviations	xi
Introduction	1	(14)
The apocalypse at Jonestown	15	(29)
From Jonestown to Waco	44	(32)
The violent path of Aum Shnrikyo	76	(35)
Sylvaine Trinh
John R. Hall
The mystical apocalypse of the Solar Temple	111	(38)
John R. Hall
Philip D. Schuyler
Finding Heaven's Gate	149	(34)
Epilogue	183	(27)
Notes	210	(4)
Bibliography	214	(7)
Index	221