How the Millennium Comes Violently: From Jonestown to Heaven's Gate

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.