Apocalypse Observed

"Apocalypse Observed is a book about religious violence. By analyzing five of the most notorious messianic cults of recent years, the authors present a revealing account of religious sects and conflict. The subjects covered include the apocalypse at Jonestown; the Waco siege; the terror campaign of Aum Shinrikyo; the mystical apocalypse of the Solar Temple; and the Heaven's Gate collective suicide." "Through comparative case studies and in-depth analysis, the authors show how religious violence can erupt not simply from the beliefs of the cult followers or the personalities of their leaders,…