NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Branch Davidian

The Branch Davidians are a religious sect which originated from a schism in 1955 from the Davidian Seventh Day Adventists, themselves former members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church who were disfellowshipped during the 1930s. From its inception in the 1930s, the splinter movement inherited Adventism's apocalypticism, in that they believed themselves to be living in a time when Christian prophecies of a final divine judgment were coming to pass. They are best known for the 1993 siege of their Center near Waco, Texas, by the ATF and the FBI, which resulted in the deaths of eighty-two of the church's members, including head figure David Koresh. However, by the time of the siege, Koresh had encouraged his followers to think of themselves as "students of the Seven Seals" rather than as "Branch Davidians," and other Branch Davidian factions never accepted his leadership. Image File history File links Emblem-important. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... A sect is a small religious group that has branched off of a larger established religion. ... Year 1955 (MCMLV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1955 Gregorian calendar). ... Please wikify (format) this article or section as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ... The Seventh-day Adventist (abbreviated Adventist[1]) Church is a Christian denomination which is distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the seventh day of the week, as the Sabbath. ... The 1930s (years from 1930â€“1939) were described as an abrupt shift to more radical and conservative lifestyles, as countries were struggling to find a solution to the Great Depression, also known as the World Depression. ... Apocalypticism is a worldview based on the idea that important matters are esoteric in nature (hidden) and they will soon be revealed in a major confrontation of earth-shaking magnitude that will change the course of history. ... Year 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar). ... Combatants ATF, FBI, U.S. Army Branch Davidians Commanders Assault: Phil Chojnacki Siege: Many David Koreshâ€ Strength Assault: 75 ATF agents Siege: Hundreds of federal agents and soldiers 50+ men, 75+ women and children Casualties 4 dead, 21 wounded in assault 6 dead and 3+ wounded in assault, 79 dead... For the Branch Davidian siege in Waco, Texas, see Waco Siege. ... ATF Seal The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (abbreviated ATF, sometimes BATF or BATFE) is a United States federal agency; more specifically a specialized law enforcement and regulatory organization within the United States Department of Justice. ... The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a federal criminal investigative, intelligence agency, and the primary investigative arm of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). ... David Koresh (August 17, 1959 â€“ April 19, 1993), (born Vernon Wayne Howell), was the leader of the Branch Davidians religious sect, believing himself to be the final prophet, until a 1993 raid by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and subsequent siege by the FBI ended... Seven Seals is the newest album by the german Powermetal-Band Primal Fear, released in November 2005. ...

History

In 1929, Victor Houteff, a Bulgarian immigrant, claimed that he had a new message for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It was submitted in the form of a book entitled The Shepherd's Rod. His claims were not accepted and were considered divisive by the leadership because he pointed out what he saw as their departures from basic church teachings and standards. Therefore, he was disfellowshipped (excommunicated) from the church. Year 1929 (MCMXXIX) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Victor Tasho Houteff was born in Raicovo, Bulgaria, March 2, 1885, and became a member of the Greek Orthodox Church. ... Please wikify (format) this article or section as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ... Excommunication is religious censure which is used to deprive or suspend membership in a religious community. ...

In 1935, Houteff established his headquarters outside Waco, Texas. Up to 1942, his movement was known as the Shepherd's Rod, but when Houteff found it necessary to formally incorporate so members could claim conscientious objector status, he named his association the Davidian Seventh Day Adventists. The term "Davidian" refers to the restoration of the Davidic kingdom. Houteff directed Davidians to evangelize Adventists exclusively. 1935 (MCMXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar). ... For the Branch Davidian siege in Waco, Texas, see Waco Siege. ... Year 1942 (MCMXLII) was a common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... It has been suggested that Conscientious objection throughout the world be merged into this article or section. ... This article is about the Biblical king of Israel. ...

In 1955, after Houteff's death, a split of this movement formed the Branch Davidian Seventh Day Adventists, headed initially by Benjamin L. Roden. "Branch" refers to the new name of Christ. The group established a settlement outside of Waco, Texas, on the property previously occupied by the Davidian group. In 1977, Benjamin Roden's wife Lois claimed to have a message of her own, one element of which was that the Holy Spirit is feminine in gender, causing much controversy in the group. When Ben Roden died the next year, their son George tried to assume leadership, claiming that he was the rightful prophet of the group, but she beat back his attempt. Year 1955 (MCMLV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1955 Gregorian calendar). ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... This page is about the title, office or what is known in Christian theology as the Divine Person. ... For the Branch Davidian siege in Waco, Texas, see Waco Siege. ... Official language(s) No official language See languages of Texas Capital Austin Largest city Houston Largest metro area Dallasâ€“Fort Worthâ€“Arlington Area Ranked 2nd - Total 261,797 sq mi (678,051 kmÂ²) - Width 773 miles (1,244 km) - Length 790 miles (1,270 km) - % water 2. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... Lois Roden Lois Irene Scott Roden, was a president of the Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Church, an apocalyptic Christian sect, her husband, Benjamin Roden, began in 1955 as a succession to the Davidian Seventh Day Adventist reform movement that began in 1930 under the leadership of Victor T. Houteff... Topics in Christianity Movements Â· Denominations Ecumenism Â· Preaching Â· Prayer Music Â· Liturgy Â· Calendar Symbols Â· Art Â· Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul Â· Church Fathers Constantine Â· Athanasius Â· Augustine Anselm Â· Aquinas Â· Palamas Â· Luther Calvin Â· Wesley Arius Â· Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury Â· Catholic Pope Coptic Pope Â· Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box: In mainstream Christianity, the...

In 1981, Vernon Wayne Howell (later renamed David Koresh) joined the group as a regular member. In September 1983, Lois Roden allowed Howell to begin to teach his own message, opening the door for him to build a following before their split in early 1984. Lois also faced dissent from Canadian Charles Pace. There was a general meeting at Mount Carmel of all Branch Davidians over Passover 1984 and the end result was that the group split into several factions, one of which was loyal to Howell. At this time, George Roden forced Howell, and later Pace, to leave the property. Year 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Gregorian calendar). ... David Koresh (August 17, 1959 â€“ April 19, 1993), (born Vernon Wayne Howell), was the leader of the Branch Davidians religious sect, believing himself to be the final prophet, until a 1993 raid by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and subsequent siege by the FBI ended... David Koresh (August 17, 1959 â€“ April 19, 1993), (born Vernon Wayne Howell), was the leader of the Branch Davidians religious sect, believing himself to be the final prophet, until a 1993 raid by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and subsequent siege by the FBI ended... Year 1983 (MCMLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar). ... This article is about the year. ... Pasch redirects here. ... George Roden was a leader of the Branch Davidian sect, a Seventh Day Adventist splinter group, and the former husband of Amo Bishop Roden. ...

Howell took his followers to Palestine, Texas, while Pace went to Gadsden, Alabama. But, by 1988, George Roden's support had dwindled and, while he was in jail for contempt of court, Howell took charge of the disputed land in his absence. Meanwhile, Lois Roden had died in 1986, and her will appointed Teresa Moore, with Irmine Sampson, to continue her work. Palestine (pronounced ) is a city in Anderson County, Texas, in the United States. ... Gadsden is a city in and the county seat of Etowah County, northeastern Alabama, United States, approximately 60 miles northeast of Birmingham. ... Year 1988 (MCMLXXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar). ...

In 1990, Howell changed his name to David Koresh, invoking the biblical Kings David and Cyrus. Koresh centered his teachings on the Seven Seals and his ability as the "Lamb" to open them. Koresh supported his beliefs with detailed biblical interpretation, using the Book of Revelation as the lens through which the entire Bible was viewed. Year 1990 (MCMXC) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar). ... David Koresh (August 17, 1959 â€“ April 19, 1993), (born Vernon Wayne Howell), was the leader of the Branch Davidians religious sect, believing himself to be the final prophet, until a 1993 raid by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and subsequent siege by the FBI ended... This article is about the Biblical king of Israel. ... â€œCyrusâ€ redirects here. ... This Gutenberg Bible is displayed by the United States Library. ... Hermeneutics may be described as the development and study of theories of the interpretation and understanding of texts. ... Visions of John of Patmos, as depicted in the TrÃ¨s Riches Heures du Duc de Berry. ...

Raid and siege

Some former members of Koresh's group alleged that he practiced polygamy with underage brides, physically abused children, and stockpiled illegal weapons, legal authorities investigated these charges. On February 28, 1993, the U.S. Treasury Department's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) conducted a raid on Mount Carmel, a property of the Davidians. The raid resulted in the deaths of six Davidians and four ATF agents after a firefight broke out. Following this confrontation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) laid siege to Mount Carmel for 51 days, during which time the FBI and ATF conducted around-the-clock operations including psychological warfare (psyops) on the occupants of the complex. The government's siege on the Branch Davidians ended on April 19 when federal agents released CS tear gas into the compound. During the assault, several fires broke out and spread quickly through the buildings, killing approximately 79 Branch Davidians, 21 of whom were children. Autopsies confirmed that many of the victims, including David Koresh, had died of single gunshot wounds to their heads. Combatants ATF, FBI, U.S. Army Branch Davidians Commanders Assault: Phil Chojnacki Siege: Many David Koreshâ€ Strength Assault: 75 ATF agents Siege: Hundreds of federal agents and soldiers 50+ men, 75+ women and children Casualties 4 dead, 21 wounded in assault 6 dead and 3+ wounded in assault, 79 dead... Image File history File links Branch_Davidian_flag. ... Image File history File links Branch_Davidian_flag. ... February 28 is the 59th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar). ... F.B.I. and FBI redirect here. ... The purpose of United States psychological operations (PSYOP) is to induce or reinforce attitudes and behaviors favorable to U.S. objectives. ... is the 109th day of the year (110th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

The government conducted an investigation, launching a special inquiry before the Danforth Committee. The Danforth Committee issued a report concluding that the fire was started on the inside by Davidians. However, in 1999 the FBI was forced to admit that FBI testimony given before the Danforth Committee was false. The FBI now admits to using Flite-Rite pyrotechnic grenades on the day of the fire but insists the grenades were not used in the area of the main compound. Given previous false FBI testimony, the facts regarding the use of pyrotechnic grenades remain in dispute. This article is about the year. ...

The government put some of the survivors on trial. All were acquitted of conspiring to murder federal agents but some were convicted of aiding and abetting voluntary manslaughter. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into manslaughter. ...

Branch Davidians and the media

Prior to the ATF Siege in Waco few people had heard about the Branch Davidians. During the course of the siege the media, relying on the input of a host of experts who volunteered services, created a picture of the Branch Davidians that was fanatical and at times criminal.[1] This portrayal contradicted many of the interviews conducted within the compound as well as reports from their family members. This portrayal in the media is believed by many to have influenced both the FBI and the ATF and the strategies they employed during the siege.[2]

Land dispute

The deaths of the majority of Koresh's group gave others the opportunity to dispute their hold on the Mount Carmel property. Within months, Amo Bishop Roden, George's former wife, moved onto the land to begin a one-woman occupation. Most survivors and supporters recognize Clive Doyle as the trustee of the organization and the land. Renos Avraam, one of the imprisoned Davidians, has declared that he is receiving prophetic new light, as the "Chosen Vessel of the Remaining Bride." However, most of the survivors spurn his "Hidden Manna" faction. Amo Roden is the former wife of George Roden, a rival of David Koresh for leadership of the Branch Davidians. ...

In 1996, the court ruled that the land belongs to the Branch Davidian Seventh Day Adventist Church. However, the court has until this point refused to rule on who exactly constitutes "the church".

Also in 1996, a number of Koresh's remaining followers filed an action to quiet title to the church's property under a claim of adverse possession. Adverse possession requires that the claimant file it against a party that holds title to the property. However, they filed this suit claiming to be the "trustees" of the church, while contradictorily claiming they possessed the property adversely against the trustees of the church. A lawsuit is a civil action brought before a court in order to recover a right, obtain damages for an injury, obtain an injunction to prevent an injury, or obtain a declaratory judgment to prevent future legal disputes. ... This page is a candidate to be copied to Wiktionary. ... In common law, adverse possession is the name given to the process by which title to anothers real property is acquired without compensation, by, as the name suggests, holding the property in a manner that conflicts with the true owners rights for a specified period of time. ... In property law, the title owner the one holding the greatest number of rights, or most important rights in a piece of real estate. ...

Another non-Koresh Branch Davidian leader, Doug Mitchell, joined the case in 1998. Mitchell contends that when Koresh left Mount Carmel in 1984, he adopted the name "Davidian Branch Davidian Seventh Day Adventist" for his followers, thus "leaving" the church, forfeiting their claim to be the true Branch Davidians. During the pre-trial proceedings, Mitchell's attempts to obtain an injunction against Koresh's remaining followers that would have prohibited them from using the church's name and property was dismissed for "lack of jurisdiction". Judge Alan Mayfield felt that the matter involved church issues which the court could not rightly consider.

The survivors dropped their claim for adverse possession the day before the trial began, proceeding only on their claims of being the Trustees of the Church. Doug Mitchell's claim to be the rightful Trustee of the church's property was not allowed to be considered by the jury when the survivors' and Amo Roden's claims were considered, but he was allowed to defend against the others' claims. In 2000, a jury ruled against both the survivors and Amo Roden. However, they continued to stay on the property, along with Charles Pace. Amo Roden is the former wife of George Roden, a rival of David Koresh for leadership of the Branch Davidians. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ...

Approximately fifty [3] to seventy [4] people attended the yearly memorial service on April 19, 2005. is the 109th day of the year (110th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

At this time, survivor Clive Doyle was living at the Mount Carmel Center with supporter Ron Goins, operating a small visitor museum as well as holding weekly Bible studies on the Sabbath. Charles Pace and his family also lived on the property and held worship services.

However, relations began to break down. In August, Pace held a baptism for his members at Mount Carmel, joined by Goins. This left Doyle as the only Koresh follower on the property, and he says he came under increasing pressure to convert or leave. In February 2006, he decided to move into town, emptying the visitor museum as well.

This has left Pace's group in control of Mount Carmel. Pace had opposed the planting of the grove of memorial trees as paganism, and his group has chopped down David Koresh's tree and smashed his plaque, to prevent it from being used for idolatry. They have also removed the plaques from the other trees, with plans to incorporate the stones into their own memorial to the dead. Pace, a naturopathic doctor, also plans to make a wellness center out of Doyle's repossessed house and a health food/herb shop out of the visitors' center. Meanwhile, the survivors nurse hopes of reclaiming the property.

Bibliography

See also

Millennialism (or chiliasm), from millennium, which literally means thousand years, is primarily a belief expressed in some Christian denominations, and literature, that there will be a Golden Age or Paradise on Earth where Christ will reign prior to the final judgment and future eternal state, primarily derived from the book... Please wikify (format) this article or section as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ... The Seventh-day Adventist (abbreviated Adventist[1]) Church is a Christian denomination which is distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the seventh day of the week, as the Sabbath. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... Lois Roden Lois Irene Scott Roden, was a president of the Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Church, an apocalyptic Christian sect, her husband, Benjamin Roden, began in 1955 as a succession to the Davidian Seventh Day Adventist reform movement that began in 1930 under the leadership of Victor T. Houteff... David Koresh (August 17, 1959 â€“ April 19, 1993), (born Vernon Wayne Howell), was the leader of the Branch Davidians religious sect, believing himself to be the final prophet, until a 1993 raid by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and subsequent siege by the FBI ended... Combatants ATF, FBI, U.S. Army Branch Davidians Commanders Assault: Phil Chojnacki Siege: Many David Koreshâ€ Strength Assault: 75 ATF agents Siege: Hundreds of federal agents and soldiers 50+ men, 75+ women and children Casualties 4 dead, 21 wounded in assault 6 dead and 3+ wounded in assault, 79 dead...

External links

Categories: Accuracy disputes | Articles lacking in-text citations | Branch Davidians | Christian eschatology | McLennan County, Texas | New religious movements | Building fires in the United States | Fires in Texas | Adventist | History of the United States (1988–present) The Biblical Research Institute is a service department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church with the three stated functions of research, apologetics, and service to the church. ... David Koresh (August 17, 1959 â€“ April 19, 1993), (born Vernon Wayne Howell), was the leader of the Branch Davidians religious sect, believing himself to be the final prophet, until a 1993 raid by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and subsequent siege by the FBI ended... Benjamin Roden Benjamin Lloyd Roden (January 5, 1902â€“October 22, 1978) was an American religious leader and the prime organizer of the Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Association. ... Lois Roden Lois Irene Scott Roden, was a president of the Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Church, an apocalyptic Christian sect, her husband, Benjamin Roden, began in 1955 as a succession to the Davidian Seventh Day Adventist reform movement that began in 1930 under the leadership of Victor T. Houteff... Amo Roden is the former wife of George Roden, a rival of David Koresh for leadership of the Branch Davidians. ... George Roden was a leader of the Branch Davidian sect, a Seventh Day Adventist splinter group, and the former husband of Amo Bishop Roden. ... Apocalypticism is a worldview based on the idea that important matters are esoteric in nature (hidden) and they will soon be revealed in a major confrontation of earth-shaking magnitude that will change the course of history. ... Cult suicide is that phenomenon by which some cults, have led to their membership committing suicide. ... Millennialism (or chiliasm), from millennium, which literally means thousand years, is primarily a belief expressed in some Christian denominations, and literature, that there will be a Golden Age or Paradise on Earth where Christ will reign prior to the final judgment and future eternal state, primarily derived from the book... The Seventh-day Adventist (abbreviated Adventist[1]) Church is a Christian denomination which is distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the seventh day of the week, as the Sabbath. ... Seven Seals is the newest album by the german Powermetal-Band Primal Fear, released in November 2005. ... Please wikify (format) this article or section as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ... For the Branch Davidian siege in Waco, Texas, see Waco Siege. ... Mount Carmel Center was the name of the Branch Davidian home outside of Waco Texas led by Benjamin Roden and later David Koresh. ... Combatants ATF, FBI, U.S. Army Branch Davidians Commanders Assault: Phil Chojnacki Siege: Many David Koreshâ€ Strength Assault: 75 ATF agents Siege: Hundreds of federal agents and soldiers 50+ men, 75+ women and children Casualties 4 dead, 21 wounded in assault 6 dead and 3+ wounded in assault, 79 dead... Christopher Curran was an FBI sniper who served at both the Ruby Ridge standoff and the siege at Waco. ... Jeff Jamar is an Special Agent in Charge of the FBI. 1982 - Informant Coordinator 1990 - SAC for the FBIs Minneapolis field office 1993 - SAC for the FBIs San Antonio field office Waco Jamar served as the siege commander during the 1993 Waco Raid, aided by agents Robert Ricks... Lon Tomohisa Horiuchi (born June 9, 1954) is a U.S. FBI sniper who became infamous after he was charged with manslaughter following the shootings during the Ruby Ridge standoff. ... Carol Moore is an ethicist and systems theorist best known for her theories of secession and her analysis of Mahatma Gandhis methods as an intuitive systems theorist. She is considered an influential critic of globalization; Although not widely read or followed in the protest-oriented wing of the anti_globalization... Robert Ricks is an FBI Special Agent in Charge, one of four supporting SAC Jeff Jamar in the 1993 Waco Raid. ... Combatants ATF, FBI, U.S. Army Branch Davidians Commanders Assault: Phil Chojnacki Siege: Many David Koreshâ€ Strength Assault: 75 ATF agents Siege: Hundreds of federal agents and soldiers 50+ men, 75+ women and children Casualties 4 dead, 21 wounded in assault 6 dead and 3+ wounded in assault, 79 dead... The Waco Tribune-Herald is an American daily newspaper serving Waco, Texas and vicinity. ... Janet Reno (born July 21, 1938) was the first female Attorney General of the United States (1993â€“2001). ... John Claggett Danforth (born September 5, 1936), also referred to as Jack Danforth, is a former United States Ambassador to the United Nations and former United States Senator from Missouri. ... A forward looking infrared (FLIR) system is a camera that takes pictures using the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. ... The Posse Comitatus Act is a United States federal law (18 U.S.C. Â§ 1385) passed on June 16, 1878 after the end of Reconstruction. ... Cult suicide is that phenomenon by which some cults, have led to their membership committing suicide. ... The logo used by the Heavens Gate group Heavens Gate was the name of a religious group led by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles. ... The Order of the Solar Temple also known as Ordre du Temple Solaire (OTS) in French, and the International Chivalric Organization of the Solar Tradition or simply as The Solar Temple was a secret society based upon the new age myth of the continuing existence of the Knights Templar (see... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God was a breakaway sect from the Roman Catholic Church founded by Credonia Mwerinde and Joseph Kibweteere in Uganda. ... The Branch Davidians are a religious group originating from the Seventh_day Adventist church. ... The Children of God (COG), later known as the Family of Love, the Family, and now the Family International (TFI), is a new religious movement, widely referred to as a cult by the media and some government organizations, that started in 1968 in Huntington Beach, California, United States. ... The Tiananmen Square self-immolation incident was an incident occurring on January 23, 2001, in Tiananmen Square, Beijing in which six people engaged in self-immolation. ... â€œChitty Chitty Death Bangâ€ is the third episode from season one of the FOX animated television series Family Guy. ... DVD cover Ticket to Heaven is a Canadian film produced in 1981 which dramatically portrays the recruiting of a cult member and his life in the cult until forcibly extracted by deprogrammers. ... Seth is an episode of the science fiction television series Stargate SG-1. ...