Millennialism, Persecution, and Violence: Historical Cases

The year 2000 has created an intense expectation in American history. Since Jonestown and, even more so Waco, millennialist religious groups have been recognized as a major challenge to social control and law enforcement.

In this book, a cross-cultural volume, Catherine Wessinger reveals three patterns within millennial groups that are not mutually exclusive: assaulted millennial groups that are attacked by outsiders who fear and misunderstand the religion, fragile millennial groups that initiate violence to preserve the religious goal, and revolutionary millennial groups possessing an ideology that sanctions violence.

These essays bring academic expertise to bear on the operation of social order and in aiding law enforcement agencies. The book sets an agenda for academics and policy makers alike.

Author: Catherine Wessinger
Publisher: Syracuse University Press
Published: 01/01/2000
Pages: 420
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.30lbs
Size: 9.02h x 6.08w x 0.94d
ISBN: 9780815605997

About the Author
Catherine Wessinger is professor of the history of religions and chair of the Religious Studies Department at Loyola University, New Orleans. She is author of Annie Besant and Progressive Messianism and How the Millennium Comes Violently: From Jonestown to Heaven's Gate.