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Apocalypse Observed

Religious Movements and Violence in North America, Europe and Japan

By John R. Hall, Philip D. Schuyler, Sylvaine Trinh

Published January 3rd 2000 by Routledge – 240 pages

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Description

Apocalypse Observed is about religious violence. By analyzing five of the most notorious cults of recent years, the authors 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.

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, but also from the way in which society responds to the cults in its midst.

Reviews

'Required reading for anyone perplexed by the persistence of millenarian thought' - Michael F. Brown, Williams College

'This book takes an original and challenging view of a number of extremely controversial new religious movements.' - Journal of Contemporary Religion

Contents

1. The Apocalypse at Jonestown 2. From Jonestown to Waco 3. The Violent Path of Aum Shinrikyo 4. The Mystical Apocalypse of the Solar Temple 5. Finding Heaven's Gate Epilogue

Name: Apocalypse Observed: Religious Movements and Violence in North America, Europe and Japan (Paperback) – Routledge 
Description: By John R. Hall, Philip D. Schuyler, Sylvaine Trinh. Apocalypse Observed is about religious violence. By analyzing five of the most notorious cults of recent years, the authors present a fascinating and revealing account of religious sects and conflict. Cults covered include:* the apocalypse at Jonestown*...
Categories: Sociology & Social Policy, Sociology of Religion