The Branch Davidians of Waco: The History and Beliefs of an Apocalyptic Sect

If you are looking for one complete study of the events leading up to the deadly fire of April 19, 1993, then this is the book you want to read. It reviews the founding of the Davidian sect, the breaking down into the various branches still with us today, and carefully tracks the development of Branch Davidian theology from its roots in the Seventh Day Adventist sect into the last days and hours of the siege itself. Despite the lack of written material available to researchers, there are dozens of audio tapes recorded during Bible studies led by David Koresh as well as interviews with many people who heard him speak, including survivors of the fire. The amount of material the writer worked through in creating this book is daunting, to say the least, and lends a great deal of credence to his conclusion. By the time you read the last page, the writer will have convinced you that the fire at Mt. Carmel was all but inevitable. The only real question was when it would occur, not if it would occur. Due in no small part to inexcusable mistakes by the B.A.T.F.E (A.T.F. at the time of the fire) and the failure of the F.B.I. Hostage Rescue Team to bring in the appropriate expertise, the fire occurred much sooner than it needed to and probably took far more lives than it would have in different circumstances. However, hindsight is always 20/20 while foresight is blind, which is something this book makes abundantly apparent. In this case, as in many such cases, asking "what if" is not only foolish, it leads into useless speculation. A far better question is "why", and that is the question this book answers in crystal clarity.

This is a truly excellent book that exposes the myths around the Waco tragedy and the Branch Davidians. It is essential reading for anyone interested in New Religious Movements. A thoroughly scholarly work this book removes the blinkers so many scholars wear when discussing religion. It clearly shows that while some religions may be good others are bad. Highly recommended Karla Poewe, Professor of Anthropology, University of Calgary

This superb book clears away the fog of intellectual confusion created by endless conspiracy theories all seeking to show who and why the Branch Davidian compound in Waco went up in smoke. Surprise, surprise, the evidence presented by Professor Newport shows very clearly that there was no conspiracy other than one dreamed up in the head of David Koresh and played out by his fanatical followers. This is an excellent book that challenges all Religious Studies scholars to seriously rethink the prevailing consensus that all New Religions are by definition misunderstood and essentially good. Professor Irving Hexham, Department of Religious Studies, Univrsity of Calgary