the branch davidians

Question 1

when and how did the movement start

Answer 1

• houteff claimed to have received a revelation
• when he died his wife took over but her leadership didn’t last
  -rodden stepped in claiming he was the prophet and formed branch of davidians

Question 2

why did it start

Answer 2

-search for the deeper meaning (specialist knowledge to help survive)
- growing sense of separatism = saw the outside world as corrupt
- wanted a group that focused on preparing for the end of the world

Question 3

what was the organisational structure was there a charismatic leader

Answer 3

-houteff charismatic leader= focus on near return of christ

Question 4

what were their norms and values

Answer 4

-being hardworking , self sustaining
- worship on saturdays
- strict rules
-no tobacco , dancing , movies or cosmetics

Question 5

what were their religious beliefs

Answer 5

• believed there was prophet ordained by God to continue his teachings
  -wanted to stay away from society , believed society was sinful
  -focused on preparation from the last day
  -wanted to be in the presence of koresh

Question 6

what social groups did they attract

Answer 6

• marginalised individuals
  -ppl who liked more radical teachings
• those wnated to be closer to God
  -those who believed in the near coming
  -attracted people from places like australia , britain

Question 7

what happened to the davidians

Answer 7

-a fire broke out during the FBI’s assault
-76 people died in the blaze
- some survivors didn’t recover