Millennialism, Persecution, and Violence: Historical Cases

Religion and Politics

by Catherine Wessinger (Editor)

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 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.

403 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1999

About the author

Catherine Wessinger is the Rev. H. James Yamauchi, S.J. Professor of the History of Religions at Loyola University New Orleans. She is the author or editor of a number of books, including Religious Institutions and Women’s Leadership: New Roles Inside the Mainstream.