History and Beliefs of the Branch Davidians
History and Beliefs of the Branch Davidians A basic understanding of the relevant beliefs of the Branch Davidian (“Davidian”) faith provides a valuable context that helps to explain why the Davidians acted in the self-destructive manner that they did. To ascertain the core beliefs of the Davidian faith, the Office of Special Counsel conducted voluntary interviews with Davidian survivors,1 religious experts2 and former residents of the Davidian complex.3 The Office of Special Counsel relied on scholarly research as well. The investigation revealed that, although the Davidian faith began as a protest movement within the Seventh Day Adventist Church (“SDA”) in the late 1920s, Davidians who were followers of David Koresh distinguished their faith as separate, special and unique, and all aspects of Davidian life revolved around the teachings of Koresh. These teachings, which centered in large part upon a violent confrontation with the United States, led to the deaths of the Davidians on April 19, 1993. 1Davidian survivors who consented to OSC interviews include Graeme Craddock, October 15, 1999; Clive Doyle, October 13, 1999; Misty Ferguson, January 26, 2000; Derek Lovelock, February 14, 2000; David Thibodeau, October 14, 1999; and Marjorie Thomas, February 10, 2000. Survivors Renos Avraam, Jamie Castillo and Ruth Riddle declined our requests for an interview. 2Dr. J. Phillip Arnold, Founder of Reunion Institute, Houston, Texas, December 28, 1999; Dr. Glenn O. Hilburn, Professor of Religion, Baylor University, May 18, 2000; Dr. William L. Pitts Jr., Professor of Religion, Baylor University, June 23, 2000; and Dr. James D. Tabor, Professor of Religion, University of North Carolina-Charlotte, December 21-22, 1999.
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