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More About This Textbook
Overview
Could the tragedy have been prevented? Was it necesary for the BATF agents to do what they did? What could have been done differently? Armageddon in Waco offers the most detailed, wide-ranging analysis of events surrounding Waco. Leading scholars in sociology, history, law, and religion explore all facets of the confrontation in an attempt to understand one of the most confusing government actions in American history.
The book begins with the history of the Branch Davidians and the story of its leader, David Koresh. Chapters show how the Davidians came to trouble authorities, why the group was labeled a "cult," and how authorities used unsubstantiated allegations of child abuse to strengthen their case against the sect.
The media's role is examined next in essays that considering the effect on coverage of lack of time and resources, the orchestration of public relations by government officials, the restricted access to the site or to countervailing evidence, and the ideologies of the journalists themselves. Several contributors then explore the relation of violence to religion, comparing Waco to Jonestown.
Finally, the role played by "experts" and "consultants" in defining such conflicts is explored by two contributors who had active roles as scholarly experts during and after the siege The legal and consitutional implications of the government's actions are also analyzed in balanced, clearly written detail.
Editorial Reviews
Booknews
Comprises 15 essays which, in the words of the editor in his introduction, aim at "deconstructing the pop-psychology, ahistorical renderings of marginal religions typically conveyed by the media." Contributions range from the social and historical context and sources of the conflict to media coverage and public opinion; apocalypticism and violence; experts and law enforcement; and legal and policy issues. Contributors are primarily sociologists but also include scholars of law, church history, and religion. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)Product Details
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Table of Contents
1: An Age of Wisdom, An Age of Foolishness: The Davidians, Some Forerunners, and Our Age Robert S. Fogarty
2: Davidians and Branch Davidians: 1929-1987
William L. Pitts, Jr
3: The Davidian Tradition: From Patronal Clan to Prophetic Movement David G. Bromley, Edward D. Silver.
4: Construction and Escalation of a Cult Threat: Dissecting Moral Panic and Official Reaction to the Branch Davidians Stuart A. Wright
5: Self-Fulfilling Stereotypes, the Anticult Movement, and the Waco Confrontation James R. Lewis
6: "Babies Were Being Beaten": Exploring Child Abuse Allegations at Ranch Apocalypse Christopher G. Ellison, John P. Bartkowski.
7: Manufacturing Consent about Koresh: A Structural Analysis of the Role of Media in the Waco Tragedy James T. Richardson
8: Cops, News Copy, and Public Opinion: Legitimacy and the Social Construction of Evil in Waco Anson Shupe, Jeffrey K. Hadden.
9: Public Narratives and the Apocalyptic Sect: From Jonestown to Mt. Carmel John R. Hall
10: Sects and Violence: Factors Enhancing the Volatility of Marginal Religious Movements Thomas Robbins, Dick Anthony.
11: Religious Discourse and Failed Negotiations: The Dynamics of Biblical Apocalypticism in Waco James D. Tabor
12: Waco, Federal Law Enforcement, and Scholars of Religion Nancy T. Ammerman
13: Breaching the "Wall of Separation": The Balance between Religious Freedom and Social Order Rhys H. Williams
14: The Waco Tragedy: Constitutional Concerns and Policy Perspectives Edward McGlynn Gaffney, Jr
15: The Implosion of Mt. Carmel and Its Aftermath: Is It All Over Yet?
Dean M. Kelley Appendix: Branch Davidians Who Died at Mt. Carmel List of Contributors Index