There are some things here about the situation at Waco that I
was formerly not aware of - it they're true. Koresh was pretty
out and out loony apparently. Not that they should have
smoked him, mind you. It was just as smart as bombing the
MOVE people on Osage Ave. in Philly "to save the kids."
If they wanted to protect the children, all they had to do was
pick them up on their way to or from Cobbs Creek Park where
they went every single day - till they were murdered.
What is the correlation between Cobu and Branch Davidians?
Almost none. The members were duped and listened to a
megalomaniac.
That's about it. Koresh was a lot crazier and used license
in areas harder to justify Biblically by anyone but anyone
under his spell. Those under Traill's spell simply work out
their lives as drones to make him money so that he can
"crucify his flesh" by living in that "lousy" condo.
(in Florida to boot! Traill's lifestyle is also above question.)
The Davidians stockpiled weapons. I doubt anyone inside the
Cobu confines has ever seen a weapon. They stockpile antiques.
What strange, hideous and twisted plan could this be part of?!
This info below is more for those who are curious enough
to continue reading..... There are listed further down Koresh's
five fundamental beliefs - and a timeline from 1929 - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - -
"Federal agents and other local authorities knew quite
well what David Koresh was capable of," stated one official.
The sect numbers several thousand members worldwide.
Vernon Howell (David Koresh) was baptized in the Tyler,
Texas church in 1979 but was soon disfellowshipped (1981)
because of his lifestyle and divergent views. He went to
Mt. Carmel to work as a handyman for Lois Roden. In 1983,
he claimed inspiration from God and soon thereafter,
George Roden, Lois' son, began to also claim inspiration.
Self-convinced that he had received a major revelation
from God on the subject of Israel, he claimed that he was
the antitypical Cyrus of Persia (Koresh) that will destroy
"modern babylon" and the antitypical David to restore
spiritual Israel, thus David Koresh.
Koresh began to teach that he was the second intercessor
for mankind and that Christ died only for those who lived
before the cross. He also began to teach that he was
entitled to 140 wives - 60 queens and 80 concubines.
In a 1987 shoot-out between Koresh and rival George Roden
for control of the Mt. Carmel compound, "Howell
(Koresh's real name) got a slap
on the wrists.
He was never prosecuted."
Roden was charged - leaving Koresh the unopposed leader
"Roden was an undesirable, greatly despised by the
community. The authorities wanted to get rid of him and so
Koresh was like a breath of fresh air," an ex-member stated.
Roden taught the observance of Hebrew feast days including
Passover, Pentecost, the Day of Atonement and the Feast
of Tabernacles. To top that off - he brought coffins and other
dead things on the grounds.
"Koresh was a welcomed displacement for George Roden."
The open friction that occurred between the two and fragmented
the group started in 1984. Koresh acquired property in nearby
Palestine, Texas where he and his followers settled. But he
believed that Mt. Carmel played a crucial role in the fulfillment
of his prophetic predictions.
2. He was the king of God's kingdom. God's kingdom would
destroy all other kingdoms and Koresh would rule the entire
world. (This may explain the cache of arms.)
3. As Jesus, the son of God, Koresh owned everything and
everyone. This included all women, married or single.
When followers acquired possessions such as cars or TV
sets -- even wives -- Koresh considered this theft since
these things belonged to him.
4. Only he was able to correctly interpret Bible prophecy,
especially the seven seals of Revelation.
5. Only those who can positively interpret the seven
seals of Revelation have the right to teach or even
read the Bible.
1930 Houteff formed his own organization, known first as the
Shepherd's Rod, later called the Davidian Seventh-day
Adventist, later the Davidians and finally Branch Davidians.
1936 Houteff sets up headquarters at Mount Carmel,
10 miles from Waco Texas.
1939 Houteff sets up worldwide recruitment activities,
especially amongst the Seventh-day Adventist Churches.
1955 After the death of Houteff, his widow, Florence,
assumed the office of leadership and initiated a 3 1/2 year
prophetic prediction that taught that God would set up
His earthly kingdom on Mt. Carmel in 1959. Also taught
that God would resurrect her husband to be the leader.
1959 Florence Houteff and many Davidians gathered at
Mt. Carmel to be translated. When her prediction failed,
the movement began to disintegrate. Benjamin Roden
proclaimed inspiration and said that God had called him
to take over leadership vacated by Houteff's death.
1962 After a long legal battle, Ben Roden and his followers
were allowed to occupy Mt. Carmel Center, providing they
buy out the shares of all the Davidians. The original
group continues to splinter, Roden's being the largest one.
1978 After the death of Ben Roden, his wife Lois, claimed
she had a vision in which she was told that the Holy Spirit
is the feminine person of the trinity. She assumed the
head of the organization.
1981 Howell (Koresh) was disfellowshipped from the Tyler
Seventh-day Adventist Church and he went to Mt. Carmel
as Lois Roden's handyman.
1983 Howell (Koresh) claims inspiration. Shortly after,
George Roden, Lois' son, began to claim inspirations also.
1984 Feud between the two started.
1985 Howell (Koresh) left Mt. Carmel with a following
and acquired property in nearby Palestine, Texas. Also
changed his name.
1987 Koresh thought it was his right to have the property
and engaged in a shoot-out with George Roden. They were
all arrested by local authorities.
1988 Koresh and followers acquitted and Roden imprisoned.
1990 Two police raids on a house owned by Koresh
(warrants were issued for statutory rape.)
1992 There were several court cases over custody of
children. Koresh reported plans to media for a mass
Easter morning suicide.
1993 (February 28) Shoot out with various FBI agents.
1993 (April 19) The Mt. Carmel compound was burnt to the
ground taking 87 lives. There are speculations as to
whether Koresh and his group or the FBI agents set the
fire...