Prophet-leaders, like the late David Koresh, make confusing and inflated promises of fellowship manipulation through emotion and intimidation tactics in order to build their own kingdoms. Where did this so-called prophet lead his loyal followers? On April 19, 1993, (day fifty-one of the siege), the world watched in horror as the Branch Davidian compound burst into flames. Koresh and somewhere between seventy-five and eighty-five of his disciples died in the city-block-sized inferno. The worst of Koresh’s apocalyptic prophecies had come to pass.
The 1997 mass suicide of thirty-nine Heaven’s Gate cult members was one of the worst in U.S. history. The group’s delusionary leader, just days before the mysterious self-imposed deaths, gave the final call: “Your only chance to survive is to leave with us.” Videos were recorded of members making a final statement. Then thirty-nine people put on new sneakers, packed flight bags, and
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