From the ashes making sense of Waco /
James R. Lewis, editor.
- Lanham, Md. : Rowman & Littlefield, c1994.
- xvi, 269 p. ; 24 cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Introductory essays -- Understanding the branch Davidians -- Millennialism and the Waco confrontation -- Law enforcement and tactical assessments -- Mass suicide? -- Role of the anti-cult movement -- Dynamics and impact of the media -- Polygamy and accusations of child abuse -- Academic reflections -- Selected responses -- Selected letters to public officials.
In 45 short essays aimed at a broad audience, the contributors to From the Ashes place the Branch Davidians in historical and comparative perspective with nontraditional religions, analyze the government's handling of the Waco confrontation, assess the media's coverage and public response, and provide an overview of responses from the academic and religious community. Although the contributors represent a wide variety of viewpoints, they are united in the belief that the 89 deaths could have been avoided and that the popular demonization of nontraditional religious movements in the aftermath of Waco represents a continuing threat to freedom of religion.