A Sinful Messiah

Older members gave their social security check and food stamps (Rifkind, 70). 3.) Cult leaders are self-appointed, messianic persons who claim to have a special mission in life. In instance, what put Koresh in charge was his revelation that he alone could reveal the mystery of the Seven Seals and ultimately redeem his followers after the apocalypse. He told his followers that he was the seventh and final angel destined to be an instrument of God who brought about the end of the world. In ending to his earlier prophecies, this was truly an apocalypse. It was here the Koresh found his niche. The isolated and insular cult from the world was willing to believe his claim of divine inspiration. Koresh looked to his followers to confirm his belief that he was God's appointed one. He built his church upon one simple message - "If the Bible is true, then I"m Christ (Rifkind, 67)." This message tempted him to vision martyrdom for himself. 4.) Cults tend to be totalitarian in its control of the behavior of its members. Koresh became obsessive about what his followers ate and the kind of music that they listened to. He had strict rules for his followers. He determined what and when they could do anything. If a follower acted out of accordance to his rules, severe punishment followed. 5.) Lastly, a cult appears to be innovative and exclusive. The leader claims to be breaking with tradition, offering something novel, and instituting the only practical system for change that will solve life's problems. While claiming this, the cult leader uses psychological coercion (F.A.C.T. Nec, Inc.). For instance, Koresh tells his followers if they did not follow him, then they would not be saved and forgiven of their sins on Judgment Day. Cults are claimed to involve excessive devotion to their leader who exerts excessive control outside the norm by their opponents. Cults embody a serious threat to personal autonomy and social order (Tabor 170).