1. What is the difference between a cult, a sect and a mainstream denomination -give a specific example of each?
What role does cultural normalization and acceptance play in whether a group is considered a cult, sect and/or religion?
Who were the Branch Davidians and what is their history? Are they a cult, sect or mainstream religion - why or why not?
2. How did the news media construct the Branch Davidian group into a threat? What role did the "Sinful Messiah" series done by the Waco Tribune near the time of the ATF raid of the group's church and homestead play in how the outside world viewed the group?
During the raid what role did the media play in making the group out to be a cult - what language did they use to describe the group and their leader that contributed this label and how did the ATF and FBI use this to their advantage?
3. Why did the ATF raid the compound? What mistakes did they make in the before, during and after the raid that made the situation worse?
Compare the perspectives of both the Seconds from Disaster: Waco and the Waco: Rules of Engagement Documentary - how did they differ in the portrayal of the group and on the issue of who and why the fire was started - why does it matter who started the fire?
Instructions :
Minimum Length for each essay question - 550 words - or you will not receive full points for each question. .
Format - 12 point font, Times New Roman or Calibri, double spaced with default margins on top and bottom as well as the sides of the document.
Citing - any specific facts or quotes that are paraphrased or used directly must be cited using a MLA or APA parenthetical citations - similar to this (Smith, 1978, pages 58-59). If you have any questions about this I will show you how to cite sources in the paper. If you do not properly cite your paper I will not grade it and you will receive a failing grade for the Final.