Why Waco?

The 1993 government assault on the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas, resulted in the deaths of four federal agents and 80 Branch Davidians, including 17 children. Whether these tragic deaths could have been avoided is still debatable, but what seems clear is that the events in Texas have broad implications for religious freedom in America. This examination of the Waco story aims to offer a balanced account of the siege. The authors try to understand what really happened in Waco: What brought the Branch Davidians to Mount Cannel? Why did the Government attack? How did the media affect events? The authors address the accusations of illegal weapons possesion, strange sexual practices, and child abuse that were made against David Koresh and his followers. Without attempting to excuse such actions, they point out that the public has not heard the complete story and that many media reports were distorted. The authors have carefully studied the Davidian movement, analyzing the theology and biblical interpretation that were so central to the group's functioning.
They also consider how two decades of intense activity against so-called cults have influenced public perceptions of unorthodox religions. In exploring fear of unconventional religious groups and how such fear curtails our ability to tolerate religious differences, "Why Waco?" is an unsettling wake-up call. Using the events at Mount Carmel as a cautionary tale, the authors challenge all Americans, including government officials and media representatives, to closely examine their national commitment to religious freedom.