How Do the Branch Davidians Recruit People?

Picking the Right Target

The Branch Davidians and other religious cults begin by targeting people that are most likely to join their ranks. Often this means individuals that are vulnerable due to weak social support systems. College students who are both away from familiar territory and open to new ideas are some of the most frequent targets for recruitment. Other targets include those that are dissatisfied with their present situations and ripe for a radical life change. Cult leaders often find people that feel that a traditional religion, career or lifestyle lacks fulfillment. Cults are also full of people that feel that society has given them the short end of the stick, such as minorities, the poor and the disenfranchised.

Offers of a Better Life

To those that feel lost, cults can offer community, a sense of purpose and freedom from daily stressors. The cult allows a new and better way of thinking and being. Those that never felt like they fit in anywhere, suddenly have a group of people who accept them as valuable. Others find fulfillment in the cult's regimented activities and single minded purpose. For people that struggled constantly in their lives, their worries are taken away.

Fear and Threats

After a period, a cult member may realize that he has made a mistake and wants out. By this time, however, it is often too late. Family and friends may be long gone, job opportunities dried up, bank accounts drained. Cult members may feel stuck and left with no options for escape. For many, the teachings of the cult have become so internalized that leaving is equated with death, isolation, treachery or eternal damnation. Cult leaders use fear and threats to great effect. Those that question the cult find that the other members ostracize and turn on them at the behest of the leader. If the implicit orders to stay are not enough to deter would be defectors, overt threats and acts of violence are employed. Within the social structure and philosophical framework of the cult, people can find it impossible to break free without outside help.

Resources

• Cult Help