Customer Reviews

From the Ashes

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This is a great collection of articles about the tragedy that occurred against the Branch Davidians in 1993. It was published about one year later and includes a very wide array of perspectives on the incident. The essays are arranged by by subject matter which is very helpful to understand all of the complicated issues related to the Waco siege. For example, one chapter includes essays on the media's coverage of the event, another deals with law enforcement protocol. There is even a poem written by one of the survivors of the siege. Some of the popular myths surrounding the tragedy are covered in detail, such as the idea that the Davidians were guilty of child abuse or yearned for a fiery suicide.

Although I enjoyed most of the book, there are some especially good contributions that come to mind. Former Black Panther Eldridge Cleaver gives a short but strong condemnation of the Clinton Justice Department. Andrew Milne gives an extensive outline of how the Cult Awareness Network (CAN) led to the hysteria against the Davidians. Chas S. Clifton gives some historical context by pointing out earlier instances of government attacks on religious movements. Best of all however may be the essay written by somebody who had a front row seat in those last days. Religious scholar James D. Tabor tried to engage Koresh in a series of communications that took place right before the FBI raid. Koresh responded favorably to the materials supplied by Mr. Tabor. The chapter in this book details Tabor's discussions with Koresh and gives a very good assessment of the "Seven Seals" prophecies. I am a Christian and while I strongly disagree with the Davidian theology, it is evident that Koresh was willing to take other points of view into account. This leads me to believe that the situation didn't have to end the way that it did.

This is an excellent starting place for understanding what really happened on April 19, 1993. I cannot recommend this book highly enough... and best of all you can still find it for cheap!