This paper looks at three major North American cults and how they were founded, led and maintained. Their
beliefs, leaders,
members, roots and
practises are outlined. The three cults are the Branch Davidians, Peoples Temple and the Solar Temple. Outline Introduction I. The Branch Davidians A. History 1. Victor Houteff. 2. Florence Houteff 3. Before Howell B. David Koresh 1. David Koresh (Vernon Howell) 2. Koresh's
Beliefs C. The Branch Davidian Religion 1. Beliefs 2. Practises 3. The End II. The People's Temple A. Jim Jones and his Dream 1. Jim Jones 2. The People's Temple B. The People's Temple as a Religion 1. Theories and Beliefs 2. Practises C. Negative Aspects 1. Manipulation 2. Jonestown III. The Order of the Solar Temple A. The Founders 1.Joseph DiMambro 2.Luc Jouret B. Religious Structure and History C. The Solar Temple as a Religion 1. The 7 Rules 2. Beliefs 3. The Solar Temple's Demise Conclusion Appendix A. Additional Pictures Appendix B Interview with Prof. Rabinovitch Bibliography