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 p
