Vernon Howell Research Paper

According to Oxford Living Dictionary the word “cult” is defined as a relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or as imposing excessive control over members. Although, it might be more commonly known as Separatists, who are consumed by a certain belief, and the leader is someone who believes he or she is chosen by God or some other deity to lead those who are to follow him or her. In 1993 a standoff went viral, many lost their lives. Members and the leader of the Branch Davidians held their beliefs with them to death. Vernon Howell was born in Houston, Texas in 1959. In 1981 he arrived at the Branch Davidian compound after being banned indefinitely from a seventh-day adventist in Tyler, Texas. While everyone welcomed him, Howell was despised by one–George Roden. The fight between them became so strong that Howell left the Davidian. 4 years later, Howell was joined by the Branch Davidians in Palestine, Texas. Howell and his followers lived inadequately in plywood shacks until the fight between him and Roden came to an end.

They planned to raid him. Unfortunately, the plan was not successful. The 8 of them were arrested and charged with attempted murder. Later it was found that Roden claimed Howell and his eight followers were trying to kill him. It also came to attention that Howell’s and the others story had been maintained through the whole process–they were there because they wanted to take a photo of the body that Roden had dug up from the grave. Roden said that whoever could resurrect the body would become the prophet of the group. At the end of the trial the eight men, including Howell, walked away clean. While Roden was given 6 months in jail for filing a legal