Apocalyptic Faith and Political Violence : Prophets of Terror

This study examines the functional relationship between millenarian-inspired terrorism and the process of political change. Through an exhaustive investigation of late twentieth-century movements--Aum Shinrikyo, Sendero Luminoso, and Hezbollah--it concludes that in each case, apocalyptic expectations performed a significant group mobilization, leadership and therapeutic function. This Study Examines The Functional Relationship Between Millenarian-inspired Terrorism And The Process Of Political Change. Through An Exhaustive Investigation Of Late Twentieth-century Movements - Aum Shinriko, Sendero Luminoso, And Hezbollah - It Concludes That In Each Case, Apocalyptic Expectations Performed A Significant Group Mobilization, Leadership, And Therapeutic Function.--jacket. Terrorism And Prophecy -- The Rise Of Millenarian Terror -- The Mediating Role Of The Prophet -- Alienation And The Quest For Renewal -- Identity And Millenarian Violence. James F. Rinehart. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [203]-217) And Index. Cover 1 Contents 6 Introduction 7 1 Terrorism and Prophecy 17 2 The Rise of Millenarian Terror 38 3 The Mediating Role of the Prophet 83 4 Alienation and the Quest for Renewal 119 5 Identity and Millenarian Violence 146 Conclusions 165 Notes 170 Bibliography 203 Index 218 A 218 B 219 C 219 D 220 E 220 F 220 G 220 H 220 I 221 J 221 K 221 L 222 M 222 N 223 O 223 P 223 Q 224 R 224 S 224 T 224 U 225 V 225 W 225 Y 225 Z 225 This study examines the functional relationship between millenarian-inspired terrorism and the process of political change. Through an exhaustive investigation of late Twentieth-century movements, Aum Shinrikyo, Sendero Luminoso and Hezbollah, it concludes that in each case, apocalyptic expectations performed a significant group mobilization, leadership and therapeutic function. Front Matter....Pages i-v Introduction....Pages 1-10 Terrorism and Prophecy....Pages 11-31 The Rise of Millenarian Terror....Pages 33-77 The Mediating Role of the Prophet....Pages 79-114 Alienation and the Quest for Renewal....Pages 115-141 Identity and Millenarian Violence....Pages 143-161 Conclusions....Pages 163-167 Back Matter....Pages 169-226