The Order of the Solar Temple: The Temple of Death (Controversial New Religions) (Controversial New Religions) (Controversial New Religions)

In October 1994, fifty-three members of the Order of the Solar Temple in Switzerland and Quebec were murdered or committed suicide. This incident and two later group suicides in subsequent years played a pivotal role in inflaming the cult controversy in Europe, influencing the public to support harsher actions against non-traditional religions. Despite the importance of the Order of the Solar Temple, there are relatively few studies published in English. This book brings together the best scholarship on the Solar Temple including newly commissioned pieces from leading scholars, a selection of Solar Temple documents, and important previously published articles newly edited for inclusion within this book. This is the first book-length study of the Order of the Solar Temple to be published in English. Contents......Page 6 List of Abbreviations......Page 8 Introduction......Page 10 1 Templars for the Age of Aquarius: The Archedia Clubs (1984–1991) and the International Chivalric Order of the Solar Tradition......Page 16 2 Ordeal by Fire: The Tragedy of the Solar Temple......Page 28 3 Purity and Danger in the Solar Temple......Page 48 4 The Mystical Apocalypse of the Solar Temple......Page 64 5 The Dangers of Enlightenment: Apocalyptic Hopes and Anxieties in the Order of the Solar Temple......Page 100 6 Crises of Charismatic Authority and Millenarian Violence: The Case of the Order of the Solar Temple......Page 114 7 Sources of Doctrine in the Solar Temple......Page 126 8 Death as Initiation: The Order of the Solar Temple and Rituals of Initiation......Page 142 9 The Ordre du Temple Solaire and the Quest for the Absolute Sun......Page 164 10 Sects, Media and the End of the World......Page 178 1 The Testaments......Page 186 2 Order TS: Ritual for the Donning of the Talar and the Cross ......Page 198 Select Bibliography......Page 218 A......Page 226 B......Page 227 C......Page 228 D......Page 229 E......Page 230 G......Page 231 I......Page 232 K......Page 233 M......Page 234 N......Page 235 O......Page 236 P......Page 237 R......Page 238 S......Page 239 T......Page 241 W......Page 242 Z......Page 243 Despite The Importance Of The Order Of The Solar Temple, There Are Relatively Few Studies Published In English. This Book Brings Together The Best Scholarship On The Solar Temple Including Newly Commissioned Pieces From Leading Scholars, A Selection Of Solar Temple Documents, And Important Previously Published Articles Newly Edited For Inclusion Within This Book. This Is The First Book-length Study Of The Order Of The Solar Temple To Be Published In English.--book Jacket. Templars For The Age Of Aquarius / Jean-françois Mayer -- Ordeal By Fire / Massimo Introvigne -- Purity And Danger In The Solar Temple / Susan J. Palmer -- The Mystical Apocalypse Of The Solar Temple / John R. Hall And Philip Schuyler -- The Dangers Of Enlightenment / Jean-françois Mayer -- Crises Of Charismatic Authority And Millenarian Violence / John Walliss -- Sources Of Doctrine In The Solar Temple / George D. Chryssides -- Death As Initiation / Henrik Bogdan -- The Ordre Du Temple Solaire And The Quest For The Absolute Sun / Marc Labelle -- Sects, Media And The End Of The World / Roland J. Campiche. Edited By James R. Lewis. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [209]-216) And Index. In October 1994, fifty-three members of the Order of the Solar Temple in Switzerland and Québec were murdered or committed suicide. This incident and two later group suicides in subsequent years played a pivotal role in inflaming the cult controversy in Europe, influencing the public to support harsher actions against non-traditional religions. Despite the importance of the Order of the Solar Temple, there are relatively few studies published in English. This book brings together the best scholarship on the Solar Temple including newly commissioned pieces from leading scholars, a selection of Solar Temple documents, and important previously published articles newly edited for inclusion within this book. This is the first book-length study of the Order of the Solar Temple to be published in English. This new series on New Religious Movements focuses particularly on controversial new religions. The popularity and significance of the New Religious Movements field is reflected in the explosion of related books and articles now being published. This Ashgate series of anthologies will offer a valuable resource and lasting contribution to the field. Brings together the best scholarship on the Solar Temple, including the selection of Solar Temple documents. This work is a book-length study of the Order of the Solar Temple. In October 1994, 53 members of the Order of the Solar Temple (l'Ordre du Temple Solaire, or OTS) in Switzerland and Quebec, Canada, were murdered or committed suicide.