Some Background on the Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Movement from 1955 to the Early Part of 1991
Marc Breault
17 April, 1991
Revised: 27 May, 1991
Introduction
by George W. Reid
The world's attention was drawn to the Branch Davidian religious group when in the mid-90s its Mt. Carmel Center near Waco, Texas, burned, killing David Koresh, its leader,
and approximately 80 other persons. The Center had been under siege for approximately three months by authorities when a government assault was made upon the flimsy
building and fire quickly consumed the structure while television transmitted the event around the world. Because of the physical attack on the building with military machinery,
the use of gases at first denied but later shown to have been inflammable, and the fact that firefighters failed to intervene to suppress the fire, a series of charges was leveled
against the method and motives of the government's actions. Later investigations concluded that there had been no government wrongdoing.
Despite the conflagration, almost a dozen adherents of the Branch Davidian group escaped destruction. Marc Breault, was an earlier follower of Koresh and resident of Mt
Carmel Center, who prior to 1991 had broken with the leaders of the group. As an insider, Mr. Breault gathered a mass of information about the group, its leaders, and the
teachings of Koresh on the seven seals. Comparison with other documentation shows Breault's account to be in general accurate, although his point of view is evident.
This document is posted on a Seventh-day Adventist web site because, although no direct connection existed between the Branch Davidians and Seventh-day Adventists, it
is known that the founder of the group had broken in 1930 from an Adventist church in Los Angeles to begin his own group, and the Branch Davidians.
The unusual character of this document calls for a special note to the reader. Although it would not be accurate to classify the Shepherd's Rod group as an independent
ministry in the current sense of the term, they began in 1930 as a splinter group that functioned much in the pattern of today's independent ministries.
For 70 years the Shepherd's Rods have maintained that they represent the true and authentic form of Seventh-day Adventist faith, claiming allegiance to all the fundamental
statements of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. To them they add, however, additional teachings they insist belong in the portfolio of Adventist doctrine, beliefs which
according to them have been rejected or at least neglected by the leadership of the church. This claimed affinity led to their adopting the name, "Seventh-day Adventist,"
although distinguished from the "apostate" church with an introductory expression, "Davidian" or "Branch Davidian."
The following document is provided to make available information about the group' s teachings and its past. It is the story of a fringe group that came to adopt extreme
characteristics while claiming great loyalty to the church. Readers will find Breault's narrative both readable and informative. As noted above, comparison with data from other
sources suggests that in general his report is reliable. Its elements should not be treated, however, as certified by the Biblical Research Institute.
Breault's account includes much detail useful to researchers. It is an account written by himself, and excludes a number of important elements needed for a full understanding
of the Branch Davidian group. However it is made available here in the interest of making available sources of generally reliable information.
Background
by Marc Breault
Victor Houteff, founder of the Shepherd's Rod, died in 1955. In order to keep the organization cohesive, and together, the leadership role was assumed by the late Mr.
Houteff's wife Florence Houteff.
Prior to Victor Houteff's death, the Shepherd's Rod had drafted a constitution. In this constitution, provision was made for an executive committee consisting of a President,
Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. While the latter three offices were usually elected ones, that is to say, elected by the people, the President had a large say in filling
these offices.
According to the Rod's constitution, the President had to be directly appointed by God. This worked well enough for the Shepherd's Rod since Mr. Houteff claimed to be
appointed a prophet by God. Thus, during his life time, there was no quarrel as to who should fill the office of Davidian President.
Unfortunately for the Rod, this constitution was rather shortsighted since, upon Mr. Houteff's death, the office of President could only be filled by another prophet. The reason
for this shortsightedness was due to the fact that most Rod members, including most probably Mr. Houteff himself, believed that he would be the prophet which would see
things out to the second coming of Christ. In fact, the Rod's constitution stated that the President's job would be to hand the leadership over to Christ upon his coming.
Although I believe that Mr. Houteff probably believed he would be the leader when Christ came, the constitution did provide for the possibility of successive presidents. I must
also point out here that the last president, the one present at Christ's second coming, was known among Rod members as the Antitypical David, the king foretold in the
prophecies who would hand his kingship over to Christ upon his glorious appearing. The role of Antitypical David plays a prominent role in Rod/Branch History.
So it happened that upon Mr. Houteff's unexpected death in 1955, there was a need for another president. Although Mrs. Houteff assumed the leadership role, she remained
as vice President, leaving the presidency vacant. Apparently she believed and taught that Victor Houteff would be resurrected to take up the president's mantle once again.
She gave a three and a half year prophecy which would end in 1959. She stated that at the end of this three and a half year period, God would execute Ezekiel 9 upon the
unbelieving Seventh-day Adventists. It is possible that some believed this would coincide with the setting up of God's kingdom and Mr. Houteff's resurrection. In fact, I think it
would be safe to say that the vast majority believed this.
The following is a rough chronological list of Rod eschatology as I believe they understood it at the time.[1] I stress that this is what I believe their understanding was.
1. After three and a half years God would execute Ezekiel 9 on the unbelieving (non-Rod) Seventh-day Adventists.
2. Ezekiel 9 would be a literal slaughtering of the "wicked." The "purge" or "refinement" would leave the believing Seventh-day Adventists, as well as those who were
previously unacquainted with the Rod or who were favourable but who could not "come forward" due to circumstances beyond their control.
3. Shortly after this slaughter (which was seen also as the destruction of the tares spoken of in Matthew 13), God would exalt the Rod members.
4. God would translate the "faithful" to the state of Israel in which God would establish an earthly kingdom.
5. Victor Houteff would be resurrected, along with a few other faithful.
6. The state of Jerusalem would be the headquarters from which the loud cry of the third angel would then be given to the world.[2]
It has been alleged that the Rod believed that they themselves would literally carry out the slaughter of Ezekiel 9. From my research on the subject, I believe that Mr. Houteff
himself did not believe this but that upon his death, this understanding sprang up.
In the years from 1955 to 1959, the Rod proclaimed their message most zealously. In fact, they were probably more zealous during that period than during Mr. Houteff's
ministry. In 1955 Mrs. Houteff sold the Old Mount Carmel property to a real estate company. She saw the amount of money involved and did not wish the assets to be so
bound up in property. With part of the money, she purchased New Mount Carmel. This property also lay in Waco Texas and consisted of around 400 acres. Eventually, bits
and pieces were sold off until now, there are only 77 acres of the original 400 which have anything to do with the organization. (The 77 acres belongs to the Branch Davidian
Seventh-day Adventist organization). Today, the property which was Old Mount Carmel houses many of the wealthy residents of Waco and the land is worth millions. It
presently has no affiliation with any Davidian organization. Indeed, I doubt that those living on that property even know there was once such an organization.
In 1959 over 1000 Davidians met at New Mount Carmel to await the execution of Ezekiel 9 and their deliverance into God's kingdom. Many of these Davidians gave up their
homes, and jobs, in order to be on the property when God wrought his deliverance. There were some Seventh-day Adventist ministers among the crowd as well, who
endeavored to show the Davidians the error of their ways, and to persuade them to give up their reckless course.
Also there that day was one Ben L. Roden, who believed that God had called him to warn the Davidians that they were following a foolish course. Mr. Roden had arranged
matters with the Israeli government so that the Israeli government gave him (and any who would follow) a grant of land in the northern part of Israel. Therefore Mr. Roden
informed the Davidians that they were not going to be miraculously delivered on this day in 1959, but that they needed to immigrate to Israel, where they could be present in
the land itself. Mr. Roden believed that deliverance would come to God's people in Israel. The Davidians declined his invitation to move to Israel, and continued to hope that
Mrs. Houteff's prophecy would come true. I believe there are still some Branch members living on that land in Israel today.
Mrs. Houteff's prophecy failed and the organization soon broke apart. Since that time, many splinter groups have emerged, but these have for all practical purposes,
dissolved into two main ones: The Branch, and the Gilead movement. This discussion is concerned only with the Branch aspect of this story.
As I have shown above, the presidency, according to the Davidian constitution, demanded a prophet or inspired figure. Thus, with these, at first, numerous splinter groups,
came numerous prophets.
One of these, as I have mentioned, was Ben Roden. He founded the Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventist organization, beginning in 1955. He died in 1978.
Only after the fiasco of 1959 did he merit serious consideration among Davidian members. It was under his administration that New Mount Carmel was acquired. I will
hereafter refer to New Mount Carmel simply as Mount Carmel. The property is located at postal address: Rt. 7 Box 471-B Waco, TX 76705. But don't show up unexpectedly
because an armed guard patrols the front gate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Although it was actually Mrs. Houteff who purchased the New Mount Carmel property, the
courts soon had jurisdiction because the Davidian organization eventually became insolvent. It thus became unclear as to who had rights to the property. Ben Roden was
forced to stake his claim in court. He lost his bid and was told that the only way he could use Mount Carmel as his headquarters was to purchase it from other Davidian
members. So Mr. Roden sent out a plea to all who followed him to contribute in buying out everyone else's shares. This was eventually accomplished at a cost of
approximately $75,000. This done, Mr. Roden established the property as his headquarters. Only now there were two differences. First, the new headquarters occupied only
77 acres of land, the rest had been sold off. Second, no longer was the organization known as the Davidian Seventh-day Adventists, but the Branch Davidian Seventh-day
Adventists.
It was Ben Roden who introduced the concept that the people of God needed also to keep the feast days: namely Passover, Pentecost, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles.
He began teaching this doctrine in 1964, nine years after he began his ministry. He did not believe sacrifices were necessary but that the feasts should be kept in a Christian
context. Ben Roden's message dealt mainly with these feast days, and the harvest motifs of Scripture.
Mr. Houteff had taught that the 144,000 would be Seventh-day Adventists left over from the slaughter of Ezekiel 9. They would be the first fruits who would evangelize the
secondfruits and so on. Mr. Roden broke things down even further and went into detail regarding the various offerings given at the various feasts etc.
I must digress here and point out that there was one statement made by Victor Houteff which really characterizes Branch theology. That statement is simply reads as follows.
He makes wise the simple and confounds the prudent by showing that where there is no type there is no truth.[3]
Because of this statement Branch theology was based entirely on types. This has been carried to ridiculous excesses.
Isaiah 8 provides a good example. In Mr. Roden' s Fall of Assyria letter, as well as other literature, he describes
The antitypical Assyrian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .USA
Antitypical Syria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .USA first phase
Antitypical ten tribes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SDA[4]
Antitypical two tribes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Branch
Antitypical butter and honey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Truth
Antitypical cow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spirit of Prophecy writings[5]
Antitypical two sheep. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Old and New Testament
Antitypical Immanuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Antitypical David
All this from Isaiah 8.[6] The land was, however, seen as literal Jerusalem.
Mr. Roden also believed that God's people should immigrate to Israel. He managed to acquire land in Israel and there were even a few who moved there. I believe the land is
still occupied today by Branch members.
Despite general antipathy toward Mr. Roden among Seventh-day Adventists, Mr. Roden himself seems to have been sincere. He seems also to have had an honest nature
and was quite gentle. Although I never met him, my research indicates that he tended to allow himself to be ruled by other more ambitious persons. He himself, seems to have
been a decent human being.
Finally, Mr. Roden concentrated mainly on reaching Davidians and Seventh-day Adventists. Although the Branch, as it was known, was the largest splinter group of
Davidians, it did not boast too many members.
In 1977, his wife, Lois I. Roden claimed to have had divine inspiration. She claimed that while praying one day she saw an angel move by her window with silver wings. From
this (I don't quite know her logic in this), she deduced that the Holy Spirit was the feminine part of the Godhead. Actually, she had tried to teach this as early as 1974 but that
doctrine was rejected among Branch members.
Ironically, the main opponent to her 1977 "vision" was her husband Ben Roden. By this time he was sick and it was generally expected that he would die. Despite the fact that
the vision had come to his wife, Mr. Roden opposed the doctrine of the femininity of the Holy spirit.
Upon Mr. Roden's death, Mrs. Roden assumed the presidency of the Branch. She did so quickly because she had the "prophetic gift" which qualified her. Of course, some did
not see things her way and some left the organization.
Here I must point out a very important point. There are many people who believe in the femininity of the Holy Ghost but they do not believe she is a woman. Rather they
believe that one cannot put God into a form. When they speak of the femininity of the Holy Ghost, they mean that the Holy Ghost can be seen as Mother, just like Jesus is
shown as Son, and just as the Bible speaks of our Father.
My purpose here is not to discuss the merits of this doctrine but I do believe it is important to realize that many who hold this doctrine, and there are many outside of Branch
circles, do not believe the Holy Spirit has been incarnated in any way. They simply see the trinity as a family unit. Father, Mother, and Son. Christ's bride is, of course, the
Church. Many see the Roman Catholic emphasis on the Virgin Mary as a counterfeit of the true Mother, the Holy spirit.
Unfortunately for the main body of Branches, this important distinction was not made and the Holy Spirit was seen as incarnate in Mrs. Roden herself. This doctrine did not
originate at first, but developed over time.
Mrs. Roden's ministry saw a new era for the Branch. Her message about the Holy Spirit caught on among feminist groups and she decided to publish a magazine entitled
SHEKAINA. This magazine was designed to serve as a forum for anyone Branch or otherwise, who believed that the Holy Spirit was best seen in a feminine light. Thus, the
magazine boasted quite a varied number of contributors who had nothing to do with Mrs. Roden's organization. Indeed, many articles are quite fascinating and they are often
worth reading. This particular magazine was meant for circulation among the general public, and did not sport any other aspects of Branch Theology.
To the Branch members, however, Mrs. Roden published tracts detailing her beliefs. The femininity of the Holy Ghost was just one of them. Again, it is not my intention to
provide a detailed sketch of her doctrines, although I may do so in a later document.
There is one doctrinal introduction that bears notice, however. In addition to the feast days, Mrs. Roden believed that people needed to observe the daily ritual at both the
third and ninth hour of the day. This corresponds to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day.
This ritual consisted of partaking of the bread and wine, footwashing, and an hour long study. This doctrine was significant because it led to the centralization of Mount
Carmel. Naturally, working people cannot afford such a practice so many were forced to move to Mount Carmel. This placed a financial strain on the organization.
By this time, Branch members were paying three tithes. Although they claim biblical support for 30% tithes (that's a contradiction in terms but what else can I say), I have
never personally found any biblical justification for this doctrine.
Mrs. Roden's ministry gained notable publicity. She was featured in many articles and television interviews. She traveled as far as the Philippines. She started attending high
class Christian functions not associated with Seventh-day Adventism, such as Christian music awards ceremonies etc.
In the late 70's, "fundamentalism" was on the rise and this was the golden era for the Moral Majority. Thus, there was plenty of room for Mrs. Roden's brand of doctrine. Even
such notable persons as Keith Green (who rejected the femininity of the Holy Spirit outright) and Sandy Patty (who also rejected the notion) were reached. But that gives you
an idea of the circles the Branch was moving in.
Mrs. Roden's right hand man was Perry D. Jones, a long time member of the Branch. Mr. Jones is now unfortunately caught up in a mess. But at the time he was a good
speaker and was quite fervent in his efforts to introduce the Sabbath, and the need to keep church and state separate to the right people. It was through him that Jimmy
Swaggart received a " recommended copy " of The Great Controversy.[7] I' m sure many have sent Mr. Swaggart copies through the mail, but this one was recommended by
a reporter (I believe) whom Mr. Jones contacted.
Mr. Jones also contacted Pat Robertson, Jim Bakker, and even Gerry Falwell. Whenever Mr. Jones acted alone, apart from the Branch, he was quite amazing. He spoke to
many reporters and journalists. Remember that during this time, church and state was an important issue.
The Branch might actually have gained considerable amounts of influence were it not for massive internal strife which rocked the movement beginning in 1983.
The trouble came in the form of one Vernon Wayne Howell who offered a direct challenge to the leadership of the Branch movement. Mr. Howell arrived at Mount Carmel in
1981. He had been kicked out of the Seventh-day Adventist church but was interested in religious matters still.
His aunt had mentioned Mrs. Roden to him and he decided to investigate. He was converted to the Branch and worked in the kitchens at Mount Carmel for nothing save room
and board.
Mr. Howell is a ninth grade drop out who had difficulty holding down a job. He is a competent mechanic, however, and he soon became the handy man of the Mount Carmel
property.
In 1983 Mr. Howell claimed that God had revealed truth to him. Mr. Howell, then 24 years of age began to teach in the twice a day meetings.
This aroused the animosity of Mrs. Roden's oldest son George B. Roden, who believed that he would be the next prophet. He especially became upset when Mr. Howell and
Mrs. Roden began living together using the infamous Isaiah 8 as their justification for doing so.
George Roden claims that Vernon raped his mother, although in all honesty it should be pointed out that Mrs. Roden consented to a relationship with Mr. Howell, despite their
40 year age difference.
Countering Mr. Howell, George Roden claimed that God was inspiring him. But more so, he wished to be the trustee of the property. He passed a document proclaiming him
as president of the association, wishing all to sign.
You will, of course, appreciate what the title of president meant. Even though Mr. Roden couched his document in nonreligious terminology, proclaiming him president would,
according to the Branch and Davidian constitutions, admit his divine inspiration. To give you an idea of just how powerful the president of the Branch was, or would be, I
include the following statement:
Therefore as members of the Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Association, the membership appoints (Hosea 1:11) the president Ben L. Roden, as holding in his sole
possession all legal, moral, and Scriptural ownership and rights of the Association, all its assets and holdings, and to operate the same for the furtherance of the
Association's work at home and abroad: to execute and administrate the entire balances of the Association, to judge and make final judgment in all matters concerning the
Association's works, assets, and holdings, and to be its chief and sole administrator.[8]
The feud between George Roden and Vernon Howell erupted into violence when Mr. Roden forced people off the property at gunpoint. All those who did not sign his
document were literally pushed off the property. Shots were even fired at some people.
Vernon, and his little band, acquired a property (illegally I might add) in PalestineTexas.[9] In all fairness, they did purchase the property and they were in desperate need of
somewhere to go.
The feud between Mr. Howell and George also caused a falling out between Mrs. Roden and Vernon. They split, and Vernon wasted no time in legally marrying Mr. Jones'
daughter Rachael who was only 13 years old at the time.
From 1984 to 1986, the feud between Vernon and George was mainly a war of words. In 1986, Mrs. Roden died and the property at Mount Carmel soon fell into ruins.
George wasn't exactly a good caretaker.
The central hub of the Branch movement was dead. The Branches abroad were left without a headquarters, unless they chose to follow George Roden. And less and less
people decided to do that.
Mr. Howell's Group
Vernon Howell is the current leader of the Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventists. Its central headquarters is again Mount Carmel and its membership consists of people
from the United States, New Zealand, Canada and England.
You might wonder at this state of affairs presently, considering the mess the Branch was in at the beginning of 1986. Although I believe Mr. Howell is very dangerous (my
reasons will become clear shortly), I must say that he is quite charismatic. He is also quite a dynamic speaker.
His right hand man is Steve Schneider, who is an excellent speaker and has real talent in interesting people.
At first, Vernon followed after Lois Roden's early theology. There was still a twice a day meeting. Mr. Howell believed that there were really seven angels' messages and that
he was the seventh and last. Because of his actions with Mrs. Roden, however, Vernon had problems convincing many Branches who did not reside at Carmel.
Vernon was also a young man and he decided to start up a musical band. This is the context in which I met him. Not knowing what went before, Vernon gave the impression of
a sincere and talented young man. Indeed, he is quite a talented guitar player and musician. He is also an excellent song writer.
It soon became apparent that many Branch, and some SDA doctrines were choking the evangelist efforts of his organization so these were dropped.
Vernon believed he was divinely inspired. He believed he was the antitypical David who would lead the people until Christ's coming. (What else was new. Ben Roden believed
that, and so did George).
He claimed that in 1985, he had received a vision from God in Israel (he was in the state of Israel at that time) informing him that he was Cyrus. The Scriptures were "opened
up" to him at this time. He paralleled Cyrus with Eliakim of Isaiah 22 and it is from this, that the name Eliakim arose. I believe he is the Eliakim of your tracts.[10] But his main
title was Cyrus.
That all may sound innocent enough and it most likely was at first, despite the events related above. But consider the following verse in the King James Bible.
ISA 45: 13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the Lord of
hosts. (KJV)[11]
The reason I have bolded the three words "all his ways" is because these innocent three words (which are better rendered "make straight all his paths, 45:2), have led the
current organization into almost unbelievable cultism bordering Jim Jones's People's Temple.[12]
I think the reason is obvious. Since Vernon felt he was Cyrus, he would naturally think that God would make everything "all his ways" he did inspired.[13] Vernon, as
antitypical Cyrus soon came to believe that everything he said, did, and thought, was inspired by God.
He soon attached many titles to himself. At present, he claims to be
Antitypical Cyrus
Antitypical David
Antitypical Eliakim
Antitypical Elijah
The angel that ascends from the east (Revelation 7:1).
The Lamb
Jesus Christ reincarnate
These latter two probably alarm you as well they should. It is particularly with these two latter titles that the rest of this narrative is concerned.
The Disaster
In mid to late 1986, Vernon began to teach that he was the protagonist of Song of Solomon. As the protagonist, he would be entitled to 140 wives, as set forth in that book.
SOL 6:8 There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number. (KJV)[14]
I should point out here that Mr. Howell did not simply point to a verse in Scripture and say: "This is what it means." In fact, Mr. Howell is fond of giving extremely long studies,
sometimes lasting for 16 hours at a time. In short, he employs classic brainwashing techniques. Here, I am summarizing how the Branch came to be in the mess it is in today.
(Of course I realize I haven't yet spelled that out).
Vernon also used the following texts to back up this amazing assertion.
ISA 52:11 Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean {thing}; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. (KJV)
ISA 22:24 And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the
vessels of flagons. (KJV)
2CO 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (KJV)[15]
In Isaiah 52:11 those bearing the vessels of the Lord were seen as women. They were bearing little vessels. Just who were these women? And who were these vessels?
Obviously, these women were his wives, and the babies were their children by him.
This was Mr. Howell's basic scenario of things.
1. He gives his message
The message of antitypical Cyrus, the seventh angel's message. This dealt with the kingdom in Israel, the feast days, the femininity of the Holy Spirit and himself.
2. He goes to Israel after which war breaks out.
Scriptures used were many, but Zechariah 14 and Isaiah 50-54 were chief among them.
3. They find out about his wives.
The American army invades and destroys Israel. They find him and hate him for all his 140 wives so they crucify him just as they crucified Christ.
4. He gets resurrected and God's kingdom established.
5. He destroys the wicked and saves the righteous.
In accordance with his views, Vernon began to sleep with other women. He felt that as soon as a man makes love to a woman, they are married in the eyes of God. Hence,
any woman with whom he copulated was, in his eyes, his new wife. This is how he navigated around the necessity of an actual marriage. He was aware that polygamy is illegal
in the United States.
Unfortunately, some of these women were very young, ranging from 12 years of age to the 30's. At first, Vernon believed that one of his wives would eventually marry Jesus
Christ. This was before he thought he was Jesus Christ.
The scriptural justification for this was Psalm 45.
Because God supposedly directed all of his ways, he assumed tight control over the people. They could only eat certain foods and only when he gave permission. People
could not go out to eat. They could not buy anything without his permission. And of course, people were not allowed to disclose his sexual activities with other women. In
addition to this, people were not allowed to marry without his consent.
In November of 1987, Mr. Howell was involved in a gun fight with George Roden. Mr. Roden finally challenged Vernon to a test of prophethood. Mr. Roden dug up a corpse in
the Mount Carmel cemetery and challenged anyone to resurrect the corpse. Whoever could manage this miracle was the true prophet of the Branch.
Vernon declined the challenged. However, corpse abuse is a crime and he saw, in this, a way to oust George from the Mount Carmel property. He, and eight other men went
on the property to take pictures of the corpse, in order to prove corpse abuse.
They went armed. As I have mentioned before, George did shoot at people to get them off the property so they armed themselves mainly to protect themselves.
They were caught while trying to take pictures. George Roden caught them and a gun fight ensued. Eight of the nine men were arrested and placed in custody with bond set
at an average of $50,000 each. One escaped unnoticed. This is why the men became known as the Rodenville eight even though there were actually nine Branch members
present.
For the record, I was not involved in that incident although I did fly to Waco afterwards to see, first hand, what was taking place. By this time, preparations were already being
made for the trial. The incident generated quite a bit of media attention and the program A Current Affair broadcast a special segment on the whole thing. It was entitled, The
Holy War In Waco. We have a video tape of that broadcast, but I t has been converted to Australian format. Perhaps if you write to the program, care of the Fox network, you
will be able to obtain a tape of that broadcast. The actual gun fight took place on 3 November 1987 and the broadcast was shown shortly after that.
The case went to trial and seven of the eight men were acquitted while Vernon fell victim to a hung jury. The State decided to drop the case against Mr. Howell and all eight
walked free.
Later George Roden was put in jail for burglary and then for murder. I have just received word, however, that George Roden was acquitted and I am not precisely certain of
what is happening with respect to him. The murder he was accused of, however, was a brutal one to say the least. Since he was apparently acquitted, I can only assume
George Roden was innocent.
The Mount Carmel property, as I have said, had lagged under George's care and $68,000 in back taxes was owed on the property. By this time, Vernon had converted a rich
couple from Hawaii into the group and they footed the bill, thus placing the property into Vernon's hands. Vernon asked them for more money to renovate the property. About
$500,000, and four years later, the property is still without running water and proper sanitation facilities although it has electricity. Despite this lack of normal services on the
property, Vernon owns several automobiles (including a 1967 Corvette for which he allegedly paid $25,000 cash), and a speedboat.
By way of explanation, I should point out that George had renamed the Mount Carmel property Rodenville. It has since been changed back to Mount Carmel.
In 1988 Vernon began to stress that he was the Lamb of Revelation 4 and 5. At this point, he taught that the Lamb (himself) was someone other than Jesus Christ.
In 1988, Steve Schneider, Vernon's right hand man, went to England and, strange as it may seem, converted quite a number of Newbold students.[16] Among these converts
were three ministers, or prospective ministers. They, in turn, told other people in the area about the "new light" and soon quite a number of people from England were caught
up in the whole affair.
Because Vernon taught that he was the Lamb, this eventually led to the doctrine that no one else had any right to interpret the Scriptures save for himself. Indeed, some of
the books of the Bible, like Lamentations and Job, were forbidden because they contained things "too deep" for anyone else save himself.
The apocryphal book 2 Esdras was then inserted into the Branch canon mostly because of references to babies dancing and speaking at three months of age. Vernon taught
that these would be his children. Vernon also believed that this book taught that prophets were hire forms of humanity. They were not like the rest of mankind, but were given
special treatment by God.
By this time, Vernon had a sizeable collection of wives, about 14 or so. These women were and still are convinced that they would be queens in heaven. By this time, too, the
idea that one of his women would marry Jesus Christ had disappeared. Instead, they would have him for eternity. He, Cyrus, David would be the best and ultimate person
throughout eternity.
Psalm 45 was reinterpreted so that the protagonist was himself. The passage:
PSA 45:7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. (KJV)
was interpreted to mean that he would have more women than anyone else. Through a long, circular theology, Vernon arrived at the equation: oil = women's secretions
during sex. In fact, a whole doctrine was built around this equation.
Thus, he taught that he would have more women than anyone else and that he would be the most good looking etc.
In August of 1989 Vernon suddenly became the owner of all women. Now all women, married or otherwise, were obligated to be his. As the Lamb, he alone was worthy.
Everyone was going to hell and only through him, could anyone attain salvation. Anyone's attempts to study or read Scripture were futile because he alone had the true
interpretation. He even had the nerve to "use" Ellen White's writings to back himself.[19]
By this time, the people had become so institutionalized and brainwashed (I mentioned that Vernon often gave long studies) that they genuinely feared for their lives. Vernon
convinced them, through hours and hours of repetitious bombardment, that anyone who disobeyed him would go to hell. On top of that, anyone who left the group and
divulged any of its secrets could expect to be hunted down and killed. A number of persons were threatened physically and Vernon even went so far as to send spies after
those who were out on the fringe. These actions caused immense fear to many, because by this time, Vernon owned many guns, including an AK-47 assault riffle. Several
persons also owned guns.
I must point out here that there were several people who were not centralized at Mount Carmel. Some were only marginally acquainted with what was going on while other
sincere persons favourable to the Branch had absolutely no idea any of this was going on. For myself, I was attending Loma Linda University during most of this time period. I
happened to be an actual eyewitness to Vernon's study in which he first taught that he owned all the women. That revelation, along with the other things that went with it,
came as a shock to me.
When I tried to speak out against such nonsense, I was threatened. So I left deciding that it would be more prudent to alert those on the fringe as to the current situation.
My wife is a citizen of Australia so that seemed a logical place to start. Mr. Howell had visited Australia twice before and had managed to convert a few people here.
I will not detail all the circumstances of events here in Australia. Indeed, one could write a rather lengthy book on the subject. Suffice it to say that all the Australians broke
away from the movement and Vernon has given up any attempts to evangelize in Australia. Before that happened, however, the Seventh-day Adventist church was rocked
badly here in Melbourne, and there was even trouble in Brisbane, more than 2,000 miles from Melbourne.[18]
About 60 people were either converted or semi-converted by Vernon's teachings. Thirty-five of these were from Brisbane Australia, and 25 were from Melbourne.
When Vernon realized that anyone who listened to sane points of view (the Bible and Mrs. White's writings) would break from him, he immediately imposed a communications
ban on anyone opposing himself.
At present, I have been unable to contact people in England, and Canada. They simply do not have dealings with anyone opposing Vernon. They do not even listen to other
points of view. I never thought I would meet any group of people worse than the Jehovah's witnesses in this regard, but these take the cake.
Numerous letters and appeals, not only from myself, but from concerned Seventh-day Adventist brethren, have met with no response, not a scrap.
Of the believers in New Zealand, half are for Vernon, while half have broken away. He is also effectively cut off from New Zealand in terms of evangelism. There, Vernon is
taking his losses.
We have also been unable to reach anyone in Canada but this is because we have been unable to find their addresses. They may listen to reason. There are about 100
followers in the US. Of these, only 10 have managed to break away. Most of them broke away in 1990. When they were finally able to talk about the ordeal, they all had
horror stories to tell including the following:
1. Brutal child beatings
2. Beating up disobedient members.
3. Spanking young children with a boat paddle.
4. One girl had a loaded gun pointed to her head and was told that God would not be angry with Vernon if she were killed there on the spot. The one who pointed the gun
was Vernon himself.
5. Severe food deprivation.
6. Holes in the ground, filled nearly to the top with raw sewage with no provision for cleanup.
7. People forced to cut relations with their families.
8. People suddenly disappearing.
9. A number of married women now part of Vernon's harem.
10. Bible studies solely dominated with fear. These would begin at early evening, and continue night after night for hours until the people were too exhausted to care.
11. Threats of physical death to any opposing him.
12. One woman was threatened with her child's murder right in front of her eyes.
13. One woman's child was kidnapped when she tried to break away.
These are just a few of the things described by those who have broken away.
Vernon's Doctrine
Vernon's present doctrine is quite simple
1. 2000 years ago, God sent Jesus Christ into the world. He was a sinless Messiah who prevailed. But he was not able to really judge humanity because he had never sinned.
So, 2000 years later, the Father sent him back into this world in the person of Vernon Howell. He stripped away his memory so that he would not know who he was. Now
Vernon is Jesus Christ incarnate and he is now a sinful Messiah. This will enable him to judge properly.
For proof of this incredible doctrine, I offer these quotations. Unless otherwise indicated in a separate footnote, all quotations which follow are taken from a taped study
Vernon sent to his Australian followers in an attempt to prevent them from leaving his group.
God in the flesh! Do you know who I am? God in the flesh! The Word of God in the book has been shown to you. The most powerful of all prophets, the prophet that's found
in the books. Lo, in the volume of the book it is written of me, Psalms 40, I come to do thy will Oh God. Thy law, prophecy, is within my heart. Now what better sinner can know
a sinner than a godly sinner? Huh?[19]
And the spirit came to me and says that in me all things are possible. And I desired that highest position. I desired Christ to be in me, that feminine entity, that Spirit of
reception, and God gave me Christ. God says, you are my Son. And I declared to the woman of the flesh my position and they rejected it! But then God says you are that
Christ, and in you hides the hidden mystery. I labored without light, walking in the light of darkness, God's word that said I will lead them through paths of darkness and will not
forsake them. I will make darkness light for them and will not forsake them. And then I heard her voice, the glory in me, the truth, the true light, the true Spirit. She only
comforted me, she kept me in company when there were none to uphold my soul. She is my reward, she is God's word, she is God's truth that shines in darkness but the
darkness comprehends it not. She is my own soul, she is what I shall be, she is that perfect image, the light clothed in the wedding garment. I shall win Christ and she shall
come forth from my side as bright beams, and I will have her because she has been mine since I first heard that word, let their be light. When I took hold of the mind of God I
saw the wisdom of God, but I didn't know she was so intimate with me. I didn't know she was the great reward of the sons of light. You didn't either did you?
Only the Lamb is to be given the job to raise up the seed of the house of David isn't he? Isn't he? You know that in the prophecies, Psalms 45.
JOB 31:1) I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? (KJV)[20]
—'s note: He sees that the Lamb has the only right to a maid.
This verse is also cross referenced to the following verse:
(1 CO 7:29) But this I say, brethren, the time {is} short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; (KJV)
And that is not the end of it:
(JOB 31:10) {Then} let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her. (KJV)
—'s note: Let them rape her.
(JOB 31:11) For this {is} an heinous crime: yea, it {is} an iniquity {to be punished by} the judges [24 elders]. (KJV)
—'s note: He wants the Lamb to have his wife.
2. He is the only one worthy. Therefore, everyone owes him (God) their money, wives and even children.
The blasphemy continues:
God says His heart has indicted a good matter. No wonder Psalms 108, the Lamb, who knows all mysteries, says my heart is fixed. If God's heart be for me, who is my heart,
that it should condemn God? If God has elected me, mine elect in whom my soul delighteth, I have put my Spirit upon Him, If God has declared, who am I to judge God
unworthy?!!
I could not see it. Isaiah testifies that I'm blind. They heard the truth. I didn't have ears to hear it. I did it for their sake. There is no other light in the world that shines as bright.
Do you understand what it means when your own body and mind will not comprehend the light because God says, who is blind but my servant or is deaf as the messenger
that I have sent. Who is blind but he that is perfect? As blind as the Lord's servant. Opening the ears, but he heareth not. Opening your eyes but he, he, he, heseeth not.
The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness sake. He will magnify the law. The law! Magnify the law?!?! Isaiah 51. For a law shall proceed forth from me, and I will make my
judgment to rest for a light to the people. Oh! You mean the law where it says look to the rock whereby you are hewed. Compare it to the pit from whence you were digged.
What law? The law of prophecy? The law that says no man can open the book but the Lamb? That's God's word. God can't lie! That's the word! It's the law, law of prophecy!
God has a rainbow. He cannot lie! I'm perfect. Every sin that Isaiah says I'm guilty of, I agree. I'm perfect to give you this message. I have been chosen of God, and God says
His word is what I will be.
Judge me will you? Judge me, make me prove I'm the Lamb, will you? Huh? Judge my Father.
Psalms 45! The man on the white horse! Nobody can reveal these things God says, but the Lamb! I'll prove who I am, by showing you who God is.
Psalms 110. The Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. In other words, my Father said unto my Mother, Sit down
sweetheart, your the Woman of Revelation 12, your the Wisdom of God, your the Mother of Cyrus, your the Mother of the Lamb, the Root of David, the life source.[23]
These are the two major doctrines at present. There are, of course, other side-doctrines. If you want to know what Mr. Howell thinks about any scriptural passage, all you
have to do is remember one simple rule. Anything good applies to him; anything bad applies to everyone else.
Who Would Believe Such Doctrine
After reading all of the above, you might well ask: "How can these people be dangerous? Who would believe such garbage?" As I said earlier, both Vernon and Steve are
quite dynamic. Vernon appeals to young people through music and through a show of knowledge in the Scriptures. Unfortunately, the SDA church is dead in many places.
Vernon exploits this fact. He also teaches that Christ's coming is near, just a few years away. So any sacrifices made will only be for a short time. In God's kingdom, people will
obtain their perfect mates and be eternally happy. Vernon is good at describing such happiness. He is also good at describing hell.
Thus, young people are most vulnerable. They don't know about the guns, the beatings etc., until they are too far into to have the resources to say no. By that time, they are
so afraid of going to hell for disobeying his every whim, that they cannot break out.
Vernon also strips them of money and other resources. Most quit work or school to come live at Mount Carmel or other scattered locations. Thus, even if they wished too,
they have no money, and people are usually too embarrassed to call relatives.
In one woman's case, her child was used as a literal hostage. When the spectre of the police was raised, however, Vernon immediately gave in and relinquished the child and
the woman has managed to break away more or less completely.
Targets which these people like are Adventist colleges.
Amidst all of this evil, however, it is surprising to note that there are some sincere people who really know very little of what is happening. Most of these are old and frail and
don't have much to do with all the bad business that goes on. These people are being exploited.
Present Facts
This movement is currently situated in England, and the US, with followers from New Zealand and Canada. I'd say the total number of followers is about 160 not including
children.
There are three locations in Texas. One in Waco, one in Palestine, and one in Dallas. I have been unable to locate the exact address in Dallas. The one in Palestine is mostly
abandoned and need not concern anyone.
There are two known locations in California. There might be a third. One is in Pomona California, while the other is in La Verne California. I have an address in Carlton
Nottingham England which seems to be a location.
One of the tactics used by the group, to allow foreign members to stay at Mount Carmel is to marry them off the members who are United States citizens. There are four such
marriages known to have occurred. Because the situation is quite delicate, I can only say that certain government agencies are looking into the activities of this organization.
The majority of Vernon's followers are people in trouble. Many want out but are unable physically and spiritually to make the break. The few bad apples are really bad.
This whole business shows one thing clearly. Adventists should know their Bibles. I believe SDA schools are pitifully inadequate to this task. Most Bible classes are a joke and
people do not take them seriously. More importantly, however, parents should teach their children good solid Scripture. This should be the main focus in the life rather than
cable television, the latest video, or latest heavy metal album.
I hope that, if nothing else, this document will impress these facts clearly. May God clean up this mess soon.
Final Remarks
The mind boggles at how anyone could actually believe such doctrine. What makes matters even more unbelievable is that most members of this organization are ex-Seventh-
day Adventists. Among the members are a lawyer who graduated from Harvard Law School, a computer programmer, nurses and a number of other college graduates.
So far the major obstacle in rescuing these people has been Vernon's communications ban. But when people do communicate there is only one approach which has worked:
the Bible. Rather than expressing horror and shock at such doctrines, and "turning away," it is much better to biblical show where Mr. Howell (who has legally changed his
name to David Koresh) is incorrect.[22]
You can imagine that Ellen White is held in little or no esteem by these people and Mr. Howell (Koresh) is desperately trying to relegate the Bible to the same revolting status.
But he has not yet managed to do this. So long as he has not, members can still be reached through the most powerful weapon on earth, the Scriptures.
An unfortunate side effect of a group like this is that it discourages persons from exploring the Bible in order to find new truths. After all, what if those truths lead one to
another cult similar to the one described in this document? This sort of group can cause an established and well-meaning denomination to become very institutionalized,
afraid to expand its understanding of God, relying instead on the same beliefs and practices without any thought to the changing times or to the inborn desire of man to learn
more.
I believe the solution to this dilemma is found in the following passage in Romans.
(Romans 1:16-21 KJV)
(16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (17) For therein
is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness
and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed {it} unto them.
(20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, {even} his eternal power and Godhead; so
that they are without excuse: (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified {him} not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their
foolish heart was darkened.
How does idolatry begin? What caused the first man to bow down to an image? From Paul's account above, it seems to have been because man knew who and what God
was. But they were not happy with this Revelation. Instead, they allowed their imagination to conjure up more about God than God had revealed of Himself. In attempting to be
wise, man became foolish.
This is exactly what the Vernonites, have done. Mr. Howell was not happy with the plain statements of scripture, and the plain truths of the gospel. Thus began his quest for a
newer, higher understanding of God. But there are some bounds which God has forbidden us to pass.
GAL 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (KJV)
Exploring God's word can be both enjoyable and rewarding. So long as one adheres to the boundaries, set up by that Word, he need have no fear of straying into an
organization such as the Branch Davidian movement. Do not allow your imagination to become vain. Indeed, truth which is based on one's imagination is not worthy to be
called truth.
Studying God's word is much like climbing a mountain. There are certain rules, and safety precautions which one should follow. Ignore those, and you are in danger of losing
your life. If you become too comfortable, and sit in one place, you will never reach your goal. So by all means, climb the mountain. Just make sure your ropes are securely in
place.
______________
[1]. Eschatology is a theological term which refers to the study of apocalyptic or last day events.
[2]. The term "third angel" is often used in Seventh-day Adventist circles to denote the last, or one of the last, messages which God's people will give to the world before
Christ's second coming. The term derives from Revelation 14:6-12 which shows three angels, each proclaiming a message. These are, in brief: The hour of God's judgment
is come, Babylon is fallen, and a warning not to worship the beast. At present, however, the Branch Davidian splinter groups believe that there are from four to seven angels'
messages to be given to the world. Those who presently work from Branch Davidian headquarters (Waco Texas) believe that there are seven messages, and that they have
the seventh or last. The main body of Seventh-day Adventists, that is to say, the official Seventh-day Adventist denomination, believes that there are three angels' message.
The reader can appreciate the variety of differing beliefs in this area.
[3]. Victor T. Houteff, The Shepherd's Rod, vol. 2 (General Association of Davidian Seventh-Day Adventists: 1932) p. 10. The General Association of Davidian Seventh-Day
Adventists no longer exists. The bolded portions of this quotation are actually found in Mr. Houteff's manuscript. A type is defined as either an historical event, or a religious
ritual which foreshadows a future event. An antitype is that future event itself. The best example of a type, antitype relationship is found in the sacrificial rituals of the Old
Testament, which met their fulfillment in the death of Christ on the cross.
[4]. SDA is a commonly used abbreviation for Seventh-day Adventists.
[5]. This is another term used in Adventist circles. The term denotes those writings considered to be inspired, but which do not belong to the Bible. The main body of
Seventh-day Adventists often refer to Ellen White's writings as "the spirit of prophecy." Those belonging to the Shepherd's Rod would include Victor Houteff's writings in this
category, while other splinter groups might add Ben Roden's writings to this body of works. The term "spirit of prophecy" comes from Revelation 19:10, which describes the
testimony of Jesus Christ as the spirit of prophecy (King James Version). For the vast majority of Seventh-day Adventists, the term is simply a common designation.
[6]. The references here are to Isaiah 8 in the King James Version of the Bible.
[7]. This book, originally published in 1888, was written by Ellen G. White.
[8]. Ben L. Roden The Leviticus of The Davidian Seventh-Dav Adventists The Branch Supplement (The Universal Publishing Assn: Waco Texas) 1972. p. 9.
[9]. This allegation of illegality is based on some statements which Vernon's lawyer/follower Douglas Wayne Martin made to me. He told me that the property had actually
been set aside for war veterans but that the real estate agent had struck up a deal with the organization in the hope that no one would discover the "illegal deal."
[10]. The tracts referred to here are those published by Mr. Farrell. I have retained this reference because the name Eliakim has been circulated as being the main name by
which Mr. Howell describes himself and his ministry.
[11]. Nassco Inc. The King James Version of the Bible: computer Edition, (Nassco Inc: Lubbock Texas, 1984). The words contained in braces {} reflect the italicized words in
the King James Version of the Bible. For the purposes of quoting Scripture, I employ Nassco Inc.'s CompuBible program. The bolded words are strictly my emphasis.
[12]. For the purposes of this discussion, I employ the term cult, or cultism, with the following definition in mind. A cult is a religious organization whose leadership and
spiritual inspiration derive from, and center around a single person.
[13]. Isaiah 45:13 is, in fact, speaking of Cyrus. But the context is very clear. God will make straight all the paths for Cyrus as indicated in 45:2. Cyrus's rise to power would
be smooth. Indeed, God did bless Cyrus II of Persia and his rise to power was accomplished through God's design. He was the one who allowed the temple to be built again.
[14]. Vernon Howell taught that the King James Version of the Bible is the only true and uncorrupted English translation of the Bible. Hence, many Vernonite doctrines are
based on misunderstandings of King James English. Mr. Howell believed this about the King James because, according to him, all churches, save the Seventh-day Adventist
church, fell in 1844 and were no longer used by God. Howell taught that the King James Version was the only English translation made before 1844 and therefore, the only
English translation made while God still favored the churches. He teaches that any translation made after 1844 is made by "Babylon" and therefore untrustworthy.
[15]. This was how Mr. Howell justified his interpretation of vessels in Isaiah 52 and 22 as people.
[16]. Newbold College is a Seventh-day Adventist college. I should point out here that this is not strictly a theological school. Most Seventh-day Adventist colleges are Liberal
Arts schools, which sport a wide ranging curriculum. The standard of education is usually quite high.
[17]. Ellen White (born Ellen Harmon 1827-1915) is one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist church. Her writings are considered, by most Seventh-day Adventists,
to be inspired, although her writings are not considered on an equal footing with the Bible. Mrs. White wrote on a variety of topics ranging from theological issues to health
reform. She was responsible for setting up a number of health institutions throughout the United States and the world. She was also instrumental in setting up, and
implementing the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist educational system.
[18]. Brisbane and Melbourne are two of Australia's largest cities.
[19]. This amazing statement is from a direct transcript of one of his tapes. We have both the tape and the transcript so there is no way Mr. Howell can deny this statement.
The tape was made in September/October 1989. The Australians were starting to break away and Vernon, in his arrogance, tried to keep their loyalty through fear. He sent
them this Bible study. It was contained on a 90 minute tape. As far as I am concerned, this is public domain material.
[20]. The following, all the way to #2 below, are notes taken from a former member's Bible.
[21]. All of the above quotations are taken from the same study. Vernon has been very careful to document as little as possible. I think you can see why. There are other
tapes and eyewitness accounts, but I hope this will suffice at present. These other tapes have not been transcribed.
[22]. The Koresh comes from the Hebrew word for Cyrus. See Isaiah 45:1. Thus, his name means, literally, David Cyrus.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Brief History of the Branch-Davidian
Seventh-day Adventists
By Marc A. Breault
Introduction
This document attempts to briefly set down the history of the Branch-Davidian Seventh-day Adventist movement. I write this for two main reasons. First, I write this in the
interests of accuracy. Second, certain past developments are crucial to an understand of the present BDSDA leader Vernon Wayne Howell (n.k.a. David Koresh).
As one might suspect with a cult, many developments surrounding this cult are theologically based. Rather than becoming bogged down in the cult's various theological
justifications, however, I will simply state the cult's theological beliefs when important.
I will give one brief example of what I mean by theological justification. Using the eleventh chapter of Daniel, BDSDA followers believe that World War II is not truly over. Rather
than explain the justification for this absurd belief, I will simply state it and supply documentation later. I do this for the sake of brevity.
Having said this about theological justifications, I will end this introduction by providing some background regarding myself, so the reader will know that I am in a position to
document this cult's history. I will also list the important fundamental theological beliefs of the cult in point form because these beliefs have a direct bearing on the mindset of
cult followers.
I am a former member of the sect and one of Vernon Howell 's best friends during the years of 1986 to 1989. I was a very highly placed member of the cult even to the point
that the term "member of the hierarchy" is accurate. I joined primarily to help with the ministry designed to carry the last message of salvation to a dying world.
I was fully and completely brainwashed by Mr. Howell and have only myself to blame. In late 1989, I broke out of the cult experiencing a phenomenon known as "snapping."
Snapping describes a phenomenon common to brainwashed persons in which they literally snap out of it. It is as if they wake up.
During my tenure with the cult I witnessed many horrible actions. While I did not deem them horrible at the time, thinking them based on the express will of God, I see now that
they were actions which should not be tolerated in a free society. I will, of course, detail these actions later.
As for the fundamental theological beliefs of the BDSDA cult, they are as follows.
1. Vernon Wayne Howell (n.k.a. David Koresh) is the Son of God. He is Jesus Christ reincarnate. When Jesus came nearly 2,000 years ago he was sinless. Consequently he
cannot truly judge mankind because he has never experienced sin and evil. So the Father sent Jesus Christ to earth again, in the person of Vernon Howell, to experience sin
so that he can more fully judge a sinful world. Howell sees himself as a sinful Messiah.
2. Howell is the king of God's kingdom. God's kingdom will destroy all other kingdoms and Vernon will rule the entire world. A time frame for this happening is hard to fix, since
Vernon frequently changes his position on this.
3. As Jesus, or the son of God, Vernon Howell owns everything and everyone. This includes all women, whether married or otherwise. When we acquire any possessions
such as cars or television sets or even wives, Vernon sees this as theft since these things belong to him.
4. Only the cult leader, Vernon Howell, is able to correctly interpret Bible prophecy. This is especially true of the seven seals of the book of Revelation.
5. Unless one can positively interpret the seven seals of Revelation, they do not have the right to teach or even read the Bible.
Table of Churches
Seventh-day Adventists 1863
Davidian Seventh-day Adventists 1931
Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventists 1955
Chronology of Important Historical Events
1863 Seventh-day Adventists are officially born. They become a recognized organization.
1929/1930 Victor Houteff, in Los Angeles California first begins to preach a message which would later cause his disfellowship from the Seventh-day Adventist church.
1930/1931 Victor Houteff writes a book entitled The Shepherd's Rod. After being disfellowshipped from the Seventh-day Adventist church. Houteff forms his own organization
called the Davidian Seventh-day Adventists. Because of his book, however, his organization is more popularly known as The Shepherd's Rod.
1938 With headquarters already established at what is now known as Old Mount Carmel in Waco. Houteff begins to teach that God will establish a literal kingdom in Israel
ruled over by Jesus Christ and his lieutenant which Houteff terms as the" Antitypical David. " This is perhaps the most important crucial theological development of the sect. It
appears that he and his followers believed he was the Antitypical David.
1939-1955 The group confines its recruitment activities to the Seventh-day Adventist church membership. The Shepherd' s Rod becomes one of the most notable thorns in
the Seventh-day Adventist's side.
1955 Death of Victor Houteff. With Houteff out of the way, the Davidians look for a new leader. Houteff's widow, Florence Houteff assume the office of Vice President and
initiates a three and a half year prophecy which culminates in a literal divine slaughter of wicked Seventh-day Adventists, the resurrection of her late husband Victor Houteff ,
and the establishment of God's earthly kingdom. This begins a massive and somewhat successful recruitment drive.
1955 At the same time, Benjamin Roden first proclaims that God has inspired him to take the mantle of leadership vacated by Victor Houteff. Ben Roden condemns Florence
Houteff saying that the actual slaughter etc., will take place in 1960, not 1959 as she predicted.
1955-1959 Ben Roden founds a movement called the Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventists. He tries to recruit Davidian Seventh-day Adventists to his cause. Other
splinter groups emerge as well, but Roden's is the most successful of these.
1959 At the appointed time predicted by Florence Houteff, many Davidians gather at New Mount Carmel centre (presently run by Branch Davidians) ready for translation.
When her prediction fails the movement founded by Victor Houteff begins to disintegrate.
17 August 1959 Birth of Vernon Wayne Howell.
1962 After a long legal battle, Ben Roden and his followers are allowed to occupy New Mount Carmel centre provided they buy out the shares of all the Davidians. This is
eventually accomplished and the Branch Davidians take possession of New Mount Carmel centre. The Davidians scatter and never arise again as a cohesive entity. Of all the
splinter groups, Ben Roden's is the largest.
1962-1977 Ben Roden teaches that he is the Antitypical David, the king of Israel. He teaches that Christians must observe the various Hebrew feast days including Passover,
Pentecost, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles. The last "feast" to be introduced is something called the daily which consists of a twice a day, one hour long worship
service. The daily has since been abandoned for all practical purposes.
1977 Ben Roden's wife Lois claims to have a vision from God in which she sees that the Holy Spirit is the feminine aspect of the trinity.
1978 Death of Ben Roden. Lois Roden assumes the presidency of the organization but a few dissatisfied Australians leave the movement at this time.
1978-1983 Lois Roden's message concerning the Holy Spirit attracts many believers. She travels widely and is interviewed by a number of talk shows and news agencies.
The BDSDA organization launches a magazine called the Shekainah Magazine which has contributors from many people, mostly comprised of non-Branch members.
1979 Vernon Howell is baptized into the Tyler Seventh-day Adventist church in Texas.
1981 After getting the pastor's daughter pregnant, Vernon is disfellowshipped from the Seventh-day Adventist church. He arrives at Mount Carmel centre which, at this time,
is under Lois Roden's leadership. He becomes the handy man at Mount Carmel.
1983 Vernon Howell first claims divine inspiration. He convinces Lois Roden, through Isaiah chapter 8, that he must have sexual relations with her and the two begin to
cohabit. This generates open friction between Vernon and Lois's son George B. Roden. George begins to claim inspiration.
1984 A conference of Branch Davidians take place in which a number of would-be prophets say their piece. The invitation is sent originally by Lois Roden and Vernon Howell
to come and here the "truth." Nothing is accomplished and the group begins to fragment.
1984 George Roden eventually forces Vernon and his followers off of the Mount Carmel property at gun point. Vernon and his band wonder through various towns in Texas,
one of which is Mexia Texas.
1984 According to Vernon Howell, God tells him he is free from any responsibility to Lois Roden. God tells Vernon to marry one Rachael Jones, daughter of long time Branch
minister Perry Jones. She is only 13 years old at the time and Rachael becomes Vernon's legal wife.
1984/85 Vernon acquires a property in Palestine Texas where he and his followers settle.
1985 Vernon Howell receives a major revelation from God in Israel. He is shown that he is the Antitypical Cyrus and the Antitypical David.[1] Vernon attends the 1985 General
Conference session of Seventh-day Adventists in New Orleans. Through a weird combination of his rejection there, and the Animals song: "House of the Rising Sun," Vernon
sees this as the official beginning of his ministry and the beginning of the "time of the end." Vernon begins to formulate a ten year prophecy after which, Christ will appear
again.
February 1986 I join the group. Vernon also recruits a number of Melbourne Australia residents who belonged to the old Branch Davidians under Ben and Lois Roden.
March 1986 Vernon first sleeps with one Karen Doyle, aged 13 at the time. He claims her as his "second wife." Her father, a former Australian, is in Melbourne at the time and
knows nothing of this.
June 1986 A number of persons from Honolulu Hawaii join Vernon's group thanks to me. I wish I never recruited them now.
June 1986 Vernon first teaches that he is a second intercessor for mankind and that Christ only died for those before the cross.
July/August 1986 Vernon secretly begins sleeping with Michele Jones. Rachael's youngest sister. Michele is only 12 at the time.
August 1986 Recruitment drive in Wisconsin meets with initial success but eventually fails. Thank God for that.
September 1986 I argue with Vernon over his doctrine that Christ did not die for our sins. He appears to change his mind but I am tricked. About this time, Vernon first begins
to teach that he is entitled to 140 wives, sixty women as queens, and 80 as concubines. Vernon uses the biblical book of the Song of Solomon to teach this.
December 1986 People from Hawaii begin settling in Palestine Texas.
December 1986 Sherri Jewell, Kiri's mother introduced into the group.
Early 1987 Robyn Bunds joins Vernon's Harem.
31 August 1987 Dana Okimoto joins Vernon's Harem.
September 1987 Sherri Jewell joins Vernon's Harem.
3 November 1987 Shootout with George Roden at the Mount Carmel property (Route 7 box 471-B Waco Texas). This results in the arrest of eight of Vernon's followers
including Vernon himself.
Early 1988 After a trial, seven of the eight are acquitted. The jury vote is hung 9-3 in favour of Vernon Howell's acquittal. The State decides to drop charges against Vernon.
March-May 1988 George Roden goes to prison on unrelated contempt of court charges. This leaves the door open for Vernon to take over the Mount Carmel property. He
moves in. An elderly couple pays the $68,000 back taxes owing on the property thus allowing Vernon and his group to move on to the Mount Carmel property.
1988 Several more women join Howell's Harem including Lisa Farris, Ruth Ottoman (Canada), and Nicole Gent (Australia).
July 1988 Nicole Gent recruited and soon after joins Howell's Harem.
10 September 1988 Dana Okimoto's child whom Vernon names Sky Born Okimoto, is born. Sky is Vernon's first child born from a woman other than his legal wife Rachael.[2]
November 1988 Robyn Bunds' child Shaun (originally named Wisdom by Vernon) is born.
Early 1989 Friction between Vernon and I begins to develop. Nicole leaves for Australia to have her and Vernon's baby. Nicole's visa is due to run out and Vernon wants her
to have their baby in a secluded place.
April 1989 Vernon makes the now infamous dream tape (audio tape). This tape contains damaging evidence against Vernon Howell.
28 April 1989 Elizabeth and I are married.
May 1989 Elizabeth returns to Australia and I await my migrant's visa to join her. I make preparations to leave the group for Australia. I try to reconcile myself to Vernon one
last time. For a time, it works.
5 August 1989 Vernon teaches all women belong to him and only he has the right to procreate.
September 1989 I leave Vernon's group, never to return. Praise God for that decision.
29 September 1989 I arrive in Australia.
29 Sept. - June 1990 The Battle for Australia begins in earnest. Eventually, by June 1990, most Australians break from Vernon leaving only a few who still follow him. Although
the New Zealand membership of the cult is small, that battle is almost as fierce and eventually, some New Zealanders break away from Vernon. Most, continued to follow
Vernon.
October 1989 Vernon makes his "Foundation" tape and sends it to Australia in an effort to scare Australian defectors into staying faithful to him. This tape contains the most
damaging hard core evidence against Vernon.
June 1990 I fly to Waco Texas where I first alert Waco Police to cult's activities. I am ignored and treated rudely by the Waco Police department.
Mid June 1990 Enough Australians break away from Vernon to begin a united effort to alert the authorities. Geoff Hossack is introduced to this situation.
July/August 1990 Robyn Bunds, one of Vernon's women, breaks from Vernon. This provides Australians with more ammunition and the approach to the authorities begins at
this time.
July/August 1990 Two raids by the La Verne Police Department, La Verne California yields results. According to private investigator, La Verne issues three warrants against
Vernon for statutory rape. These warrants have since disappeared. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding of sorts.
October 1990 Steve Schneider visits Australia in a last effort to convince defectors to return to the Vernon fold. It fails.
October 1990 - June 1991 Stalemate with American authorities.
June 1991 First confirmation of Kiri Jewell's danger. First rescue attempt fails. We tried to convince Kiri's grandmother to take action.
September 1991 First contact with Hinch program. Pamela Graham is the reporter assigned to the story.
September 1991 Both Jeannine Bunds and Doreen Saipaia (USA and New Zealand respectively), leave Vernon. Doreen claims that she was locked and confined in a house
for nearly four months, repeatedly assaulted by Vernon and others, as well as sexually molested by Stan Sylvia, one of Vernon's followers. Doreen makes both a written and
a taped statement to the authorities in San Francisco and Texas. Nothing, however is done and no investigation is made.
22 October 1991 Hinch broadcast on Australian TV channel 7.
October 1991 Channel 9's A Current Affair shows interest in story and begins research.
1 November 1991 With the help of the local Seventh-day Adventist church, we are able to track down Mr. David Jewell of Niles Michigan to warn him of his daughter's
situation. David Jewell suspects something is wrong with his ex-wife and daughter but is unaware of the gravity of the situation until we contact them.
November 1991 - February 1992 Preparations for the custody case are done in secret, without Vernon's knowledge. Evidence is gathered and affidavits are prepared.
28 December 1991 Kiri Jewell travels to Michigan from Anaheim California, to visit her father. She is then ten years old. David Jewell obtains a temporary custody order
granting him temporary custody of his child until the full custody hearing which is set for 24 February 1992.
30 December 1991 A Current Affair interviews the Australians involved. Reporter Martin King is assigned the story. He does an excellent job.
5 January 1992 A Current Affair visits and interviews Vernon Howell at Mount Carmel. An interview with Robyn Bunds is also conducted in California.
7 January 1992 The Vernonites, including Sherri Jewell first receive official notification of the temporary custody order. Sorry guys, Kiri ain't coming back to Vernon.
January 1992 - February 1992 Final preparations for court case.
16 Feb. 1992 Jean Smith, Elizabeth and I travel to Niles Michigan to testify in court. Along the way, we notify the Hawaii media, specifically, KGMB TV reporter Rob Simpson.
20 Feb. 1992 Finally arrive in Niles Michigan. Court date postponed from 24 to 25 Feb.
25 -27 Feb. 1992 Court case. After two days of our testimony, with much more to come, the Vernonites concede defeat and full custody is awarded to the child's father Mr.
David Jewell. The judge, shocked at the atrocities detailed, forbids Kiri to have any contact, either direct or indirect, with any member of the cult save her mother Sherri.
Visitation rights are strictly supervised. The judge goes on further to state that any violation of this order will be dealt with strictly, and that he will personally continue to
monitor this case. This decision was rendered by Judge Taylor of the St. Joseph courts. The case is Jewell vs. Jewell.
20 Feb. - 6 Mar. We learn about the suicide/martyrdom from five independent sources. These are mostly family of cult members, and also a cult member who flees in panic
after the death notices are issued by Vernon.
6 Mar. - 15 Apr. Further information confirming that for some reason, cult members think they will die shortly. Fears of a mass suicide/martyrdom escalate.
15 Apr. - 18 Apr. Intensive media coverage by both Channel 9 and the Herald-Sun. This coverage, along with some American coverage, seems to have caused Vernon to
back down. Event seems to have been called off. For now.
_________________
[1]. Cyrus the Great ruled Persian from approximately 559 to 536 B.C., conquering the Babylonian kingdom. The book of Revelation names the last apostate antichristian
power as Babylon. Hence, Vernon as Cyrus, was seen as the deliver from, and destroyer of Babylon. He believed that he was a modern day Cyrus who would destroy the
wicked world.
[2]. Previous to Vernon's calling from God, he fathered another child. This child is unrelated to this case as far as I am aware.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vernon Howell and the Seven Seals
by Marc A. Breault
13 May, 1992
Introduction
Anyone who has had significant contact with Vernon Howell (n.k.a. David Koresh), will realize that the seven seals of Revelation are central to his theology. I am often asked
what Howell teaches regarding these seals. This document is a response to that question.
Howell's theology is very complex. His Bible studies often last for hours. Thus, a full exposition on the what and why of his theology could probably occupy a number of
chapters in a book. Therefore I will try to keep this account brief, concentrating on what Vernon teaches rather then on the "logical" means he uses to arrive at his
conclusions. While I will try to include some of that, I am forced to minimize it for purposes of space.
No discussion of Howell and the seals would be complete without first dealing with why Howell believes the seals, and his interpretation of them, are important to him.
Why the Seven Seals?
The seals are central to Howell for two very basic, yet powerful reasons.
1. According to Howell, they point the way to the only path of salvation available to mankind.
2. As the only person who can reveal the meaning of the seven seals, Howell claims this as proof of his divine origin.[1]
Both points listed above lead naturally into one another, and form the basis of Howell's methodology for obtaining converts. The first is used to establish an almost
unbearable guilt trip in the potential convert, while the second points the person to Howell, the solution for ridding the person of the intense guilt. In my subsequent research, I
have found that many Christian cults operate along these same lines, although their specific methodologies may be different (i.e., they might not stress the seven seals).
Howell develops point #1 above roughly as follows:
Howell points the person back to Jesus Christ of 2,000 years ago. He stresses Christ's perfect character and blameless life.[2] Next, Howell points the person to the incredible
work of the twelve apostles and the early Christian church. He points the person to the fact that Christ promised he would send His Spirit to allow the church to perform
incredible miracles and to resist sin.[3]
After showing the person the "perfect" state of Christ, and the early church, Howell then moves on to demonstrate that Christ expects no less from us today. By using such
scriptures as:
MAT 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (KJV)[4]
and others, Howell hammers in the idea that God the Father, and Christ expect perfect Christianity. Matthew 5:45 is but one scripture used.[5]
Now if the reader is like 99.9% of the human population, he falls short of perfect Christianity. He sins, like everyone else. But Howell hammers this point to his listener for
hours at a time until the listener is left without any hope. The listener compares himself against the perfect standard of Jesus Christ, and the supposedly perfect early church,
and looses all hope. This is precisely where Howell wants to lead him.
Finally, Howell points out that the Spirit of God wrote the Bible (2 Timothy 3;16, 17; 1 Peter 1;19-21). Thus, by rejecting the Bible, the world, along with the listener, has
rejected or blasphemed the Holy Ghost, thus committing the unpardonable sin.[6]
By this time, our listener is convinced he is going to hell. He sees no way out. Not only has he slighted the name of Christ by exhibiting less than perfect Christianity, on top of
this, he has committed the unpardonable sin by rejecting the Bible, which tells him he needs to be perfect.
Enter Revelation 4 and 5! ! !
Howell also uses Revelation chapters one through three to hammer home this point. Just at the point when the listener is ready to give up altogether, Howell brings him to
Revelation 4 and 5, which is where he has wanted to lead them all along. By using this scripture:
(Revelation 4:1-2 KJV)
(1) After this I looked, and, behold, a door {was} opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard {was} as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither,
and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. (2) And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and {one} sat on the throne.[7]
Vernon demonstrates that not all hope is lost. The Spirit is still trying to show us something. We have only committed the unpardonable sin if the Spirit stops speaking. So
although we have blown it so far, if we listen to what the Spirit is trying to reveal in Revelation 4 and 5, we can still go to heaven.
If you take the time to read Revelation 4 and 5, you will notice that a certain book or scroll becomes important. In chapter 5, however, the problem is that no one was found
worthy to open the book.
Revelation 5:2-4 KJV)
(2) And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? (3) And no man in heave, nor in earth, neither
under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. (4) And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look
thereon.
According to Howell, the Spirit is giving us the last chance for salvation. That chance is contained in the scroll or book. But no one can open the book. In Vernonite theology,
whatever is contained in the book is the only chance we have. If the book remains closed, we might as well commit suicide since we are doomed and lost anyway.
But wait! Just as Howell brings his listener once again to the brink of despair, behold, the Lamb is able to open the book. The listener sighs with relief. There is still hope.
If you read Revelation 5, you will learn many things about the Lamb, two important ones are:
1. He is the only one worthy and able to open the book.
2. Because of this, he is worthy of honor, riches power etc.
At this stage, Howell does not come out and say he is the Lamb. He drums into the listener the fact that only the Lamb can open the book. Then Howell goes on to his
exposition of the seven seals. He spends hours explaining the meaning behind the symbols contained in the seven seals. Howell's logic is simple.
1. Only the Lamb can open/reveal the meaning of the seven seals.
2. I (Howell) am now revealing the meaning of the seven seals.
3. Therefore I (Howell) must be the Lamb.
4. Because I (Howell) am the Lamb, I am worthy of honor, riches, praise etc. I am also the only one worthy in heaven or on earth. I am the only one who can save you. I am the
only one entitled to anything in heaven or on earth. I own everything and everyone. Only through me can you achieve salvation.
And there you have it. This is why the seven seals are so important to Howell. Since conventional Christianity is worthless in his eyes, Howell will only accept, as a possible
challenger to his divine right, anyone who can reveal the seven seals. This is Howell's challenge to anyone.
Howell's followers follow him blindly because they fully believe he is the only person with the true interpretation of the seals. Following the four steps of Vernonite logic listed
above, his followers give him everything, centering their entire lives around him. What a tragedy.
Vernon Howell And The First Seal
(Revelation 6:1-2 KJV)
(1) And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. (2) And I saw, and behold a
white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow: and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
Howell teaches he is the rider on the white horse. Howell interprets this seal to mean that he (Howell) is the king, Jesus Christ reincarnate. As king, he is entitled to many
wives which also includes concubines.[8]
According to Howell, the man on the white horse conquers by getting as many women pregnant as possible. Since Howell holds himself as God, the only righteous one, he
reasons that only his children are righteous. He holds that God's plan is to destroy all the wicked children, and populate the world with his.
As I stated above, I do not have time to discuss the logic of Howell's conclusions. This, however, is his interpretation of the first seal.
Scriptures Howell employs to arrive at his conclusion are Psalm 8, 45, 60, 92. Also, see Isaiah chapters 50-54 and the Song of Solomon. The Song of Solomon is used to
form Howell's concubine doctrine. On destroying the wicked, see Isaiah 13; Psalm 137, 149; Jeremiah 50, 51; Joel 2; Revelation 19.[9]
Vernon Howell and the Second Seal
Revelation 6:3-4 KJV)
(3) And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. (4) And there went out another horse {that was} red: and {power} was given to
him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
Howell believes there will be a great war centered around Israel. In this, he agrees with many evangelical Christians including myself. If Howell stopped there, he would be fine.
But Howell believes he will somehow start this war, or be the center of its focus. Previously, Howell taught he would actually go to Israel to start the whole ball rolling. I have
heard he has changed his position lately, however, and I am not sure he still holds to this view.
Howell is, of course, the rider on the red horse. By using Zechariah chapters one through four, Howell uses this as a proof text to show that he is The Lord. This seal was also
used when Howell first formulated his "all women belong to me" doctrine. This doctrine was begun on 5 August, 1989.
Howell believes he is the Messiah whose teachings bring peace. But the wicked world will learn about all his women and fight against him out of jealousy and for fear that
Howell will seduce or force their wives. This will " take peace from the earth." Nevertheless, Howell will win the war eventually and slaughter all the wicked.
Scriptures Howell uses for this are Zechariah 1-4; Ezekiel 13; 1 Corinthians 7; Job 31; Luke 14:26-33.
Vernon Howell and the Third Seal
(Revelation 6:5-6 KJV).
(5) And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in
his hand. (6) And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and {see} thou hurt not the
oil and the wine.
My information on this seal, relating to Howell, is minimal. Howell believes that the rider is God. God has the balances in His hand. A dangerous result of Howell and the third
seal, however, is that Howell believes that God loves to deceive people. Howell uses the following passage to demonstrate this belief.
HOS 12:7 {He is} a merchant, the balances of deceit {are} in his hand: he loveth to oppress. (KJV)[10]
This rendition of this verse allows Howell to righteously deceive anyone. He can lie, cheat or do whatever simply by claiming that this deception is necessary for the person's
salvation.
This is what I know for sure regarding Howell's beliefs on the third seal. I suspect from statements Howell and Steve Schneider have made, that Howell uses this to show a
grand one world government conspiracy formed from the United Nations, the Roman Catholic Church, Seventh-day Adventists, the United States Government, and the
"merchants of the earth." This seal has to do with economy and Howell points to the fact that many rich people stress economy. Therefore they conspire together.
Scriptures Howell uses for this seal are Hosea 12:7. In terms of his conspiracy theory, Howell uses Ezekiel 27, 28; Revelation 18; Psalm 83; Zechariah 14:1.
Vernon Howell and the Fourth Seal
(Revelation 6:7-8 KJV)
(7) And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. (8) And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on
him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the
beasts of the earth.
Vernon Howell has legally changed his name to David Koresh. Koresh comes from the Hebrew rendition of Cyrus. Thus, his name is David Cyrus. According to Howell,
another meaning for Koresh is "death." Hence, his name is David Death. As you can see from the scripture above, the name of the pale horse rider is death.[11]
Simply put, Howell uses this seal to justify his killing of his enemies. This can take place before or after God's earthly kingdom. When Howell was in Australia in early 1990, he
used this seal to threaten many breakaway or borderline breakaway members. To my knowledge, Howell has never explained what the "fourth part of the earth" means and I
admit I am curious as to what his understanding is regarding this phrase. In the old Shepherd's Rod days under Victor Houteff, Houteff maintained that this phrase referred to
a 1,500 year period of time, rather than a physical portion of the earth.
I have noticed that when Howell is stuck for an explanation, he often reverts to victor Houteff's understanding.
Scriptures Howell uses in conjunction with this seal are Zechariah 6; Ezekiel 7-12; the story of ancient Israel slaying the Canaanites found throughout the Old Testament,
Isaiah 45.
Vernon Howell and the Fifth Seal
(Revelation 6:9-11 KJV)
(9) And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: (10) And they
cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? ( 11) And white robes were given
unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they
{were}, should be fulfilled.
This is where the whole suicide story got started. I think it is plain what the seal is saying and how one could interpret it to formulate a mass suicide/martyrdom doctrine.
Simply put, God requires a certain number of martyrs before He will come and establish his kingdom.
According to Howell, this fixed number is 200,000,000 (two hundred million). Howell arrives at this number from Revelation 9:13-21. These two hundred million will form His
army.[12]
Howell teaches that all of his followers must die. However, there are a few, including conveniently himself, who will not see death but be translated. Those who die help make
up the number. Howell holds that with the combined total of early church martyrs, and the Dark Ages contingent of martyrs, the number (whatever it is) is almost made up. I
fear that Howell believes that the death of his followers will complete the number.
To further explain the mentality involved, assume that the fifth seal actually teaches that God will not come to save the righteous and set up his kingdom until the full number
of martyrs has been made up. Assuming this, BDSDA logic runs something like this.
1. The fifth seal teaches that God will not save the righteous and establish his kingdom until the proper number of martyrs is made up.
2. Obviously, God is not here and his literal physical kingdom is absent. This must mean that the number of martyrs is not yet complete.
3. Since the rest of the world is Babylon (worshipping the dragon, see Revelation 13), and since the BDSDA cult represents the only true informed body of saints on earth, it
follows that only BDSDA members can qualify as martyrs.
This seal is extremely dangerous because it shows his followers that they must die in order to usher in God's kingdom. I should point out here that I do not know for certain of
the validity of this logic since Howell never fully taught the fifth seal while I was associated with the group. The above, however, is based on contact with cult members, as well
as my knowledge that cult members believe they are the only true, nonbabylonian people on earth. This latter mentality, was taught when I was associated with the group. I
personally never fully accepted it, however, as I found it difficult to believe in practical terms.
Scriptures Howell uses in conjunction with this seal are the latter part of Isaiah 5; Isaiah 13; Psalm 79; Revelation 9:13-21; Revelation 11; Daniel 8:9-14; 11:31-39; Zechariah
14; 2 Thessalonians 1, 2. Howell employs many scriptures to show that followers must suffer and die for him. Read Isaiah 51; Psalm 137 and others.
Vernon Howell and the Sixth Seal
The sixth seal covers Revelation 6:12-7:17 and is too large to quote fully in this discussion. I will only quote Revelation 6:12-17.
(Revelation 6: 12-17 KJV)
(12) And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
( 13) And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. (14) And the heaven departed as a scroll
when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. (15) And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief
captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; (16) And said to the mountains and
rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: ( 17) For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be
able to stand?
Simply put, this seal shows the coming of the Lord and the setting up of His Kingdom. Naturally, Howell is the Lamb. Notice the Lamb comes down. Hence, Howell believes that
he is translated before the actual second coming. He goes up to heaven then returns in glory to rescue the saints, and destroy the wicked.
There are many scriptures Howell uses to show that he will save the saints, and destroy the wicked. I have listed some in other seals. Additional passages include Ezekiel 34,
36, 37-39; Psalms 1, 7, 11, 18, 50, 97, 98, 108, 144; Isaiah 34, 35; Joel 2:1-11; Isaiah 13; Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 17; Luke 21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17.
Vernon Howell and the Seventh Seal
The Seventh seal reveals the seven trumpets according to Howell's thinking and extends from Revelation 8:1 to the end of the book.
Traditional Seventh-day Adventist thinking holds that the seventh seal covers only Revelation 8:1.[13] Howell holds that the seventh seal extends from Revelation 8:1 to the
end of the book.
Because of this, a full exposition of Howell's views on the seventh seal is impossible here. Suffice it to say, however, that Howell "reveals" the seventh seal by expositing upon
the rest of the book of Revelation. This includes more detail on such topics as:
1. The seven trumpets
2. The woman of Revelation 12
3. The beasts of Revelation 13
4. The messages of God in Revelation 14
5. The seven last plagues in 15 and 16
6. Babylon (Rev. 17-19)
7. The thousand year period of Revelation 20 and the final destruction of the wicked.
8. The new heavens and the new earth (Rev. 21, 22).
Concluding Remarks
You may have noticed that all biblical quotations in this discussion are taken from the King James Version. Many of Howell's doctrines are built on misunderstandings of KJV
passages. Howell discourages and forbids the consultation of modern translations of the Bible, although he himself occasionally uses them.
I must stress again that Howell takes hours upon hours to prove his beliefs with respect to the seals. While most readers would not be able to justify Howell's positions from
the brief statements about each seal above, the reader should not forget that followers are subjected to exhausting sessions with Howell, to drum his beliefs into them.
Needless to say, the above exposition on the seals does not reflect my views on the subject.
_________________
[1]. From 1983 to 1985 Howell saw himself merely as a prophet, someone whom he termed "the seventh angel's messenger." In 1985, Howell saw himself as Cyrus, the latter
day king who would lead God's people until God established His kingdom on earth. In 1988, Howell became the Lamb of God portrayed in Revelation 5. At this stage, Howell
believed that the Lamb of Revelation was Cyrus, or the king. During this stage, Howell became the Song of God, but maintained a separate identity than that of Jesus Christ.
Finally, in 1989, Howell merged the Lamb of Revelation with Jesus Christ. To him, they became one and the same person.
[2]. The vast majority of Christians today would agree that Jesus Christ was sinless while he walked on this earth. Jesus Christ was and is the perfect high priest. This, in fact,
is the orthodox Christian belief.
[3]. The New Testament is full of stories of Christ's followers performing amazing miracles. It also depicts the apostles in a glowing light. Many Christians have taken this to
mean that the apostles were perfect men, and that the early church was without flaws or conflict. This is not the biblical picture, however, but many Christians fail to see this.
Howell plays on the "perfection" of the church.
[4]. The Holy Bible King James Version Computer Edition, NASSCO 1984.. All biblical quotations in this text are taken from the same source.
[5]. Since this discussion is not concerned with a discussion of biblical perfection, I do not have the space to refute Howell's use of this scripture and others. Suffice it to say
here that Howell does not correctly understand or interpret the Greek word translated in the KJV as "perfect." Neither does Howell take into consideration the context. For a
quick glimpse into biblical understanding of standards, refer to I John 2:1 which states, in paraphrase, that "The purpose of me writing to you is that you don't sin. However, if
you sin Jesus Christ the righteous is your advocate with God the Father." Although this is my own paraphrase, examination of this passage should reveal that it conveys the
correct meaning.
[6]. Christ Speaks of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as the sin which will not be forgiven. For proof of this, refer to Matthew 12:22.
[7]. I have bolded the parts of the scripture I wish to emphasize. The words contained in braces {}, reflect those words which the KJV places in italics. The King James uses
italics to show words which the translators have added, and which are not found in the original manuscripts from which the KJV was translated.
[8]. The word concubine does not evoke much emotion today because most people do not know what it means. Biblically, a concubine was a slave with whom her master had
sexual intercourse. She was not considered equal with the master's wife, but still remained a slave. In other words, Howell supports the idea of slavery and puts it into practice
with his followers.
[9]. Be warned that 99% of the readers of this document will probably have no idea whatsoever as to how Howell can arrive at the above stated conclusions from these
scriptural passages.
[10]. Howell understands this passage as referring to God. That is, God loves to deceive. Reading this verse in a modern translation, however, will reveal that Hosea is here
condemning those who falsify weights and measures to make a profit.
[11]. To make knowledge, there is no linguistic justification for equating the name Koresh, with the meaning of "death." In fact, the name probably means "sun" or "shepherd."
[12]. It is possible that Howell holds that the number is 100 million instead of 200 million. This is because Howell has said that each resurrected saint in God's army will be
accompanied by an angel. Howell uses Isaiah 13 to show this. Hence, Howell could believe the number is 100 million people, each accompanied by an angel. Howell was
never absolutely clear on this point when I was associated with him.
[13]. See Uriah Smith, The Prophecies of Daniel And The Revelation, Southern Publishing Association 1994, p. 473. Uriah Smith was a pioneering member of the Seventh-
day Adventist church.
Marc Breault
17 April, 1991
Revised: 27 May, 1991
Introduction
by George W. Reid
The world's attention was drawn to the Branch Davidian religious group when in the mid-90s its Mt. Carmel Center near Waco, Texas, burned, killing David Koresh, its leader,
and approximately 80 other persons. The Center had been under siege for approximately three months by authorities when a government assault was made upon the flimsy
building and fire quickly consumed the structure while television transmitted the event around the world. Because of the physical attack on the building with military machinery,
the use of gases at first denied but later shown to have been inflammable, and the fact that firefighters failed to intervene to suppress the fire, a series of charges was leveled
against the method and motives of the government's actions. Later investigations concluded that there had been no government wrongdoing.
Despite the conflagration, almost a dozen adherents of the Branch Davidian group escaped destruction. Marc Breault, was an earlier follower of Koresh and resident of Mt
Carmel Center, who prior to 1991 had broken with the leaders of the group. As an insider, Mr. Breault gathered a mass of information about the group, its leaders, and the
teachings of Koresh on the seven seals. Comparison with other documentation shows Breault's account to be in general accurate, although his point of view is evident.
This document is posted on a Seventh-day Adventist web site because, although no direct connection existed between the Branch Davidians and Seventh-day Adventists, it
is known that the founder of the group had broken in 1930 from an Adventist church in Los Angeles to begin his own group, and the Branch Davidians.
The unusual character of this document calls for a special note to the reader. Although it would not be accurate to classify the Shepherd's Rod group as an independent
ministry in the current sense of the term, they began in 1930 as a splinter group that functioned much in the pattern of today's independent ministries.
For 70 years the Shepherd's Rods have maintained that they represent the true and authentic form of Seventh-day Adventist faith, claiming allegiance to all the fundamental
statements of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. To them they add, however, additional teachings they insist belong in the portfolio of Adventist doctrine, beliefs which
according to them have been rejected or at least neglected by the leadership of the church. This claimed affinity led to their adopting the name, "Seventh-day Adventist,"
although distinguished from the "apostate" church with an introductory expression, "Davidian" or "Branch Davidian."
The following document is provided to make available information about the group' s teachings and its past. It is the story of a fringe group that came to adopt extreme
characteristics while claiming great loyalty to the church. Readers will find Breault's narrative both readable and informative. As noted above, comparison with data from other
sources suggests that in general his report is reliable. Its elements should not be treated, however, as certified by the Biblical Research Institute.
Breault's account includes much detail useful to researchers. It is an account written by himself, and excludes a number of important elements needed for a full understanding
of the Branch Davidian group. However it is made available here in the interest of making available sources of generally reliable information.
Background
by Marc Breault
Victor Houteff, founder of the Shepherd's Rod, died in 1955. In order to keep the organization cohesive, and together, the leadership role was assumed by the late Mr.
Houteff's wife Florence Houteff.
Prior to Victor Houteff's death, the Shepherd's Rod had drafted a constitution. In this constitution, provision was made for an executive committee consisting of a President,
Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. While the latter three offices were usually elected ones, that is to say, elected by the people, the President had a large say in filling
these offices.
According to the Rod's constitution, the President had to be directly appointed by God. This worked well enough for the Shepherd's Rod since Mr. Houteff claimed to be
appointed a prophet by God. Thus, during his life time, there was no quarrel as to who should fill the office of Davidian President.
Unfortunately for the Rod, this constitution was rather shortsighted since, upon Mr. Houteff's death, the office of President could only be filled by another prophet. The reason
for this shortsightedness was due to the fact that most Rod members, including most probably Mr. Houteff himself, believed that he would be the prophet which would see
things out to the second coming of Christ. In fact, the Rod's constitution stated that the President's job would be to hand the leadership over to Christ upon his coming.
Although I believe that Mr. Houteff probably believed he would be the leader when Christ came, the constitution did provide for the possibility of successive presidents. I must
also point out here that the last president, the one present at Christ's second coming, was known among Rod members as the Antitypical David, the king foretold in the
prophecies who would hand his kingship over to Christ upon his glorious appearing. The role of Antitypical David plays a prominent role in Rod/Branch History.
So it happened that upon Mr. Houteff's unexpected death in 1955, there was a need for another president. Although Mrs. Houteff assumed the leadership role, she remained
as vice President, leaving the presidency vacant. Apparently she believed and taught that Victor Houteff would be resurrected to take up the president's mantle once again.
She gave a three and a half year prophecy which would end in 1959. She stated that at the end of this three and a half year period, God would execute Ezekiel 9 upon the
unbelieving Seventh-day Adventists. It is possible that some believed this would coincide with the setting up of God's kingdom and Mr. Houteff's resurrection. In fact, I think it
would be safe to say that the vast majority believed this.
The following is a rough chronological list of Rod eschatology as I believe they understood it at the time.[1] I stress that this is what I believe their understanding was.
1. After three and a half years God would execute Ezekiel 9 on the unbelieving (non-Rod) Seventh-day Adventists.
2. Ezekiel 9 would be a literal slaughtering of the "wicked." The "purge" or "refinement" would leave the believing Seventh-day Adventists, as well as those who were
previously unacquainted with the Rod or who were favourable but who could not "come forward" due to circumstances beyond their control.
3. Shortly after this slaughter (which was seen also as the destruction of the tares spoken of in Matthew 13), God would exalt the Rod members.
4. God would translate the "faithful" to the state of Israel in which God would establish an earthly kingdom.
5. Victor Houteff would be resurrected, along with a few other faithful.
6. The state of Jerusalem would be the headquarters from which the loud cry of the third angel would then be given to the world.[2]
It has been alleged that the Rod believed that they themselves would literally carry out the slaughter of Ezekiel 9. From my research on the subject, I believe that Mr. Houteff
himself did not believe this but that upon his death, this understanding sprang up.
In the years from 1955 to 1959, the Rod proclaimed their message most zealously. In fact, they were probably more zealous during that period than during Mr. Houteff's
ministry. In 1955 Mrs. Houteff sold the Old Mount Carmel property to a real estate company. She saw the amount of money involved and did not wish the assets to be so
bound up in property. With part of the money, she purchased New Mount Carmel. This property also lay in Waco Texas and consisted of around 400 acres. Eventually, bits
and pieces were sold off until now, there are only 77 acres of the original 400 which have anything to do with the organization. (The 77 acres belongs to the Branch Davidian
Seventh-day Adventist organization). Today, the property which was Old Mount Carmel houses many of the wealthy residents of Waco and the land is worth millions. It
presently has no affiliation with any Davidian organization. Indeed, I doubt that those living on that property even know there was once such an organization.
In 1959 over 1000 Davidians met at New Mount Carmel to await the execution of Ezekiel 9 and their deliverance into God's kingdom. Many of these Davidians gave up their
homes, and jobs, in order to be on the property when God wrought his deliverance. There were some Seventh-day Adventist ministers among the crowd as well, who
endeavored to show the Davidians the error of their ways, and to persuade them to give up their reckless course.
Also there that day was one Ben L. Roden, who believed that God had called him to warn the Davidians that they were following a foolish course. Mr. Roden had arranged
matters with the Israeli government so that the Israeli government gave him (and any who would follow) a grant of land in the northern part of Israel. Therefore Mr. Roden
informed the Davidians that they were not going to be miraculously delivered on this day in 1959, but that they needed to immigrate to Israel, where they could be present in
the land itself. Mr. Roden believed that deliverance would come to God's people in Israel. The Davidians declined his invitation to move to Israel, and continued to hope that
Mrs. Houteff's prophecy would come true. I believe there are still some Branch members living on that land in Israel today.
Mrs. Houteff's prophecy failed and the organization soon broke apart. Since that time, many splinter groups have emerged, but these have for all practical purposes,
dissolved into two main ones: The Branch, and the Gilead movement. This discussion is concerned only with the Branch aspect of this story.
As I have shown above, the presidency, according to the Davidian constitution, demanded a prophet or inspired figure. Thus, with these, at first, numerous splinter groups,
came numerous prophets.
One of these, as I have mentioned, was Ben Roden. He founded the Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventist organization, beginning in 1955. He died in 1978.
Only after the fiasco of 1959 did he merit serious consideration among Davidian members. It was under his administration that New Mount Carmel was acquired. I will
hereafter refer to New Mount Carmel simply as Mount Carmel. The property is located at postal address: Rt. 7 Box 471-B Waco, TX 76705. But don't show up unexpectedly
because an armed guard patrols the front gate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Although it was actually Mrs. Houteff who purchased the New Mount Carmel property, the
courts soon had jurisdiction because the Davidian organization eventually became insolvent. It thus became unclear as to who had rights to the property. Ben Roden was
forced to stake his claim in court. He lost his bid and was told that the only way he could use Mount Carmel as his headquarters was to purchase it from other Davidian
members. So Mr. Roden sent out a plea to all who followed him to contribute in buying out everyone else's shares. This was eventually accomplished at a cost of
approximately $75,000. This done, Mr. Roden established the property as his headquarters. Only now there were two differences. First, the new headquarters occupied only
77 acres of land, the rest had been sold off. Second, no longer was the organization known as the Davidian Seventh-day Adventists, but the Branch Davidian Seventh-day
Adventists.
It was Ben Roden who introduced the concept that the people of God needed also to keep the feast days: namely Passover, Pentecost, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles.
He began teaching this doctrine in 1964, nine years after he began his ministry. He did not believe sacrifices were necessary but that the feasts should be kept in a Christian
context. Ben Roden's message dealt mainly with these feast days, and the harvest motifs of Scripture.
Mr. Houteff had taught that the 144,000 would be Seventh-day Adventists left over from the slaughter of Ezekiel 9. They would be the first fruits who would evangelize the
secondfruits and so on. Mr. Roden broke things down even further and went into detail regarding the various offerings given at the various feasts etc.
I must digress here and point out that there was one statement made by Victor Houteff which really characterizes Branch theology. That statement is simply reads as follows.
He makes wise the simple and confounds the prudent by showing that where there is no type there is no truth.[3]
Because of this statement Branch theology was based entirely on types. This has been carried to ridiculous excesses.
Isaiah 8 provides a good example. In Mr. Roden' s Fall of Assyria letter, as well as other literature, he describes
The antitypical Assyrian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .USA
Antitypical Syria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .USA first phase
Antitypical ten tribes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SDA[4]
Antitypical two tribes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Branch
Antitypical butter and honey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Truth
Antitypical cow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spirit of Prophecy writings[5]
Antitypical two sheep. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Old and New Testament
Antitypical Immanuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Antitypical David
All this from Isaiah 8.[6] The land was, however, seen as literal Jerusalem.
Mr. Roden also believed that God's people should immigrate to Israel. He managed to acquire land in Israel and there were even a few who moved there. I believe the land is
still occupied today by Branch members.
Despite general antipathy toward Mr. Roden among Seventh-day Adventists, Mr. Roden himself seems to have been sincere. He seems also to have had an honest nature
and was quite gentle. Although I never met him, my research indicates that he tended to allow himself to be ruled by other more ambitious persons. He himself, seems to have
been a decent human being.
Finally, Mr. Roden concentrated mainly on reaching Davidians and Seventh-day Adventists. Although the Branch, as it was known, was the largest splinter group of
Davidians, it did not boast too many members.
In 1977, his wife, Lois I. Roden claimed to have had divine inspiration. She claimed that while praying one day she saw an angel move by her window with silver wings. From
this (I don't quite know her logic in this), she deduced that the Holy Spirit was the feminine part of the Godhead. Actually, she had tried to teach this as early as 1974 but that
doctrine was rejected among Branch members.
Ironically, the main opponent to her 1977 "vision" was her husband Ben Roden. By this time he was sick and it was generally expected that he would die. Despite the fact that
the vision had come to his wife, Mr. Roden opposed the doctrine of the femininity of the Holy spirit.
Upon Mr. Roden's death, Mrs. Roden assumed the presidency of the Branch. She did so quickly because she had the "prophetic gift" which qualified her. Of course, some did
not see things her way and some left the organization.
Here I must point out a very important point. There are many people who believe in the femininity of the Holy Ghost but they do not believe she is a woman. Rather they
believe that one cannot put God into a form. When they speak of the femininity of the Holy Ghost, they mean that the Holy Ghost can be seen as Mother, just like Jesus is
shown as Son, and just as the Bible speaks of our Father.
My purpose here is not to discuss the merits of this doctrine but I do believe it is important to realize that many who hold this doctrine, and there are many outside of Branch
circles, do not believe the Holy Spirit has been incarnated in any way. They simply see the trinity as a family unit. Father, Mother, and Son. Christ's bride is, of course, the
Church. Many see the Roman Catholic emphasis on the Virgin Mary as a counterfeit of the true Mother, the Holy spirit.
Unfortunately for the main body of Branches, this important distinction was not made and the Holy Spirit was seen as incarnate in Mrs. Roden herself. This doctrine did not
originate at first, but developed over time.
Mrs. Roden's ministry saw a new era for the Branch. Her message about the Holy Spirit caught on among feminist groups and she decided to publish a magazine entitled
SHEKAINA. This magazine was designed to serve as a forum for anyone Branch or otherwise, who believed that the Holy Spirit was best seen in a feminine light. Thus, the
magazine boasted quite a varied number of contributors who had nothing to do with Mrs. Roden's organization. Indeed, many articles are quite fascinating and they are often
worth reading. This particular magazine was meant for circulation among the general public, and did not sport any other aspects of Branch Theology.
To the Branch members, however, Mrs. Roden published tracts detailing her beliefs. The femininity of the Holy Ghost was just one of them. Again, it is not my intention to
provide a detailed sketch of her doctrines, although I may do so in a later document.
There is one doctrinal introduction that bears notice, however. In addition to the feast days, Mrs. Roden believed that people needed to observe the daily ritual at both the
third and ninth hour of the day. This corresponds to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day.
This ritual consisted of partaking of the bread and wine, footwashing, and an hour long study. This doctrine was significant because it led to the centralization of Mount
Carmel. Naturally, working people cannot afford such a practice so many were forced to move to Mount Carmel. This placed a financial strain on the organization.
By this time, Branch members were paying three tithes. Although they claim biblical support for 30% tithes (that's a contradiction in terms but what else can I say), I have
never personally found any biblical justification for this doctrine.
Mrs. Roden's ministry gained notable publicity. She was featured in many articles and television interviews. She traveled as far as the Philippines. She started attending high
class Christian functions not associated with Seventh-day Adventism, such as Christian music awards ceremonies etc.
In the late 70's, "fundamentalism" was on the rise and this was the golden era for the Moral Majority. Thus, there was plenty of room for Mrs. Roden's brand of doctrine. Even
such notable persons as Keith Green (who rejected the femininity of the Holy Spirit outright) and Sandy Patty (who also rejected the notion) were reached. But that gives you
an idea of the circles the Branch was moving in.
Mrs. Roden's right hand man was Perry D. Jones, a long time member of the Branch. Mr. Jones is now unfortunately caught up in a mess. But at the time he was a good
speaker and was quite fervent in his efforts to introduce the Sabbath, and the need to keep church and state separate to the right people. It was through him that Jimmy
Swaggart received a " recommended copy " of The Great Controversy.[7] I' m sure many have sent Mr. Swaggart copies through the mail, but this one was recommended by
a reporter (I believe) whom Mr. Jones contacted.
Mr. Jones also contacted Pat Robertson, Jim Bakker, and even Gerry Falwell. Whenever Mr. Jones acted alone, apart from the Branch, he was quite amazing. He spoke to
many reporters and journalists. Remember that during this time, church and state was an important issue.
The Branch might actually have gained considerable amounts of influence were it not for massive internal strife which rocked the movement beginning in 1983.
The trouble came in the form of one Vernon Wayne Howell who offered a direct challenge to the leadership of the Branch movement. Mr. Howell arrived at Mount Carmel in
1981. He had been kicked out of the Seventh-day Adventist church but was interested in religious matters still.
His aunt had mentioned Mrs. Roden to him and he decided to investigate. He was converted to the Branch and worked in the kitchens at Mount Carmel for nothing save room
and board.
Mr. Howell is a ninth grade drop out who had difficulty holding down a job. He is a competent mechanic, however, and he soon became the handy man of the Mount Carmel
property.
In 1983 Mr. Howell claimed that God had revealed truth to him. Mr. Howell, then 24 years of age began to teach in the twice a day meetings.
This aroused the animosity of Mrs. Roden's oldest son George B. Roden, who believed that he would be the next prophet. He especially became upset when Mr. Howell and
Mrs. Roden began living together using the infamous Isaiah 8 as their justification for doing so.
George Roden claims that Vernon raped his mother, although in all honesty it should be pointed out that Mrs. Roden consented to a relationship with Mr. Howell, despite their
40 year age difference.
Countering Mr. Howell, George Roden claimed that God was inspiring him. But more so, he wished to be the trustee of the property. He passed a document proclaiming him
as president of the association, wishing all to sign.
You will, of course, appreciate what the title of president meant. Even though Mr. Roden couched his document in nonreligious terminology, proclaiming him president would,
according to the Branch and Davidian constitutions, admit his divine inspiration. To give you an idea of just how powerful the president of the Branch was, or would be, I
include the following statement:
Therefore as members of the Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Association, the membership appoints (Hosea 1:11) the president Ben L. Roden, as holding in his sole
possession all legal, moral, and Scriptural ownership and rights of the Association, all its assets and holdings, and to operate the same for the furtherance of the
Association's work at home and abroad: to execute and administrate the entire balances of the Association, to judge and make final judgment in all matters concerning the
Association's works, assets, and holdings, and to be its chief and sole administrator.[8]
The feud between George Roden and Vernon Howell erupted into violence when Mr. Roden forced people off the property at gunpoint. All those who did not sign his
document were literally pushed off the property. Shots were even fired at some people.
Vernon, and his little band, acquired a property (illegally I might add) in PalestineTexas.[9] In all fairness, they did purchase the property and they were in desperate need of
somewhere to go.
The feud between Mr. Howell and George also caused a falling out between Mrs. Roden and Vernon. They split, and Vernon wasted no time in legally marrying Mr. Jones'
daughter Rachael who was only 13 years old at the time.
From 1984 to 1986, the feud between Vernon and George was mainly a war of words. In 1986, Mrs. Roden died and the property at Mount Carmel soon fell into ruins.
George wasn't exactly a good caretaker.
The central hub of the Branch movement was dead. The Branches abroad were left without a headquarters, unless they chose to follow George Roden. And less and less
people decided to do that.
Mr. Howell's Group
Vernon Howell is the current leader of the Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventists. Its central headquarters is again Mount Carmel and its membership consists of people
from the United States, New Zealand, Canada and England.
You might wonder at this state of affairs presently, considering the mess the Branch was in at the beginning of 1986. Although I believe Mr. Howell is very dangerous (my
reasons will become clear shortly), I must say that he is quite charismatic. He is also quite a dynamic speaker.
His right hand man is Steve Schneider, who is an excellent speaker and has real talent in interesting people.
At first, Vernon followed after Lois Roden's early theology. There was still a twice a day meeting. Mr. Howell believed that there were really seven angels' messages and that
he was the seventh and last. Because of his actions with Mrs. Roden, however, Vernon had problems convincing many Branches who did not reside at Carmel.
Vernon was also a young man and he decided to start up a musical band. This is the context in which I met him. Not knowing what went before, Vernon gave the impression of
a sincere and talented young man. Indeed, he is quite a talented guitar player and musician. He is also an excellent song writer.
It soon became apparent that many Branch, and some SDA doctrines were choking the evangelist efforts of his organization so these were dropped.
Vernon believed he was divinely inspired. He believed he was the antitypical David who would lead the people until Christ's coming. (What else was new. Ben Roden believed
that, and so did George).
He claimed that in 1985, he had received a vision from God in Israel (he was in the state of Israel at that time) informing him that he was Cyrus. The Scriptures were "opened
up" to him at this time. He paralleled Cyrus with Eliakim of Isaiah 22 and it is from this, that the name Eliakim arose. I believe he is the Eliakim of your tracts.[10] But his main
title was Cyrus.
That all may sound innocent enough and it most likely was at first, despite the events related above. But consider the following verse in the King James Bible.
ISA 45: 13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the Lord of
hosts. (KJV)[11]
The reason I have bolded the three words "all his ways" is because these innocent three words (which are better rendered "make straight all his paths, 45:2), have led the
current organization into almost unbelievable cultism bordering Jim Jones's People's Temple.[12]
I think the reason is obvious. Since Vernon felt he was Cyrus, he would naturally think that God would make everything "all his ways" he did inspired.[13] Vernon, as
antitypical Cyrus soon came to believe that everything he said, did, and thought, was inspired by God.
He soon attached many titles to himself. At present, he claims to be
Antitypical Cyrus
Antitypical David
Antitypical Eliakim
Antitypical Elijah
The angel that ascends from the east (Revelation 7:1).
The Lamb
Jesus Christ reincarnate
These latter two probably alarm you as well they should. It is particularly with these two latter titles that the rest of this narrative is concerned.
The Disaster
In mid to late 1986, Vernon began to teach that he was the protagonist of Song of Solomon. As the protagonist, he would be entitled to 140 wives, as set forth in that book.
SOL 6:8 There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number. (KJV)[14]
I should point out here that Mr. Howell did not simply point to a verse in Scripture and say: "This is what it means." In fact, Mr. Howell is fond of giving extremely long studies,
sometimes lasting for 16 hours at a time. In short, he employs classic brainwashing techniques. Here, I am summarizing how the Branch came to be in the mess it is in today.
(Of course I realize I haven't yet spelled that out).
Vernon also used the following texts to back up this amazing assertion.
ISA 52:11 Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean {thing}; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. (KJV)
ISA 22:24 And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the
vessels of flagons. (KJV)
2CO 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (KJV)[15]
In Isaiah 52:11 those bearing the vessels of the Lord were seen as women. They were bearing little vessels. Just who were these women? And who were these vessels?
Obviously, these women were his wives, and the babies were their children by him.
This was Mr. Howell's basic scenario of things.
1. He gives his message
The message of antitypical Cyrus, the seventh angel's message. This dealt with the kingdom in Israel, the feast days, the femininity of the Holy Spirit and himself.
2. He goes to Israel after which war breaks out.
Scriptures used were many, but Zechariah 14 and Isaiah 50-54 were chief among them.
3. They find out about his wives.
The American army invades and destroys Israel. They find him and hate him for all his 140 wives so they crucify him just as they crucified Christ.
4. He gets resurrected and God's kingdom established.
5. He destroys the wicked and saves the righteous.
In accordance with his views, Vernon began to sleep with other women. He felt that as soon as a man makes love to a woman, they are married in the eyes of God. Hence,
any woman with whom he copulated was, in his eyes, his new wife. This is how he navigated around the necessity of an actual marriage. He was aware that polygamy is illegal
in the United States.
Unfortunately, some of these women were very young, ranging from 12 years of age to the 30's. At first, Vernon believed that one of his wives would eventually marry Jesus
Christ. This was before he thought he was Jesus Christ.
The scriptural justification for this was Psalm 45.
Because God supposedly directed all of his ways, he assumed tight control over the people. They could only eat certain foods and only when he gave permission. People
could not go out to eat. They could not buy anything without his permission. And of course, people were not allowed to disclose his sexual activities with other women. In
addition to this, people were not allowed to marry without his consent.
In November of 1987, Mr. Howell was involved in a gun fight with George Roden. Mr. Roden finally challenged Vernon to a test of prophethood. Mr. Roden dug up a corpse in
the Mount Carmel cemetery and challenged anyone to resurrect the corpse. Whoever could manage this miracle was the true prophet of the Branch.
Vernon declined the challenged. However, corpse abuse is a crime and he saw, in this, a way to oust George from the Mount Carmel property. He, and eight other men went
on the property to take pictures of the corpse, in order to prove corpse abuse.
They went armed. As I have mentioned before, George did shoot at people to get them off the property so they armed themselves mainly to protect themselves.
They were caught while trying to take pictures. George Roden caught them and a gun fight ensued. Eight of the nine men were arrested and placed in custody with bond set
at an average of $50,000 each. One escaped unnoticed. This is why the men became known as the Rodenville eight even though there were actually nine Branch members
present.
For the record, I was not involved in that incident although I did fly to Waco afterwards to see, first hand, what was taking place. By this time, preparations were already being
made for the trial. The incident generated quite a bit of media attention and the program A Current Affair broadcast a special segment on the whole thing. It was entitled, The
Holy War In Waco. We have a video tape of that broadcast, but I t has been converted to Australian format. Perhaps if you write to the program, care of the Fox network, you
will be able to obtain a tape of that broadcast. The actual gun fight took place on 3 November 1987 and the broadcast was shown shortly after that.
The case went to trial and seven of the eight men were acquitted while Vernon fell victim to a hung jury. The State decided to drop the case against Mr. Howell and all eight
walked free.
Later George Roden was put in jail for burglary and then for murder. I have just received word, however, that George Roden was acquitted and I am not precisely certain of
what is happening with respect to him. The murder he was accused of, however, was a brutal one to say the least. Since he was apparently acquitted, I can only assume
George Roden was innocent.
The Mount Carmel property, as I have said, had lagged under George's care and $68,000 in back taxes was owed on the property. By this time, Vernon had converted a rich
couple from Hawaii into the group and they footed the bill, thus placing the property into Vernon's hands. Vernon asked them for more money to renovate the property. About
$500,000, and four years later, the property is still without running water and proper sanitation facilities although it has electricity. Despite this lack of normal services on the
property, Vernon owns several automobiles (including a 1967 Corvette for which he allegedly paid $25,000 cash), and a speedboat.
By way of explanation, I should point out that George had renamed the Mount Carmel property Rodenville. It has since been changed back to Mount Carmel.
In 1988 Vernon began to stress that he was the Lamb of Revelation 4 and 5. At this point, he taught that the Lamb (himself) was someone other than Jesus Christ.
In 1988, Steve Schneider, Vernon's right hand man, went to England and, strange as it may seem, converted quite a number of Newbold students.[16] Among these converts
were three ministers, or prospective ministers. They, in turn, told other people in the area about the "new light" and soon quite a number of people from England were caught
up in the whole affair.
Because Vernon taught that he was the Lamb, this eventually led to the doctrine that no one else had any right to interpret the Scriptures save for himself. Indeed, some of
the books of the Bible, like Lamentations and Job, were forbidden because they contained things "too deep" for anyone else save himself.
The apocryphal book 2 Esdras was then inserted into the Branch canon mostly because of references to babies dancing and speaking at three months of age. Vernon taught
that these would be his children. Vernon also believed that this book taught that prophets were hire forms of humanity. They were not like the rest of mankind, but were given
special treatment by God.
By this time, Vernon had a sizeable collection of wives, about 14 or so. These women were and still are convinced that they would be queens in heaven. By this time, too, the
idea that one of his women would marry Jesus Christ had disappeared. Instead, they would have him for eternity. He, Cyrus, David would be the best and ultimate person
throughout eternity.
Psalm 45 was reinterpreted so that the protagonist was himself. The passage:
PSA 45:7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. (KJV)
was interpreted to mean that he would have more women than anyone else. Through a long, circular theology, Vernon arrived at the equation: oil = women's secretions
during sex. In fact, a whole doctrine was built around this equation.
Thus, he taught that he would have more women than anyone else and that he would be the most good looking etc.
In August of 1989 Vernon suddenly became the owner of all women. Now all women, married or otherwise, were obligated to be his. As the Lamb, he alone was worthy.
Everyone was going to hell and only through him, could anyone attain salvation. Anyone's attempts to study or read Scripture were futile because he alone had the true
interpretation. He even had the nerve to "use" Ellen White's writings to back himself.[19]
By this time, the people had become so institutionalized and brainwashed (I mentioned that Vernon often gave long studies) that they genuinely feared for their lives. Vernon
convinced them, through hours and hours of repetitious bombardment, that anyone who disobeyed him would go to hell. On top of that, anyone who left the group and
divulged any of its secrets could expect to be hunted down and killed. A number of persons were threatened physically and Vernon even went so far as to send spies after
those who were out on the fringe. These actions caused immense fear to many, because by this time, Vernon owned many guns, including an AK-47 assault riffle. Several
persons also owned guns.
I must point out here that there were several people who were not centralized at Mount Carmel. Some were only marginally acquainted with what was going on while other
sincere persons favourable to the Branch had absolutely no idea any of this was going on. For myself, I was attending Loma Linda University during most of this time period. I
happened to be an actual eyewitness to Vernon's study in which he first taught that he owned all the women. That revelation, along with the other things that went with it,
came as a shock to me.
When I tried to speak out against such nonsense, I was threatened. So I left deciding that it would be more prudent to alert those on the fringe as to the current situation.
My wife is a citizen of Australia so that seemed a logical place to start. Mr. Howell had visited Australia twice before and had managed to convert a few people here.
I will not detail all the circumstances of events here in Australia. Indeed, one could write a rather lengthy book on the subject. Suffice it to say that all the Australians broke
away from the movement and Vernon has given up any attempts to evangelize in Australia. Before that happened, however, the Seventh-day Adventist church was rocked
badly here in Melbourne, and there was even trouble in Brisbane, more than 2,000 miles from Melbourne.[18]
About 60 people were either converted or semi-converted by Vernon's teachings. Thirty-five of these were from Brisbane Australia, and 25 were from Melbourne.
When Vernon realized that anyone who listened to sane points of view (the Bible and Mrs. White's writings) would break from him, he immediately imposed a communications
ban on anyone opposing himself.
At present, I have been unable to contact people in England, and Canada. They simply do not have dealings with anyone opposing Vernon. They do not even listen to other
points of view. I never thought I would meet any group of people worse than the Jehovah's witnesses in this regard, but these take the cake.
Numerous letters and appeals, not only from myself, but from concerned Seventh-day Adventist brethren, have met with no response, not a scrap.
Of the believers in New Zealand, half are for Vernon, while half have broken away. He is also effectively cut off from New Zealand in terms of evangelism. There, Vernon is
taking his losses.
We have also been unable to reach anyone in Canada but this is because we have been unable to find their addresses. They may listen to reason. There are about 100
followers in the US. Of these, only 10 have managed to break away. Most of them broke away in 1990. When they were finally able to talk about the ordeal, they all had
horror stories to tell including the following:
1. Brutal child beatings
2. Beating up disobedient members.
3. Spanking young children with a boat paddle.
4. One girl had a loaded gun pointed to her head and was told that God would not be angry with Vernon if she were killed there on the spot. The one who pointed the gun
was Vernon himself.
5. Severe food deprivation.
6. Holes in the ground, filled nearly to the top with raw sewage with no provision for cleanup.
7. People forced to cut relations with their families.
8. People suddenly disappearing.
9. A number of married women now part of Vernon's harem.
10. Bible studies solely dominated with fear. These would begin at early evening, and continue night after night for hours until the people were too exhausted to care.
11. Threats of physical death to any opposing him.
12. One woman was threatened with her child's murder right in front of her eyes.
13. One woman's child was kidnapped when she tried to break away.
These are just a few of the things described by those who have broken away.
Vernon's Doctrine
Vernon's present doctrine is quite simple
1. 2000 years ago, God sent Jesus Christ into the world. He was a sinless Messiah who prevailed. But he was not able to really judge humanity because he had never sinned.
So, 2000 years later, the Father sent him back into this world in the person of Vernon Howell. He stripped away his memory so that he would not know who he was. Now
Vernon is Jesus Christ incarnate and he is now a sinful Messiah. This will enable him to judge properly.
For proof of this incredible doctrine, I offer these quotations. Unless otherwise indicated in a separate footnote, all quotations which follow are taken from a taped study
Vernon sent to his Australian followers in an attempt to prevent them from leaving his group.
God in the flesh! Do you know who I am? God in the flesh! The Word of God in the book has been shown to you. The most powerful of all prophets, the prophet that's found
in the books. Lo, in the volume of the book it is written of me, Psalms 40, I come to do thy will Oh God. Thy law, prophecy, is within my heart. Now what better sinner can know
a sinner than a godly sinner? Huh?[19]
And the spirit came to me and says that in me all things are possible. And I desired that highest position. I desired Christ to be in me, that feminine entity, that Spirit of
reception, and God gave me Christ. God says, you are my Son. And I declared to the woman of the flesh my position and they rejected it! But then God says you are that
Christ, and in you hides the hidden mystery. I labored without light, walking in the light of darkness, God's word that said I will lead them through paths of darkness and will not
forsake them. I will make darkness light for them and will not forsake them. And then I heard her voice, the glory in me, the truth, the true light, the true Spirit. She only
comforted me, she kept me in company when there were none to uphold my soul. She is my reward, she is God's word, she is God's truth that shines in darkness but the
darkness comprehends it not. She is my own soul, she is what I shall be, she is that perfect image, the light clothed in the wedding garment. I shall win Christ and she shall
come forth from my side as bright beams, and I will have her because she has been mine since I first heard that word, let their be light. When I took hold of the mind of God I
saw the wisdom of God, but I didn't know she was so intimate with me. I didn't know she was the great reward of the sons of light. You didn't either did you?
Only the Lamb is to be given the job to raise up the seed of the house of David isn't he? Isn't he? You know that in the prophecies, Psalms 45.
JOB 31:1) I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? (KJV)[20]
—'s note: He sees that the Lamb has the only right to a maid.
This verse is also cross referenced to the following verse:
(1 CO 7:29) But this I say, brethren, the time {is} short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; (KJV)
And that is not the end of it:
(JOB 31:10) {Then} let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her. (KJV)
—'s note: Let them rape her.
(JOB 31:11) For this {is} an heinous crime: yea, it {is} an iniquity {to be punished by} the judges [24 elders]. (KJV)
—'s note: He wants the Lamb to have his wife.
2. He is the only one worthy. Therefore, everyone owes him (God) their money, wives and even children.
The blasphemy continues:
God says His heart has indicted a good matter. No wonder Psalms 108, the Lamb, who knows all mysteries, says my heart is fixed. If God's heart be for me, who is my heart,
that it should condemn God? If God has elected me, mine elect in whom my soul delighteth, I have put my Spirit upon Him, If God has declared, who am I to judge God
unworthy?!!
I could not see it. Isaiah testifies that I'm blind. They heard the truth. I didn't have ears to hear it. I did it for their sake. There is no other light in the world that shines as bright.
Do you understand what it means when your own body and mind will not comprehend the light because God says, who is blind but my servant or is deaf as the messenger
that I have sent. Who is blind but he that is perfect? As blind as the Lord's servant. Opening the ears, but he heareth not. Opening your eyes but he, he, he, heseeth not.
The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness sake. He will magnify the law. The law! Magnify the law?!?! Isaiah 51. For a law shall proceed forth from me, and I will make my
judgment to rest for a light to the people. Oh! You mean the law where it says look to the rock whereby you are hewed. Compare it to the pit from whence you were digged.
What law? The law of prophecy? The law that says no man can open the book but the Lamb? That's God's word. God can't lie! That's the word! It's the law, law of prophecy!
God has a rainbow. He cannot lie! I'm perfect. Every sin that Isaiah says I'm guilty of, I agree. I'm perfect to give you this message. I have been chosen of God, and God says
His word is what I will be.
Judge me will you? Judge me, make me prove I'm the Lamb, will you? Huh? Judge my Father.
Psalms 45! The man on the white horse! Nobody can reveal these things God says, but the Lamb! I'll prove who I am, by showing you who God is.
Psalms 110. The Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. In other words, my Father said unto my Mother, Sit down
sweetheart, your the Woman of Revelation 12, your the Wisdom of God, your the Mother of Cyrus, your the Mother of the Lamb, the Root of David, the life source.[23]
These are the two major doctrines at present. There are, of course, other side-doctrines. If you want to know what Mr. Howell thinks about any scriptural passage, all you
have to do is remember one simple rule. Anything good applies to him; anything bad applies to everyone else.
Who Would Believe Such Doctrine
After reading all of the above, you might well ask: "How can these people be dangerous? Who would believe such garbage?" As I said earlier, both Vernon and Steve are
quite dynamic. Vernon appeals to young people through music and through a show of knowledge in the Scriptures. Unfortunately, the SDA church is dead in many places.
Vernon exploits this fact. He also teaches that Christ's coming is near, just a few years away. So any sacrifices made will only be for a short time. In God's kingdom, people will
obtain their perfect mates and be eternally happy. Vernon is good at describing such happiness. He is also good at describing hell.
Thus, young people are most vulnerable. They don't know about the guns, the beatings etc., until they are too far into to have the resources to say no. By that time, they are
so afraid of going to hell for disobeying his every whim, that they cannot break out.
Vernon also strips them of money and other resources. Most quit work or school to come live at Mount Carmel or other scattered locations. Thus, even if they wished too,
they have no money, and people are usually too embarrassed to call relatives.
In one woman's case, her child was used as a literal hostage. When the spectre of the police was raised, however, Vernon immediately gave in and relinquished the child and
the woman has managed to break away more or less completely.
Targets which these people like are Adventist colleges.
Amidst all of this evil, however, it is surprising to note that there are some sincere people who really know very little of what is happening. Most of these are old and frail and
don't have much to do with all the bad business that goes on. These people are being exploited.
Present Facts
This movement is currently situated in England, and the US, with followers from New Zealand and Canada. I'd say the total number of followers is about 160 not including
children.
There are three locations in Texas. One in Waco, one in Palestine, and one in Dallas. I have been unable to locate the exact address in Dallas. The one in Palestine is mostly
abandoned and need not concern anyone.
There are two known locations in California. There might be a third. One is in Pomona California, while the other is in La Verne California. I have an address in Carlton
Nottingham England which seems to be a location.
One of the tactics used by the group, to allow foreign members to stay at Mount Carmel is to marry them off the members who are United States citizens. There are four such
marriages known to have occurred. Because the situation is quite delicate, I can only say that certain government agencies are looking into the activities of this organization.
The majority of Vernon's followers are people in trouble. Many want out but are unable physically and spiritually to make the break. The few bad apples are really bad.
This whole business shows one thing clearly. Adventists should know their Bibles. I believe SDA schools are pitifully inadequate to this task. Most Bible classes are a joke and
people do not take them seriously. More importantly, however, parents should teach their children good solid Scripture. This should be the main focus in the life rather than
cable television, the latest video, or latest heavy metal album.
I hope that, if nothing else, this document will impress these facts clearly. May God clean up this mess soon.
Final Remarks
The mind boggles at how anyone could actually believe such doctrine. What makes matters even more unbelievable is that most members of this organization are ex-Seventh-
day Adventists. Among the members are a lawyer who graduated from Harvard Law School, a computer programmer, nurses and a number of other college graduates.
So far the major obstacle in rescuing these people has been Vernon's communications ban. But when people do communicate there is only one approach which has worked:
the Bible. Rather than expressing horror and shock at such doctrines, and "turning away," it is much better to biblical show where Mr. Howell (who has legally changed his
name to David Koresh) is incorrect.[22]
You can imagine that Ellen White is held in little or no esteem by these people and Mr. Howell (Koresh) is desperately trying to relegate the Bible to the same revolting status.
But he has not yet managed to do this. So long as he has not, members can still be reached through the most powerful weapon on earth, the Scriptures.
An unfortunate side effect of a group like this is that it discourages persons from exploring the Bible in order to find new truths. After all, what if those truths lead one to
another cult similar to the one described in this document? This sort of group can cause an established and well-meaning denomination to become very institutionalized,
afraid to expand its understanding of God, relying instead on the same beliefs and practices without any thought to the changing times or to the inborn desire of man to learn
more.
I believe the solution to this dilemma is found in the following passage in Romans.
(Romans 1:16-21 KJV)
(16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (17) For therein
is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness
and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed {it} unto them.
(20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, {even} his eternal power and Godhead; so
that they are without excuse: (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified {him} not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their
foolish heart was darkened.
How does idolatry begin? What caused the first man to bow down to an image? From Paul's account above, it seems to have been because man knew who and what God
was. But they were not happy with this Revelation. Instead, they allowed their imagination to conjure up more about God than God had revealed of Himself. In attempting to be
wise, man became foolish.
This is exactly what the Vernonites, have done. Mr. Howell was not happy with the plain statements of scripture, and the plain truths of the gospel. Thus began his quest for a
newer, higher understanding of God. But there are some bounds which God has forbidden us to pass.
GAL 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (KJV)
Exploring God's word can be both enjoyable and rewarding. So long as one adheres to the boundaries, set up by that Word, he need have no fear of straying into an
organization such as the Branch Davidian movement. Do not allow your imagination to become vain. Indeed, truth which is based on one's imagination is not worthy to be
called truth.
Studying God's word is much like climbing a mountain. There are certain rules, and safety precautions which one should follow. Ignore those, and you are in danger of losing
your life. If you become too comfortable, and sit in one place, you will never reach your goal. So by all means, climb the mountain. Just make sure your ropes are securely in
place.
______________
[1]. Eschatology is a theological term which refers to the study of apocalyptic or last day events.
[2]. The term "third angel" is often used in Seventh-day Adventist circles to denote the last, or one of the last, messages which God's people will give to the world before
Christ's second coming. The term derives from Revelation 14:6-12 which shows three angels, each proclaiming a message. These are, in brief: The hour of God's judgment
is come, Babylon is fallen, and a warning not to worship the beast. At present, however, the Branch Davidian splinter groups believe that there are from four to seven angels'
messages to be given to the world. Those who presently work from Branch Davidian headquarters (Waco Texas) believe that there are seven messages, and that they have
the seventh or last. The main body of Seventh-day Adventists, that is to say, the official Seventh-day Adventist denomination, believes that there are three angels' message.
The reader can appreciate the variety of differing beliefs in this area.
[3]. Victor T. Houteff, The Shepherd's Rod, vol. 2 (General Association of Davidian Seventh-Day Adventists: 1932) p. 10. The General Association of Davidian Seventh-Day
Adventists no longer exists. The bolded portions of this quotation are actually found in Mr. Houteff's manuscript. A type is defined as either an historical event, or a religious
ritual which foreshadows a future event. An antitype is that future event itself. The best example of a type, antitype relationship is found in the sacrificial rituals of the Old
Testament, which met their fulfillment in the death of Christ on the cross.
[4]. SDA is a commonly used abbreviation for Seventh-day Adventists.
[5]. This is another term used in Adventist circles. The term denotes those writings considered to be inspired, but which do not belong to the Bible. The main body of
Seventh-day Adventists often refer to Ellen White's writings as "the spirit of prophecy." Those belonging to the Shepherd's Rod would include Victor Houteff's writings in this
category, while other splinter groups might add Ben Roden's writings to this body of works. The term "spirit of prophecy" comes from Revelation 19:10, which describes the
testimony of Jesus Christ as the spirit of prophecy (King James Version). For the vast majority of Seventh-day Adventists, the term is simply a common designation.
[6]. The references here are to Isaiah 8 in the King James Version of the Bible.
[7]. This book, originally published in 1888, was written by Ellen G. White.
[8]. Ben L. Roden The Leviticus of The Davidian Seventh-Dav Adventists The Branch Supplement (The Universal Publishing Assn: Waco Texas) 1972. p. 9.
[9]. This allegation of illegality is based on some statements which Vernon's lawyer/follower Douglas Wayne Martin made to me. He told me that the property had actually
been set aside for war veterans but that the real estate agent had struck up a deal with the organization in the hope that no one would discover the "illegal deal."
[10]. The tracts referred to here are those published by Mr. Farrell. I have retained this reference because the name Eliakim has been circulated as being the main name by
which Mr. Howell describes himself and his ministry.
[11]. Nassco Inc. The King James Version of the Bible: computer Edition, (Nassco Inc: Lubbock Texas, 1984). The words contained in braces {} reflect the italicized words in
the King James Version of the Bible. For the purposes of quoting Scripture, I employ Nassco Inc.'s CompuBible program. The bolded words are strictly my emphasis.
[12]. For the purposes of this discussion, I employ the term cult, or cultism, with the following definition in mind. A cult is a religious organization whose leadership and
spiritual inspiration derive from, and center around a single person.
[13]. Isaiah 45:13 is, in fact, speaking of Cyrus. But the context is very clear. God will make straight all the paths for Cyrus as indicated in 45:2. Cyrus's rise to power would
be smooth. Indeed, God did bless Cyrus II of Persia and his rise to power was accomplished through God's design. He was the one who allowed the temple to be built again.
[14]. Vernon Howell taught that the King James Version of the Bible is the only true and uncorrupted English translation of the Bible. Hence, many Vernonite doctrines are
based on misunderstandings of King James English. Mr. Howell believed this about the King James because, according to him, all churches, save the Seventh-day Adventist
church, fell in 1844 and were no longer used by God. Howell taught that the King James Version was the only English translation made before 1844 and therefore, the only
English translation made while God still favored the churches. He teaches that any translation made after 1844 is made by "Babylon" and therefore untrustworthy.
[15]. This was how Mr. Howell justified his interpretation of vessels in Isaiah 52 and 22 as people.
[16]. Newbold College is a Seventh-day Adventist college. I should point out here that this is not strictly a theological school. Most Seventh-day Adventist colleges are Liberal
Arts schools, which sport a wide ranging curriculum. The standard of education is usually quite high.
[17]. Ellen White (born Ellen Harmon 1827-1915) is one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist church. Her writings are considered, by most Seventh-day Adventists,
to be inspired, although her writings are not considered on an equal footing with the Bible. Mrs. White wrote on a variety of topics ranging from theological issues to health
reform. She was responsible for setting up a number of health institutions throughout the United States and the world. She was also instrumental in setting up, and
implementing the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist educational system.
[18]. Brisbane and Melbourne are two of Australia's largest cities.
[19]. This amazing statement is from a direct transcript of one of his tapes. We have both the tape and the transcript so there is no way Mr. Howell can deny this statement.
The tape was made in September/October 1989. The Australians were starting to break away and Vernon, in his arrogance, tried to keep their loyalty through fear. He sent
them this Bible study. It was contained on a 90 minute tape. As far as I am concerned, this is public domain material.
[20]. The following, all the way to #2 below, are notes taken from a former member's Bible.
[21]. All of the above quotations are taken from the same study. Vernon has been very careful to document as little as possible. I think you can see why. There are other
tapes and eyewitness accounts, but I hope this will suffice at present. These other tapes have not been transcribed.
[22]. The Koresh comes from the Hebrew word for Cyrus. See Isaiah 45:1. Thus, his name means, literally, David Cyrus.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Brief History of the Branch-Davidian
Seventh-day Adventists
By Marc A. Breault
Introduction
This document attempts to briefly set down the history of the Branch-Davidian Seventh-day Adventist movement. I write this for two main reasons. First, I write this in the
interests of accuracy. Second, certain past developments are crucial to an understand of the present BDSDA leader Vernon Wayne Howell (n.k.a. David Koresh).
As one might suspect with a cult, many developments surrounding this cult are theologically based. Rather than becoming bogged down in the cult's various theological
justifications, however, I will simply state the cult's theological beliefs when important.
I will give one brief example of what I mean by theological justification. Using the eleventh chapter of Daniel, BDSDA followers believe that World War II is not truly over. Rather
than explain the justification for this absurd belief, I will simply state it and supply documentation later. I do this for the sake of brevity.
Having said this about theological justifications, I will end this introduction by providing some background regarding myself, so the reader will know that I am in a position to
document this cult's history. I will also list the important fundamental theological beliefs of the cult in point form because these beliefs have a direct bearing on the mindset of
cult followers.
I am a former member of the sect and one of Vernon Howell 's best friends during the years of 1986 to 1989. I was a very highly placed member of the cult even to the point
that the term "member of the hierarchy" is accurate. I joined primarily to help with the ministry designed to carry the last message of salvation to a dying world.
I was fully and completely brainwashed by Mr. Howell and have only myself to blame. In late 1989, I broke out of the cult experiencing a phenomenon known as "snapping."
Snapping describes a phenomenon common to brainwashed persons in which they literally snap out of it. It is as if they wake up.
During my tenure with the cult I witnessed many horrible actions. While I did not deem them horrible at the time, thinking them based on the express will of God, I see now that
they were actions which should not be tolerated in a free society. I will, of course, detail these actions later.
As for the fundamental theological beliefs of the BDSDA cult, they are as follows.
1. Vernon Wayne Howell (n.k.a. David Koresh) is the Son of God. He is Jesus Christ reincarnate. When Jesus came nearly 2,000 years ago he was sinless. Consequently he
cannot truly judge mankind because he has never experienced sin and evil. So the Father sent Jesus Christ to earth again, in the person of Vernon Howell, to experience sin
so that he can more fully judge a sinful world. Howell sees himself as a sinful Messiah.
2. Howell is the king of God's kingdom. God's kingdom will destroy all other kingdoms and Vernon will rule the entire world. A time frame for this happening is hard to fix, since
Vernon frequently changes his position on this.
3. As Jesus, or the son of God, Vernon Howell owns everything and everyone. This includes all women, whether married or otherwise. When we acquire any possessions
such as cars or television sets or even wives, Vernon sees this as theft since these things belong to him.
4. Only the cult leader, Vernon Howell, is able to correctly interpret Bible prophecy. This is especially true of the seven seals of the book of Revelation.
5. Unless one can positively interpret the seven seals of Revelation, they do not have the right to teach or even read the Bible.
Table of Churches
Seventh-day Adventists 1863
Davidian Seventh-day Adventists 1931
Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventists 1955
Chronology of Important Historical Events
1863 Seventh-day Adventists are officially born. They become a recognized organization.
1929/1930 Victor Houteff, in Los Angeles California first begins to preach a message which would later cause his disfellowship from the Seventh-day Adventist church.
1930/1931 Victor Houteff writes a book entitled The Shepherd's Rod. After being disfellowshipped from the Seventh-day Adventist church. Houteff forms his own organization
called the Davidian Seventh-day Adventists. Because of his book, however, his organization is more popularly known as The Shepherd's Rod.
1938 With headquarters already established at what is now known as Old Mount Carmel in Waco. Houteff begins to teach that God will establish a literal kingdom in Israel
ruled over by Jesus Christ and his lieutenant which Houteff terms as the" Antitypical David. " This is perhaps the most important crucial theological development of the sect. It
appears that he and his followers believed he was the Antitypical David.
1939-1955 The group confines its recruitment activities to the Seventh-day Adventist church membership. The Shepherd' s Rod becomes one of the most notable thorns in
the Seventh-day Adventist's side.
1955 Death of Victor Houteff. With Houteff out of the way, the Davidians look for a new leader. Houteff's widow, Florence Houteff assume the office of Vice President and
initiates a three and a half year prophecy which culminates in a literal divine slaughter of wicked Seventh-day Adventists, the resurrection of her late husband Victor Houteff ,
and the establishment of God's earthly kingdom. This begins a massive and somewhat successful recruitment drive.
1955 At the same time, Benjamin Roden first proclaims that God has inspired him to take the mantle of leadership vacated by Victor Houteff. Ben Roden condemns Florence
Houteff saying that the actual slaughter etc., will take place in 1960, not 1959 as she predicted.
1955-1959 Ben Roden founds a movement called the Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventists. He tries to recruit Davidian Seventh-day Adventists to his cause. Other
splinter groups emerge as well, but Roden's is the most successful of these.
1959 At the appointed time predicted by Florence Houteff, many Davidians gather at New Mount Carmel centre (presently run by Branch Davidians) ready for translation.
When her prediction fails the movement founded by Victor Houteff begins to disintegrate.
17 August 1959 Birth of Vernon Wayne Howell.
1962 After a long legal battle, Ben Roden and his followers are allowed to occupy New Mount Carmel centre provided they buy out the shares of all the Davidians. This is
eventually accomplished and the Branch Davidians take possession of New Mount Carmel centre. The Davidians scatter and never arise again as a cohesive entity. Of all the
splinter groups, Ben Roden's is the largest.
1962-1977 Ben Roden teaches that he is the Antitypical David, the king of Israel. He teaches that Christians must observe the various Hebrew feast days including Passover,
Pentecost, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles. The last "feast" to be introduced is something called the daily which consists of a twice a day, one hour long worship
service. The daily has since been abandoned for all practical purposes.
1977 Ben Roden's wife Lois claims to have a vision from God in which she sees that the Holy Spirit is the feminine aspect of the trinity.
1978 Death of Ben Roden. Lois Roden assumes the presidency of the organization but a few dissatisfied Australians leave the movement at this time.
1978-1983 Lois Roden's message concerning the Holy Spirit attracts many believers. She travels widely and is interviewed by a number of talk shows and news agencies.
The BDSDA organization launches a magazine called the Shekainah Magazine which has contributors from many people, mostly comprised of non-Branch members.
1979 Vernon Howell is baptized into the Tyler Seventh-day Adventist church in Texas.
1981 After getting the pastor's daughter pregnant, Vernon is disfellowshipped from the Seventh-day Adventist church. He arrives at Mount Carmel centre which, at this time,
is under Lois Roden's leadership. He becomes the handy man at Mount Carmel.
1983 Vernon Howell first claims divine inspiration. He convinces Lois Roden, through Isaiah chapter 8, that he must have sexual relations with her and the two begin to
cohabit. This generates open friction between Vernon and Lois's son George B. Roden. George begins to claim inspiration.
1984 A conference of Branch Davidians take place in which a number of would-be prophets say their piece. The invitation is sent originally by Lois Roden and Vernon Howell
to come and here the "truth." Nothing is accomplished and the group begins to fragment.
1984 George Roden eventually forces Vernon and his followers off of the Mount Carmel property at gun point. Vernon and his band wonder through various towns in Texas,
one of which is Mexia Texas.
1984 According to Vernon Howell, God tells him he is free from any responsibility to Lois Roden. God tells Vernon to marry one Rachael Jones, daughter of long time Branch
minister Perry Jones. She is only 13 years old at the time and Rachael becomes Vernon's legal wife.
1984/85 Vernon acquires a property in Palestine Texas where he and his followers settle.
1985 Vernon Howell receives a major revelation from God in Israel. He is shown that he is the Antitypical Cyrus and the Antitypical David.[1] Vernon attends the 1985 General
Conference session of Seventh-day Adventists in New Orleans. Through a weird combination of his rejection there, and the Animals song: "House of the Rising Sun," Vernon
sees this as the official beginning of his ministry and the beginning of the "time of the end." Vernon begins to formulate a ten year prophecy after which, Christ will appear
again.
February 1986 I join the group. Vernon also recruits a number of Melbourne Australia residents who belonged to the old Branch Davidians under Ben and Lois Roden.
March 1986 Vernon first sleeps with one Karen Doyle, aged 13 at the time. He claims her as his "second wife." Her father, a former Australian, is in Melbourne at the time and
knows nothing of this.
June 1986 A number of persons from Honolulu Hawaii join Vernon's group thanks to me. I wish I never recruited them now.
June 1986 Vernon first teaches that he is a second intercessor for mankind and that Christ only died for those before the cross.
July/August 1986 Vernon secretly begins sleeping with Michele Jones. Rachael's youngest sister. Michele is only 12 at the time.
August 1986 Recruitment drive in Wisconsin meets with initial success but eventually fails. Thank God for that.
September 1986 I argue with Vernon over his doctrine that Christ did not die for our sins. He appears to change his mind but I am tricked. About this time, Vernon first begins
to teach that he is entitled to 140 wives, sixty women as queens, and 80 as concubines. Vernon uses the biblical book of the Song of Solomon to teach this.
December 1986 People from Hawaii begin settling in Palestine Texas.
December 1986 Sherri Jewell, Kiri's mother introduced into the group.
Early 1987 Robyn Bunds joins Vernon's Harem.
31 August 1987 Dana Okimoto joins Vernon's Harem.
September 1987 Sherri Jewell joins Vernon's Harem.
3 November 1987 Shootout with George Roden at the Mount Carmel property (Route 7 box 471-B Waco Texas). This results in the arrest of eight of Vernon's followers
including Vernon himself.
Early 1988 After a trial, seven of the eight are acquitted. The jury vote is hung 9-3 in favour of Vernon Howell's acquittal. The State decides to drop charges against Vernon.
March-May 1988 George Roden goes to prison on unrelated contempt of court charges. This leaves the door open for Vernon to take over the Mount Carmel property. He
moves in. An elderly couple pays the $68,000 back taxes owing on the property thus allowing Vernon and his group to move on to the Mount Carmel property.
1988 Several more women join Howell's Harem including Lisa Farris, Ruth Ottoman (Canada), and Nicole Gent (Australia).
July 1988 Nicole Gent recruited and soon after joins Howell's Harem.
10 September 1988 Dana Okimoto's child whom Vernon names Sky Born Okimoto, is born. Sky is Vernon's first child born from a woman other than his legal wife Rachael.[2]
November 1988 Robyn Bunds' child Shaun (originally named Wisdom by Vernon) is born.
Early 1989 Friction between Vernon and I begins to develop. Nicole leaves for Australia to have her and Vernon's baby. Nicole's visa is due to run out and Vernon wants her
to have their baby in a secluded place.
April 1989 Vernon makes the now infamous dream tape (audio tape). This tape contains damaging evidence against Vernon Howell.
28 April 1989 Elizabeth and I are married.
May 1989 Elizabeth returns to Australia and I await my migrant's visa to join her. I make preparations to leave the group for Australia. I try to reconcile myself to Vernon one
last time. For a time, it works.
5 August 1989 Vernon teaches all women belong to him and only he has the right to procreate.
September 1989 I leave Vernon's group, never to return. Praise God for that decision.
29 September 1989 I arrive in Australia.
29 Sept. - June 1990 The Battle for Australia begins in earnest. Eventually, by June 1990, most Australians break from Vernon leaving only a few who still follow him. Although
the New Zealand membership of the cult is small, that battle is almost as fierce and eventually, some New Zealanders break away from Vernon. Most, continued to follow
Vernon.
October 1989 Vernon makes his "Foundation" tape and sends it to Australia in an effort to scare Australian defectors into staying faithful to him. This tape contains the most
damaging hard core evidence against Vernon.
June 1990 I fly to Waco Texas where I first alert Waco Police to cult's activities. I am ignored and treated rudely by the Waco Police department.
Mid June 1990 Enough Australians break away from Vernon to begin a united effort to alert the authorities. Geoff Hossack is introduced to this situation.
July/August 1990 Robyn Bunds, one of Vernon's women, breaks from Vernon. This provides Australians with more ammunition and the approach to the authorities begins at
this time.
July/August 1990 Two raids by the La Verne Police Department, La Verne California yields results. According to private investigator, La Verne issues three warrants against
Vernon for statutory rape. These warrants have since disappeared. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding of sorts.
October 1990 Steve Schneider visits Australia in a last effort to convince defectors to return to the Vernon fold. It fails.
October 1990 - June 1991 Stalemate with American authorities.
June 1991 First confirmation of Kiri Jewell's danger. First rescue attempt fails. We tried to convince Kiri's grandmother to take action.
September 1991 First contact with Hinch program. Pamela Graham is the reporter assigned to the story.
September 1991 Both Jeannine Bunds and Doreen Saipaia (USA and New Zealand respectively), leave Vernon. Doreen claims that she was locked and confined in a house
for nearly four months, repeatedly assaulted by Vernon and others, as well as sexually molested by Stan Sylvia, one of Vernon's followers. Doreen makes both a written and
a taped statement to the authorities in San Francisco and Texas. Nothing, however is done and no investigation is made.
22 October 1991 Hinch broadcast on Australian TV channel 7.
October 1991 Channel 9's A Current Affair shows interest in story and begins research.
1 November 1991 With the help of the local Seventh-day Adventist church, we are able to track down Mr. David Jewell of Niles Michigan to warn him of his daughter's
situation. David Jewell suspects something is wrong with his ex-wife and daughter but is unaware of the gravity of the situation until we contact them.
November 1991 - February 1992 Preparations for the custody case are done in secret, without Vernon's knowledge. Evidence is gathered and affidavits are prepared.
28 December 1991 Kiri Jewell travels to Michigan from Anaheim California, to visit her father. She is then ten years old. David Jewell obtains a temporary custody order
granting him temporary custody of his child until the full custody hearing which is set for 24 February 1992.
30 December 1991 A Current Affair interviews the Australians involved. Reporter Martin King is assigned the story. He does an excellent job.
5 January 1992 A Current Affair visits and interviews Vernon Howell at Mount Carmel. An interview with Robyn Bunds is also conducted in California.
7 January 1992 The Vernonites, including Sherri Jewell first receive official notification of the temporary custody order. Sorry guys, Kiri ain't coming back to Vernon.
January 1992 - February 1992 Final preparations for court case.
16 Feb. 1992 Jean Smith, Elizabeth and I travel to Niles Michigan to testify in court. Along the way, we notify the Hawaii media, specifically, KGMB TV reporter Rob Simpson.
20 Feb. 1992 Finally arrive in Niles Michigan. Court date postponed from 24 to 25 Feb.
25 -27 Feb. 1992 Court case. After two days of our testimony, with much more to come, the Vernonites concede defeat and full custody is awarded to the child's father Mr.
David Jewell. The judge, shocked at the atrocities detailed, forbids Kiri to have any contact, either direct or indirect, with any member of the cult save her mother Sherri.
Visitation rights are strictly supervised. The judge goes on further to state that any violation of this order will be dealt with strictly, and that he will personally continue to
monitor this case. This decision was rendered by Judge Taylor of the St. Joseph courts. The case is Jewell vs. Jewell.
20 Feb. - 6 Mar. We learn about the suicide/martyrdom from five independent sources. These are mostly family of cult members, and also a cult member who flees in panic
after the death notices are issued by Vernon.
6 Mar. - 15 Apr. Further information confirming that for some reason, cult members think they will die shortly. Fears of a mass suicide/martyrdom escalate.
15 Apr. - 18 Apr. Intensive media coverage by both Channel 9 and the Herald-Sun. This coverage, along with some American coverage, seems to have caused Vernon to
back down. Event seems to have been called off. For now.
_________________
[1]. Cyrus the Great ruled Persian from approximately 559 to 536 B.C., conquering the Babylonian kingdom. The book of Revelation names the last apostate antichristian
power as Babylon. Hence, Vernon as Cyrus, was seen as the deliver from, and destroyer of Babylon. He believed that he was a modern day Cyrus who would destroy the
wicked world.
[2]. Previous to Vernon's calling from God, he fathered another child. This child is unrelated to this case as far as I am aware.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vernon Howell and the Seven Seals
by Marc A. Breault
13 May, 1992
Introduction
Anyone who has had significant contact with Vernon Howell (n.k.a. David Koresh), will realize that the seven seals of Revelation are central to his theology. I am often asked
what Howell teaches regarding these seals. This document is a response to that question.
Howell's theology is very complex. His Bible studies often last for hours. Thus, a full exposition on the what and why of his theology could probably occupy a number of
chapters in a book. Therefore I will try to keep this account brief, concentrating on what Vernon teaches rather then on the "logical" means he uses to arrive at his
conclusions. While I will try to include some of that, I am forced to minimize it for purposes of space.
No discussion of Howell and the seals would be complete without first dealing with why Howell believes the seals, and his interpretation of them, are important to him.
Why the Seven Seals?
The seals are central to Howell for two very basic, yet powerful reasons.
1. According to Howell, they point the way to the only path of salvation available to mankind.
2. As the only person who can reveal the meaning of the seven seals, Howell claims this as proof of his divine origin.[1]
Both points listed above lead naturally into one another, and form the basis of Howell's methodology for obtaining converts. The first is used to establish an almost
unbearable guilt trip in the potential convert, while the second points the person to Howell, the solution for ridding the person of the intense guilt. In my subsequent research, I
have found that many Christian cults operate along these same lines, although their specific methodologies may be different (i.e., they might not stress the seven seals).
Howell develops point #1 above roughly as follows:
Howell points the person back to Jesus Christ of 2,000 years ago. He stresses Christ's perfect character and blameless life.[2] Next, Howell points the person to the incredible
work of the twelve apostles and the early Christian church. He points the person to the fact that Christ promised he would send His Spirit to allow the church to perform
incredible miracles and to resist sin.[3]
After showing the person the "perfect" state of Christ, and the early church, Howell then moves on to demonstrate that Christ expects no less from us today. By using such
scriptures as:
MAT 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (KJV)[4]
and others, Howell hammers in the idea that God the Father, and Christ expect perfect Christianity. Matthew 5:45 is but one scripture used.[5]
Now if the reader is like 99.9% of the human population, he falls short of perfect Christianity. He sins, like everyone else. But Howell hammers this point to his listener for
hours at a time until the listener is left without any hope. The listener compares himself against the perfect standard of Jesus Christ, and the supposedly perfect early church,
and looses all hope. This is precisely where Howell wants to lead him.
Finally, Howell points out that the Spirit of God wrote the Bible (2 Timothy 3;16, 17; 1 Peter 1;19-21). Thus, by rejecting the Bible, the world, along with the listener, has
rejected or blasphemed the Holy Ghost, thus committing the unpardonable sin.[6]
By this time, our listener is convinced he is going to hell. He sees no way out. Not only has he slighted the name of Christ by exhibiting less than perfect Christianity, on top of
this, he has committed the unpardonable sin by rejecting the Bible, which tells him he needs to be perfect.
Enter Revelation 4 and 5! ! !
Howell also uses Revelation chapters one through three to hammer home this point. Just at the point when the listener is ready to give up altogether, Howell brings him to
Revelation 4 and 5, which is where he has wanted to lead them all along. By using this scripture:
(Revelation 4:1-2 KJV)
(1) After this I looked, and, behold, a door {was} opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard {was} as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither,
and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. (2) And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and {one} sat on the throne.[7]
Vernon demonstrates that not all hope is lost. The Spirit is still trying to show us something. We have only committed the unpardonable sin if the Spirit stops speaking. So
although we have blown it so far, if we listen to what the Spirit is trying to reveal in Revelation 4 and 5, we can still go to heaven.
If you take the time to read Revelation 4 and 5, you will notice that a certain book or scroll becomes important. In chapter 5, however, the problem is that no one was found
worthy to open the book.
Revelation 5:2-4 KJV)
(2) And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? (3) And no man in heave, nor in earth, neither
under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. (4) And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look
thereon.
According to Howell, the Spirit is giving us the last chance for salvation. That chance is contained in the scroll or book. But no one can open the book. In Vernonite theology,
whatever is contained in the book is the only chance we have. If the book remains closed, we might as well commit suicide since we are doomed and lost anyway.
But wait! Just as Howell brings his listener once again to the brink of despair, behold, the Lamb is able to open the book. The listener sighs with relief. There is still hope.
If you read Revelation 5, you will learn many things about the Lamb, two important ones are:
1. He is the only one worthy and able to open the book.
2. Because of this, he is worthy of honor, riches power etc.
At this stage, Howell does not come out and say he is the Lamb. He drums into the listener the fact that only the Lamb can open the book. Then Howell goes on to his
exposition of the seven seals. He spends hours explaining the meaning behind the symbols contained in the seven seals. Howell's logic is simple.
1. Only the Lamb can open/reveal the meaning of the seven seals.
2. I (Howell) am now revealing the meaning of the seven seals.
3. Therefore I (Howell) must be the Lamb.
4. Because I (Howell) am the Lamb, I am worthy of honor, riches, praise etc. I am also the only one worthy in heaven or on earth. I am the only one who can save you. I am the
only one entitled to anything in heaven or on earth. I own everything and everyone. Only through me can you achieve salvation.
And there you have it. This is why the seven seals are so important to Howell. Since conventional Christianity is worthless in his eyes, Howell will only accept, as a possible
challenger to his divine right, anyone who can reveal the seven seals. This is Howell's challenge to anyone.
Howell's followers follow him blindly because they fully believe he is the only person with the true interpretation of the seals. Following the four steps of Vernonite logic listed
above, his followers give him everything, centering their entire lives around him. What a tragedy.
Vernon Howell And The First Seal
(Revelation 6:1-2 KJV)
(1) And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. (2) And I saw, and behold a
white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow: and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
Howell teaches he is the rider on the white horse. Howell interprets this seal to mean that he (Howell) is the king, Jesus Christ reincarnate. As king, he is entitled to many
wives which also includes concubines.[8]
According to Howell, the man on the white horse conquers by getting as many women pregnant as possible. Since Howell holds himself as God, the only righteous one, he
reasons that only his children are righteous. He holds that God's plan is to destroy all the wicked children, and populate the world with his.
As I stated above, I do not have time to discuss the logic of Howell's conclusions. This, however, is his interpretation of the first seal.
Scriptures Howell employs to arrive at his conclusion are Psalm 8, 45, 60, 92. Also, see Isaiah chapters 50-54 and the Song of Solomon. The Song of Solomon is used to
form Howell's concubine doctrine. On destroying the wicked, see Isaiah 13; Psalm 137, 149; Jeremiah 50, 51; Joel 2; Revelation 19.[9]
Vernon Howell and the Second Seal
Revelation 6:3-4 KJV)
(3) And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. (4) And there went out another horse {that was} red: and {power} was given to
him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
Howell believes there will be a great war centered around Israel. In this, he agrees with many evangelical Christians including myself. If Howell stopped there, he would be fine.
But Howell believes he will somehow start this war, or be the center of its focus. Previously, Howell taught he would actually go to Israel to start the whole ball rolling. I have
heard he has changed his position lately, however, and I am not sure he still holds to this view.
Howell is, of course, the rider on the red horse. By using Zechariah chapters one through four, Howell uses this as a proof text to show that he is The Lord. This seal was also
used when Howell first formulated his "all women belong to me" doctrine. This doctrine was begun on 5 August, 1989.
Howell believes he is the Messiah whose teachings bring peace. But the wicked world will learn about all his women and fight against him out of jealousy and for fear that
Howell will seduce or force their wives. This will " take peace from the earth." Nevertheless, Howell will win the war eventually and slaughter all the wicked.
Scriptures Howell uses for this are Zechariah 1-4; Ezekiel 13; 1 Corinthians 7; Job 31; Luke 14:26-33.
Vernon Howell and the Third Seal
(Revelation 6:5-6 KJV).
(5) And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in
his hand. (6) And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and {see} thou hurt not the
oil and the wine.
My information on this seal, relating to Howell, is minimal. Howell believes that the rider is God. God has the balances in His hand. A dangerous result of Howell and the third
seal, however, is that Howell believes that God loves to deceive people. Howell uses the following passage to demonstrate this belief.
HOS 12:7 {He is} a merchant, the balances of deceit {are} in his hand: he loveth to oppress. (KJV)[10]
This rendition of this verse allows Howell to righteously deceive anyone. He can lie, cheat or do whatever simply by claiming that this deception is necessary for the person's
salvation.
This is what I know for sure regarding Howell's beliefs on the third seal. I suspect from statements Howell and Steve Schneider have made, that Howell uses this to show a
grand one world government conspiracy formed from the United Nations, the Roman Catholic Church, Seventh-day Adventists, the United States Government, and the
"merchants of the earth." This seal has to do with economy and Howell points to the fact that many rich people stress economy. Therefore they conspire together.
Scriptures Howell uses for this seal are Hosea 12:7. In terms of his conspiracy theory, Howell uses Ezekiel 27, 28; Revelation 18; Psalm 83; Zechariah 14:1.
Vernon Howell and the Fourth Seal
(Revelation 6:7-8 KJV)
(7) And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. (8) And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on
him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the
beasts of the earth.
Vernon Howell has legally changed his name to David Koresh. Koresh comes from the Hebrew rendition of Cyrus. Thus, his name is David Cyrus. According to Howell,
another meaning for Koresh is "death." Hence, his name is David Death. As you can see from the scripture above, the name of the pale horse rider is death.[11]
Simply put, Howell uses this seal to justify his killing of his enemies. This can take place before or after God's earthly kingdom. When Howell was in Australia in early 1990, he
used this seal to threaten many breakaway or borderline breakaway members. To my knowledge, Howell has never explained what the "fourth part of the earth" means and I
admit I am curious as to what his understanding is regarding this phrase. In the old Shepherd's Rod days under Victor Houteff, Houteff maintained that this phrase referred to
a 1,500 year period of time, rather than a physical portion of the earth.
I have noticed that when Howell is stuck for an explanation, he often reverts to victor Houteff's understanding.
Scriptures Howell uses in conjunction with this seal are Zechariah 6; Ezekiel 7-12; the story of ancient Israel slaying the Canaanites found throughout the Old Testament,
Isaiah 45.
Vernon Howell and the Fifth Seal
(Revelation 6:9-11 KJV)
(9) And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: (10) And they
cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? ( 11) And white robes were given
unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they
{were}, should be fulfilled.
This is where the whole suicide story got started. I think it is plain what the seal is saying and how one could interpret it to formulate a mass suicide/martyrdom doctrine.
Simply put, God requires a certain number of martyrs before He will come and establish his kingdom.
According to Howell, this fixed number is 200,000,000 (two hundred million). Howell arrives at this number from Revelation 9:13-21. These two hundred million will form His
army.[12]
Howell teaches that all of his followers must die. However, there are a few, including conveniently himself, who will not see death but be translated. Those who die help make
up the number. Howell holds that with the combined total of early church martyrs, and the Dark Ages contingent of martyrs, the number (whatever it is) is almost made up. I
fear that Howell believes that the death of his followers will complete the number.
To further explain the mentality involved, assume that the fifth seal actually teaches that God will not come to save the righteous and set up his kingdom until the full number
of martyrs has been made up. Assuming this, BDSDA logic runs something like this.
1. The fifth seal teaches that God will not save the righteous and establish his kingdom until the proper number of martyrs is made up.
2. Obviously, God is not here and his literal physical kingdom is absent. This must mean that the number of martyrs is not yet complete.
3. Since the rest of the world is Babylon (worshipping the dragon, see Revelation 13), and since the BDSDA cult represents the only true informed body of saints on earth, it
follows that only BDSDA members can qualify as martyrs.
This seal is extremely dangerous because it shows his followers that they must die in order to usher in God's kingdom. I should point out here that I do not know for certain of
the validity of this logic since Howell never fully taught the fifth seal while I was associated with the group. The above, however, is based on contact with cult members, as well
as my knowledge that cult members believe they are the only true, nonbabylonian people on earth. This latter mentality, was taught when I was associated with the group. I
personally never fully accepted it, however, as I found it difficult to believe in practical terms.
Scriptures Howell uses in conjunction with this seal are the latter part of Isaiah 5; Isaiah 13; Psalm 79; Revelation 9:13-21; Revelation 11; Daniel 8:9-14; 11:31-39; Zechariah
14; 2 Thessalonians 1, 2. Howell employs many scriptures to show that followers must suffer and die for him. Read Isaiah 51; Psalm 137 and others.
Vernon Howell and the Sixth Seal
The sixth seal covers Revelation 6:12-7:17 and is too large to quote fully in this discussion. I will only quote Revelation 6:12-17.
(Revelation 6: 12-17 KJV)
(12) And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
( 13) And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. (14) And the heaven departed as a scroll
when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. (15) And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief
captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; (16) And said to the mountains and
rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: ( 17) For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be
able to stand?
Simply put, this seal shows the coming of the Lord and the setting up of His Kingdom. Naturally, Howell is the Lamb. Notice the Lamb comes down. Hence, Howell believes that
he is translated before the actual second coming. He goes up to heaven then returns in glory to rescue the saints, and destroy the wicked.
There are many scriptures Howell uses to show that he will save the saints, and destroy the wicked. I have listed some in other seals. Additional passages include Ezekiel 34,
36, 37-39; Psalms 1, 7, 11, 18, 50, 97, 98, 108, 144; Isaiah 34, 35; Joel 2:1-11; Isaiah 13; Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 17; Luke 21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17.
Vernon Howell and the Seventh Seal
The Seventh seal reveals the seven trumpets according to Howell's thinking and extends from Revelation 8:1 to the end of the book.
Traditional Seventh-day Adventist thinking holds that the seventh seal covers only Revelation 8:1.[13] Howell holds that the seventh seal extends from Revelation 8:1 to the
end of the book.
Because of this, a full exposition of Howell's views on the seventh seal is impossible here. Suffice it to say, however, that Howell "reveals" the seventh seal by expositing upon
the rest of the book of Revelation. This includes more detail on such topics as:
1. The seven trumpets
2. The woman of Revelation 12
3. The beasts of Revelation 13
4. The messages of God in Revelation 14
5. The seven last plagues in 15 and 16
6. Babylon (Rev. 17-19)
7. The thousand year period of Revelation 20 and the final destruction of the wicked.
8. The new heavens and the new earth (Rev. 21, 22).
Concluding Remarks
You may have noticed that all biblical quotations in this discussion are taken from the King James Version. Many of Howell's doctrines are built on misunderstandings of KJV
passages. Howell discourages and forbids the consultation of modern translations of the Bible, although he himself occasionally uses them.
I must stress again that Howell takes hours upon hours to prove his beliefs with respect to the seals. While most readers would not be able to justify Howell's positions from
the brief statements about each seal above, the reader should not forget that followers are subjected to exhausting sessions with Howell, to drum his beliefs into them.
Needless to say, the above exposition on the seals does not reflect my views on the subject.
_________________
[1]. From 1983 to 1985 Howell saw himself merely as a prophet, someone whom he termed "the seventh angel's messenger." In 1985, Howell saw himself as Cyrus, the latter
day king who would lead God's people until God established His kingdom on earth. In 1988, Howell became the Lamb of God portrayed in Revelation 5. At this stage, Howell
believed that the Lamb of Revelation was Cyrus, or the king. During this stage, Howell became the Song of God, but maintained a separate identity than that of Jesus Christ.
Finally, in 1989, Howell merged the Lamb of Revelation with Jesus Christ. To him, they became one and the same person.
[2]. The vast majority of Christians today would agree that Jesus Christ was sinless while he walked on this earth. Jesus Christ was and is the perfect high priest. This, in fact,
is the orthodox Christian belief.
[3]. The New Testament is full of stories of Christ's followers performing amazing miracles. It also depicts the apostles in a glowing light. Many Christians have taken this to
mean that the apostles were perfect men, and that the early church was without flaws or conflict. This is not the biblical picture, however, but many Christians fail to see this.
Howell plays on the "perfection" of the church.
[4]. The Holy Bible King James Version Computer Edition, NASSCO 1984.. All biblical quotations in this text are taken from the same source.
[5]. Since this discussion is not concerned with a discussion of biblical perfection, I do not have the space to refute Howell's use of this scripture and others. Suffice it to say
here that Howell does not correctly understand or interpret the Greek word translated in the KJV as "perfect." Neither does Howell take into consideration the context. For a
quick glimpse into biblical understanding of standards, refer to I John 2:1 which states, in paraphrase, that "The purpose of me writing to you is that you don't sin. However, if
you sin Jesus Christ the righteous is your advocate with God the Father." Although this is my own paraphrase, examination of this passage should reveal that it conveys the
correct meaning.
[6]. Christ Speaks of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as the sin which will not be forgiven. For proof of this, refer to Matthew 12:22.
[7]. I have bolded the parts of the scripture I wish to emphasize. The words contained in braces {}, reflect those words which the KJV places in italics. The King James uses
italics to show words which the translators have added, and which are not found in the original manuscripts from which the KJV was translated.
[8]. The word concubine does not evoke much emotion today because most people do not know what it means. Biblically, a concubine was a slave with whom her master had
sexual intercourse. She was not considered equal with the master's wife, but still remained a slave. In other words, Howell supports the idea of slavery and puts it into practice
with his followers.
[9]. Be warned that 99% of the readers of this document will probably have no idea whatsoever as to how Howell can arrive at the above stated conclusions from these
scriptural passages.
[10]. Howell understands this passage as referring to God. That is, God loves to deceive. Reading this verse in a modern translation, however, will reveal that Hosea is here
condemning those who falsify weights and measures to make a profit.
[11]. To make knowledge, there is no linguistic justification for equating the name Koresh, with the meaning of "death." In fact, the name probably means "sun" or "shepherd."
[12]. It is possible that Howell holds that the number is 100 million instead of 200 million. This is because Howell has said that each resurrected saint in God's army will be
accompanied by an angel. Howell uses Isaiah 13 to show this. Hence, Howell could believe the number is 100 million people, each accompanied by an angel. Howell was
never absolutely clear on this point when I was associated with him.
[13]. See Uriah Smith, The Prophecies of Daniel And The Revelation, Southern Publishing Association 1994, p. 473. Uriah Smith was a pioneering member of the Seventh-
day Adventist church.
Broken Adventist Ministry
False Doctrines Draw Some Away
When the shaking comes, by the introduction of false theories, these surface readers,
anchored nowhere, are like shifting sand. They slide into any position to suit the tenor of
their feelings of bitterness.--TM 112 (1897). {LDE 177.1}
When the shaking comes, by the introduction of false theories, these surface readers,
anchored nowhere, are like shifting sand. They slide into any position to suit the tenor of
their feelings of bitterness.--TM 112 (1897). {LDE 177.1}