The Branch Davidian’s doctrines, or principles, fall
into three categories: the first which is believed to be a result of the
Seventh-day Adventists roots (Houteff); the second coming from the beliefs of
the Rodens; the third originating from David Koresh-by either ‘divine
revelation’ or his misinterpretation of the Bible.
Houteff’s category includes: 1.) Sabbatarianism (belief that the Seventh-day Sabbath must be observed); 2.) Vegetarianism (not all of the Adventists were vegetarians); 3.) Abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and non-medicinal drugs; 4.) An excessive preoccupation with prophecies. Number four isn’t technically considered a doctrine, although it is still an important aspect of the Branch Davidian.
The Rodens’ category includes: 1.) That Christians have to keep the feast days of Old Testament Israel, including Pentecost, Passover, the Feast of Tabernacles, and the Day of Atonement; 2.) That the Holy Spirit is female; 3.) Lois Roden was the Holy Spirit’s incarnation.
Koresh’s category includes: 1.) The King James Version is the only uncorrupted and true translation of the Bible; 2.) David Koresh is the only person who can interpret Scripture; 3.) David Koresh is the antitypical David; 4.) David Koresh is the antitypical Cyrus of Isaiah 45, meaning everything Koresh does is led by the will of God; 5.) David Koresh is the Lamb of Revelation; 6.) All of the women in the commune belong to Koresh, including all of the married women. (some of his wives were as young as twelve years of age); 7.) David Koresh is Jesus Christ. These teachings and principles of Koresh were the main causes of the Branch Davidian withdrawing even further from the sphere of orthodoxy. Koresh also believed that God is not a triune being, but a foursome (Father, Mother, Son and Daughter). The Daughter of the godhead being the Holy Ghost who will become reborn as Koresh’s consort when he becomes glorified.
Houteff’s category includes: 1.) Sabbatarianism (belief that the Seventh-day Sabbath must be observed); 2.) Vegetarianism (not all of the Adventists were vegetarians); 3.) Abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and non-medicinal drugs; 4.) An excessive preoccupation with prophecies. Number four isn’t technically considered a doctrine, although it is still an important aspect of the Branch Davidian.
The Rodens’ category includes: 1.) That Christians have to keep the feast days of Old Testament Israel, including Pentecost, Passover, the Feast of Tabernacles, and the Day of Atonement; 2.) That the Holy Spirit is female; 3.) Lois Roden was the Holy Spirit’s incarnation.
Koresh’s category includes: 1.) The King James Version is the only uncorrupted and true translation of the Bible; 2.) David Koresh is the only person who can interpret Scripture; 3.) David Koresh is the antitypical David; 4.) David Koresh is the antitypical Cyrus of Isaiah 45, meaning everything Koresh does is led by the will of God; 5.) David Koresh is the Lamb of Revelation; 6.) All of the women in the commune belong to Koresh, including all of the married women. (some of his wives were as young as twelve years of age); 7.) David Koresh is Jesus Christ. These teachings and principles of Koresh were the main causes of the Branch Davidian withdrawing even further from the sphere of orthodoxy. Koresh also believed that God is not a triune being, but a foursome (Father, Mother, Son and Daughter). The Daughter of the godhead being the Holy Ghost who will become reborn as Koresh’s consort when he becomes glorified.