Governor Ann Richards called for stricter control of guns. Although the word does not have a negative meaning, its use by conventional religions to attack non-traditional sects and popular ignorance have given the word a negative connotation. The use of the term is obviously being used to alienate the Branch Davidians from the populace. Perhaps to distract public attention from the real motive behind the raid. The sect's beliefs, however strange, are irrelevant to the issue.
History records that all Messiahs are self-proclaimed.
Many people consider God their father, which would make them his sons and daughters. The rumor of strange rituals is reminiscent of the accusations against the, early Christians who were reported to eat the body of their founder and drink his blood. Claims of sexual abuse, brain washing. Noah was ridiculed for being an alarmist when he built an ark in preparation for the deluge. John, the author of Revelation, predicted catastrophes which have yet to occur.