Solar Temple, weakened. A catastrophic millennial group that feels persecuted may bring the date for the end closer in time. Bringing the date for the end of the world closer in time is a barometer of how much the group members and leaders feel persecuted. Branch Davidians, Aum Shinrikyo. Radical dualism is a typical feature of human thought.
Radical dualism is found among many people besides millennialists, including law enforcement agents.
When methods to achieve the ultimate concern are failing, believers may shift to other methods, which may be either peaceful or violent. If a great deal of pressure is being put on a group that endangers their ultimate concern, the believers might resort to violent actions. Conversely, if a violent group suffers devastating defeat, the millennialists may become pacifists. Sensationalized media coverage of a millennial group contributes to a situation's potential for volatility. Moderate news coverage in the cases of the Freemen and Chen Tao in Garland, Texas, contributed to the nonviolent resolutions of those cases.