We can be reasonably confident that future violent eruptions in millenarian groups will also occur in groups largely unknown to social scientists, law enforcement agencies. Still, it is unacceptable to throw up our hands and say that we cannot predict which group, or type of group, is likely to become involved in violence. Thus, it is appropriate that we should try to understand the social dynamics that may lead a group to violence. The realm of the ideal world is distinct and quite separate from the existing world order. Finding a basis for integration of the two is difficult.
Some groups see no basis for even trying and construct a world apart.
How they view themselves and their role can differ greatly. Thus, just because a group is apocalyptic does not assume a belief in violence, or a predisposition to act in ways that will bring about violence. One aspect, which may influence violence among premillennialists, is the belief that the rapture will occur during the times of tribulation. Those who believe the rapture will not occur until the end of the years of tribulation are more likely to make defensive preparations, such as stockpiling guns, than those who believe the rapture will occur at the beginning. The Branch Davidians were midtribulationists , that is, they believed they would survive the early years of tribulation before being slain and then return for the final battle of Armageddon.