Unquestionably, the Branch Davidians were an apocalyptic religious sect whose manichaen world view was entirely foreign to those law enforcement officials who encountered it. Clearly, though, the Branch Davidians were living the millennial myth. The resulting government tactics only helped to affirm the preexisting beliefs of the Davidians and their understanding of history. From the Davidians perspective, they already knew the outcome for it had been prophesied in the biblical Book of Revelation. The repercussions from the Waco tragedy are truly astonishing.
Signs can range from the sublime to the senseless depending upon the particular belief structure.
Historically, natural occurrences or disasters such as earthquakes, floods, fires or astronomical appearances may provide such a sign. While the appearance of the comet Hale-Bop may be met with great wonder and excitement by the scientific community, as well as the general public, there are others who view its appearance as a sign that the end of one age and the beginning of a new age is here. It is important to acknowledge the difference between apocalyptic and millennial themes. Millennial beliefs relate in some way to a transformation of the current social, cultural, spiritual, and political collective human condition. Historically, millennial beliefs have envisioned an earthly paradise.