While scholars, media, and the public may be aware of a few extraordinary government raids on religious communities, such as the U.S. federal raid on the Branch Davidians in 1993, very few people are aware of the scope of these raids or the frequency with which they occur. Inspired by the Texas State raid on the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-day Saints in 2008, authors Stuart A. Wright and Susan J. Palmer decided to collect data on all the raids of this kind that have taken place in West...

On February 28, 1993, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF) launched the largest assault in its history against a small religious community in central Texas. One hundred agents armed with automatic and semi automatic weapons invaded the compound, purportedly to execute a single search and arrest warrant. The raid went badly; four agents were killed, and by the end of the day the settlement was surrounded by armored tanks and combat helicopters. After a fifty-one...

In April 2008, state police and child protection authorities raided Yearning for Zion Ranch near Eldorado, Texas, a community of 800 members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints (FLDS), a polygamist branch of the Mormons. State officials claimed that the raid, which was triggered by anonymous phone calls from an underage girl to a domestic violence hotline, was based on evidence of widespread child sexual abuse. In a high-risk paramilitary operation, 439 children wer...

In April 2008, state police and child protection authorities raided Yearning for Zion Ranch near Eldorado, Texas, a community of 800 members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints (FLDS), a polygamist branch of the Mormons. State officials claimed that the raid, which was triggered by anonymous phone calls from an underage girl to a domestic violence hotline, was based on evidence of widespread child sexual abuse. In a high-risk paramilitary operation, 439 children ...

A unique exploration of teleonomy—also known as “evolved purposiveness”—as a major influence in evolution by a broad range of specialists in biology and the philosophy of science.The evolved purposiveness of living systems, termed “teleonomy” by chronobiologist Colin Pittendrigh, has been both a major outcome and causal factor in the history of life on Earth. Many theorists have appreciated this over the years, going back to Lamarck and even Darwin in the nineteent...

Jumping the UK rat race and moving to southern Spain.

"Optical Projection: The Projection of Lantern Slides" by Lewis Wright and Russell Stuart Wright delves into the fascinating world of optical projection, focusing on the historical and technical aspects of lantern slides. The authors explore the evolution of projection techniques, detailing how lantern slides were used for educational and entertainment purposes. With a blend of practical advice and historical context, the book serves as a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts and professiona...

This is a carefully researched and completely rewritten version of Adelaide Fries’s 1949 history that traced the Forsyth story from its Moravian beginnings through the joining of Winston and Salem and concluded with a forward look to Wake Forest College as a key to future cultural growth. The authors emphasize the contributions of the county beyond the city limits, reflecting the growing social and economic importance of the suburban and rural area in the past twenty-five years.Ori...

Discover real-life stories of treasures lost, stolen and found where YOU become the treasure hunter!Discover a message in a bottle that appears to be from the ghost of Captain William Kidd - the infamous pirate and now, it would seem, thief! Follow a breadcrumb trail of intriguing clues left by the treasure-hungry thief as he travels the world attempting to steal great historic artefacts, paintings, gold and more. The Treasure Hunt takes you on an...

In this book, readers will enjoy a fascinating and cordial discussion between N. T. Wright and Simon Gathercole on the meaning and nature of the doctrine of atonement. These two highly respected scholars discuss in clear and understandable language the meanings of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Their discussion explores various theories of atonement and looks closely at the Old Testament to discover Paul's meaning of his words that "Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptu...

Twelve-year-old Amy knows there’s some connection between Aunt Claire’s old dollhouse that they find in her great-grandparents’ attic and a deadly family secret from years ago. Aunt Claire seems upset about the dollhouse, which is a replica of the house they’re in, but she’s not talking. Then Amy discovers that the dolls – who look like her relatives – move! They seem to be trying to tell her something, but Aunt Claire refuses to believe her, or answer any questions. Can Amy unravel the my...

In alternating chapters, two girls narrate the story of the "haunted mansion that the Crandall's have purchased to turn into a bed and breakfast.