What the Heaven's Gate suicides say about American culture
- Written by Ben Zeller, Associate Professor of Religion, Lake Forest College
Heaven’s Gate – also known as the “UFO cult” – burst into American consciousness 20 years ago this month, when, on March 26, 1997, law enforcement discovered 39 decomposing bodies in a San Diego, California mansion.
Each detail that emerged from the scene stunned a rapt public: Adherents had committed suicide in waves...
Read more: What the Heaven's Gate suicides say about American culture