Jim Jones & Jonestown

How could approximately 900 people be led by one man to commit suicide? The answer to this question may shed some light in understanding the events leading up to that infamous day in 1978. Jim Jones was a dynamic preacher who started his public service in Indiana in the 1950’s. In Indianapolis he served on the Human Rights Commission becoming involved in social issues, such as integration of African Americans in restaurants, theaters, public service departments and the local hospital. He was extremely supportive of African Americans, essentially becoming their hero through his sacrificial acts of service in the community. He studied the writings of Hitler, Marx, Ghandi, and Stalin and attended communist meetings and rallies. Eventually he founded the People’s Temple church, teaching principles of love, harmony, and racial equality.

In 1961 Jones and his wife were the first Caucasian couple in Indiana to adopt an African American child. They adopted several children of various races, encouraging church members to do the same. Tolerance of non-Caucasian races was just beginning. It made sense to hundreds of people that the divine creator loves all of his children, no matter what color. Jones’ messages of righteousness and good works were similar to conventional doctrines of Christianity, so many were drawn into his organization. However, over time he criticized the Bible’s teachings, claiming that embracing socialistic ideas is how one can be “born again.” Jones desired a communal lifestyle and freedom to practice his beliefs, away from criticism.

Eventually he created “Jonestown” in Guyana, built as a “socialistic paradise” and model community. Isolated, members depended upon Jones for their every need, giving all their money and possessions to his organization. His manipulation convinced them that all he said was true about providing them with purpose and a sense of belonging. He caused fear by his descriptions of the threat of authorities upon their beautiful, idealisic community. Finally, when outside pressures increased and investigations into human rights abuses occurred, he deceived 900 members into drinking Flavor Aid laced with cyanide in order to commit “revolutionary suicide.”