“Jonestown The Life and Death of Peoples’ Temple”

In the PBS film, â€Å"Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples’ Temple†, it illustrates an extreme example of one radical religious leaders control over hundreds of people to the extent of convincing them to voluntarily commit a revolutionary suicide in their attempted utopian settlement in Guyana. In the 1970s various changes were being made and through social and cultural movements, including political and religious, people wanted something to believe in. They wanted to fight for a cause that would change the world. Jim Jones preyed on the members of the Peoples Temple and gained his ultimate control through promoting activism, managing all the finances of each member while providing them with benefits, and through creating a sense of†¦show more content†¦The ethics were accentuated, but the teachings of the scriptures on sin, heaven and hell, and the rapture were of lesser importance. The line of separation of church and state was blurring. The changes so ciety had undertaken during the time was a vast advantage to Jim Jones and allowed him to gain followers for the Peoples Temple. Because of the war in Vietnam and racial tension people felt a strong calling to take action, especially the youth of America. Whether in protest, service, or community support they wanted to be involved in a fight that would create an impact. Jim Jones wanted youth in his church since they were more open-minded and he catered to their desires to be a part of something greater. Jones was for the black man and integration. His family was integrated and so was the Peoples Temple. He believed firmly in activism and made some contributions to politicians in their campaigning by having members of his congregation at rallies, protests, and even going door to door. It was a politicians dream ensemble due to of the diversity of age and ethnicity. They were enthusiastic to be there, always on time, and there where so many members willing to be whatever was needed . Jones benefited from his congregations activism by becoming the appointed chairman of housing while in San Francisco. Parts of the socialShow MoreRelatedThe History of The Peoples Temple Essay1588 Words   |  7 PagesThe Peoples Temple During the mid 1950’s to early 1960’s, the African American Civil Rights Movement was in it’s prime time. Colored men and women were being discriminated and were being mistreated almost everywhere they went. By human nature, it would be ideal to fit in and be accepted for who you are, not for your color of skin. This was the perfect time for The Peoples Temple to come into play, starting off as a small church with a religious movement, the church gained a huge amount of followersRead MoreThe Assassination Of Timothy Mcveigh1509 Words   |  7 PagesOklahoma City Bombing that Timothy McVeigh orchestrated in 1995. 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