Cult presentation

Jim Jones;
The people’s temple
By Joseph 9Bn
What is a cult?
• According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a cult is defined as “a
small group having special beliefs and practises”.
• Firstly, there are two types of cults; Religious cults and Therapy cults.
• Religious cults present themselves as interested in making the world a
better place via political or spiritual ways.
• Therapy cults are based more on ‘self-improvement’.
• Generally, cults take your money, which is not used to benefit its
members or society, and instead is taken by their self-appointed
leader.
Origins
• Jim Jones was born in 1931, in Indiana.
• He established ‘The people’s temple’ in the 1950s, which supported
racial equality, communal living and social justice.
• This attracted a diverse community, including African-Americans,
people seeking a sense of belonging, and the poor.
• Jim Jones was known for his charismatic personality, which enabled to
get followers.
• He established a culture of fear, strict discipline, and didn’t allow
members any privacy.
The Jonestown Tragedy
• Seeking isolation, Jones established a community called ‘Jonestown’ in
Guyana.
• Jonestown aimed to be self-sufficient, and away from the watchful eyes of
the USA, which allowed Jones to intensify his control over his followers.
• In November 1978, U.S Congressman Leo Ryan visited Jonestown in
response to concerns raised by relatives of temple members.
• Following Ryan’s visit, Jones ordered the assassination of Congressman Leo
Ryan and initiated a mass murder/suicide.
• Over 900 people died in the Jonestown massacre. Many were forced to
consume cool-aid spiked with cyanide, while others were shot.
•