Tom Kinsolving Answers Student's
Questions about People's Temple

I think Jones was what is known as a "meglomaniac", which is someone who thinks he's God. The other problem was that he became addicted to drugs, specifically "speed", which his wife (a registered nurse) used to inject into him in order for Jones to stay up at all hours. Many types of drug abuse can cause or simulate psychosis (i.e., insanity).

People fell under Jones's spell for much the same reason that people become cultists under other "prophets", or just slaves to materialism (rampant in this country), or drugs, or whatever obsession. THEY ARE DESPERATE FOR ANSWERS. The question they are trying to answer is "How do I find meaning in this often illogical world, with all the senseless suffering and uncertainty???" Well, whether it is from the dogma of a cult leader or just regular tokes off a joint, the motive is to place everything into a cozy little focus that will sooth the anxiety and frustration.

After the world witnessed the horrible massacre at Jonestown, there was increased scrutiny of cults in general, such as the "Moonies", etc. A greater vigilance arose over the danger of brainwashing. Likely a lot of mainline churches (many of which had been loosing members over the years) began to search for reasons they had lost the "touch", and how to bring back all those disillusioned people.

I did some research on the Moonies back in 1982, in which I spent a weekend at one of their Virginia retreats. They used some classic brainwashing technics, which have a potent effect, especially on the so-called "lost souls". If you want to rent an excellent film on the subject, get "Ticket to Heaven", which dramatizes some of the insidious measures cultists employ.

As to why people couldn't stop Jones, well, as our story points out, some did, including our father. But Jones was clever. He was a very skilled politician. And ask any educated voter: Hey, how did Sen. Smith or Cong. Jones get re-elected after being caught cheating and lying? How did the President of the United States, in fact, lie under sworn testimoney--a felony that would send the average citizen to prison--and get away with it?

The answer is a concise one: "THE GUY'S A POLITICIAN!!"

As for your final question on why cults continue today, just reference my earlier comments. The sad fact is that as long as there is uncertainty and soul-wrenching angst in the world, there will probably always be the menace of cults. It's up to us to educate the vulnerable members of our society about this danger and encourage them about better options.