November 18, 2008
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The Jonestown Tragedy - Thirty Years After
B"H
For the past several days there have been various news reports revisiting the story of Rev. Jim Jones and the People's Temple. For those who were too young to remember The People's Temple was a 1,000 + member church from the west coast which relocated to land acquired in Guyana, S. America. They were a cult which was started by the charismatic Jim Jones and hailed as a utopian community which embraced socialism and separatism and paranoia. Ultimately they met a tragic end wherein over 900 people died as a result of imposed suicide/murder. It has been described as the worst case of mass suicide in modern times.
CNN aired a 2-hour special this past Sunday entitled, Escape From Jonestown. Nov. 18, 1978 was the exact date, thirty years ago, when this terrible event occurred. I was 26 and I remember reading about it in the papers and seeing it on television. On their website they have several video clips of the show with reporter Soledad O'Brien interviewing several of the few (33) survivors of the event. Unless you are feeling especially strong I don't recomend the entirety of this presentation because it contains graphic footage from the actual massacre and some of my readers might find it hard to handle.
Among my many hobbies and side interests, apart from race relations and Church history, I have done a lot of research on our family tree. A little over two years ago while sitting with my Cousin Gloria, she mentioned some distant relatives I never knew, and said that they had perished in the Jonestown massacre. It is sad indeed to be included in modern history in this fashion. I pray for all my friends and family here, that they would draw near to the LORD and trust in Him with all their hearts. He is our peace and the author and finisher of our salvation. While we labor here to proclaim and participate in His Kingdom, we also recognize that His Kingdom is not of this world. I once heard in a teaching that the word utopia actually means nowhere. We are more likely to happen upon that elusive 'pot of gold' sitting at the end of the rainbow than we are to create a perfect community here among flesh and blood.
"To dwell above with the saints we love,
that will be bliss and glory.
But to dwell below with the saints we know,
now that is a different story. "
-source unknown
Blessings,
Shlomo
Comments (4)
I remember when that happened. I was in 7th grade.
Your post speaks to the issue of whether we try to fix the sinking ship or pull people into the lifeboat - or both, and the tensions that creates.
The Gospel addresses the issues of brokenness in this world, but as you point out is ultimately (and I would argue primarily) about the next world.
Good post. Lots to think about...
Shlomo,
Hey bro! I tried calling you back and texting you but each time the message says I am unable to make the call and the text went the same way. Anyway I just wanted you to know that i am trying to get in touch with you as well and hope we connect over the phone soon!
Grace and Peace!
It was great having lunch with you today!
Thanks, Shlomo
I'm wondering if you would be willing to come and be part of a panel in my Young Adult class. We're covering Romans over the next 6 months and we'll be examining Israel and its place in redemptive history when we cover chapters 9-11. During that time I'd like to educate my young people on Judaism.
What do you think?
B"H
Hi Pastor Steve,
I enjoyed our lunchtime as well, thanks a lot.
I would be honored to join your panel for the Young Adult class. Let me know more of the specifics, such as time and duration, and I'll do my best to make that time available.
Blessings,
Shlomo