Understanding Jonestown and Peoples Temple

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology, Marriage & Family, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Religious, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Social Psychology
Cover of the book Understanding Jonestown and Peoples Temple by Rebecca Moore, ABC-CLIO
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Rebecca Moore ISBN: 9781440864803
Publisher: ABC-CLIO Publication: July 6, 2018
Imprint: Praeger Language: English
Author: Rebecca Moore
ISBN: 9781440864803
Publisher: ABC-CLIO
Publication: July 6, 2018
Imprint: Praeger
Language: English

Most people understand Peoples Temple through its violent disbanding following events in Jonestown, Guyana, where more than 900 Americans committed murder and suicide in a jungle commune. Media coverage of the event sensationalized the group and obscured the background of those who died. The view that emerged thirty years ago continues to dominate understanding of Jonestown today, despite the dozens of books, articles, and documentaries that have appeared.

This book provides a fresh perspective on Peoples Temple, locating the group within the context of religion in America and offering a contemporary history that corrects the inaccuracies often associated with the group and its demise. Although Peoples Temple had some of the characteristics many associate with cults, it also shared many characteristics of black religion in America. Moreover, it is crucial to understand how the organization fits into the social and political movements of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s: race, class, colonialism, gender, and other issues dominated the times and so dominated the consciousness of the members of Peoples Temple. Here, Rebecca Moore, who lost three family members in the events in Guyana, offers a framework for U.S. social, cultural, and political history that helps readers to better understand Peoples Temple and its members.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Most people understand Peoples Temple through its violent disbanding following events in Jonestown, Guyana, where more than 900 Americans committed murder and suicide in a jungle commune. Media coverage of the event sensationalized the group and obscured the background of those who died. The view that emerged thirty years ago continues to dominate understanding of Jonestown today, despite the dozens of books, articles, and documentaries that have appeared.

This book provides a fresh perspective on Peoples Temple, locating the group within the context of religion in America and offering a contemporary history that corrects the inaccuracies often associated with the group and its demise. Although Peoples Temple had some of the characteristics many associate with cults, it also shared many characteristics of black religion in America. Moreover, it is crucial to understand how the organization fits into the social and political movements of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s: race, class, colonialism, gender, and other issues dominated the times and so dominated the consciousness of the members of Peoples Temple. Here, Rebecca Moore, who lost three family members in the events in Guyana, offers a framework for U.S. social, cultural, and political history that helps readers to better understand Peoples Temple and its members.

More books from ABC-CLIO

Cover of the book Adult Learners: Professional Development and the School Librarian by Rebecca Moore
Cover of the book First Amendment Rights: An Encyclopedia [2 volumes] by Rebecca Moore
Cover of the book Supreme Myths: Why the Supreme Court is Not a Court and its Justices are Not Judges by Rebecca Moore
Cover of the book A Finger in Lincoln's Brain: What Modern Science Reveals about Lincoln, His Assassination, and Its Aftermath by Rebecca Moore
Cover of the book Encyclopedia of Insurgency and Counterinsurgency: A New Era of Modern Warfare by Rebecca Moore
Cover of the book William T. Sherman: A Biography by Rebecca Moore
Cover of the book From Anesthesia to X-Rays: Innovations and Discoveries That Changed Medicine Forever by Rebecca Moore
Cover of the book Modern Sport Ethics: A Reference Handbook, 2nd Edition by Rebecca Moore
Cover of the book The Life and Work of John Edgar Wideman by Rebecca Moore
Cover of the book Street Style in America: An Exploration by Rebecca Moore
Cover of the book White Sports/Black Sports: Racial Disparities in Athletic Programs by Rebecca Moore
Cover of the book Radio 2.0: Uploading the First Broadcast Medium by Rebecca Moore
Cover of the book The Rise of the Sharing Economy: Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities of Collaborative Consumption by Rebecca Moore
Cover of the book Boko Haram and the War on Terror by Rebecca Moore
Cover of the book Covering American Politics in the 21st Century: An Encyclopedia of News Media Titans, Trends, and Controversies [2 volumes] by Rebecca Moore
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy