Além da crença: a sedução fatal de Jonestown e a suspensão da voluntária da descrença pelos seguidores do Templo do Povo

Abstract

This research aims to understand the manipulation employed by Jim Jones through the analysis of the People's Temple cult, as well as the exploration of the historical context of 'New Age' thinking following the two World Wars. The investigation also seeks to examine the impact of cultural performances as a form of artistic communication that transcends the limitations of words and symbolic, ideological, and political representations. It intends to assess how such performances influenced the creation and tragic outcome of the People's Temple followers. In this context, the literary concepts of verisimilitude and the voluntary suspension of disbelief will be employed as analytical tools to elucidate the manipulation executed by Jim Jones. The analysis will focus on the dynamics in which these literary concepts intertwine with psychological influence, allowing for a deeper understanding of the strategies used to convince the followers to accept an alternative reality. The research will contribute to an in-depth exploration of the intersection between psychological manipulation, historical contexts, and elements of cultural performance, offering a perspective on how the People's Temple cult developed and culminated in a tragic outcome. The analysis of these components will broaden our understanding of the complexities involved in extreme cultural and religious phenomena, as well as attempt to comprehend the mechanisms of manipulation used by charismatic leaders in such contexts.