America has undergone a number of changes in regard to religious reformations. It is apparent that the country has existed as a domicile for accommodating individuals who were fleeing from religious persecution from regions such as Europe. According to American forefathers, the emergence of civil unrest prompted the authorities to establish a nation where the affairs of the state were separate from religion thus guaranteeing individuals the ability to practice their religion of choice without any fear of intimidation or victimization. Currently, there are more than 900 denominations of Christian faith existing within the United States of America. Moreover, the nation emerged as the first among other western countries to be dominated by Protestants. Later, fanaticism and extremist religions found a place within the country`s precincts. Incidences of religious changes and also manipulation of individuals on the basis of religion have transpired. In order to gain a clear glimpse into the history of religion, I conducted an interview with Mary Aleteia, who was a member of The People’s Temple, a church which was founded and led by Jim Jone, where about 900 members of the church were murdered.
The Interview
Me: Hello.
Mary Aleteia: Hello.
Me: I would like to ask you about the Jonestown Massacre and gain insights about the entire ordeal of what happened and what were your experience being a member of the church.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Marry Aleteia: Okay, I am ready to let you know anything I know about the massacre and the church.
Me : When were you born? Where were you born?
Mary Aleteia: October 15, 1958, in Southaven Mississippi.
Me : How was it like living there?
Mary Aleteia: It was wonderful. My father was the kind of person who did not delight in being told what to do, and so this place presented the best chance of experiencing independence and self-autonomy.
Me : What do you recall most about your childhood?
Mary Aleteia: I can remember a lot of things. For example, I was born at a time when the great depression had just occurred and the American economy was in shambles. There were very little finances in circulation, and life appeared to be very difficult. I remember my parents had a hard time raising me and my siblings. I can also recall that the federal government was anxious to encourage adolescents to embrace schooling so that the labor market can be more competitive. This was, nevertheless a far-fetched opportunity for the minority races, such as black individuals.
Me : What do you remember best about your parents?
Mary Aleteia: They were kind, and very hardworking people.
Me : Were you a docile or mischievous child?
Mary Aleteia: Well, I would say a little bit of both.
Me : When did you leave home? Where did you go?
Mary Aleteia: I left home when I was 17 years old, and I went to Jackson Mississippi. Later on, I got married and years later my family moved to California in the 1960s.
Me : Would you consider yourself to be a religious person?
Mary Aleteia: I would actually define myself as an overtly religious individual.
Me : I do not understand, would you care to elaborate more?
Mary Aleteia: Growing up, my parents were very religious people, and so they were eager to impart the same ideal regarding religion to my siblings and me. Both were staunch Roman Catholics, and we all became engrossed into the same religious doctrine.
Me : Did you maintain the same religious doctrine after getting married or did you choose to join another religion?
Mary Aleteia: I was Catholic even after I moved to Jonestown to look for work. Later on, however, I was drawn to other religious affiliations and later rejoined the Catholic faith until the present day.
Me : What are some of the most significant religious events you remember?
Mary Aleteia: The most significant event that I remember to this day is the People`s Temple mass deaths which occurred in Guyana towards the end of the 1970s. Another occurrence is the declaration by Archbishop Francis Rummel in the 1960s for New Orleans diocese catholic schools to eliminate policies pertaining to racial segregation. I can also remember the beatification of Elizabeth Ann Seton by Pope John XXIII. Around the same period, Malcom X was also assassinated by some black Muslims during his speech in New York.
Me : When you say you left the Catholic faith briefly would you care to elaborate more? Which dominion did you join, and why?
Mary Aleteia: This occurred after my family moved to California. At that time, a neighbor of ours came and narrated to us about The People`s Temple, a new religious outfit that people in the community were readily joining. It was more of a movement that embraced individuals from all races. Owing to my great support for diversification, I felt that this was the best church for my family. Also, the preacher Jim Jones appeared to be a very enthusiastic and convincing person. He was a great man who managed to interchange social concern and healing. He even performed miracles in church.
Me : Tell me more.
Mary Aleteia: We were divided into religious factions, each performing different roles, and to some extent some members were convinced to leave their day jobs and join the ministry. My husband and I were hesitant about that, and we vowed to devote ourselves on weekends only. When the idea of moving to Guyana was formulated, we also hesitated and thought we could wait and see what happens and then later on we could consider joining the rest of the congregants. Later on, however, we were saddened to hear about the death of up to 900 individuals of our church. Most of them were our friends and neighbors, and this came as a wakeup call, leading us to rejoin the Catholic Church.
Me : Finally, what would you advise other people out there?
Mary Aleteia: I would like to urge them to exercise resilience and not to be easily moved. They should undertake a critical review of something before they choose to participate or become a part of it.
Me: Thank you for your time, and have a good day.
