Monday, January 2, 2012

The Case of Jim Jones

Remember Jim Jones (left) and the People's Temple? You may recall its horrific ending in Guyana, but did you know it all started in Indianapolis?

Learn all about it at 7 p.m. 19 January at Christian Theological Seminary, 4000 West 42nd Street, Indianapolis.

A tip of the hat to Provocate for news on this event:

The People’s Temple, in its early days in Indianapolis, was a cutting-edge model of racial reconciliation and effective urban ministry.

Jim Jones was an exciting, charismatic leader who drew the attention of many of the city’s leaders to his work with the poor and disenfranchised. Yet we know the terrible end that came about in 1978 in Guyana.

What drew people to the People’s Temple in the early days? Why was it so important to so many?

What lessons are in this spiritual journey for all of us? How do we affirm creative and charismatic leadership yet recognize and deal with the pitfalls so that this kind of spiritual journey into evil can be avoided?

Prof. Scott Seay will lead a conversation that examines the legacy of Jim Jones – especially his work in Indianapolis – and the lessons that legacy has to teach us about spiritual leadership.

And, yes, the event is open to the public free of charge.

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