Kool--Aid

I have often been disturbed by the use of the phrase "kool-aid drinkers" applied to people who follow a political party or religion. To those of us who were old enough to remember what is called the Jonestown Massacre, November 1978--thirty years ago this month--the phrase "kool-aid drinkers" is likely to bring back horrific memories. Jonestown was a community established by Jim Jones. He and his followers left the United States for Guyana. Disturbed relatives of the cult members began contacting the United States government to investigate the activities of Jim Jones. Eventually a US Congressman was sent to investigate. As he was boarding a plane to return home with his report, he was shot and killed along with several of those in his party. But not all--a few escaped and that is what triggered the 'massacre.' Jim Jones told his followers that they could not survive in this world anymore and they needed to make the ultimate sacrifce--their lives. The followers, seemingly of their own free will, drank the poisoned purple drink (hence the name kool-aid drinkers) and died, while Jim Jones shot himself in the head. Really more of a murder-suicide than a massacre, nonetheless 900 people died and the gruesome pictures and reports from that terrible day filled the news for the coming weeks.



What is the difference between people who follow a cult-leader and drink poison to their death and people who fervently believe in any other set of beliefs? For the purpose of this blog the discussion should be narrowed down to people who follow "a living Prophet" and espouse the doctrines of the "true and living Church." In considering this question I'd love to hear your input as well. I am sure to miss some of the important points.



Some of the following factors are vital, though not listed in any order of importance:

-a testimony of the role of the living prophet and the associated promises for following him is the foundation, based on scripture, experience, observation, and personal revelation.

-the Prophet, while still a mortal, has lived an exemplary life, and follows the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ to the best of his abilities. His character and his life of service and teachings are available for us to study and consider.

-the members of the Church have the guidance of the Holy Spirit--as individuals--if they themselves are living lives in harmony with righteousness. This Spirit can verify truth so that they do not need to act in blindness.

-the counsel of a true prophet is in harmony with the Holy Scriptures.

-the leaders of the Church are sustained as Prophets, Seers, Revelators (and Apostles). Consider the meaning of each of those words. If you believe they see what we may not at first see, if you believe they speak for the Lord, what does that mean to you?








-freedom, is of course, crucial. Members of the Church are free to leave the organization. They are free to not believe and not follow the prophet if they choose. In the Jonestown cult, such freedom was not allowed.