Activity

But “inclusivity” is also something that made Jones different. Most cults focus more on Exclusivity, on “us” vs “them,” on protection from an enemy (even if they have to create one).

He managed to ride that fine line, saying he wanted to create a world where everyone is accepted, but to do that, they had to have their rules and their ways and protect themselves from the “bad” world out there.

Christianity was also very successful at this, from the beginning. I didn’t even notice it until I became an outsider. I didn’t really want to leave my church. I liked the people and the work we were doing. I just wanted to be able to openly say that Jesus might not have ever been a real person. I’m kind of allowed to do that, as long as I do it quietly. It’s not going to be the subject for Adult Bible Study.