The Danger of Religion: When Religion Turns Deadly (Introduction)

   The author of this paper became interested in this tragic event; because he was a junior in high school when this tragedy took place. It was the worst catastrophe of its kind. This catastrophe was not the result of weather or as a result of war. It was the result of a twisted religious predator who used religion as a way to destroy the lives of his flock. This religious leader came from Indianapolis, Indiana the capitol of the author's home state in the USA. This is also interesting to the author because the religious leader stated out as a pastor with the Disciples of Christ Church denomination. He started out as an ideal pastor but something went terribly terribly wrong. To the author of this paper there is a danger with religion; it can put people in harm's way. Religion is such a powerful tool that can turn a religious leader, pastor, teacher, or ideal into a deadly weapon. The author will show in this paper how pure religion can destroy the very lives it is meant to protect. The author will also show safeguards to prevent another Jonestown from occurring somewhere else.