Seductive Poison

“People do not knowingly join “cults” that will ultimately destroy and kill them. People join self-help groups, churches, political movements, college campus dinner socials, and the like, in an effort to be a part of something larger than themselves. It is mostly the innocent and naive who find themselves entrapped. In their openhearted endeavor to find meaning in their lives, they walk blindly into the promise of ultimate answers and a higher purpose. It is usually only gradually that a group turns into or reveals itself as a cult, becomes malignant, but by then it is often too late.” -Deborah Layton

Deborah in her early years was troubled and had issues involving drugs and drinking. Her siblings were successful and she often compared herself to them which was how she got involved with Jonestown. Her brother himself introduced Debbie to Jim Jones in hopes she would change her ways. She did not simply decide to join a cult, she joined the church out of innocence and self bettering.

Weaknesses

• In her teen years,  she struggled with drugs and alcohol
• Always wanted to please people (her family, the church, Jim Jones)
• Easily persuaded
• Rebellious 

Strengths

• Logical
• Very aware of her surroundings
• Very intelligent 
• Willingness to rebel helped her in the long run

Untitled Slide

Deborah Layton was a victim of circumstance and she survived strictly based on old habits. At the beginning of her life she was rebellious and didn't care about rules, as she grew up she felt the need to please others and that's exactly how she ended up in The People's Temple. After years of enduring the pain of the lifestyle she lived, she finally decided to rebel before things got out of hand. Her roots of rebellion led to leave and saved her life.

Jim Jones

Untitled Slide

Untitled Slide