Ethos in The Sacrament (2013)

The Sacrament, while technically not based on true events, is filled with credible information eluding to The Jonestown Massacre. The website "Alternative Considerations of Jonestown and Peoples Temple" gives insight into both the ethos of our text and the ethos of Jim Jones.

As seen in the beginning of the trailer for The Sacrament, Eden Parish (Peoples Temple in actuality) is portrayed as a happy, loving place to live. However, as the text continues, it is illustrated that these people can't leave even if they wanted to. In an interview, a Jonestown survivor shed light on the fact that to outsiders, "there was more cheerfulness...a lot of singing and entertainment," however, they "were locked in." This account matches what is portrayed in the trailer, causing it to be a credible source.

Not only was The Sacrament credible, but the real Jim Jones was seen as a credible leader as well. In an interview with more of Jim Jones' followers who were portrayed in The Sacrament, they claimed that "he was a role model – adopted children of all colors, hardworker, [and] lived in modest circumstances." As is seen in our text, Father (Jim Jones) accepts all races, accepts all ages, and preaches the Bible. Jim Jones became credible through building trust, becoming theses peoples' role model, and then abusing that power through manipulation.