Introduction
Dick Joslyn was a member of the infamous Heavens Gate cult, which gained notoriety in 1997 when 39 of its members committed mass suicide in order to reach what they believed was an alien spacecraft following the passing of Comet Hale-Bopp. Joslyn was one of the group’s leaders and played a key role in the cult’s activities. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and legacy of Dick Joslyn and his involvement with the Heavens Gate cult.
Early Life and Background
Dick Joslyn was born in 1939 in Colorado and grew up in a religious household. As a young man, he became interested in spirituality and began exploring various religious and philosophical movements. He eventually became involved with the Unification Church, also known as the Moonies, and rose to a position of leadership within the organization. However, he later left the group and began searching for a new spiritual path.
Joining Heavens Gate
In the early 1990s, Joslyn became involved with the Heavens Gate cult, which had been founded by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles in the 1970s. Applewhite claimed to be a prophet who had been sent to Earth by extraterrestrial beings, and believed that he was leading a group of chosen individuals to salvation. Joslyn became one of the group’s leaders and was instrumental in recruiting new members and organizing the group’s activities.
Beliefs of the Heavens Gate Cult
The Heavens Gate cult was based on a complex set of beliefs that combined elements of Christianity, New Age spirituality, and science fiction. The group believed that they were living in the End Times and that the Earth was about to be destroyed. They also believed that a spacecraft was following Comet Hale-Bopp and that they would be taken aboard the vessel if they committed suicide at the right time.
The Mass Suicide
In March 1997, the group’s beliefs were put into action when 39 members, including Applewhite and Nettles, committed suicide by drinking a lethal cocktail of phenobarbital and vodka. Joslyn was not among the group that committed suicide, but he played a key role in organizing the event and preparing the group for their journey to the afterlife.
Legacy of Dick Joslyn
Following the mass suicide, the Heavens Gate cult became infamous around the world. Joslyn’s role in the group’s activities was widely reported in the media, and he was criticized for his involvement in the tragedy. However, some former members of the group have spoken out in defense of Joslyn, arguing that he was a kind and caring leader who genuinely believed in the group’s teachings.
Conclusion
The story of Dick Joslyn and the Heavens Gate cult is a tragic and disturbing one. While some have tried to paint Joslyn as a villain, it is clear that he was a complex and deeply flawed individual who was searching for meaning and purpose in his life. Today, the legacy of the Heavens Gate cult serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of extremism and the importance of critical thinking and skepticism.