Seven years ago The Biography Channel made a visit to a five bedroom, three bath home in Richmond, Indiana. Their quest: to interview a Mr. Bill Townsend, classmate of the famed People’s Temple leader, Jim Jones. Up until this particular day, I had no idea who Jim Jones was, or why my grandfather was being interviewed about him. My imagination led me to believe that this man was some famed NFL player – probably played for the Bengals. Thankfully, I was privy to sit in on the high-tech interview. An interview that would air in November, following the tragedy’s 20th anniversary.
I listened to my grandfather regale stories of the young Jim’s upbringing. His father had fought in the Second World War, had his lungs seared by mustard gas and could not provide for the family. Jim’s mother became the bread winner. Grandpa explained to the cameramen that Jim’s house was in shambles – a single chair, a single bulb hanging from a wire in the living room; nothing but a bare existence. And while Jim’s family was struggling to survive, he found solace in a neighbor lady who began taking Jim to a Holy Roller church. Grandpa explained that eventually, he could hear Jim preaching animal funerals for all the local kids – this would be the beginning of the end.
Later, I learned that Jim found power in “faith” and with this tool, could weaken even strong willed people. Eventually, a drug induced and paranoid Jones, began believing himself to be “God”. He slept with followers and practiced other forms of mind control in order to maintain power in his growing church, The People’s Temple . . . and followers signed over their homes and gave Jim their paychecks. Fearing a government coup, Jones took his followers to Guyana where he ultimately convinced his supporters to commit suicide by drinking a cyanide laced Kool-Aid. 913 perished.
Zeus, an Old Testament-like god thrived in the minds of men thousands of years ago among the Greeks . . . and people of all manners saw the god of the gods as their leader. He was a god everyone showed respect to. At least, they were supposed to show respect to. And during the Trojan War, no matter what any other god or goddess chose to do, Zeus had the ultimate authority. Like Jones, Zeus slept with whoever he wanted whenever he wanted and in this way, gained power. He brought to the world countless heroes.
Like Jones, Zeus held in his might the fates of many. And although Hera and Athena fought for the Greeks to prosper, no goddess could trump Zeus. No matter what anyone believed, Zeus was the ultimate pedestrian; always seizing the right of way. With whatever mood Zeus was in, like the lightning he carried, a flash could change everything if he so chose: the outcome of the war, his hair color, you name it.
I find it interesting that in all their greatness, ultimately, both Zeus and Jones are incredibly susceptible to flaw. People look at Jones or the god of thunder and see the greatest strength. One is a god and the other claims to be God – both dubbed “Father”. But it is because of their flaws that make their stories so incredibly interesting and memorable. Many followed them both. Many believed in their power, even when their decisions mark the deaths of the plenty.
I listened to my grandfather regale stories of the young Jim’s upbringing. His father had fought in the Second World War, had his lungs seared by mustard gas and could not provide for the family. Jim’s mother became the bread winner. Grandpa explained to the cameramen that Jim’s house was in shambles – a single chair, a single bulb hanging from a wire in the living room; nothing but a bare existence. And while Jim’s family was struggling to survive, he found solace in a neighbor lady who began taking Jim to a Holy Roller church. Grandpa explained that eventually, he could hear Jim preaching animal funerals for all the local kids – this would be the beginning of the end.
Later, I learned that Jim found power in “faith” and with this tool, could weaken even strong willed people. Eventually, a drug induced and paranoid Jones, began believing himself to be “God”. He slept with followers and practiced other forms of mind control in order to maintain power in his growing church, The People’s Temple . . . and followers signed over their homes and gave Jim their paychecks. Fearing a government coup, Jones took his followers to Guyana where he ultimately convinced his supporters to commit suicide by drinking a cyanide laced Kool-Aid. 913 perished.
Zeus, an Old Testament-like god thrived in the minds of men thousands of years ago among the Greeks . . . and people of all manners saw the god of the gods as their leader. He was a god everyone showed respect to. At least, they were supposed to show respect to. And during the Trojan War, no matter what any other god or goddess chose to do, Zeus had the ultimate authority. Like Jones, Zeus slept with whoever he wanted whenever he wanted and in this way, gained power. He brought to the world countless heroes.
Like Jones, Zeus held in his might the fates of many. And although Hera and Athena fought for the Greeks to prosper, no goddess could trump Zeus. No matter what anyone believed, Zeus was the ultimate pedestrian; always seizing the right of way. With whatever mood Zeus was in, like the lightning he carried, a flash could change everything if he so chose: the outcome of the war, his hair color, you name it.
I find it interesting that in all their greatness, ultimately, both Zeus and Jones are incredibly susceptible to flaw. People look at Jones or the god of thunder and see the greatest strength. One is a god and the other claims to be God – both dubbed “Father”. But it is because of their flaws that make their stories so incredibly interesting and memorable. Many followed them both. Many believed in their power, even when their decisions mark the deaths of the plenty.
No comments:
Post a Comment