In Memoriam – People’s Temple

30 years ago today 909 people died at Jonestown, Guyana. Regardless of whether you feel this was willful mass suicide or a coercive murder, the loss of life is both tragic and demoralizing. Knowing the anniversary was coming up, a couple of days ago I watched the documentary “Jonestown: The Life and Death of People’s Temple”. It is hard to image the type of power one man can have over so many. And yet, this has happened again and again throughout history – whether it be kings or priests or dictators.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the surviving family members and friends of those who died November 18th, 1978. And I am reminded yet again of why I am such a strong advocate of non-hierarchical, non-authoritarian forms of spirituality.