During the many debates over what is and is not Hellenismos, one of the claims made by those who wish to keep Hellenismos undefined, without boundaries or limits, is that if Reconstructionists practiced their religion, these practices would become a reality indistinguishable from their day to day life. They then would therefore become unconcerned with the definition of Hellenismos, or placing limits on what is recognized as such, because they would understand what living the religion means. They state that if we actually lived religious lives, then we would be doing good works (such as sponsoring literacy programs, making charitable contributions, and providing services to the community) just like the individuals and organizations being critiqued. This needs to be addressed. The question is, “Does ‘good works’ mean that an individual or religious organization should not be questioned?”

The first issue that we must address is the accusation those who question these authorities are somehow irreligious, unspiritual, and inactive. The accusation, in and of itself, is unfounded, baseless, inflammatory, and derogatory. It is also an attempt to divert people from the real issue being addressed. We cannot use as a test the number of times a person runs to their blog to promote their religiosity, spirituality, charitableness, or generosity, whether these acts are actual or fabricated.

I have been a Polytheist for 23 years and a member of several groups who have done many good works over the years. I have been an ordained minister for 7 years, conducted both public and private rituals, and have been running an interfaith ministry (that I founded) for three. Does the fact that I do not document and promote every single action, seeking out accolades for my efforts, negate the things I have done? Of course, it does not! The accusations of being irreligious are simply a straw-man argument, based on a fallacy, used by those unwilling to actually confront lies and/or hypocrisy of specific individuals and organizations.

Now that we have addressed that, let us move on to the real issue. Should we not question the legitimacy of an individual or organization if they can be shown to do “good works?” As we move on from this point, I thoroughly expect many of you will close your ears. You will say this is not representative of the group or individuals you hold in regard. Many others have thought the same way, until it is too late. Of course, I am not leveling any accusations against anyone here. My only point in bringing up this example is no one should get a pass or go unquestioned because of “good works.”

In the 1950s, there was a man who founded a church and ministry. This minister preached a message of equality, stating that God saw all his children as equal, and it was our responsibility to insure that all his children were equal on earth. As a condition of these principles, this preacher and his congregation worked to clothe the poor, feed the hungry, house the homeless, and educate the disenfranchised for more than 20 years.

From 1955, this minister grew his congregation from a handful of churchgoers to a high of almost 3000 people. The church sponsored literacy programs and soup kitchens. They build clinics and retirement homes for the elderly. They spoke out and marched in favor of civil rights. They were active in the opposition to the Vietnam War. This man of God called for government and the people to support welfare programs, universal healthcare, and workers’ rights. Because of all these good works and his social consciousness, this minister and his organization received the support and respect of politician and social activist alike.

In the summer of 1977, Jim Jones convinced 900 members of his People’s Temple Church to move to Guyana from San Francisco, creating what was to be a Utopian society of equality called Jonestown. In November of 1978, 909 inhabitants of Jonestown (276 of them children) died of cyanide poisoning during a mass suicide. Jim Jones went from a seemingly enlightened, socially conscious, and virtuous clergyman to a maniac over the span of 23 years. Jim Jones was ordained in 1952, began his church in 1955, moved the Peoples’ Temple from Indiana to the Bay Area in 1965, and caused the death of more than 900 followers in 1978.

Keep in mind, this is just one of many examples. Therefore, when a person tells me that because of good works performed by an individual or group that I have no right to question anything about what they do or say, my reply to them is… well… I have been told I need to be more tactful and less exuberant.

The maxims tell us to fear deceit. Aesop warns of the wolf in sheep’s clothing. Solon instructed us to place character above words. Censorship is never a good thing. One must question the intent of anyone who wants to quell an opposing opinion or disenfranchise a questioning voice.

Tags: Deceivers, Ethics, Good Works, Hellenic community, Hellenismos, Megalomaniacs, Neopaganism, Reconstructionism, religious organizations, scams, schemes, swindles