- For some additional commentary, please read my first post on this subject: So Many Words: An Inquiry into the Meaning of Words.
A definition states the meaning of a word or phrase by describing its characteristics, and two types of definitions can generally be identified. A descriptive dictionary definition provides the meaning in common use, while a stipulative definition is the meaning an individual or group wants to convey for their own purposes. Therefore, a stipulative definition could possibly assign a completely new and different meaning to a word and not conform to its common use. A descriptive definition can be shown to be right or wrong, but a stipulative definition cannot because the individual or group specificly creates the meaning.
Additionally, a precising definition extends the descriptive dictionary definition for a specific purpose, such as Hellenist in relation to the modern religious movement of Hellenismos, by including additional criteria and limits that narrow the definition. As this relates to Hellenismos, it is of paramount importance individuals and groups, claiming to be an authoritative source of information, be explicitly clear on their definitions, and avoid conflicting or confusing statements of what Hellenismos, Hellenic Polytheism, and Hellenic Paganism mean in comparison to descriptive dictionary definitions. This avoids confusion with the actual descriptive meaning of words.
When an individual or group, claiming to be an accurate source of information, articulates and puts forth the essential attributes of how they define Hellenismos, they must be clear, should avoid circularity, and must not use definitions that consist of synonymous terms. Therefore, stating that if a practice is called Hellenismos then it is Hellenic is circular. The logic used states that the word Hellenismos implies Hellenic, therefore if a supposed practice is Hellenismos then it must be Hellenic. This is an error in thinking and reasoning.
Moreover, the definition used must not be too wide or too narrow, and must be applicable to everything Hellenismos applies to, but nothing else. A group or individual must also use a definition that is not obscure. The very purpose of a definition is to explain Hellenismos, which some may already find difficult to understand to begin with. Within our definitions, we must use terms that are commonly understood and whose meanings are clear. So then while a definition that states Hellenismos is “only the reconstruction of the Athenian religion during the Classical Age” is too narrow, a definition that states it is “the worship of at least one Greek God in some way” is far too broad and obscure. The Athenian approach would fall under the most perfect definition, but the “in some way” definition is non-descriptive and not a definition at all.
The definition should also not be negative when it can be positive. We should always attempt to state what Hellenismos ‘is’ (whenever possible) and avoid describing it by what it is not. This is sometimes unavoidable, but we must not habitually use definitions such as “polytheism is not monotheism.” While “polytheism is not monotheism” is a true statement, it describes nothing about the characteristics of polytheism itself.
Labels are important in human communication, and provide a great deal of information about a person, place, or thing in few words. The failure of good communication causes confusion, misunderstanding, and disharmony. The difficulty in using the word “Hellenismos” (or any word) to identify the “Ancient Greek religion” is the Greeks did not have a word that differentiated religious practices from everyday secular life. Emperor Julian first coined the word Hellenismos in the 4th century CE to mean “the belief system of the Greeks” or “the Greek way.” This original meaning is still evident in the modern English form of the word, Hellenism, which means devotion to or imitation of ancient Greek thought, customs, or styles. Julian’s Hellenismos encapsulated and attempted to restore the pre-Christian religion of Ancient Greece, including philosophy and ethics.
Here are a few descriptive definitions important when discussing this topic.
Hellenism (Gk. Hellenismos)
- (1) Grecism
(2) devotion to or imitation of ancient Greek thought, customs, or styles
(3) Greek civilization especially as modified in the Hellenistic period by influences from southwestern Asia
(4) a body of humanistic and classical ideals associated with ancient Greece and including reason, the pursuit of knowledge and the arts, moderation, civic responsibility, and bodily development
merriam-webster.com
- an imitation of or similarity to the Greeks.
dictionary.com
- the principles and ideals associated with classical Greek civilization
wordnet.princeton.edu
Hellenic
- 1644, from Gk. Hellenikos, from Hellen “a Greek,” first used by Homer in ref. to a Thessalian tribe. Hellenistic (1874) refers to Gk. culture after Alexander; the term Hellenism in this sense was coined 1836 by Ger. historian Johann Gustav Droysen (1808-84).
etymonline.com
- of or relating to Greece, its people, or its language; specifically : of or relating to ancient Greek history, culture, or art before the Hellenistic period
merriam-webster.com
- of, pertaining to, or characteristic of the ancient Greeks or their language, culture, thought, etc., esp. before the time of Alexander the Great.
dictionary.com
Therefore, on this site, and in all discussions, the following will be non-debatable definitions.
Hellenismos (religious)
- (1) Name coined by the Emperor Julian to describe Hellenic polytheism
(2) The modern reconstruction of Hellenic polytheism
Hellenic Polytheism
- (1) The polytheistic, pre-Christian religion of Ancient Greece
(2) A polytheistic religion characteristic of or which imitates the pre-Christian religion of Ancient Greece, inclusive of practices, thought, and ethics.
Hellenic Paganism
- (1) The polytheistic, pre-Christian religion of Ancient Greece
(2) A polytheistic religion characteristic of or which imitates the pre-Christian religion of Ancient Greece, inclusive of practices, thought, and ethics.
Hellenismos historically does not include or have any legitimate links to NeoDruidry, Wicca, Ceremonial Magic, or any other form of Neopaganism, New Ageism, or Occultism. Popular Pagan culture promotes an eclectic and very individualistic form of religious and spiritual practice based primarily on unverified personal gnosis blended with Wicca-ish, Druid-ish, and/or HOGD-ish methods. New Age philosophy endorses forms of individual Self-Spirituality with no boundaries, creation of teachings and practices from “outside” and “fringe” traditions, and the formulating of practices based primarily on personal experiences and feeling over objective adaptation of ancient tradition. Occultism and Esotericism includes Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Thelema, Neopaganism, and an innumerable list of movements that claim to possess secret knowledge. These practices were developed from the romantic notions of 17th century Christian ‘mystics’, and were further cultivated by various Freemasons, the Golden Dawn, Aleister Crowley, and the likes of Israel Regardie during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Hellenismos.us acknowledges that the Hellenic community must have an open door policy for those who are inquisitive and are from other religions. There is a need for interfaith dialog, but if a group or organization wants to identify as Hellenic then it must be Hellenic despite who they allow in their doors, or clearly articulate that they are not using the descriptive dictionary definition of the word by explaining how they define “Hellenic” compared to its common use. It is just a matter of fact that those who will most find themselves on Hellenic polytheist websites, pickup Hellenic polytheist newsletters, and read Hellenic polytheist books will most likely be Neopagan. This does not mean we need to accommodate Neopagan thinking by watering down or devaluing authentic Hellenic practices, thought, or ethics to conform to their sensibilities.
Therefore, this website will not allow outside agendas to influence our stated intent to provide valid and accurate information regarding the Hellenic religion, and its practice in the modern world. This may be less then inclusive or tolerant in the eyes of some, but we will not accept silly debates, and this website will not accommodate every opinion equally. Our position may seem condescending at first glance, but we simply are not going to give value to ‘new and creative’ interpretations based on unreasoned or uneducated personal opinions or feelings. We will be happy to provide groups and individuals with information and resources, discuss different approaches, and allow the arguing of various and valid points of view, but will not debate ideas pulled out of the thin air or that ignore or twist well-established fact.
Finally, this website will not cower in the face of Popular Pagan and New Age opinion. We will continue being publicly critical of those individuals, groups, and organizations who make use of rhetorical sleight-of-hand and ambiguities of language in order to unscrupulously support unfounded arguments, make confusing or contradictory statements to mask their actual practices, or describe Hellenismos as nothing more than a ritual style. It is a point of fact that Hellenismos is not traditionally or historically conducive to the modern concepts of Self-Spirituality, and cannot be relegated to an optional extra for an ‘earth-based’ religion, or as an alternative flavor amidst other Neopagan flavors.
Some Neopagans may be thinking that this approach is an attempt to make ourselves appear superior. Be assured, that is not happening. The truth is Hellenismos has its paradigm and the Neopagan movement has its own. We fully acknowledge that different individuals will choose different religions based on their own understanding of the Universe and the Gods. For that reason, we make no statement to the validity of any other spiritual practice. We do expect that those claiming to be an authoritative source of information regarding Hellenismos to represent accurately both themselves and their practices. The question we face is what motivates those who attempt to completely undefine Hellenismos, making it merely a lapel pin.
