The spark of inspiration for this short essay came from a conversation on our forum, and a misunderstanding regarding the concept of kharis that is currently spreading through some “Hellenic polytheist” online groups. Subsequently, I provided a list of quotes (here) from several scholarly sources explaining this concept, and now would like to meld those thoughts into a coherent statement regarding this essential concept.

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I would have presumed, based on the last great debate over what is and is not Hellenismos, and the subsequent forum announcement several months ago, that there would be an understanding of the intent and purpose of this website. I was wrong. I am writing this statement to further clarify the guidelines of this website, and some of the accepted definitions we use.

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As many people know, I am the owner of Mind-N-Magick.com. We are organizing a donation drive to the victims of Hurricane Ike in Texas. There is a great need to non-perishable foods and other basic necessities.

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Hellenic Polytheistic Reconstructionism (also Hellenic Reconstructionism) refers to various reconstructionist movements that attempt to revive ancient Greek religious practices, emerging since the 1990s. Since 1997 the movement in Greece has been institutionalized under the Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes. Polytheistic reconstructionism is not a religion itself, but is the methodology for re-establishing a historical polytheistic (or pre-Christian) religion in the modern world.

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Hellenismos.us provides this Hellenic Polytheism Digest to recognize the various conversations on the Internet regarding Hellenic Polytheism. This Hellenic Polytheism Digest serves as a monthly collection of articles, postings, and writings from blogs and forum conversations we found interesting during August 2008. There is no specific statement for or against any post or conversation listed. We simply feel each will be of interest and needs special attention.

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I am happy to announce the completion of Hellenismos.us’ searchable Glossary of Terms. This lexicon lists frequently used terms, relating to Hellenismos, and their definitions. Please feel free to make suggestions for additional words, which may be important, on the forum, but I make no guarantees on any inclusions.

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A timeline, or chronology, is the representation of  sequence of events, a linear representation and outline of historical events and experiences. In order to be able to understand the Hellenic religion one must understand the timeline of the religion’s development. We saw this in our recent discussion regarding Emperor Julian. Once we have a basic understanding of who lived when, and what happened when, we can actually put to rest many of the sillier debates regarding the Hellenic religion occurring among English speaking polytheists.

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There has begun to emerge a few misconceptions, fallacies, and misbeliefs regarding Emperor Julian, Sallustius, and Hellenismos. These myths cannot be anything else but intentional fabrications and fakelore, and should be seen as nothing less than an attempt to acquire position, power, and prestige by trying to elevate their “opinions” above those of others, the ancients included. Why does this happen? Many naive, trusting people fall pray to these pseudo-intellectuals because they would much rather trust an instructor then do a little independent research.

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I present this copy of Sallustius’ On the Gods and the Cosmos, an authoritative statement of Hellenic doctrine, as an archival version. While not going into great detail, within this work, Sallustius supplies us with an elementary summary of principles (catechism) for Hellenismos, each which can be sourced back to earlier thinkers such as Pythagoras, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus and others. Sallustius provides with clarity and simplicity the obligations, priorities, and mindset of ancient Hellenic religiosity. It is from this work, as well as the works or other ancient philosophers and sages, that we have identified the Seven Pillars of Hellenismos: Ethike Arete (habitual excellence), Eusebia (piety), Hagneia (purity), Nomos Arkhaios (ancient tradition), Sophia (wisdom), Sophrosune (soundness of mind/control of self), Xenia (hospitality/reciprocity).

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One of the first terms someone new to Hellenismos will encounter is the word orthopraxy. What is orthopraxy? An orthopraxy is a religion that places emphasis on what one does rather then what one believes, while orthodoxy places weight on correct belief over lifestyle. Many eagerly embrace this new terminology, coming from very dogmatic religions such as Christianity, but then become confused or even upset when religious discussions turn to topics of ideals, ethics, reason, or authentic traditional practices. They incorrectly assume these things fall under orthodoxy and belief, rather than practice.
 
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