I have to make a public apology to Mano Madytinos. I, as many did who debate what is and is not authentically Hellenismos here in the English speaking world, misinterpreted some of the statement’s Mano made over the last few months.
Hellenismos.us
The Hellenic Polytheist Website
If your religious practice was revealed “by the Gods” after an unfortunate (or fortunate) blow to the head…
If you decided to use a list of transformational sayings from Hay House as the new Delphic Maxims…
If you believe Kevin Sorbo really is Hercules/Herakles…
If you think contemplation requires more fiber in your diet…
If you believe Hellenic humanism is a life stance that rejects reason and ethics…
If you think Plato is an animated cartoon character made famous in a series of Disney short cartoons…
If you think reading Tarot cards while smoking reefer or high on some other psychoactive drug makes you a Mantis…
If you think the Maxims are “just suggestions” and not protocols for correct social behavior…
If you identify as Hellenic Kin…
If you think your schizophrenia is really a higher state of consciousness and places you in communion with the Gods…
In his book A General Theory of Magic, pro-magic author Marcel Mauss dedicates a chapter completely to defining what is and is not magic. In his analysis he looks at the definitions used by various groups including academics, folklorists, the religious and others. He uses a scientific approach to systematically pick through ideas such as magic is any rite or remnants of any ancient cult, magic is anything society as a whole considers magical, magic is any ritual act that causes a “supernatural” outcome, and several other definitions argued by various individuals and groups. He also focuses on ritual, divination, sacrifice, vows, healing and so on to determine whether or not these acts are magic, separating the wheat from the chaff.
First, before this discussion begins it must be noted that Hellenismos, as a religion, makes no statement to the validity of other religions and their practices. It also does not make a statement as to the validity of the beliefs and practices of the various Celebrants who may worship any or all of the Greek Gods in a non-traditional way. Hellenismos is the reconstruction of the traditional polytheistic religion of Greece. Those who practice this religion, and work for its restoration, are only making statements as they relate to Hellenismos. Therefore, those of you reading this who a Wiccan, Neodruid, Neopagan, or some other religion that may incorporate the worship of Greek Gods into your practice, the religious opinions expressed herein have nothing to do with you. If you want to find offense in them, look inside yourself as to why.
Why has the term Reconstructionist become, to some, a problematic term that causes dissension and unnecessary criticism? I think the identifying of the problem is easy.
The most common definition found for Polytheistic Reconstructionism is a methodology to restore an ancient pre-Christian cultural religion as completely as possible, but within a modern context. That is easy enough to understand, but while many people can regurgitate this simple description, they argue against it from a position other than what it actually is.
The accusation of the YSEE being anti-American, racist, or bigoted is one I have heard too many times, and it needs to be addressed. These inflammatory comments have been circulating for years among American “Hellenic Polytheists” and just needs to end. This is little more than an attempt to disenfranchise the leading edge of our movement, and the one organization representing the Hellenic tradition that commands real numbers.
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