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
For those of you who are too young to get the pop-culture reference, 7•UP was at one time marketed as the “uncola,” and it would seem there are those who are marketing Hellenismos as the unreligion. What does it say when certain individuals and groups will not even say that something as basic and essential as sacrifices and offerings were/are fundamental practices?
We had been talking about the fundamentals of Hellenismos on the Olympianism Yahoo Group, and one person expressed strong criticisms of Reconstructionists and Ethnikoi, stating not only were the definitions we use too narrow, but just flat out wrong. While she had a lot of unsupported opinions about how wrong Reconstructionists and Ethnikoi were, she did not once offer any real alternative. She used a lot of flowery words, but avoided making any statement as to what she considered practicing Hellenismos.
It took some prodding, but she finally stated that the Hellenic religion is “undefined” because it had no “systematic religion”. She was, to a point, correct in saying there was no “systematic religion”, but she takes that soundbite to an extreme, and represents it to mean there were absolutely no systems in place, there were no traditions and customs, there were no identifiable ethics. She is an example of a certain segment that promote the Hellenic religion as the unreligion.
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…
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.
excerpt from Greek Popular Religion, by Martin P. Nilsson (1940)
Greek religion in its various aspects has been the subject of numerous investigations. Modern research has progressed along two lines especially, the search for primitive survivals and the study of the literary expressions of religion. The first is attributable to the rise of the science of anthropology since the seventies of the last century. In this science the study of Greek religion, viewed as a direct development from a primitive nature religion, has always taken a prominent place. I need only mention the names of Andrew Lang, Sir James Frazer, and Jane Harrison. While it is true that there were very many relics of primitive religion in Greek religion, it must be remembered that Greece was a highly civilized country and that even its most backward inhabitants were subject to the influence of its culture. It is misleading, therefore, to represent Greek religion as essentially primitive. The primitive elements were modified and overlaid by higher elements through the development of Greek culture. They were survivals and must be treated as such.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It starts by identifying Hellenismos as a Reconstructionist religion, which it is. There are some in the Hellenic community that would take umbrage with that, but this should not at all be controversial. Personally, I feel it is an accurate use of the term, as other authors before Mr. Alexander have the same definition, notably, Drew Campbell, author of Old Stones, New Temples.
I have seen this practice cropping up from time to time in recent months, either with individuals or as part of a specific group. I have had no name for it, so I created one. Read the rest of this entry »
Hellenismos is a religion that does not lend itself well to those who wish to place themselves in the role of spiritual leader or authority. At it’s best, Hellenismos is a religion that, while it can be identified by a basic theology and the use of or adherence to specific traditions, sacred texts, and mythology, tends to be more an abstract set of ideas and values developed both through personal and communal experiences. The emphasis is on the qualitative value of the practical, emotional, insightful, and ethical, rather than a formal doctrine.
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