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endofthewor1d
Joined: 01 Apr 2003
Location: the end of the wor1d.
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 Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 10:22 pm Post subject: are the old gods still around? |
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is there a group of people anywhere who still believe in and worship the old greek and roman gods?
i read that there is a 'flat earth society' where people still believe that the earth is flat. and there are no shortage religious wackos anywhere you go. but what about zeus and the lot? i know the stories are pretty far fetched, but they seem a lot more down to earth than a lot of what's still out there today. i mean, if you can believe that the earth is flat, or that god is a chubby blue shemale with twenty arms, or that god is a guy who did magic tricks 2000 years ago (only far fetched in that magic tricks were enough to warrant being thought of as a god after all the wacky stuff that came before him), then how far of a stretch is it to think that the sun is actually a guy in a flying chariot?
am i a troll? only in that i don't particularly mind if this thread spirals way out of control. in fact, that would entertain me a bit.
but i'm not a troll in that i'm genuinely curious about the original question i posted. as big a part of our culture as these gods are, (planet names, days of the week, etc...) i wonder why i've never heard of an organization who still believes in them.
EDIT: for the record, i was in the middle of posting this when soulunitarian's thread was started. i wasn't trying to steal your thunder. |
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Satori
Joined: 09 Dec 2005
Location: Above it all
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| Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 10:46 pm Post subject: |
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I believe that the presence of fungus containing psilocibin on mushrooms has been responsible for a lot of the more fanciful notions of humans...jesus walking on water and such. I mean come on, the crowd was all tripping on mushrooms, and he simply walked out on a sandbar hidden just below the water, and of course it looked impressive in thier psychedelically enhanced state!
Last edited by Satori on Wed Jun 28, 2006 10:47 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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flotsam
Joined: 28 Mar 2006
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| Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 10:47 pm Post subject: |
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Modern revivalist movements
Naming
Modern revivalist or reconstructionist Hellenic polytheism exists in several forms, both in Greece and in other countries. There are no standardized naming practices for this religion, and individual practitioners and groups use a variety of names, often reflecting subtle differences in belief or practice. The Greek organization YSEE (Υπατο Συμβουλιο των Ελληνων Εθνικων, Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes) refers to the religion as the "Ethnic Polytheistic, Hellenic Tradition", or simply "Hellenism", and its practitioners as "Ethnikoi Hellenes". Another Greek organization, Dodekatheon (Δωδεκάθεον, Dōdek�theon), uses the term ἑλληνικὴ θρησκεία (hellēnikē thrēske�a, translated as "Hellenic religion"). A third, the Helliniki Hetaireia Archaiophilon (Societas Hellenica Antiquariorum), prefers the phrase, "traditional Hellenic religion of the Dodecatheon".
The US-based organization Hellenion uses the term "Hellenismos" (Ἑλληνισμός, Hellēnism�s). This term, corresponding to the English word Hellenism, meant (in ancient Greek) the civilization and culture of ancient Greece, and is used in modern Greek to refer to the totality of the Greek people and culture. The term's use in religion stems from a systemization of Greek Religion done by the Roman Emperor Julian. Its use to refer to modern revivalist Hellenic polytheism was popularized by Andrew Campbell, Hellenion's founder and the author of Old Stones, New Temples. [1] Another American group, Elaion, uses the term "Dodekatheism" (Greek: δώδεκα, dodeka, "twelve" + θεϊσμός, the�sm�s, "belief in the gods"). "Hellenic Paganism" is frequently used, most notably on the HellenicPagan mailing list, which at over 400 members is the largest English-language discussion group for Hellenic polytheists. However, some Hellenic polytheists, such as the members of YSEE ([2]), object to the use of the word "Pagan" to characterize their religious practices because of the term's origin as an insult.
Other terms in common usage by revivalist Hellenic polytheists include "Hellenic" or "Greek reconstructionism" and "Hellenic Traditionalism". Those whose religious practice combines Greek and Roman elements may use terms such as "Graeco-Roman Paganism" or "Classical Paganism". (For Roman revivalist religion, see Religio Romana; many practitioners of Religio Romana are also members of the organization Nova Roma.)
Beliefs and practices
Hellenic polytheists worship the ancient Greek Gods�the Olympians, nature divinities, underworld deities�and heroes. Ancestors are honoured, both physical and spiritual. It is primarily a devotional or votive religion, based on the exchange of gifts (offerings) for the gods' blessings. Hellenismos has an ethical system based on the principles of reciprocity, hospitality, and moderation.
There is no central "ecclesia" (church) or hierarchal clergy, though some groups are beginning to offer training to those who wish to serve in that capacity. Individual worshippers are generally expected to perform their own rituals and learn about the religion and the Gods by reference to primary and secondary sources on ancient Greek religion and through personal religious experience, often referred to in Hellenic groups as "UPG" (Unverified Personal Gnosis).
Hellenismos isn't a book-based religion; there is no single text believed by worshippers to be the word of the Gods. Instead, theological beliefs and practices are based on multiple sources:
Works of Homer, Hesiod, and others.
Individual experience and inspiration.
Scholarly research.
The main value of Hellenism is eusebeia, often translated as piety. This implies a commitment to the worship of the Hellenic Gods and action to back this up. Other core values are hospitality, self-control and moderation. |
10 seconds online, you lazy basturd. 10 seconds.
Hellenistic Polytheism |
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seoulunitarian
Joined: 06 Jul 2004
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| Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 11:23 pm Post subject: Re: are the old gods still around? |
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| endofthewor1d wrote: |
is there a group of people anywhere who still believe in and worship the old greek and roman gods?
i read that there is a 'flat earth society' where people still believe that the earth is flat. and there are no shortage religious wackos anywhere you go. but what about zeus and the lot? i know the stories are pretty far fetched, but they seem a lot more down to earth than a lot of what's still out there today. i mean, if you can believe that the earth is flat, or that god is a chubby blue shemale with twenty arms, or that god is a guy who did magic tricks 2000 years ago (only far fetched in that magic tricks were enough to warrant being thought of as a god after all the wacky stuff that came before him), then how far of a stretch is it to think that the sun is actually a guy in a flying chariot?
am i a troll? only in that i don't particularly mind if this thread spirals way out of control. in fact, that would entertain me a bit.
but i'm not a troll in that i'm genuinely curious about the original question i posted. as big a part of our culture as these gods are, (planet names, days of the week, etc...) i wonder why i've never heard of an organization who still believes in them.
EDIT: for the record, i was in the middle of posting this when soulunitarian's thread was started. i wasn't trying to steal your thunder. |
No worries~ I would also be interested to know the answer. |
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seoulunitarian
Joined: 06 Jul 2004
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| Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 11:25 pm Post subject: re: |
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| flotsam wrote: |
| Quote: |
Modern revivalist movements
Naming
Modern revivalist or reconstructionist Hellenic polytheism exists in several forms, both in Greece and in other countries. There are no standardized naming practices for this religion, and individual practitioners and groups use a variety of names, often reflecting subtle differences in belief or practice. The Greek organization YSEE (Υπατο Συμβουλιο των Ελληνων Εθνικων, Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes) refers to the religion as the "Ethnic Polytheistic, Hellenic Tradition", or simply "Hellenism", and its practitioners as "Ethnikoi Hellenes". Another Greek organization, Dodekatheon (Δωδεκάθεον, Dōdek�theon), uses the term ἑλληνικὴ θρησκεία (hellēnikē thrēske�a, translated as "Hellenic religion"). A third, the Helliniki Hetaireia Archaiophilon (Societas Hellenica Antiquariorum), prefers the phrase, "traditional Hellenic religion of the Dodecatheon".
The US-based organization Hellenion uses the term "Hellenismos" (Ἑλληνισμός, Hellēnism�s). This term, corresponding to the English word Hellenism, meant (in ancient Greek) the civilization and culture of ancient Greece, and is used in modern Greek to refer to the totality of the Greek people and culture. The term's use in religion stems from a systemization of Greek Religion done by the Roman Emperor Julian. Its use to refer to modern revivalist Hellenic polytheism was popularized by Andrew Campbell, Hellenion's founder and the author of Old Stones, New Temples. [1] Another American group, Elaion, uses the term "Dodekatheism" (Greek: δώδεκα, dodeka, "twelve" + θεϊσμός, the�sm�s, "belief in the gods"). "Hellenic Paganism" is frequently used, most notably on the HellenicPagan mailing list, which at over 400 members is the largest English-language discussion group for Hellenic polytheists. However, some Hellenic polytheists, such as the members of YSEE ([2]), object to the use of the word "Pagan" to characterize their religious practices because of the term's origin as an insult.
Other terms in common usage by revivalist Hellenic polytheists include "Hellenic" or "Greek reconstructionism" and "Hellenic Traditionalism". Those whose religious practice combines Greek and Roman elements may use terms such as "Graeco-Roman Paganism" or "Classical Paganism". (For Roman revivalist religion, see Religio Romana; many practitioners of Religio Romana are also members of the organization Nova Roma.)
Beliefs and practices
Hellenic polytheists worship the ancient Greek Gods�the Olympians, nature divinities, underworld deities�and heroes. Ancestors are honoured, both physical and spiritual. It is primarily a devotional or votive religion, based on the exchange of gifts (offerings) for the gods' blessings. Hellenismos has an ethical system based on the principles of reciprocity, hospitality, and moderation.
There is no central "ecclesia" (church) or hierarchal clergy, though some groups are beginning to offer training to those who wish to serve in that capacity. Individual worshippers are generally expected to perform their own rituals and learn about the religion and the Gods by reference to primary and secondary sources on ancient Greek religion and through personal religious experience, often referred to in Hellenic groups as "UPG" (Unverified Personal Gnosis).
Hellenismos isn't a book-based religion; there is no single text believed by worshippers to be the word of the Gods. Instead, theological beliefs and practices are based on multiple sources:
Works of Homer, Hesiod, and others.
Individual experience and inspiration.
Scholarly research.
The main value of Hellenism is eusebeia, often translated as piety. This implies a commitment to the worship of the Hellenic Gods and action to back this up. Other core values are hospitality, self-control and moderation. |
10 seconds online, you lazy basturd. 10 seconds.
Hellenistic Polytheism |
cool - thanks for doing the work for us lazy bastards^^ |
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RACETRAITOR
Joined: 24 Oct 2005
Location: Seoul, South Korea
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| Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 11:30 pm Post subject: |
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| I saw a documentary on flat-earthers once. They're not exactly religious fundamentalists like the Creationists are. Their thing is more that scientific theories have to be proven, not just strongly, strongly supported, and that there is still a hypothetical possibility the earth is flat. It's really about as inventive as the faked-moon-landing people. |
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Son Deureo!
Joined: 30 Apr 2003
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| Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 11:53 pm Post subject: |
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The Flat Earth Society homepage. Looks like they have a sense of humor as well.
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| The Flat Earth Society is not in any way responsible for the failure of the French to repel the Germans at the Maginot Line during WWII. Nor is the Flat Earth Society responsible for the recent yeti sightings outside the Vatican, or for the unfortunate enslavement of the Nabisco Inc. factory employees by a rogue hamster insurrectionist group. Furthermore, we are not responsible for the loss of one or more of the following, which may possibly occur as the result of exposing one's self to the dogmatic and dangerously subversive statements made within: life, limb, vision, Francois Mitterand, hearing, taste, smell, touch, thumb, Aunt Mildred, citizenship, spleen, bedrock, cloves, I Love Lucy reruns, toaster, pine derby racer, toy duck, antelope, horseradish, prosthetic ankle, double-cheeseburger, tin foil, limestone, watermelon-scented air freshner, sanity, paprika, German to Pig Latin dictionary, dish towel, pet Chihuahua, pogo stick, Golf Digest subscription, floor tile, upper torso or halibut. |
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Ya-ta Boy
Joined: 16 Jan 2003
Location: Established in 1994
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