To the ancient Greeks, the concept of Freedom (ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑ) was an assumed state of being. It was an inherent aspect of the universe (KOSMOS) and human life (BIOS). For some of the more mystical Hellenic traditions, it is even conceptualized as being a kind of "natural law" or a part of the cosmic order and logic of the universe (LOGOS), not unlike the laws we find in physics. For Hellenics, natural law applies to all things, at all times and while it has the potential to be violated, such a situation is not without its consequences. The Hellenic view of Freedom also goes much farther in scope than the philosophical dilemma of "free will" that many religions seem to struggle with. To Hellenics, there is no debate about the existence of our freedom. The only struggle we deal with is about how to protect this natural law against what the ancients called 'tyrants', those people who want to deny other people their natural freedoms.
Today, religious extremists use their religion to promote intolerance and insist on violating the freedom of others. This can only happen with a worldview that insists that the KOSMOS is inferior to some higher spiritual imperative or dimension. To Hellenics, this idea is completely irrational. In one version of our creation myth, both Creation (THESIS) and Nature (PHYSIS), two of the primeval forces/deities (PROTOGENOI) who are present at the beginning of the KOSMOS are themselves expressions of the highest spiritual imperative. This tells us that everything in the Universe, is inherently sacred, including all of humanity which came later. Logical consistency demands, then, that there are no exceptions to this idea. This requirement for consistency is what binds the Law of Freedom (ELEUFTHERIA) to the notion of Equality (ISONOMIA).
Hellenics also view the idea of diversity (POLYMORPHIA) as a form of natural law that extends from our theology and applies to all areas of the KOSMOS. This concept is reflected in the scientific reality of biodiversity. It is not an opinion or a belief, even though some may choose to view it in that manner, it is still an observable fact of nature, an aspect of LOGOS. Therefore, Hellenic religion requires that Diversity be respected.
At a time where fundamentalism seems to be on the rise and religious theology is used to support the hatred and intolerance of others, it is empowering to know that the concepts of Freedom, Equality, and Tolerance have both theological and philosophical support from an ancient and profound source. For Hellenics, these very ideals are not just words for us, they are direct expressions of the Gods themselves. These are the very things that allow us to improve both ourselves and our societies. They must be expressed, promoted, and vigorously protected when necessary.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
The Listening Project and Socrates
I just finished watching a film called, "The Listening Project". Here is the description taken from the LinkTV website http://www.linktv.org/programs/the-listening-project:
"The Listening Project follows four unique Americans through fourteen countries – from a Shanghai hip-hop club to a war-ravaged Kabul neighborhood to a village at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro – in each place asking, "what do you think of America?" In beautifully-photographed locales, we encounter fascinating and diverse characters who reveal not only the impact of the U.S. on their lives, but also their perspectives on crumbling empires, human fellowship, and what it means to be a citizen in a globalized world."
Commentary
I've always known that people from other parts of the world have very strong opinions about American foreign policy and globalization. But, I've also known that despite the negative opinions about our country, people seem to understand that American citizens are separate from those policies, which are made by our government. In fact, I experienced this perspective during my travels to Greece. The Greek people I met there made it clear that they did not dislike us as people, they disliked our government policies (this was during the Bush administration). It turned out that I agreed with them. So, the film's message (which was the message from other people in the world) was not a revelation for me. However, seeing and hearing what different people had to say about the U.S. was very moving.
Socrates once said, "I am not an Athenian or Greek, I am a citizen of the world." Now, I do not necessarily believe in unrealistic ideas like world unity, world peace, "One Love", etc.... because I believe Strife is an inherent part of the KOSMOS. However, I cannot deny the real interconnection that exists among all of humanity as well as our shared responsibility for the health of our planet. These are things we need to deal with if we expect to progress, if not survive.
Socrates declared himself a citizen of the world. Why? Was that some sort of arrogant statement he was trying to make prior to his state sponsored execution? I don't believe it is. I think Socrates was wise enough to understand, while facing death (or perhaps because of that fact), that human beings are all part of something larger and share a responsibility to each other. This is not some ideological fancy, it is a reality with real consequences. Unfortunately, those consequences are never seen by most Americans because of political maneuvering on the part of our politicians and the sanitizing of our mainstream media. We need to be willing to bite the hand that feeds us and find our own food, so to speak. We now have the ability to search out alternative methods of connectivity and sources of information that allow us to be independent and find out for ourselves what is going on. This film is one of those sources in my opinion.
There are no easy answers and finding the right or best solutions is often very difficult. But, as someone wise once told me in Greece, progress never comes without struggle.
"The Listening Project follows four unique Americans through fourteen countries – from a Shanghai hip-hop club to a war-ravaged Kabul neighborhood to a village at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro – in each place asking, "what do you think of America?" In beautifully-photographed locales, we encounter fascinating and diverse characters who reveal not only the impact of the U.S. on their lives, but also their perspectives on crumbling empires, human fellowship, and what it means to be a citizen in a globalized world."
Commentary
I've always known that people from other parts of the world have very strong opinions about American foreign policy and globalization. But, I've also known that despite the negative opinions about our country, people seem to understand that American citizens are separate from those policies, which are made by our government. In fact, I experienced this perspective during my travels to Greece. The Greek people I met there made it clear that they did not dislike us as people, they disliked our government policies (this was during the Bush administration). It turned out that I agreed with them. So, the film's message (which was the message from other people in the world) was not a revelation for me. However, seeing and hearing what different people had to say about the U.S. was very moving.
Socrates once said, "I am not an Athenian or Greek, I am a citizen of the world." Now, I do not necessarily believe in unrealistic ideas like world unity, world peace, "One Love", etc.... because I believe Strife is an inherent part of the KOSMOS. However, I cannot deny the real interconnection that exists among all of humanity as well as our shared responsibility for the health of our planet. These are things we need to deal with if we expect to progress, if not survive.
Socrates declared himself a citizen of the world. Why? Was that some sort of arrogant statement he was trying to make prior to his state sponsored execution? I don't believe it is. I think Socrates was wise enough to understand, while facing death (or perhaps because of that fact), that human beings are all part of something larger and share a responsibility to each other. This is not some ideological fancy, it is a reality with real consequences. Unfortunately, those consequences are never seen by most Americans because of political maneuvering on the part of our politicians and the sanitizing of our mainstream media. We need to be willing to bite the hand that feeds us and find our own food, so to speak. We now have the ability to search out alternative methods of connectivity and sources of information that allow us to be independent and find out for ourselves what is going on. This film is one of those sources in my opinion.
There are no easy answers and finding the right or best solutions is often very difficult. But, as someone wise once told me in Greece, progress never comes without struggle.
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Virus of Fundamentalism
Have you ever heard of "Atheist fundamentalism"? I did, just this morning on my local public radio station, KCRW. For the actual show, check out the following website:
http://www.kcrw.com/news/programs/tp/tp061201the_new_atheists
The label "atheist fundamentalist" was used by an atheist on the show who comes from the "old school", which believes in religious tolerance and mutual respect, to describe a new movement among atheists which aggressively attacks religion, evangelizes their message, and displays intolerance. So now, there is a schism that exists in the atheist movement between the older movement and this new movement......ironic isn't it?
What really makes this story so illuminating is that it demonstrates two things:
1. Fundamentalism is no longer relegated to the realm of the "ignorant religious population".
2. Atheism is turning into a religion of its own and now has its own leadership and sects.
It saddens me to hear that fundamentalism has now infected both the religious and the scientifically minded alike. The debate is no longer about science vs. religion but fundamentalism vs. moderation. Fundamentalism tramples on the virtues of Respect, Tolerance, and Freedom no matter what label it comes in.
http://www.kcrw.com/news/programs/tp/tp061201the_new_atheists
The label "atheist fundamentalist" was used by an atheist on the show who comes from the "old school", which believes in religious tolerance and mutual respect, to describe a new movement among atheists which aggressively attacks religion, evangelizes their message, and displays intolerance. So now, there is a schism that exists in the atheist movement between the older movement and this new movement......ironic isn't it?
What really makes this story so illuminating is that it demonstrates two things:
1. Fundamentalism is no longer relegated to the realm of the "ignorant religious population".
2. Atheism is turning into a religion of its own and now has its own leadership and sects.
It saddens me to hear that fundamentalism has now infected both the religious and the scientifically minded alike. The debate is no longer about science vs. religion but fundamentalism vs. moderation. Fundamentalism tramples on the virtues of Respect, Tolerance, and Freedom no matter what label it comes in.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Hellenization vs. Conversion: Which is it?
When discussing religion, people often talk about conversion. "I converted to (insert name of religion here)." This term, at least in the Western world, has most often been associated with the Christian tradition as well as others. But does this term apply to Hellenic religion? I would argue that the answer is no. Here's why:
Let's begin by looking at the term conversion itself. A quick online search on the website Freedictionary.com yields this definition:
Conversion:
The term implies a simple change of belief or faith. But is this what really happens when someone discovers Hellenic religion? Do they simply convert to a new set of beliefs or is there something more that happens?
On the surface, this change does occur. People see that the individual has simply gone from religion A to religion B. This person might talk about different deities and myths than they once did, if they did that at all. I would argue however, that what actually happens, based on my experience, is a process akin to receiving a secular education rather than simply receiving a purely religious one. Hellenic religion requires, by its nature, inquiries into science, philosophy, linguistics, history, and politics, aside from theology and mythology. Again, this process is more akin to a secular University education than it is to religion.
So, if its not simply 'conversion', then what term should be used to accurately describe what happens?
I suggest using the term Hellenization. This is actually a term that was used in ancient times to describe the same process I explained above. To become "Hellenized" meant that you would come to understand, not just believe, the universe from a Greek perspective. The ancient Greek worldview was predicated on understanding the natural world as well as honoring the more mysterious aspects of the universe aka the Gods. It meant that the individual was granted, by natural right, freedom of thought, speech, movement, and opinion. Asking tough questions and applying Reason to obtain answers was an inherent quality of the tradition. In essence, the individual did not simply change their beliefs, the individual was educated about the universe.
As modern Hellenists, we are not called to do missionary work of any kind. In fact, going out to people and preaching to them about our methods, beliefs, or views without their consent would be a gross violation of our own values which are based on personal freedom and choice. Our tradition is not interested, shouldn't be anyway, in the number of people we "save" or bring to our Gods. I believe that our Gods prefer free thinking men and women who come to Them on their own accord by way of Reason and Experience, rather than just on Faith alone.
Slavery is not welcome here.
Let's begin by looking at the term conversion itself. A quick online search on the website Freedictionary.com yields this definition:
Conversion:
1.a. The act of converting. b. The state of being converted.
2. A change in which one adopts a new religion, faith, or belief.
The term implies a simple change of belief or faith. But is this what really happens when someone discovers Hellenic religion? Do they simply convert to a new set of beliefs or is there something more that happens?
On the surface, this change does occur. People see that the individual has simply gone from religion A to religion B. This person might talk about different deities and myths than they once did, if they did that at all. I would argue however, that what actually happens, based on my experience, is a process akin to receiving a secular education rather than simply receiving a purely religious one. Hellenic religion requires, by its nature, inquiries into science, philosophy, linguistics, history, and politics, aside from theology and mythology. Again, this process is more akin to a secular University education than it is to religion.
So, if its not simply 'conversion', then what term should be used to accurately describe what happens?
I suggest using the term Hellenization. This is actually a term that was used in ancient times to describe the same process I explained above. To become "Hellenized" meant that you would come to understand, not just believe, the universe from a Greek perspective. The ancient Greek worldview was predicated on understanding the natural world as well as honoring the more mysterious aspects of the universe aka the Gods. It meant that the individual was granted, by natural right, freedom of thought, speech, movement, and opinion. Asking tough questions and applying Reason to obtain answers was an inherent quality of the tradition. In essence, the individual did not simply change their beliefs, the individual was educated about the universe.
As modern Hellenists, we are not called to do missionary work of any kind. In fact, going out to people and preaching to them about our methods, beliefs, or views without their consent would be a gross violation of our own values which are based on personal freedom and choice. Our tradition is not interested, shouldn't be anyway, in the number of people we "save" or bring to our Gods. I believe that our Gods prefer free thinking men and women who come to Them on their own accord by way of Reason and Experience, rather than just on Faith alone.
Slavery is not welcome here.
Facebook Group: Positions on the Seperation of Church and State in Greece
The following information is taken from a recent post on the Yahoo Group: Hellenic Recons.
Jamesdelphi2000 wrote:
"Objectives / Details of Facebook Group (see link above) with 18,000 signed up "expressions of interest"
Positions:
1. Secularity of government
2. No national religion
3. Stop providing tax money in support of religion
4. The church should not endorse any political figure
5. The state should not prescribe, proscribe, or amend religious beliefs.
6. The state should not express any religious beliefs, or in any publication, speech, or other instruments of state power.
7. Political leaders should not express religious preferences in the course of their duties
8. The church should not interfere in civil political processes or relations between the state and other nations"
These positions are necessary for the Seperation of Church and State.
Jamesdelphi2000 wrote:
"Objectives / Details of Facebook Group (see link above) with 18,000 signed up "expressions of interest"
Positions:
1. Secularity of government
2. No national religion
3. Stop providing tax money in support of religion
4. The church should not endorse any political figure
5. The state should not prescribe, proscribe, or amend religious beliefs.
6. The state should not express any religious beliefs, or in any publication, speech, or other instruments of state power.
7. Political leaders should not express religious preferences in the course of their duties
8. The church should not interfere in civil political processes or relations between the state and other nations"
These positions are necessary for the Seperation of Church and State.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Theocracy: The Enemy of Freedom
You don't have to go too far these days to see how theocracy threatens Freedom. The recent Iranian uprising was watched by the entire world via the Internet where hundreds of people who were protesting on behalf of Democracy went missing or were even killed for speaking out. The current situation in Afghanistan where militant Islam has been taking a hold of the country is also a perfect example of a threatening theocracy.
Unfortunately, Greece, the birthplace of Democracy, also exists under a type of theocracy. The Orthodox Christian Church is the official religion of the Greek State. This has placed religious minorities at odds with the State and the Church both socially and legally. Fortunately, there is a movement within Greece that is pushing towards religious freedom. These groups are generally made up of the ethnikoi Hellenes (ethnic Greeks) who are trying to get their traditional religion recognized so that they can worship freely in society. It is certainly a difficult struggle, but it is also absolutely necessary for the sake of Freedom in Greece.
That said, there is unfortunately, a small element of extremism and nationalism that is accompanying this push for Freedom. Many of these Hellenes are understandably angry at the existing religions and ethnic groups that ARE recognized currently, such as the Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Many of these extremists discriminate against these existing groups, which sometimes includes violent rhetoric and physical threats. There is also another element that desires to see an ethnic Hellenic State based on ancient Greek religion. As a Hellenist myself, I think this idea is a beautiful concept, but Reason dictates that it is incorrect to replace one theocracy with another. Consistency demands that it must be Freedom for all, or none.
Religion must be seperated from politics. In this modern era, it is the Separation of Church and State and secularism in society that guarantees Freedom of religion for ALL.
Unfortunately, Greece, the birthplace of Democracy, also exists under a type of theocracy. The Orthodox Christian Church is the official religion of the Greek State. This has placed religious minorities at odds with the State and the Church both socially and legally. Fortunately, there is a movement within Greece that is pushing towards religious freedom. These groups are generally made up of the ethnikoi Hellenes (ethnic Greeks) who are trying to get their traditional religion recognized so that they can worship freely in society. It is certainly a difficult struggle, but it is also absolutely necessary for the sake of Freedom in Greece.
That said, there is unfortunately, a small element of extremism and nationalism that is accompanying this push for Freedom. Many of these Hellenes are understandably angry at the existing religions and ethnic groups that ARE recognized currently, such as the Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Many of these extremists discriminate against these existing groups, which sometimes includes violent rhetoric and physical threats. There is also another element that desires to see an ethnic Hellenic State based on ancient Greek religion. As a Hellenist myself, I think this idea is a beautiful concept, but Reason dictates that it is incorrect to replace one theocracy with another. Consistency demands that it must be Freedom for all, or none.
Religion must be seperated from politics. In this modern era, it is the Separation of Church and State and secularism in society that guarantees Freedom of religion for ALL.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
On Religious Freedom in Greece
Freedom of religion is one of the basics rights that we as Americans have enjoyed for over two centuries. Unfortunately, the very birthplace of Democracy, Greece, has been cited by many of its own citizens as well as the European Union as violating the human right to religious freedom. Greece is essentially a theocracy based on the Orthodox Christian Church. Many religious minorities are not allowed the right to worship openly and are unrecognized by the State, which is required for the right towards legal protection. The following is a quote from a Greek polytheist website:
"The right to religious freedom is, unfortunately, not equally afforded to all citizens of Greece, since one must be either Orthodox Christian or else not exist at all. Thus in reality, despite the attitudes and policies towards other rights, it is of little or no value at all for us, because of the revailing attitude towards religion."
Taken from the Committee for the Greek Religion of Dodecatheon website: http://agis10.tripod.com/
Please take some time to check out that link for an in depth look at the issue.
Why should non-Greeks be interested in this issue?
First of all, this is not just a Greek issue, it is a HUMAN rights issue. Greeks who happen to be in the religious minority are not allowed to practice their religion, nor are they recognized as such, because the Greek State is for all intents and purposes, an Orthodox Christian theocracy that only recognizes certain faiths as legitimate. It is ironic that the very culture that gave the world Democracy has now become a theocracy that limits the religious freedoms of its own citizens.
This situation is a gross violation of both human rights and Greece's own ancient heritage. As a Hellenic polytheist, a proponent of human rights, and an American who currently enjoys freedom of religion, this situation is seriously offensive.
What can we do about it?
While most of us outside of Hellas will never have the opportunity to directly influence policy there, we can show our support for the Hellenes who are struggling for religious freedom. As Americans, we must promote and support concepts such as the Separation of Church and State, both at home and abroad. This political concept is what ultimately will allow ALL Greeks, no matter what religion they may be, to have a fair and equal place within the religious landscape of their own country. The stranglehold of theocracy is deadly to the potential of the human spirit and we MUST fight it wherever it rears its ugly head.
SUPPORT RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN GREECE!
"The right to religious freedom is, unfortunately, not equally afforded to all citizens of Greece, since one must be either Orthodox Christian or else not exist at all. Thus in reality, despite the attitudes and policies towards other rights, it is of little or no value at all for us, because of the revailing attitude towards religion."
Taken from the Committee for the Greek Religion of Dodecatheon website: http://agis10.tripod.com/
Please take some time to check out that link for an in depth look at the issue.
Why should non-Greeks be interested in this issue?
First of all, this is not just a Greek issue, it is a HUMAN rights issue. Greeks who happen to be in the religious minority are not allowed to practice their religion, nor are they recognized as such, because the Greek State is for all intents and purposes, an Orthodox Christian theocracy that only recognizes certain faiths as legitimate. It is ironic that the very culture that gave the world Democracy has now become a theocracy that limits the religious freedoms of its own citizens.
This situation is a gross violation of both human rights and Greece's own ancient heritage. As a Hellenic polytheist, a proponent of human rights, and an American who currently enjoys freedom of religion, this situation is seriously offensive.
What can we do about it?
While most of us outside of Hellas will never have the opportunity to directly influence policy there, we can show our support for the Hellenes who are struggling for religious freedom. As Americans, we must promote and support concepts such as the Separation of Church and State, both at home and abroad. This political concept is what ultimately will allow ALL Greeks, no matter what religion they may be, to have a fair and equal place within the religious landscape of their own country. The stranglehold of theocracy is deadly to the potential of the human spirit and we MUST fight it wherever it rears its ugly head.
SUPPORT RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN GREECE!
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