I participate in a Comparative Religion discussion group. Typically what happens is that a question is presented, and each person simply supplies a response from their religion’s perspective. There is an unwritten rule that no one’s religious opinion is debated, but questions can be asked for clarification or to get a larger perspective. This tends to workout well.

This weeks question was, “What does your religion classify as ‘doomsday’? How is the end brought about? Is there an end in your religion? What are your thoughts on YOUR religion’s definition?”

I thought this is interesting, so I’ll share my reply. You get the expanded version.
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To begin with, while I do not know the author personally, I did have the opportunity to discuss this work with her prior to my reading it. The author went to great lengths to make sure I was aware that this book is not a work about Hellenismos, or written for Hellenic Reconstructionists. Within the opening chapter she also explains that her influences are Gardnerian Wicca, Cochrane traditional Witchcraft, modern Druidry,and other Neopagan traditions.  After reading the book, I have to say this is an excellent resource for practitioners of Hellenismos, Hellenic Reconstruction, and Hellenic Polytheists. If fact, perusing through the bibliography, one notices that the overwhelming number of resources are primary and secondary sources for the ancient Greek religion and ancient worship of Aphrodite.
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I often find myself perplexed as to why some people feel the need to engage in intellectual masturbation. There is no great debate within academia regarding the ancient Greek religion and culture. So, why do we have people debating what is and is not Hellenismos? These people who make outlandish and ludicrous claims, and cause these great debates, are nobodies. Are they the recognized scholars regarding ancient Greece? No. Are they archeologists? No. Does anything they have to say, about the ancient Greek religion, call into question the work of Gilbert Murry, Carl Kerenyi, Jon Mikalson, Paul Veyne, or any other serious scholar and writer? No.
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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.

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After reading Mr. Alexander’s first book, Hellenismos Today, and being very impressed, I was very happy to see a second book out so soon. I eagerly snatched it up, as this book was marketed as an intro to actual worship.

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I received The Gods of Reason, by Timothy Jay Alexander, because I was impressed with his previous books, Hellenismos Today, and A Beginner’s Guide to Hellenismos. I began reading this book with some unease, as I knew that it was a theological and philosophical discussion. I am not an intellectual or a scholar, so I was worried that this work would be over my head.

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I’m not going to rage and rant about Hellenismos. I don’t really see much point in it, at least today.

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I was trying to think of something profound to talk about…and I’ve got nothing.  So I think I’ll just type as I think and see how that goes. 

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 I’ve met many people interested not just in Hellenismos, but in Reconstructionist Religions in general.  There seems to be two types…..those that are interested and have great love for the history and philosophy of the culture, but no real belief in the Gods themselves, and no personal gnosis, or desire to build a relationship.  They are Reconstructionist in methodology, but are lacking in spirituality and a relationship with the Gods.

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The Hellenismos.us Directory is up and running. I have started to populate it with links, but feel free to add your own.