I think it is important for people to understand the different theological and cosmological opinions out there being called polytheism.  Polytheism, in its basic form, is simply the belief in multiple Gods.^[1][2][3] From this basic definition, modern practitioners, of various religions, seem to fall into several subcategories on a sliding-scale.

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Because I am a regular schmo, and a Hellenic Reconstructionist, I decided I needed to delve more deeply into the philosophers, but develop a way to do so without my brain bleeding out of my nose.

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There has begun to emerge a few misconceptions, fallacies, and misbeliefs regarding Emperor Julian, Sallustius, and Hellenismos. These myths cannot be anything else but intentional fabrications and fakelore, and should be seen as nothing less than an attempt to acquire position, power, and prestige by trying to elevate their “opinions” above those of others, the ancients included. Why does this happen? Many naive, trusting people fall pray to these pseudo-intellectuals because they would much rather trust an instructor then do a little independent research.

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I present this copy of Sallustius’ On the Gods and the Cosmos, an authoritative statement of Hellenic doctrine, as an archival version. While not going into great detail, within this work, Sallustius supplies us with an elementary summary of principles (catechism) for Hellenismos, each which can be sourced back to earlier thinkers such as Pythagoras, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus and others. Sallustius provides with clarity and simplicity the obligations, priorities, and mindset of ancient Hellenic religiosity. It is from this work, as well as the works or other ancient philosophers and sages, that we have identified the Seven Pillars of Hellenismos: Ethike Arete (habitual excellence), Eusebia (piety), Hagneia (purity), Nomos Arkhaios (ancient tradition), Sophia (wisdom), Sophrosune (soundness of mind/control of self), Xenia (hospitality/reciprocity).

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One of the first terms someone new to Hellenismos will encounter is the word orthopraxy. What is orthopraxy? An orthopraxy is a religion that places emphasis on what one does rather then what one believes, while orthodoxy places weight on correct belief over lifestyle. Many eagerly embrace this new terminology, coming from very dogmatic religions such as Christianity, but then become confused or even upset when religious discussions turn to topics of ideals, ethics, reason, or authentic traditional practices. They incorrectly assume these things fall under orthodoxy and belief, rather than practice.
 
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For some additional commentary, please read my first post on this subject: So Many Words: An Inquiry into the Meaning of Words.

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This main question, “What constitutes a recon?” was spawned on the Mind-N-Magick forum in response to a thread debating Norse Mythology and Ragnarok. The timing seemed very appropriate, as this is one of the main questions being discussed across a number of venues in association with Hellenismos and Hellenic Reconstruction. The questioner asked three queries within her post to help her understand what a Reconstructionist is.

1. Do recons need to know everyone who ruled (for example) Finland, and when?
2. Is a “true” recon always conservative?
3. Can one still be a recon and not hold a traditional view on that path?

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I would have never thought my short little ditty Hellenic Kindergarten would have created controversy, but it has. The storm stems from the phrase “repent of sins” being used and this caused a little uproar. First, some offence seems to have been taken because of the Christian connotation of the word. Second, the Greeks had no word that easily translates specifically to sin. I am amazed with all the people claiming to have read my books this debate did not surfaced sooner. I go into great detail about the Hellenic concept of “sin and salvation” within The Gods of Reason. In any event, let us address the issue more publicly, as I am sure there are those who may not be bold enough to ask.

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This was the question posted on our Hellenic Polytheist Forum, “What are the main points of conflict in Hellenics? And what are your opinions on them?” My answer was rather simple. The biggest point of contention is answering the question who is and who is not Hellenic. Virtually every single one of the most heated debates can be traced back to that one question. In answering this query, the Neopagans are mostly on one side, while actual Reconstructionists sit on the other. In the end, most every Reconstructionist can be tolerant of the most liberal Reconstructionist opinion. We all draw from the same body of material, and use the same scholarly guidelines. Neopagans, on the other hand, do not want to “limit” themselves. They opt instead for free-flowing spirituality and practice, while at the same time insisting they be considered Hellenic.

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When speaking about Hellenismos, it is said that Hellenismos has no absolute or strict doctrine. While our religion is identified by a basic theology and the use of and adherence to specific traditions, sacred texts, and mythology, personal theologies are acceptable. Hellenismos though, at the end of the day, is more a religion of abstract ideas and values, developed through both personal and communal experiences (emphasizing the qualitative value of the practical, emotional, insightful, and ethical), rather than a formal doctrine, dogma, or canon.

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