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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For some additional commentary, please read my first post on this subject: Repent of Sin: Sin and Salvation in Hellenismos.

Many Hellenic Polytheists fervently wish to draw a distinction between the word ‘sin’ and Hellenic ethics because it is a term generally associated with Christian belief systems. They argue the concept of ‘sin’ is separate from issues of “right or wrong,” and will unfailingly avoid using the word “sinful” to refer to actions that violate Hellenic ethics, preferring terms such as “missing the mark” or “mistake,” which do not carry a Christian connotation. There are also Hellenic Polytheists who insist moral codes derive from societal mores or human laws, rather than Divinity. This line of thinking seems contrary to the Greek. There are human laws and social norms, all over the globe, that are indelibly linked to oppression, brutality, and prejudice.

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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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There exists a few misconceptions, fallacies, and misbeliefs regarding Hellenismos that have been perpetuated both internally and external to the movement. Some of this is based on poor communication to those outside, causing some misunderstandings and just poor public relations all the way around. Still, some of these myths about Hellenismos cannot be seen as anything else but intentional.
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l have been working on a Children’s Book for Hellenismos. The age range it is written for are ages 5-9. It is an educational book, but also a workbook to teach children about the Greek Pantheon. It also touches on philosophy and ethics, and gives children an idea of what to do to worship on their own and with their family.

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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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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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