Category: philosophy/religion topics
I'm wondering if any of you have trouble following the rituals or structure of your religion. As a Hellenic Polytheist, I have many gods and goddesses and lots and lots of festivals devoted to each deity, not to mention all the myths. The thing about Hellenic Polytheism is that we have no orthodoxy. Some of us don't follow the ancient calendar and do our own thing, some are really into doing almost everything like the ancients and others, like myself, are in the middle. But sometimes, I feel like a bad pagan or something. I've been on this path for five years now and still don't have an altar (for bloodless sacrifice like food etc). I don't follow the Athenian calendar and though I'm a nut for modern Greek history, I've never really looked into ancient other than when I was in college and had to for class (though I totally enjoyed it). Same with the myths. But yet, I don't think the gods seem to mind it. I do make offerings like writing hymns and such and sacrifice if they help me usually try to leave a little something for Hestia at meal times and I say nightly prayers that I've created. I've joined several groups, hoping that my co-religionists could help me, but either I have very little in common with them, hardly anyone posts or I just don't read everything. I think part of the problem is that we're all scattered, so I can't really communicate with people who share my faith who are local.
So what about those of you who consider yourself at least partly religious, regardless of your faith. Do any of you feel that you're not paying as much attention to it as you should? Maybe you don't say your prayers or go to your sacred place of worship (I don't have any for my religion close to me or I would go) or maybe you don't read your sacred texts? How do you feel about this? Have you tried to change it and if so, how? I know this is a bit touchy, so thanks for your answers.
I think most who care about such things, think they could do more for their deiity. i know i don't do half as much as i should. the things to keep in mind however is, as you said, if your god is any sort of a god, he, or she, will know your heart and so know your intent. sometimes, your best, *is* good enough.
Thank you. That really meant alot.
For me as a christian it is easy at the moment, because I am in a bible school. But of course sometimes we all neglect reading the bible or praying to God in our day to day life. See that's why we believe in a god who can forgive and who can help us to come closer to him and love him more and give him more honour.
I'm not trying to speak for The Gods, but this seems to be more of a personal issue than one that they hve with me. While they don't have to love or forgive mortals as the Christian God does, they can be understanding, and I think they know that I love and worship them. I just wish I'd do more.