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Polytheistic reconstructionism, or simply reconstructionism, is the practice of re-establishing and practicing historical polytheistic religions in the modern world.

Overview

Reconstructionist religions are new religious movements and classified as a subgroup or offshoot of Neo-Paganism. Reconstructionism is a methodology which attempts to accurately base modern religious practice on culturally and historically genuine examples of ancient religious practices. This methodology is also sometimes termed traditionalism. Some reconstructionists are attempting to restore the ancient social orders and tribal way of life, while the majority of reconstructionists are primarily concerned with religious practice. In some areas, like Greece and in the former Soviet Union regions, modern adherents of reconstructionist religions view their practice as a continued extension of the indigenous religious practices of their ancestors.

Reconstructionists believe that the indigenous belief systems and religions which existed prior to the modern era conversions are both valid and relevant in the modern age. Reconstructionists view their myths (or meta-narratives), folk customs, languages and symbols as the organic expression of their culture. This cultural relevancy is ethnically and regionally specific, having evolved over thousands of years to suit a particular people's emotional and spiritual needs. Reconstructionists view the modernist religious tendencies of proselytization, evangelization and doctrinal ordained assimilation as destructive to the cultures and societies subjected to these practices.***

Reconstructionism is by its very nature dependent on the literary and oral record and has a very strong scholarly and academic bent emphasizing the study of languages, archaeology, anthropology and folklore. Cultural authenticity is highly valued.

Syncretism

Indigenous religions and folkways did not just blink out of existence when they were subsumed by modern religions. There were periods of time in almost every pagan culture where the populace attempted to reconcile their native beliefs with the new ones being presented (or instituted by force). This often led to a type of syncretism which, in some cases, gradually evolved into monotheism -- eclipsing the old folk religions. As a result of this phenomena, a few adherents of reconstructionist religions practice monolatry, henotheism and pantheism.

Most reconstructionists see recent hybridizations as culturally inauthentic corruptions of the traditional religions. The World Congress of Ethnic Religions has specifically spoken against this practice and has instituted a policy to not "support, accept as member or have relations with newly invented hybrid, non-traditional religious groups...Our purpose is NOT to mix different religions, but to find our common interests and defend them" *

However, many reconstructionists also note that the operative concept there is "recent." Some historical syncretisms, such as those that occurred when ancient polytheistic cultures interacted over a long period of time, and created a hybrid culture, have become what some consider a legitimate part of the living traditions. An example of this would be the presence of some customs and deities of Nordic origins found among the Scottish traditions, and other examples of the ways these cultures historically intermingled and influenced one another. These sorts of ancient, polytheistic syncretisms are seen as different from the syncretisms of oppression, which were instituted with the aim of co-opting and eventually eclipsing the native religions.

Reconstructionism and Neo-Paganism

The term "Reconstructionist Paganism" is thought to have been coined by Isaac Bonewits in the late 1970s. Margot Adler later used the term "Pagan Reconstructionists" in the 1979 edition of Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America Today to refer to those who claimed to adhere to some sort of historical religion. However, the idea of Reconstructionist religions is much older, as seen in traditions such as Reconstructionist Judaism.

Pagan Reconstructionism has evolved into a distinct subset of neopaganism, one that is separate from syncretic or eclectic movements like Wicca. Reconstructionist religions are based on the surviving historical record. The modern reconstructed practices are kept as close to the historically attested practices as possible, except in cases where such practices are clearly impractical or conflict with current morals, laws or scientific understanding. In this sense, there is an aspect of modernizing the historical traditions, even though the degree to which this should be done is often an area of debate. But there is still the shared principle that historical accuracy is emphasized as opposed to eclecticism and innovation.

The use of the terms "pagan" and "neopagan" to apply to polytheistic reconstructionists is controversial. Some reconstructionist, ethnic and indigenous religious groups take great issue with being referred to as "pagan" or "neopagan," viewing "pagan" as a pejorative term used in the past by institutions attempting to destroy their cultures and religions. In addition, reconstructionists may choose to reject the terms "pagan" and "neopagan" in order to distance themselves from aspects of popular neopaganism, such as eclecticism, the practice of magic, and a tendency to conduct rituals within a Wiccan format, that they find irrelevant or even inimical to their religious practice.,

Other reconstructionist groups actively self-identify as "Pagan Reconstructionists" and may participate in pan-pagan organizations or gatherings such as Pagan Pride Day. However, even among those who see themselves as part of the broader, Pagan or Neopagan spectrum, or who simply see some members of the Pagan community as allies, there is still a refusal to accept or identify with the more problematic aspects of that community, such as the above-noted eclecticism or Wiccan ritual structures. Many Pagan Reconstructionists see Reconstructionism as the older current in the Pagan community, and are unwilling to give up this part of their history simply because Wicca and eclecticism are currently more fashionable.

(For information on the usage of the term "neopagan" in the UK, see Heathenry)

Nationalism

Historically, many folk religions are suppressed by totalitarian regimes or religious institutions. When these regimes weaken or dissolve, often the populace will reinstitute their folk traditions, customs and languages as a form of cultural pride or nationalism. For example, in the countries formerly occupied by the Soviet Union, there has been a huge resurgence in folk traditions and religions. In some places where the dominant religion has had a legally enforced monopoly for centuries, the influx of folk religions is viewed as competition. This is most clearly illustrated by the ongoing persecution and discrimination against Greeks who practice their indigenous religion. Others, particularly in Europe, reclaim the vision of a glorious past and therefore reject modern developments, the advancement of social rights, and multiracial societies, and tend to be close to neo-Nazi or Far Right parties. Some right-wing European intellectuals, such as Alain de Benoist in France, have openly claimed for a restoration of polytheism as opposed to what they see as decadent, internationally-minded, inclusive Christianity.

Practice outside of cultural and regional context

Many practitioners of folk religions live outside of the culture and territories from which they arose. The United States, which is predominantly comprised of European diaspora peoples and their descendants has a relatively large reconstructionist milieu.

Notes

  • Some practitioners of the Ancient Greek religion in Greece perceive the term "neo-paganism" as a term used by "Christian-inspired devotees of Esotericism and the New Age. 'Neopaganism' doesn't concern us." *
  • Some adherents of Germanic Heathenry in the UK say "Call us Heathens!" *
  • A Gaelic Tribalist group states: "Paganism today is usually identified with what is commonly labeled "neo-paganism", including religions such as Wicca, and has little to do with our way of life." *
  • International Religious Freedom Report US State Dept. investigation into religious freedom in Greece (2004)
  • ibid. *(2005)
  • As an example, the Hellenic Reconstructionist Sponde.com was a financial sponsor for Mississippi Pagan Pride Day 2004.
  • "Perhaps the main difference in the Pagan movement today, as a whole, compared to the movement that existed in the middle and late 1970s is that, at that time, the organizations described in this chapter Reconstructionists...were the main influences in creating a Neo-Pagan consciousness. ... It's important to remember, however, that the reason the Pagan movement in the United States is so rich and varied and presents such a unique perspective to the world is primarily because of the non-Wiccan influences that were so dominant in earlier years." Adler, Margot (1997 - revised edition) Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America Today. New York, Penguin/Arkana ISBN 0 14 01.9536 X, p.282.

See also

References

  • The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft by Ronald Hutton ISBN 0192854496 (2001)
  • On Being a Pagan by Alan de Benoist ISBN 0972029222 (2005)
  • The Dark Side of Christian History by Helen Ellerbe ISBN 0964487349 (1995)
  • Greek Folk Religion by Martin P. Nilsson ISBN 0812210344 (1998)
  • Athenian Religion: A History by Robert Parker ISBN 019815240X (1998)
  • Greek Religion by Walter Burkert ISBN 0674362810 (1987)
  • Russian Folk Belief by Linda J. Ivanits ISBN 0873328892 (1992)
  • The Myths and Gods of India by Alain Daniélou ISBN 0892813547 (1991)
  • Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America Today by Margot Adler ISBN 014019536X (1979, 1986, 1997)

External links

Organizations

Note: There are literally hundreds if not thousands of different reconstructionist groups, practicing an extremely wide range of religions. The following list is not meant to be all inclusive, but represent the large variety of extant religious traditions.

Further reading

Polytheism | Neopaganism

Rekonstrukcjonizm | Neopogaństwo

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "Polytheistic reconstructionism".

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