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EspañolPOLYTHEISTIC RECONSTRUCTIONISM
'Polytheistic reconstructionism', or simply 'reconstructionism', is the practice of re-establishing and practicing historical polytheistic religions in the modern world.
| Contents |
| Overview |
| Syncretism |
| Reconstructionism and Neo-Paganism |
| Nationalism |
| Practice outside of cultural and regional context |
| See also |
| References |
| Sources |
| External links |
| Organizations |
| Further reading |
Overview
Reconstructionist religions are new religious movements and classified as a subgroup or offshoot of Neopaganism. 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.[1][2]
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 phenomenon, 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."''[3]
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
Romuva ritual
:Main articles: Neopaganism
The term "Reconstructionist Paganism" is thought to have been coined by Isaac Bonewits in the late 1970s. Bonewits has said that he is not sure whether he "got this use of the term from one or more of the other culturally focused Neopagan movements of the time, or if [he] just applied it in a novel fashion."[4] Margot Adler later used the term "Pagan Reconstructionists" in the 1979 edition of '' 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.[5] 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.[6][7]
A ceremony at the annual Prometheia festival of the Greek polytheistic group Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes, June 2006.
Nationalism
Historically, many folk religions are suppressed by totalitarian regimes or religious institutions[10]. 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.[11][12] Some right-wing European intellectuals, such as Alain de Benoist in France, have called for a restoration of polytheism in opposition to Christianity, which they see as internationally-minded, inclusive, and decadent.[13]
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.[14] Also for some, Reconstuctionist religions are not simply a matter of Romantic Nationalism but may represent a world-view such as that of Classical Antiquity.
See also
References
1.
2.
3.
4. Bonewits's Essential Guide to Druidism, , Isaac, Bonewits, Kensington/Citadel, 2006, ISBN 0-8065-2710-2
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. Drawing down the Moon, "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 [Pagan 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." page 282, , Margot, Adler, Penguin/Arkana, 1997,
10.
11.
12.
13. On Being a Pagan, , Alan, De Benoist, Ultra, 2005, ISBN 0-9720292-2-2
14. Adler (2006) pp.243-299
Sources
★ The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft by Ronald Hutton ISBN 0-19-285449-6 (2001)
★ On Being a Pagan by Alan de Benoist ISBN 0-9720292-2-2 (2005)
★ The Dark Side of Christian History by Helen Ellerbe ISBN 0-9644873-4-9 (1995)
★ Greek Folk Religion by Martin P. Nilsson ISBN 0-8122-1034-4 (1998)
★ Athenian Religion: A History by Robert Parker ISBN 0-19-815240-X (1998)
★ Greek Religion by Walter Burkert ISBN 0-674-36281-0 (1987)
★ Russian Folk Belief by Linda J. Ivanits ISBN 0-87332-889-2 (1992)
★ The Myths and Gods of India by Alain Daniélou ISBN 0-89281-354-7 (1991)
★ Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America Today by Margot Adler ISBN 0-14-019536-X (1979, 1986, 1997, 2006)
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.''
★ Baltic Religion (also Slavic, Rodnaya Vera, Pravoslavya, Romuva, Dievturi, Jazyk, etc.) ★ ★ Rodnoveriye ★ ★ Rodzimy Kościół Polski ★ ★ Romuva Lithuanian ★ ★ Dievturiba Latvian ★ ★ Run Viry Ukrainian ★ ★ Ridna Pravoslavna Vira ★ ★ Rodzima Wiara Polish ★ Canaanite Religion (also Qadish): ★ ★ Natib Qadish ★ ★ Qadash Kinahnu ★ Celtic Reconstructionism (also Senistrognata, Pàganachd) ★ ★ IMBAS ★ ★ Dùn Sgàthan ★ ★ CAORANN ★ ★ WhiteOak - Ord na Darach Gile ★ Kemetic Reconstructionism (also Egyptian, Tameran, Kemeticism) ★ ★ House of Netjer ★ ★ International Network of Kemetics ★ ★ Per Ankh ★ Gaelic Traditionalism ★ ★ Clannada na Gadelica ★ ★ Tuath an Tarbh Donn ★ Gaelic Tribalism (also Sinnsreachd, Sinsearacht) ★ ★ ACTG (Gaelic Tribal Confederation) ★ ★ Clann na Fhaoil-Choin ★ ★ Clann Éoghanacht ★ ★ Tuath na Ciarraide ★ ★ Tuath na Gaoth Aneas ★ ★ Tuath na Trianaid | ★ Germanic /Norse (Asatru, Hedenskab, Theod, Heithni, etc.) ★ ★ Ásatrú Alliance ★ ★ Ásatrú Folk Assembly ★ ★ Normannii Thiud aet Reik Danish - Norman ★ ★ Geleafawær Fyrnsida Anglo-Saxon ★ ★ Miercinga Ríce Mercian ★ ★ Sahsisk Thiod Saxon ★ ★ Néoweanglie Þéod East Anglian ★ Ancient Greek Religion (also Hellenismos, Hellenic Religion, Dodekatheism, etc.) ★ ★ Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes ★ ★ Hellenion ★ ★ Elaion ★ ★ Neokoroi ★ Hungarian Religion (alsoTuranian) ★ ★ Hunmagyar Hungary ★ Indian Religion (also Indic, Vedic) ★ ★ Vaidika ★ MesoAmerican Religion (Aztec, Nahua, Maya) ★ ★ Amoxtli ★ ★ Black and Red: an Aztec Reconstructionist community ★ Roman Religion (also Religio Romana) ★ ★ Nova Roma ★ ★ Nova Brittania ★ ★ Temple of Religio Romana ★ ★ The Julian Society ★ Visigotic Tribalism Haithnu(Heathenry) Reconstructionism ★ ★ Círculo Odinista Español ★ ★ Hermandad Odinista del Sagrado Fuego MexicoAlianza del Aguila Visigoda America ★ ★ Alianza del Aguila Visigoda Brasil ★ ★ Clã Falkar Brasil ★ ★ Clan Falkon Galicia Alianza del Aguila Visigoda España ★ ★ Foro Clan Falkon Foro sobre Odinismo Visigoth |
Further reading
★ World Congress of Ethnic Religions International organization concerned with the protection and development of ethnic cultures and identities
★ Religious Tolerance.org Has specific entries about numerous reconstructionist faiths
★ Reconstructionist Pagan Religions in PDF format
★ The Association of Polytheist Traditions While not strictly reconstructionist, APT is an educational group concerned with ancient historical religions as well as modern syncretist new age religions
★ The CR FAQ - An Introduction to Celtic Reconstructionism A consensus document, co-authored by representatives of multiple, long-standing, Celtic Reconstructionist sub-traditions.
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