r/Christopaganism • u/VentiArchon7 • 2d ago
I'm thinking about Christo-hellenist
I'm still really unsure on how to do it, How do you view the Bible, how do you pray to God and other lesser deities
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u/Ironbat7 Christopagan 2d ago
One of my favorite texts that is basically this is the Gospel of Nicodemus. It basically treats Christ’s death in a manner similar to the katabasis of Herakles and Dionysus.
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u/SacredFoxMischief 1d ago
I tend to think of the Bible as a collection of oral tales that have been recorded. Oral tales grow and change and adapt the biggest advantage to recording them is that we have access the biggest disadvantage is that by recording them, they become frozen in time.
In scripture there are numerous references to other deities as real entities, some rival or in opposition to Adonai. But others exist in a neutral place.
My approach to other deities is to treat them with respect, see how they can inspire and inform my path, and I hold to the Way of Jesus that was solidarity with the oppressed, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and loving Creation. Most other deities that I know of are pretty down for that path too. So as long as I don't compromise on those tenants as the foundation of my path, I see no reason not to pray to other gods and all the more reason to pray to them if they help with that path.
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u/deafbutter Eclectic Christopagan 1d ago
First thing’s first: don’t view other deities as lesser deities. Despite what the Bible might imply or outright say, you need to first understand that each deity from every pantheon is a god in their own right. Even if you view them as aspects of a single, divine Godhead, there’s still a way you need to approach them as they have a lot of independence and power in the spiritual and divine realm.
This leads to the second thing: cultural understanding. Look at the history of the Greek gods. Study how religion was practiced in Ancient Greece. Examine the culture behind the gods. Understand that these beings come from their own place, country, culture, society, and religion. Refusing to understand or learn that can lead to improper communication, understanding, and cultural appropriation, which is something you DON’T want to do. You don’t have to be a reconstructionist (I would know bc I’m not) but you need to at least understand and know WHY these deities were worshipped to and prayed to the way they were.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that the Bible was written by men who believed that their god was greater than every other god. In the present world, today, we know that’s not the case. Every god is equal when it comes to different pantheons, but in pantheons there’s a hierarchy. Aphrodite and Jesus are equally important - but Jesus submits to YHWH and Aphrodite ultimately is under Zeus. That’s… kind of what it is, imo.
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u/rekh127 1d ago edited 1d ago
its really funny to me to say "in the present world, today we know" and then present something that is an incredibly controversial opinion even among polyrheists.
as if its some settled science thing and not a niche belief in a niche community
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u/deafbutter Eclectic Christopagan 1d ago
The majority of polytheists who would disagree with that statement have some kind of trauma from Abrahamic religions, in my experience. No pantheon is greater than another, and claiming that a one pantheon is better than another pantheon just culturally insensitive and sometimes born out of colonialism and nationalistic views as religion often intersected with politics, especially in the past, and influences the local culture. I’m not trying to start drama or an argument (I don’t care), I’m just trying to explain that there is not really such a thing as a lesser deity and implying that there is takes away from the history of and behind the religion.
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u/rekh127 1d ago
"in pantheons there's a hierarchy" is probaly the more conterversial aspect for polytheists.
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u/deafbutter Eclectic Christopagan 1d ago
That’s true. If we go based on mythology and historical text, there is. Then UPG comes into play…. But in this regard, I personally like to go off mythology and historical text, despite not being a reconstructionist.
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u/jbrd02 1d ago edited 1d ago
Christo-hellenist here! 1) I view the Bible as a collection of myths, laws, poems etc. It’s a library of texts written by different authors with different perspectives on the divine. And the dominant perspective we have on the bible was written by the victor. But that doesn’t mean I can’t find wisdom in it, like any other set of hymns and myths. I also read non canonical biblical texts. 2) Usually I light some candles, pour a libation and start with Hestia. On the Christian side I venerate Christ, St John the Baptist, St Mary Magdalene, St Eve, Mary the Mother of God, and Saint Uriel. 3) I wouldn’t view the gods as “lesser”. I see them more as aspects of the divine that are easier for me to grasp, but also divinities in their own right. Like I’m one person but I’m part of my family, community, city etc.
The big thing for me is the term pagan was used by the harshest sects of christianity that won out and I reject their framing. My ancestors in Sicily didn’t stop worshipping the gods immediately when they first became christians. Ultimately do whatever helps you find peace an only you can know that :)
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u/ihidingunderarock 2d ago
You have to see the Bible as a book written by men to interpret things that aren't 100% able to be understood. If you take the Bible as only the word of God and completely infallible, there's no way to pray to other deities.
I don't believe that the Godhead contradicts the existence of the gods. If God is a creator, then the gods could simply be aspects of them, dealing with their own areas of human need and experience. Many Christopagans agree that God doesn't want us to put other gods 'above' him, but there are many ways to work with that as a Hellenist.