Editing Hellenism (modern religion) (section)

== Theology and values ==
When discussing [[theology]], opinions are divided. Some argue that theology is a fundamental part of the ancient tradition and an integral part of ancient philosophy. Some groups, such as [[Supreme Council of Ethnic Hellenes|YSEE]], have published materials about the ancient Greek religion that include a section on theology and praxis, but without specific reference to philosophers or philosophical movements. Others disagree that theology is a central part of the ancient religion and practice. They argue that since they do not have any [[dogma]]s or [[holy book]]s, theology only relates to philosophical movements such as [[Epicureanism]], and that at the community level, they reject any association with specific philosophical paths. They see any such choice as a personal one, not one that should be endorsed by a group or the community, as is the case with monotheistic religions. They consider the rituals based on mythology, with myths forming the basis of their festivals, and there is no theology behind them.<ref name=":2" />

This perspective does not mean that members of the community or broader Hellenic religious milieu can do whatever they please. It is acknowledged that there are certain principles, rooted in tradition, that should be followed and accepted by members. As one follower stated, "you can't be dogmatic in our circles, because we don't have a dogma [laughing], ... there are of course some guiding principles that one needs to follow because they are based on tradition, these are things that you need to follow."<ref name=":2" /> This means that values are still present and should be adhered to. In some cases, they are openly stated in the group's texts:

{{blockquote|The values that govern and guide Labrys religious community are: [[Eusebeia|Eusebia]] (Piety), in our relationship with the Gods; Organikotis (Kinship), in our relationships within the Community; [[Dike (mythology)|Dikaiosyne]] (Justice), in terms of members' relations within the Community and also as a guiding principle in the conduct of the community as a whole towards third parties. The members of Labrys religious community also aim at achieving [[Eudaimonia]] [happiness] through attaining freedom, autonomy and self-sufficiency.<ref>{{Cite web |publisher=LABRYS |title=About us |url=http://www.labrys.gr/en/about.html |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=www.labrys.gr}}</ref>}}

It is clear that certain values are held in common within the community and should be accepted by members, but there is no such requirement for theological or philosophical beliefs. As one member stated, "it doesn't matter if you have read [[Homer]] or [[Hesiod]]. The most important is piety. To be possessed by Gods and be pious is the A and Z." Piety was mentioned by most, if not all, members as one of the most important values that people should follow in their everyday lives.<ref name=":2" />

Prominent concepts include, but are not restricted to: [[Eusebeia]] (piety), [[Arete]] (virtue), and [[Xenia (Greek)|Xenia]] (hospitality). These are rooted in the various ancient Greek values concepts that they look to for guidance and inspiration from the Tenets of [[Solon]], the [[Delphic maxims]], the [[Golden verses of Pythagoras]], [[Epicurean philosophy]], the ethics of [[Aristotle]], [[Stoic philosophy]] and more.<ref name="Alexander">{{cite book |last= Alexander |first= Timothy Jay |title= A Beginner's Guide to Hellenismos |year= 2007 |publisher= Lulu.com |isbn= 9781430324560}}</ref>

=== Eusebeia ===
{{Main|Eusebeia}}
Eusebeia (Εὐσέβεια) is often translated as "piety" or "reverent conduct" (towards gods or parents), "reverence," "respect."<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Cambridge Greek Lexicon |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2021 |edition=1st |pages=630}}</ref> Eusebeia is the basic practice of Hellenic Religion, fundamental in every way. ''Eusebeia'' is the attitude and practice of showing respect and reverence to the Gods and parents. The Delphic Maxims say "Follow God" ({{lang|grc<!--not el, judging from use of breathing marks-->|Έπου θεώ}}), "Worship the Gods" ({{lang|grc|Θεούς σέβου}}), and "Respect Your Parents" ({{lang|grc|Γονείς αίδου}}).<ref>{{Cite web |work=HellenicGods.org |title=e |url=https://www.hellenicgods.org/e |access-date=2023-01-13 |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Arete ===
{{Main|Arete}}
Arete ({{lang|grc|Ἀρετή}}) is often translated as "excellence" or "moral virtue."<ref name="lsja">[[Henry Liddell|Liddell, H. G.]] & [[Robert Scott (philologist)|Scott, R.]] ''[[A Greek–English Lexicon]]'', 9th ed. (Oxford, 1940), [[Sub voce#sub verbo|s.v.]] [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=LSJ%20a)reth/&lang=original {{lang|grc|ἀρετή}}].</ref> Arete is intrinsic to the concept of living up to one's potential. For modern Hellenists, arete is one of the most important virtues, and it is believed that cultivating it will lead to a good life of happiness and prosperity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hellenicgods.org/virtue-in-hellenismos |title=Arætí: virtue in hellenismos |publisher=HellenicGods.org |access-date=2020-06-23}}</ref> Cultivating arete is not limited to just one domain, but also refers to the improvement of all aspects of one's existence.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hellenicfaith.com/virtue/ |title=Virtue |date=13 August 2017 |publisher=HellenicFaith.com |access-date=2020-06-23 }}</ref>

In the [[Iliad]] and [[Odyssey]] of [[Homer]], "arete" is used mainly to describe heroes and nobles and their mobile dexterity, with special reference to strength and courage, but it is not limited to this. [[Penelope]]'s arete, for example, relates to co-operation, for which she is praised by [[Agamemnon]]. The excellence of the gods generally included their power, but, in the [[Odyssey]] (13.42), the gods can grant excellence to a life, which is contextually understood to mean prosperity.

=== Xenia ===
{{Main|Xenia (Greek)}}
''Xenia'' ({{lang|grc|Ξενία}}) is the concept of hospitality and is sometimes translated as "guest-friendship" or "ritualized friendship."<ref name="The Greek world">{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/52295939|title=The Greek world|date=1995|publisher=Routledge|others=Anton Powell|isbn=0-203-04216-6|location=London|oclc=52295939}}</ref> It is an institutionalized relationship, rooted in generosity, gift exchange, and reciprocity; fundamental aspects of ''xenia''.<ref name="Wiley-Blackwell">{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/870972277|title=A companion to Hellenistic literature|date=2014|publisher=Wiley-Blackwell|first1=James Joseph |last1=Clauss |first2=Martine |last2=Cuypers|isbn=978-1-4051-3679-2|location=Chichester|oclc=870972277}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=McClure|first=Laura K.|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/967546882|title=A Companion to Euripides.|date=2016|publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-1-119-25752-3|location=Somerset|oclc=967546882}}</ref> Historically, hospitality towards foreigners (Hellenes not of one's polis) and guests was a moral obligation. Hospitality towards foreign Hellenes honored [[Zeus]] ''Xenios'' (and [[Athene]] ''Xenia''), patrons of foreigners.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/173354759|title=A companion to Greek religion|date=2007|publisher=Blackwell Pub|first=Daniel |last=Ogden|isbn=978-1-4051-8216-4|location=Malden, Massachusetts|oclc=173354759}}</ref> In aristocratic circles, as early as the Homeric epics, it was as a sort of fictitious kinship, cemented not only by ties of hospitality and gift exchange but by an obligation to promote the interests of the xenos.<ref name="The Greek world"/> ''Theoxenia'' is a theme in Greek mythology in which human beings demonstrate their virtue or piety by extending hospitality to a humble stranger (xenos), who turns out to be a disguised deity (theos) with the capacity to bestow rewards.

=== Offerings and rituals ===
Offerings and [[libation]]s are considered sacred integral acts within worship.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |first1= Christos |last1= Panopoulos |first2= Panagiotis |last2= Panagiotopoulos |first3= Erymanthos |last3= Armyras |editor1-first= Mano |editor1-last= Madytinos |editor2-first= Lesley |editor2-last= Madytinou |editor3-first= Vasilios |editor3-last= Tsantilas |title= Hellenic Polytheism : Household Worship |date= 20 November 2014 |publisher= LABRYS Polytheistic Community |isbn= 9781503121881}}</ref><ref name="Alexander"/> There are several types of offerings that are performed, [[sacrifice]]s, [[votive offering]]s, and [[libation]]s.

{{blockquote|Without sacrifices, prayers are words only; but accompanied with sacrifices they become animated words; and words indeed corroborating life.|[[Sallustius (Neoplatonist)|Sallustius]]<ref name="Alexander"/>}}

Devotees are divided upon the question of [[animal sacrifice]]. Some are fine with the practice,<ref name="Alexander"/> while others do not engage in the practice at all.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hellenicgods.org/burntofferings |title=Burnt Offerings and Blood Sacrifice |publisher=HellenicGods.org |access-date=2020-06-22 }}</ref> Some instead offer symbolic food of the animal that is sacrificed instead of the animal, often though not exclusively fruit, bread, or cakes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ecauldron.net/dc-tahiera.php|title=Ta Hiera (The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum)|access-date=20 April 2015}}</ref> Worship generally takes the form of [[prayer]], [[Ancient Egyptian offerings|offerings]], and setting up [[altar]]s. Altars serve as the sacred place and focal point of worship to one or more given deities, where offerings and prayers are made to the gods.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-08-13 |title=Household worship |url=https://hellenicfaith.com/household-worship/ |access-date=2023-03-29 |website=Hellenic Faith |language=en}}</ref>