blest-paean:

Sometime I want us to talk about how much we (and by we I mean hellenic polytheist I’ve seen here as well as myself) pressure ourselves so much regarding to religion. And I’m not talking about pressure in a healthy way, I’m not talking about Areté. For example, I’ve seen a lot of people scared and worried about how they’re not doing well enough if the Gods don’t talk constantly to them, or if they don’t feel Them every time they pray. Other worshipers of other religions don’t have that worry, I’ve never seen a Christian thinking God doesn’t love them because He doesn’t talk to them when they pray. We (sometimes, it’s happened to me) doubt ourselves if we aren’t 100% recon, even if we follow the core pillars of this religion. I’ve seen people on here pushing themselves really hard, I’ve pushed myself really hard, because I didn’t feel worthy or like a good worshiper. It’s sad and unnecessary. I don’t know, maybe it’s because we’ve interorized that “no, that can’t be a real religion!” idea. But we don’t need to prove anything to anyone. We believe in the Theoi, we offer Them the best we have. If, in order to do that, you think you have to do it in the most reconstructionist way possible, go ahead! But guys, it’s not compulsory, you don’t have to dress, talk and breath like the Ancients did. What you HAVE to do is respect the Theoi, pray to Them, make offerings, honour Them, you have to follow the core concepts (eusebeia, xenia, avoidance of hubris and miasma, etc), but you don’t have to prove anything. You can do it at your own pace. Religion doesn’t have to be a punishment or a suffering, you’re here because you love the Theoi and you want to do the best for Them, You’re doing okay. We’re okay.