A World Full of Gods: An Inquiry Into Polytheism - Revised and Updated Edition

A World Full of Gods: An Inquiry Into Polytheism - Revised and Updated Edition PDF

Author: John Michael Greer

Publisher: Aeon Books

Published: 2023-05-30

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781801520805

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An investigation into the underpinnings and superstructures of the Pagan world view Pagan religions have tended to be more concerned with practice that with theory and in a system that has no dogma - no legislated doctrine - that is as it should be. Yet as out movement grows and matures, it is inevitable that we will begin to think in a more abstract way about our models and systems. John Michael Greer has provided a primer on the kinds of ideas and themes that must be included in any discussion of the theology and philosophy of Neo-pagan religions. Much of the book takes shape in a dialogue with existing ideas in theology, philosophy, and comparative religion. It looks to find a middle ground between too much and too little reference to the work of other scholars to find a comprehensible yet intellectually rigorous middle ground. It aims to be part of a conversation, that stretches out over the centuries. Voices of polytheist spirituality have had little place in that conversation for many years, but much of value has been said in their absence. The rebirth of polytheism as a living religious tradition in the Western world will inevitably force a reassessment of much of that heritage, and pose challenges to some of its most cherished assumptions. Yet reassessment is not necessarily rejection, and the traditions of modern polytheism are deeply enough indebted to legacies from the past that an attentive ear to earlier phases of the conversation is not out of place.

A World Full of Gods

A World Full of Gods PDF

Author: John Michael Greer

Publisher: Aeon Books

Published: 2023-05-30

Total Pages: 278

ISBN-13: 180152081X

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An investigation into the underpinnings and superstructures of the Pagan world view Pagan religions have tended to be more concerned with practice that with theory and in a system that has no dogma - no legislated doctrine - that is as it should be. Yet as the movement grows and matures, it is inevitable that we will begin to think in a more abstract way about our models and systems. John Michael Greer has provided a primer on the kinds of ideas and themes that must be included in any discussion of the theology and philosophy of Neo-pagan religions. Much of the book takes shape in a dialogue with existing ideas in theology, philosophy, and comparative religion. It looks to find a middle ground between too much and too little reference to the work of other scholars to find a comprehensible yet intellectually rigorous middle ground. It aims to be part of a conversation, that stretches out over the centuries. Voices of polytheist spirituality have had little place in that conversation for many years, but much of value has been said in their absence. The rebirth of polytheism as a living religious tradition in the Western world will inevitably force a reassessment of much of that heritage, and pose challenges to some of its most cherished assumptions. Yet reassessment is not necessarily rejection, and the traditions of modern polytheism are deeply enough indebted to legacies from the past that an attentive ear to earlier phases of the conversation is not out of place.

The Case for Polytheism

The Case for Polytheism PDF

Author: Steven Dillon

Publisher: John Hunt Publishing

Published: 2015-02-27

Total Pages: 83

ISBN-13: 1782797343

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The philosophy of religion has been dominated by monotheists and atheists for centuries now. But, polytheism deserves to be restored to its respected position, and The Case for Polytheism sets out some reasons why. By developing a notion of godhood and employing a set of novel and neglected arguments, the author constructs a rigorous but accessible case for the existence of multiple gods.

Walking With The Gods

Walking With The Gods PDF

Author: W. D. Wilkerson

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2014-04-25

Total Pages: 392

ISBN-13: 0991530012

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Walking With The Gods is the result of Dr. Wilkerson's 3-year long ethnographic survey of 120 contemporary Western polytheists that offers a startling, intimate and detailed view of this emerging religious practice and raises important theological questions about our culture's assumptions regarding Deity, faith, religion, nature, and humanity's relationship with each. Through thorough analysis and articulate ethnography, Dr. Wilkerson demonstrates how these emerging religious practices constitute a unique religiosity that substantially differs from the concerns of a contemporary Western culture that is dominated by a monotheist perspective.

Twilight of the Gods

Twilight of the Gods PDF

Author: David Penchansky

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press

Published: 2005-01-01

Total Pages: 124

ISBN-13: 9780664228859

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Since the middle of the twentieth century, one of biblical scholarship's chief assumptions has been that ancient Israel evolved out of the polytheism of surrounding cultures into an ethical monotheism. However, this consensus has fallen apart in recent years. Scholars now know that early Israel was surrounded by a very polytheistic culture and that many Israelites thought of Yahweh as the chief God among many gods. Furthermore, archaeology has shown that Yahweh was worshiped along with other gods throughout the period after the exile, when many shrines were in honor of "Yahweh and his Asherah." David Penchansky's Twilight of the Gods is the first accessible book that shows a historical Israel where polytheism and monotheism existed simultaneously in great conflict. He provides a historical introduction, followed by close readings of key Old Testament passages, where he demonstrates how to interpret difficult biblical texts that depict other gods or claim Yahweh is the only God within this new understanding of Israelite religion.

God Is Dead, Long Live the Gods

God Is Dead, Long Live the Gods PDF

Author: Gus diZerega

Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide

Published: 2020-06-08

Total Pages: 234

ISBN-13: 0738763039

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Powerful New Perspectives on the Integration of Science and Spirit Examining the relationship between polytheism and quantum physics, biology, and ecology can open new vistas of sacred discovery. God Is Dead, Long Live the Gods develops a bold new vision for polytheism's evolving role in our society and in our individual and collective spiritual experiences. Join author Gus diZerega as he explores contemporary science to show why consciousness is a fundamental aspect of reality and why polytheistic experiences are as varied as the vast array of living organisms that enrich our world. This book shows why monotheism is actually a form of polytheism, and it explores fascinating spiritual concepts such as thought forms, mystical experiences, shamanism, spiritual healing, and universal love. Whether you're interested in the mind-bending implications of emergence theory or want to know if the universe is alive, you will discover transformative answers and a new integration of science and spirituality.

Norse Revival

Norse Revival PDF

Author: Stefanie von Schnurbein

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2016-01-12

Total Pages: 430

ISBN-13: 9004309519

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Norse Revival offers a thorough investigation of Germanic Neopaganism (Asatru) through an international and comprehensive historical perspective. It traces Germanic Neopaganism’s genesis in German ultra-nationalist and occultist movements around 1900. Based on ethnographic research of contemporary groups in Germany, Scandinavia and North America, the book examines this alternative Neopagan religion’s transformations towards respectability and mainstream thought after the 1970s. It asks which regressive and progressive elements of a National Romantic discourse on Norse myth have shaped Germanic Neopaganism. It demonstrates how these ambiguous ideas about Nordic myth permeate general discourses on race, religion, gender, sexuality, and aesthetics. Ultimately, Norse Revival raises the question whether Norse mythology can be freed from its reactionary ideological baggage.

The End of Corruption and Impunity

The End of Corruption and Impunity PDF

Author: Stuart S. Yeh

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2022-01-14

Total Pages: 387

ISBN-13: 1793655103

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The End of Corruption and Impunity argues that it is feasible to limit the corruption that plagues developing regions of the world by implementing an international treaty designed to combat dysfunctional criminal justice systems and restore human rights.

The Oxford Handbook of New Religious Movements

The Oxford Handbook of New Religious Movements PDF

Author: James R. Lewis

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 545

ISBN-13: 0190466170

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The Oxford Handbook of New Religious Movements both covers the current state of the field and breaks new ground. Its contributors, drawn form both sociology and religious studies, are leading figures in the study of NRMs.

Religion: the Failed Narrative

Religion: the Failed Narrative PDF

Author: Richard C. Johnson

Publisher: iUniverse

Published: 2011-01-13

Total Pages: 63

ISBN-13: 1450276385

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God emerges like a hologram in our consciousness and is falsely presented as the champion who will save us from death. Science, with its focused methodology, tells the true story. God is the main character in religion, but he is a figment of the imagination. Humans experience consciousness like amnesia victims: We dont know where we came from or why we are here, and we fantasize that we keep on living after our bodies physically die. Thus humanity turns to religion, a powerful source of consolation and comfort. Science, however, offers some more concrete answers. Author Richard C. Johnson argues that God emerges as an adjunct of human consciousness, where he is conjured up in response to the isolation engendered by self-awareness. Huge conflict results, Johnson explains, because claims about God are made from doctrine rather than observation. The result of these conflicts has consistently been war. In an age of nuclear weapons and terrorism, religious conflict must be deconstructed by honest discussion. Johnson explores this seemingly impossible task and proposes methods by which it can be accomplished. In Religion: The Failed Narrative, Johnson convinces us that irrational religion cannot guide us and that only rational science has proven to be a capable leader.