Neither Reconstructionism nor Revivalism

[freyasman]

Reconstructionism?

Pagan* Reconstructionists are honest about the fact that their religion was destroyed by Christians and lies in ruins. Out of the rubble of the ruins they try to reconstruct their religion. Their devotion to their rubble is passionate. They despise the adulteration of their tradition by borrowing pieces from other traditions to

Comments

[heartofmoon]

I actually really like the word revivalism for what I'm doing. And when I use it, I don't mean necessarily bringing back to life the dead religion. I mean it in the sense that I want to return the LIFE to the religion as a living one. Rather than focusing so much on the dead part, I want to focus on how it is living. Sort of like returning the living-ness to a tradition that right now is called "reconstruction" as if it's an object that can be recreated if we could only find the correct measurements.

I like renaissance, too.

[freyasman]

Thank you for your comment. I'm glad revival works for you. It doesn't for me. In my mind it is associated with Christianity. I do not understand the difference between bringing back to life a dead religion and bring life to a religion that has for centuries really been dead. It sounds like verbal gymnastics to me. But that is just me

[thistlemoons]

This is a very interesting post. I used to think a lot about labels, and a way I could label my practices. But I found it to be near impossible! So I have given up thinking there is going to be a way to define the path that I walk. However, I do like the word Renaissance, always have and always will. There is just something so poetic about it. That word itself is seldom used these days, unless you are talking about that particular period in history, but I find that it could be used in other ways. So I like that you used it here.

[freyasman]

Thanks for your comment. Yes, I too think that Renaissance is a poetic word-and more. It was and can be again an amazingly creative rebirth of our natural (Pagan) human spirit. I'm looking forward to reading the following books about Paganism and the Renaissance

[thistlemoons]

They both sound very interesting, particularly The Survival of the Pagan Gods. I find them in everything from art to cartoons, to TV shows, etc. :)

[freyasman]

Yes, I wish that they would get here! I think that it is cool that you find the goddesses and gods all around. They've been on the edge of consciousness for hundreds of years and are now coming back in to the center and out in the open. It is a wonderful thing!