Something I read recently got me to thinking about the question: why polytheism? Particularly in a culture that is so dominated by Christian thinking (and in spite of an increase in people identifying as unaffiliated with a religion)? What does polytheism really have to offer? John Beckett over at Patheos provided some interesting thoughts about this recently, and there's one in particular that I liked from his essay:
More possibilities are offered in the full article. However, one of the things I find problematic about Beckett's article is that none of the things he lists there are particularly unique to polytheism and can be found in other types of theism. What would a list that is really specific to polytheism look like? I'm curious what our residents of RF might think polytheism adds to the dialogue. While this conversation is open to all of our members, please bear in mind this thread in a discussion section of the forum, so this thread is not for debating.![Big Grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
"Polytheism is a counterbalance to materialism. There are two forms of materialism prevalent in our mainstream society. [*snipped*] The second form of materialism is our society’s preference for things (especially for expensive, extravagant things) over relationships and experiences. [*snipped*] Polytheism reminds us that relationships with the Gods and embodying their virtues are more important than collecting more things. For many of us, this approach isn’t just more virtuous, it’s also far more satisfying."
More possibilities are offered in the full article. However, one of the things I find problematic about Beckett's article is that none of the things he lists there are particularly unique to polytheism and can be found in other types of theism. What would a list that is really specific to polytheism look like? I'm curious what our residents of RF might think polytheism adds to the dialogue. While this conversation is open to all of our members, please bear in mind this thread in a discussion section of the forum, so this thread is not for debating.