Religion and anthropology

1. Religion and anthropology • Greek religion was polytheistic • Many gods and goddesses with different skills and personalities. • Relative equality of gender in Greek religion. Dionysos on a donkey Visit www.worldofteaching.com For 100’s of free powerpoints

2. Greek gods • Anthropomorphism. Gods like humans • Greek gods were imperfect, and ritual was about appeasing them or obtaining favour. • The gods were not holders of an absolute truth. No outside authority. • Therefore religion was much about ritual and little about dogma, and people were free to find their own moral answers.

3. The religious practices were about ritual, and thus religion was widely integrated into public and private life. • From late antiquity a more spiritual dimension grows and prepares the road for Christianity.

4. Byzantium • Christianity becomes a very important aspect of life under the Byzantine Empire. • Patristic literature • Byzantine art and iconography • Christian Culture in a Christian state.

6. Under Turkish rule • Under Turkish rule the Church becomes the focal point for Hellenism. • Preserves the language • Preserves national identity and pride. Thus the Church becomes integrated into national identity.

7. The secular modern State • The modern state does not aspire to become a theocracy. • Constitution guarantees religious freedom. The law does not try to impose Christian ideals. However the church remains important.

8. The paradox of Greek life • Although a deeply religious society, it is also very secular. People can be touchy about religion, but do not like the Church to dictate the pace of life. • So, society is a mix of traditional with modern.

9. The present role of the Church • The Church is seeking to inspire people into spirituality and to this it has succeeded to some degree. • The Church still plays an important role in bringing together Greek immigrant communities.