You know what's the one thing I have noticed in a LOT of Greek literature such as the Illiad or the Odyssey? Now, I'm not sure if ALL Greek literature is guilty of this or not, since my knowledge of Greek Literature is somewhat limited. But, what I've noticed is that in each of these stories, the gods are absolutely horrible in nature.
I know, I know..."But they've always been in conflict." True, true, the Greek gods of lore have a reputation for being absolute jerks (for example, Pandora's Box) to man and even to one another, but what I've always wondered is WHY the Greeks worship such flawed, albeit, divine beings...? I mean, true, they probably don't realize they are dancing at the end of a string a good 90% of the time, but why would the Greeks worship a group of divine beings who constantly bicker with one another and threaten their very subjects if they so much as miss a single sacrifice...? It's obvious that the Greeks are aware of the "drama" that goes on on Olympos, and it's been proven that the gods CAN be harmed by mortal men (for instance, Aphrodite in the Illiad by...Diomedes, was it? I'm bad at remembering names)In fact, I'd go far as to say that the gods are more childish and immature than the very mortals they lord over.
Again, in one story, the gods once trapped Aphrodite and Ares in a net and mocked them and threw fruit and vegetables at them once they had discovered their little fling. And true, back then the Greeks were more open about sexuality than us. In fact, back then, Homosexuality was considered the MANLIEST thing ever because it didn't involve women (though, I believe it was only the Spartans who thought that). But look at the gods! Zeus shagged both inanimate AND animate objects/beings. For pete's sake, he had sex with a ray of LIGHT once!
So, again, WHY would the Greeks worship a group of beings that are possible just as, or more, flawed than them...? Is there something I'm not getting, or is it attributed to human nature? That we would LIKE someone to tell us what do to do or how to do it rather than think for ourselves...?
P.S.- I commented on Brittany Hilbun's post.
A few thoughts on this subject--since it's been a big theme throughout this whole blog experience. First, the gods are worshiped because of their raw power in much the same way that powerful dictators are revered and even loved. They are worshiped mainly out of fear, though sometimes for other reasons. (Even tyrants have fan clubs.) Second, remember what Dr. Mitchell said about the gods being identified with nature or elements of human culture. Poseidon is not just the god of the sea; he IS the sea, and as such, he/it merits reverence and fear. Third, many of the gods are projections of human personality traits, and it is the nature of the egotist to worship himself.
ReplyDelete- Dr. Schuler
I believe a huge portion of their passion and worship for these gods was also developed because they were subconsciously controlling the gods. Their imaginations gave the gods traits, and who wouldn't love having a god who is able to protect them and subconsciously bent to his or her will. Even children express this with an adoration of superheroes. The superheroes are actually created by man's mind as a protector FOR man's mind.
ReplyDelete-Will
The gods are in some ways, similar to mortals. Their emotions and character resemble much of mortals. Yes, they all have different power over different things, but if you looked at a god, say Zues, he acts just as a mortal and in character is much like a mortal. And this can be seen for all the gods.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. The amount of devotion that the mortals have for their unruly "gods" is insane to me. Personally, I cannot imagine what it must feel like to be governed by a petty god who is always changing his mind, or even worse, a god who finds pleasure in conflict. On page 428 of my text it says:
ReplyDelete“Zeus heard it from where he sat on Olympos, and was amused in his deep heart for pleasure, as he watched the gods’ collision in conflict.”
I am so grateful that Christ is never changing and always loving.