Thu, 17 May 2012 22:04:06 -0800WeeblyWed, 18 Jan 2012 18:41:13 -0800http://www.shamelesspassion.com/1/post/2012/01/q-how-do-you-compare-yourselves-with-the-hellenes-or-hellenion-groups.htmlQ: "How do you compare yourselves with the Hellene's or Hellenion groups? You both seem to do the Greek thing."  S.N.

 A: Rational Hedonism is an atheistic religion while Hellenion is considered “pagan” (which originally just meant the “country folk outside the cities who refused to drop their traditional gods for the newest religion at the time -Christianity ... even though mere years earlier the Romans were killing those new Christians by the arena-full). R.H. has nothing against groups such asHellenion, and probably have much in common.

Rational Hedonism's roots are deeply entrenched in ancient Hellas, or as you put it, “the Greek thing” as far back as 460 B.C.E. with Democritus. The best known rational hedonist, Epicurus, taught that even if there was a god or gods, he/she/they were made from the same stuff as the stars, the earth, and us – atoms – and not involved in the lives of humans.

R.H. has kept the cultural flavor of it's intellectual and cultural homeland as it spread it's philosophy from the Hellenics (Greeks) to the Romans who carried it to early Europe and who in turn transplanted it to the new cities at the beginning of the U.S., such as retaining traditional foods, music, and our children still perform skits based on the culture of Aesop's fables and the mythical adventures of the Greek gods.

Rational Hedonists have moved forward over the centuries without fear of repercussion by jealous, vengeful, or guilt-slinging god(s). We may own statues or art representing the Hellenic gods for the traits and qualities we relate or admire in them, but in no way do we worship them. R.H. does not seek to revive the ancient Hellenist empire, it has evolved and adapted into the modern age, but the heritage and philosophical roots are still firmly entrenched, vibrant and alive.

While some people are a bit relieved we do not advocate the worship of the Hellenic/Greek gods, they are still uncomfortable we don't believe in their god either. But to that we simply suggest:

“I contend we are both atheists, I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.”   Stephen F. Roberts

]]>