Polytheism should translate across cultural and ethnic borders. All gods exist. We can see our gods in the gods of others. We are united by our diversity. In the ancient world, polytheism did not translate into racism or nationalism. It transcended and overcame those barriers instead.

This is why we must all be aware of the dangers of extremism and we must speak up and make clear to others (and especially to our children) that the struggle to re-establish ourselves is far from over. I feel, at times, that it's rather like the Roman struggle to absorb the "barbarians" – assimilation into new modes of thinking, into new thought modes, excising old baggage, is not easy. But then again, that is why I am here personally, and it is what drives me. And Solon's words would, as I believe I said before, be embraced by all polytheistic cultures of the ancient world.

However, I believe that polytheism, philosophically speaking, cannot and should never support extremism of fundamentalist thinking. In Hellenic religion, we talk about POLYMORPHIA, or "multiple forms" as being an inherent part of the KOSMOS. This means that Nature, which everything in the KOSMOS is a part of, takes multiple forms of expression. Its the spiritual equivalent of biodiversity. We can see this principle in the different species of trees, animals, ideas, governments, languages, etc…..Religion is also part of that continuum and has to follow the same rules by default. So, while people can believe that their religion is the "only true religion", its patently false because reality demonstrates the existence of diversity. An individual would have to deny or make up some ridiculous explanation to validate that view, and that's exactly what people do. However, its indefensible philosophically and objectively.

In any case, I'm glad to see that other people are talking about this issue, because I think its becoming more and more pronounced in the world with everything thats been going on. Ever since this BS notion of the "Clash of Civilizations" was established during the Bush administration, we're seeing more and more of it being pumped out into civil society and its becoming "normal". Extremism, in the religious fundamentalist sense, WAS NEVER NORMAL. Solon had it right, "μηδέν άγαν" – Nothing in Excess.

Thanks for your kind words! I'll be lurking about in the future, I'm sure.

You've been the first vegetarian in the comments section here, to have spoken with consideration for the other side (omnivores and meat-eaters). I enjoyed reading your comment especially the correct dietary facts, and wish there were more vegetarians who thought like you.

Thank you for posting your response.

I am a vegetarian. No, I don't care if you eat meat, since my self-imposed dietary restrictions are personal choice. As an anthropology major, I know definitively I'm going against the human biological imperative of being an omnivore. The only feature that makes humans an apex predator is our mind. We have no fangs or claws to speak of. Nor any of the usual mammalian protections, such as thick hide. (Though, on the point about our intestines, longer intestines are a sign of a diet rich in plant material. Apes have longer intestines due to the size of their torsos, relative to ours. We stand upright, have longer legs, and a lighter torso, therefore our intestines are not quite as long. Compared to an obligate carnivore, such as the large cats, our digestive system is very different.) My dietary choice is bit for ethical reasons, true. A lot of it is because I don't like giving money to corporations I don't like.

I have no problem with subsistence hunting. In fact, I find it much more admirable than the disconnect most people have when it comes to food. (Trophy hunting is something else entirely.)

I admire folks who can, and do, grow their own food, including the raising of livestock. It takes a lot of time and energy. I especially like the farmers who give their animals access to land. It makes for healthier animals, which makes for healthier food. If I had the means I would do this myself. Chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics used in industrial farming are a whole different business, and not something I look too kindly on.

Unfortunately, as with zealots of any stripe, the loudest and most vocal adherents are the ones who get the most attention and give the rest a bad name. This happens all the time. Which brings me back to the topic of the original post.

Moderation in all things. I wish more people held to this principle. I agree that in many historical cases polytheism was a bastion of moderation. Especially when it came to religious beliefs. Even when the Romans conquered other peoples, they did not force the worship of their pantheon on those defeated. Tribute, oftentimes, yes. (Which is what the early Christians got into some trouble over.) The exchange of deities is what happened the most. The cults of Isis and Mithras are prime examples. Even more often they saw the native gods as extensions, or just different names for their own dieties, such as in Gaul. That said, there have been times when polytheism was not so tolerant. It can be argued, though, that that was in retaliation to a form of monotheism, more than anything else.

If I have missed anything, or made any mistakes, you're welcome to point them out.

Thank you for putting it so simply and so well.