Nature Of Greek Religion

Question 1

What are the 3 key concepts of Greek religion

Answer 1

-in all areas of life
-incoherent and worship is flexible - due to time period and views
-no central sacred text

Question 2

Is there a word for religion in Greek

Answer 2

No - this shows it would have been seen as a fundamental part of life, not a separate practice or area of knowledge

Question 3

What is the closet thing to a scared text

Answer 3

Homer or Hesiod
-composed theologies and gave gods titles and described their appearance- Herodotus, histories 2.53

Question 4

Why should u be cautious abt sources in terms of religion

Answer 4

They could be challenging the beliefs - may not represent a fixed system of belief

Question 5

What are some reliable sources for Greek religion

Answer 5

Gravestones, vases, public documents and offerings

Question 6

What are the main principles of Greek religion

Answer 6

1 basic need in human beings to believe in something greater than themselves
2 important to please gods as everywhere and if the were not pleased they could cause humans trouble - thought they had been wronged by me - could they not have ensured me a watery grave without even a burial - Andocides 1.137
3 no need to love gods or behave well in life
4 contract with the gods - if u worship correctly gods respond by keeping life free of trouble
5 embedded in Greek society - carried out communally
6 polytheistic - worship of all gods interconnected
7 preserved order and produced a meaning of life - has an immediate impact
8 dominated by men
9 limited idea of individual religion - rituals public but can have individual sacrifice
10 illegal behaviour seen as impure which could offend the gods