Is it more important to study and read the Gnostics or Plato or Plutarch or the Homeric Hymns to the Gods?

Question

I'm new to paganism. any Christians going to try to convert me or anybody that is going to post something stupid. Don't even bother.

Answer 1

Read everything, why limit yourself. Seek truth

Also have an open mind for all you see and read within this world is not of truth

Answer 2

Osie, Merry Meet!
Welcome to the world of Paganism. I would like to suggest that before launching into classical literature you might find it more satisfying to explore the teachings of modern pagans.
http://www.witchvox.com/
is a great website with lots of information including local groups that might interest you. There are lots of bookstores and even some libraries have books of interest.
Good Luck and Blessed Be,
FairyBear

BTW The Gnostic Gospels are Christian, Plato and Plutarch may have been pagans but their writings really are more philosophical. The Homeric Hymns are beautiful but really limited to a small group of Gods.

Answer 3

Well, I am a Christian, so I hope that doesn't put you off.
But if you want an accurate overview of Hellenistic Paganism, you should go: Homer, Poets, Pre-Socratics, Socratics, Aristotle, Platonists, Neo-Babylonians, Gnostics, and Neo-Platonists. For a good overview of Greek literature, see the introduction to Smyth's Greek Grammar. Don't try to read the original authors until you read a complete, chronological overview. Read Hans Jonas for Gnosticism, and avoid Elaine Pagels. Get a simple introductory course on Attic Greek (like Athenaze). Study Gnosticism in theory *before* you start reading Gnostic documents.

Answer 4

I am a practicing Hellenic Polytheist (Pagan). If you are looking for things from a Hellenic Polytheistic perspective, I would not include the Gnostic Christian writings. I would start with good translations of Homer, Hesiod and Plato if you are looking for ancient texts.

There are also a lot of good books by Modern authors on the subject of the Hellenic Gods. The Gods of the Greeks, by Carl Kerenyi is a good book. I would also recommend a book called KHARIS: Hellenic Polytheism Explored by Sarah Kate Istra Winter, also known as Oinokhoe. This book also includes lists of resources for Hellenic Polytheists.

You can contact me directly for more information as well as looking at the links in my sources. I have a lot more sources I can refer you to, but here are some to start with

Answer 5

Do what you feel is right in your own mind. Just remember, all mentioned, but some gnostic material, Is written over hundreds of years after the fact. Not very reliable. Thats why archaeologist can't seem to find many places found in these books. Its good to expand the mind with knowledge. But remember those books aren't reliable. Be a smart pagan, study the scriptures and you'll see that the textual criticism is more reliable for the bible than those other books. In the end, you'll be a more smarter, even if you won't believe. My friends mentioned in my profile have done that, and it blows me away when they know more bible than most of my christian friends. Good studying.

Answer 6

I like Plato or Plutarch. The Gnostics were not selected for a reason, and reasons. The one about "The Family" of Christ is an abomination, as in "Da Vinci".

Answer 7

In order to get a well-rounded education, I think it's important to study just about everything there is to study, whether you believe in it or not. It's always a good idea to know about the beliefs of others, as well as what you believe in.

I've always been interested in the Greek and Roman philosophers, and what they had to say. Interestingly enough, what they taught in their time is still applicable today.

Answer 8

I'm a Christian, but what is wrong with reading all of that material and then thinking rationally about it, even comparing its doctrines to Christianity? If something is true then it can stand questioning.

Answer 9

Depends what kind of pagan you are. "Paganism" really doesn't mean much. Why a Celtic pagan would feel compelled to read any of those things, for example, is beyond me.

Answer 10

Well thanks to Hestia's priestess theres not much to add. However If you would like an overview of Neoplatonist theology, you can do no better than Sallustius' 'On the Gods and the World'.

Honour the Gods, gladden the ancestors.