hey! I noticed in your bio you said I were a Hellenist, and I wanted to inform you that (unless you are greek or using it in the sense that you study gree e) the correct and least offensive term is hellenic polytheist! no hate btw and I think your really cool and rad and awesome
“Correct and least offensive term…” Oh, miss me with that bullshit. I know you said no hate, but this is also a rant at every other person I’ve seen say this, so sorry if I am a bit aggressive—this isn’t at you specifically, anon.
Let me start with the polite explanation: a Hellenist—when used in reference to religion—is someone who follows the Hellenic deities.
Some people tend to avoid using “Hellenist” outright, as it is still used in Greek spaces to refer to general Greek life/Greek studies, which is why Hellenic polytheist/Hellenic pagan exist as terms. However, Hellenist can still be used to refer to the worship as long as the context is correct. Words have multiple definitions.
I follow the Hellenic religion Hellenism and am thus a Hellenist. That is how suffixes work.
Despite the very common misconception, Hellenist is not a term exclusive to ethnically Greek worshipers. They, in fact, have their own term. Ethnic Hellenes.
Now, onto the aggressive and disrespectful part of the post. This is more of a rant, so if you’re just here for the information, I’d recommend you leave now.
Stop fucking policing other people’s language of self-identification, especially if you aren’t a part of that group. Non-Greek Hellenists have been referring to themselves as Hellenists for years, and most who have a problem with it just refer to themselves as something else, rather than sticking their nose into other people’s business.
I am a Hellenist. I am also a Hellenic pagan and a Hellenic polytheist and whatever term you choose to identify us with. But first and foremost, I worship the Gods. That is what matters. And I choose to self identify with the term Hellenist because that is A) what people in this religion are most often called, and B) the term I prefer.
I’m sorry it offends you that I identify with the term people in my religion use. But that term of identification isn’t your problem—that shit’s between me and the Gods.
