In many alleged attempts at reconstruction in the world of my own faith, there is a frustrating level of foreign elements, ranging from not only Judeo-Christian and 19th/20th ritual magic (sometimes through the Wiccan/neo-Pagan influences) but also foreign pagan ideas, from Graeco-Roman and Celtic sources, most typically.
On the one hand, I have a lot of sympathy for attempts at reconstruction. I've felt that pull very strongly myself (as regards Celtic mysticism). On the other hand, true reconstruction is essentially impossible, as too much data has been lost, along with vital cultural context and mindset. And also there's that need I mentioned to reach forward as well as back. Recon trads too often seem more interested in nostalgia and escape than in trying to cope with present-day problems, most of which can only be effectively dealt with with present-day/future "tools."
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Date: 2006-12-07 12:37 pm (UTC)On the one hand, I have a lot of sympathy for attempts at reconstruction. I've felt that pull very strongly myself (as regards Celtic mysticism). On the other hand, true reconstruction is essentially impossible, as too much data has been lost, along with vital cultural context and mindset. And also there's that need I mentioned to reach forward as well as back. Recon trads too often seem more interested in nostalgia and escape than in trying to cope with present-day problems, most of which can only be effectively dealt with with present-day/future "tools."