Greek Religion

Background of Greek Religion

• Differed from city to city the gods were not the same in each city.
• There was no main belief that all citys believed in. 
• Temples were built to honor the gods.
• Many of the ceremonies used sacrifices of animals to apse the gods 

Compared to Christianity

• Greeks believed in several gods, while Christianity believes in one god. 
• Both believe in life after death.
• Christians believe god is everywhere, while Greek gods are in one place.
• Greek religion makes sacrifices unlike Christianity.

Compared to Hinduism

• Gods are similar in nature and behavior.
• Similar weapons and powers.
• Powers consist of oceans, death, and wisdom
• Some represent same things and have similar names
• Hinduism influenced Greek religion.

Specific Beliefs For the greeks

• Reincarnation is the belief that the soul enters another body upon death
• Hades is often compared to the devil
• Believed in fate and Destiny 
• Practiced a lot of sacrifices (mostly blood from an animal)
•  The dead have to flow down the River of the Styx to enter the underworld

How the odyssey supports greek Religion

• Poseidon acts as the ocean to punish odysseus
• Athena acts as reason in the Odyssey.
• Prophecy prevails in the Odyssey
• Greek myths such as the Siren and Cyclops 

Practices of Greek Religion

• Burnt the meat completely to please the gods.
• Just as in the Phonetician feast.
• Sacrificed to receive gifts from the gods.
• Worshiped in temples in the cities and countrysides.
• Temples were devoted to one god in particular.

Bibliography

• "Ancient Greek and Roman Religion." Ancient Greek Religion and Philosophy. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2014.
• "Ancient Greek Philosophy." Ancient Greek Philosophy. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2014.
• "Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History." Greek Gods and Religious Practices. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2014.
• "Similarities between Greek and Hindu Gods." Spirtual Living 360. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2014.