By Jove, I Think They've Got It

The modern world can be overwhelming.

When it gets you down, what do you do? Many folks reach deep back into the past. Way into the past.

And some of those people recently made news in Greece.

CNN reported online a few weeks ago that in Athens, the worship of Zeus is making a comeback. Yes, you read that right; after more than 16 centuries, public religious ceremonies venerating Greece’s king of the gods—later known to the Romans as Jupiter or Jove—have resumed.

The celebration at the ruins of an ancient temple actually looked like fun … or at least like a scene from the 1981 movie Clash of the Titans or the Hercules TV show from the 1990s. The Zeus followers released doves, burned incense, poured wine, and chanted, all while wearing swanky period-piece robes.

Many Greek Orthodox churchgoers joined the Ministry of Culture—which had declared the site off limits—in looking askance at the gathering. It seems they wanted to uphold the legacy of the Christianized Romans, who banned the pagans’ practices back in the fourth century and drove the Zeus worshippers underground.

Not anymore.

That’s because the Greek government has recognized Ellinais—the movement behind the revival—as a religion. That’s a good step, even though with fewer than 40 members, the group may need a while to reverse the damage done by almost 2,000 years of persecution and disrespect.

Call me an optimist, but I’m guessing the group’s membership will grow quickly—especially in the United States.

After all, Zeus’s favorite tree was the oak—not only a representation of strength but also a symbol of America.

There’s too much dishonesty and cheating in the U.S., and Zeus could help out. Back in the day, he punished deceptive traders in the marketplace and his followers forced exposed liars to dedicate statues to him.

And in times when leaks dominate our news, we could use the help of Zeus—who dispatched the Harpies to torture Phineus after he dared reveal the secrets of the gods.

We’ve got a big election coming up next year. All you candidates had better tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Either that or keep your eyes open for thunderbolts.