The Divine Diversity in Western Culture: Gods Beyond Jesus and the Realities of Religious Spread

The notion of gods in Western culture, especially the prevalence of Jesus as a figure of worship, often leads to the assumption that other deities are non-existent or unimportant. However, the complexity and diversity of religious beliefs across the West reveal a rich tapestry of divine figures and traditions. This article explores the concept of Western gods, their significance, and the historical and modern context of religious spread, providing a comprehensive overview of the divine landscapes in various parts of the Western world.

What is The West and The Occident?

The terms 'The West' and 'The Occident' refer to a broader geographic region, including Western Europe, the Americas, and Australasia. In contrast, Europe, a continent, refers to a specific location with diverse ethnicities, nationalities, and cultures. The West is a cultural and historical designation that emerged from the ancient Roman and Greek schemes, which divided the world into Eastern and Western parts. Thus, while The West includes Europe, it is not synonymous with it due to the inclusion of other regions.

Is the West a Culture?

The West is a cultural term that encompasses a wide array of ethnicities, nationalities, and customs, united by a shared geographic location. Westernization and being Westernized denote the adoption of cultural, political, and economic aspects from Western countries. This process is not uniform, as it can involve elements from various Western nations and can vary based on historical and modern contexts. Therefore, the West is a term that refers to a diverse and heterogeneous cultural landscape rather than a single, unified culture.

Is Europe a Culture?

Like The West, Europe is a geographical term that does not automatically equate to a specific culture. Europe is home to a myriad of ethnicities, nationalities, and cultural practices. Being European is defined by one's continent of origin, not by cultural or sociological habits, physical appearance, or behavior. Distinct cultures exist within Europe, as they do throughout the Western world, making Europe a diverse continent with rich cultural heritage.

Is Jesus Western or European?

Judging from a historical and geographic perspective, Jesus was an ethnic Jew from Jerusalem, which is in West Asia. Therefore, Jesus is not native to Europe nor to The West. His religious tradition, Christianity, spread throughout Europe and the world, but it is rooted in West/SW Asia and Near/Middle Eastern origins.

Modern Religious Practices in The West

The dominant religions in The West, such as Christianity, are not uniquely Western, as they originated in West/SW Asia. Similarly, Hinduism and Buddhism, from South Asia and Far Eastern regions, are also prevalent. This diversity suggests that while Christianity is a major religion in modern Western societies, it is not the only one. Other religious traditions, particularly those from Asia, coexist and are widely practiced.

How Did Christianity Spread Throughout Europe and Other Regions?

The Roman Empire, which spanned multiple continents, played a significant role in the spread of Christianity. When Christianity was first persecuted, it eventually gained more acceptance and spread across various regions. Eastern Europe and parts of Asia remain predominantly Christian, demonstrating the transcontinental reach of Christianity. However, it's important to note that Christianity supplanted many indigenous faiths, both in Europe and other regions. For example, in parts of Asia and parts of Europe, native deities and practices were often subsumed or replaced by Christian beliefs.

Consequences and Syncretism of Supplanted Religions

The spread of Christianity led to the decline of many indigenous religions. In some cases, these religions continued to exist alongside Christian practices, leading to a dual faith or syncretic belief system. Syncretism, in which religious practices blend together, often emerged when indigenous and Christian traditions coexist. Additionally, some regions developed their own unique religious practices that blended elements of both indigenous and Christian beliefs, creating a rich tapestry of diverse religious traditions.

Exploring Further: Gods and Deities in Different Cultures

To explore the gods and deities of various cultures, you need to focus on different people and their specific traditions. Below are examples from different regions:

Northern and Central Asia

Beyond the borders of Europe, Northern and Central Asia feature diverse indigenous religions. For example, the Baltic and Slavic peoples have their native faiths and deities. Tengrism, a shamanistic tradition, also exists among Turkic and Mongolic peoples. The indigenous traditions in this region are rich and varied.

Non-Western Europe (I.e., Eastern Europe and West Asia)

This region, often referred to as the European Near East, includes cultures with a mix of native and Christian traditions. For instance, Albanian pre-Christian traditions are poorly documented, but Greek mythology is well-known. Slavic and Baltic mythologies provide insight into the diverse religious practices in this part of the world.

The West but Not Europe (Americas and Australasia)

The Americas and Australasia feature a diverse array of indigenous religions. The Iroquois, Hopi, and Navajo have their own rich traditions, while the Maya, Inca, and Aztecs have left a lasting cultural and religious impact. Totem poles in the Pacific Northwest, ritual dances by the Hopi, and sacrificial practices by South and Central American empires are all examples of unique indigenous religions.

Western Europe (The West and Europe)

Western European cultures have well-known religious traditions that have influenced and been influenced by other regions. The Ancient Roman pantheon, influenced by the ancient Eurasian Greeks, is an example. Germanic traditions like the Norse gods and Celtic traditions like the wee folk and stonehenge offer a glimpse into the rich religious diversity of this region.

For a more in-depth study of specific gods and deities, you can explore the religious traditions of the regions mentioned above. Each provides a unique perspective on the divine and offers a fascinating insight into the cultural and religious diversity of the Western world.