I was first introduced to Greek mythology at the age of seven,
and – sorry, Calvert School – I found it depressing. I still do.
Take one look at the ancient Grecian pantheon, and it’s not
surprising that faith in mere men (i.e., philosophers and
politicians) effectively displaced a more primitive faith in
capricious gods and goddesses. Greek myths might make successful
entertainment, but I suspect, as a religious foundation, it
would’ve made people desperate. What better illustration is
there than the story of the Trojan War? Deities are bitter
(Eris), cowardly (Zeus), and vain and revengeful (Aphrodite,
Athena, and Hera). It’s impossible to please all of them at the
same time. People are fated to die as a result. When Jesus
declared “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24), He was
addressing selfish desire. However, I think that the verse
easily could apply to those who might have tried to appease
multiple deities at once. There’s no hope seeking protection
from a host of jealous gods and goddesses, eac