Expert: J.M.J. West - 6/6/2008

Question
I am afraid that I might actually be in love with a pagan goddess (Aphrodite, to be exact). Though I have no real attraction to neo-paganism, I am fascinated by her. I'm afraid I might be hurting my relationship with God. What should I do?

Answer
Alex,

I'm going to assume that you are not speaking about loving what you believe to be an actual, physical incarnation of Aphrodite, but only with the concept of or images of said deity.  Were you suggesting the former, I'd caution you that such a deity does not exist, but that you could be falling victim to a con by either a person or a demon (go read Milton's Paradise Lost for an interesting take on Demon's masquerading as pagan deities in human history).

That said, if you just really have a love for the art depicting Aphrodite (assuming it's not giving rise to lustful thoughts), then that's okay.  I myself have always liked the Hindu artworks depicting the blue-skinned Shiva.  But I recognize that these are false gods.  But I also recognize that they are true expressions of the innate human religiosity found in all peoples (assuming again that they aren't merely masquerading demons - but even then they could still show this human expression quite clearly).

Moreover, as a theist, one is free to admit a level of truth in all religions, though certainly Christianity in general and moreover Catholicism in particular would contain the fullness of the truth.  If you can recognize this and appreciate the conception of Aphrodite for who she really is (or isn't), then that's okay.

What is not okay is seeking to replace worship of the one, true God with the worship of a false god, "the work of human hands".  So long as you're not doing that, you're probably okay.  Many an archeologist or historian might share a similar fascination with such "deities".  But if you conscience nonetheless tells you otherwise, then listen to it.  I can give general guidelines, but your situation may be different.

Hope that helps, and feel free to ask any follow up questions.

Pax Christi,

-J.M.J. West