About the Religion
Canaanite Reconstructionism is a modern Neopagan religion based on the religious beliefs and practices of the people of ancient Canaan (modern-day Israel, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan) during the Bronze Age (3000-2000 B.C.E.). Canaanite Recon is not a form of Jewitchery or Jewish traditionalism, although some participants chose to incorporate early Hebrew practices into their faith.
Alternate names: Natib Qadish (which is Hebrew for ’sacred path’) and Canaanite Polytheism.
Neopaganism, in this case, is an umbrella term used to describe all religions and religious branches of modern origin that are not Abrahamic (Christianity, Judaism, & Islam), and that self-identify as neopagan (1). There is some argument as to whether Eastern religious movements (stemming from Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Shintoism, etc.) should be included, as pagan is decidedly European term. What these terms do, indisputably, cover are religions such as Asatru, Druidism, Gaia, Wicca, and the various reconstructionist religions.
Reconstructionist (Recon) religions, such as Canaanite Recon, differ from other neopagan paths in that they give greater emphasis to historic accuracy. They are modern in origin, yet based strongly on the practices and structure of a particular ancient culture. Recons attempt to apply the relevant aspects of this spirituality to contemporary living, while at the same time recognizing that many early practices are impractical and conflict with modern moral standards. Other recon religions include Greek (Hellenoism), Egyptian (Kemeticism), Roman (Religio Romano), and Celtic.
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(1) “Why We’re Touchy About Defining Paganism.” 2007. The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum. 19 July 2007 <webpage>
