Bondarenko on "National Pantheon": Do we now have polytheism?

Ukrainian political scientist and historian Konstantin Bondarenko. Photo: Wikipedia

On July 1, political analyst Kostiantyn Bondarenko commented on his Telegram channel on the the Verkhovna Rada's decision to create the "National Pantheon," and questioned how such a name correlates with the country's declared monotheism.

Bondarenko recalled that the word "pantheon" literally translates as "temple of all gods." In his opinion, the very use of this term raises questions in a state where the authorities regularly appeal to Christian values and religious tradition.

"If Pantheon literally translates as 'temple of all gods,' then what becomes of the declared monotheism?" the political analyst noted, commenting on the initiative of Ukrainian deputies.

He also questioned whether the people's representatives had considered the symbolic meaning of such a decision. Bondarenko argues that it may amount not to a direct violation, but to a symbolic breach of the First Commandment.

The political expert emphasized that the very idea of a "National Pantheon" under such a name appears contradictory: on the one hand, the authorities speak of faith and spirituality, while on the other, they employ a term associated with polytheism.

The UOJ previously reported that the Rada committee recommended adopting the bill on the Pantheon of Heroes.

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