Demeter (Ceres)

Just outside the village of Sangri on Naxos Island in the Cyclades is the attractive ruin of the Temple of Demeter. Demeter is a grain goddess, so it seems only natural to find her temple among the rich fields of Naxos.

HistoryThe Temple of Demeter was built in the 6th century BC. The temple was partially dismantled in the 6th century AD when a church was built over it. In later centuries the site was abandoned and plundered for its marble. What to SeeUntil recently, there was very little to see - none of the temple was left standing. But a few years ago, it was discovered that most of the columns and stones of the original temple still remained on site, either buried or used in the ruined chapel.

It was subsequently restored by German archaeologists to its present state, which is now intact enough to show the basic form of the Temple of Demeter at Sangri. It is one of the few known temples with a square floor plan.

Getting There

By car from Hora, follow the road to Filoti. After about 6 miles, turn onto the road signposted for Ano Sangri and the Temple of Demeter. Follow the signs for about 2 more miles to the temple. The last part of the drive is mainly on dirt roads.

Quick Facts on the Temple of DemeterSite InformationNames:Temple of Demeter; Temple of Demeter, NaxosCity:Naxos IslandState:CycladesCountry:GreeceCategories:TemplesFaiths:Ancient GreekFeat:Temple to ChurchStyles:ClassicalDates:530 BCEStatus:ruinsVisitor and Contact InformationAddress:Ano Sangri, Naxos Island, GreeceCoordinates:37.036509° N, 25.430131° E Opening Hours:Tuesâ€" Sun 8.30amâ€"3pmCost:FreeTransport:The temple can be reached by car or a 30-minute walk from Sangri.

The community has said...

• I don't know. We'll all find out one day! Maybe, maybe not.

• Without empirical proof, then it's all hypothesis, conjectures and/or wishful thinking.

• Yes, he does... but it also depends on who you ask.

• By "It all depends on who you ask" I think the person who answered means that not everyone believes that God exists. The belief or non-belief has no bearing, though, on His existence [or non-existence].

• Yes, hundreds, if not thousands. Of course, believers of these gods asserts that theirs is the true god...

• No, it is just a myth.

• Yes, there is a God, only one God. Religion is false. God created Heaven, Earth and everything that is in them. He created man to be in a personal, loving relationship with Him. He sent His only Son, Jesus (who lived a perfect, blameless life), to bear the sin of the world because we're screw-ups. Human=sinner. If we believe that Jesus Christ bore our sin and died on the cross, and that God raised Him from the dead, we will go to be with Him in Heaven when we die.
• Your belief is your God. If you believe, there is a God, if not, no God. But sure there is some supernatural power which maintains all the universe.
• This is a question that many consider controversial for obvious reasons. Because we cannot see the creator, many feel that he does not exist. I believe firmly that we can "see" him if we are looking for him, and that he does exist. So I will present my belief in as a condensed form as I can. If anything said here offends someone who believes otherwise, I apologize, that is not my intent.

  First, the Bible itself provides an answer to that question with simple logic. At Hebrews 3:4 it says,"Of course, every house is constructed by someone, but he that constructed all things is God." That is very simple logic when you think about it. When we see a house, we don't imagine that it somehow just appeared there over millions of years of accidental occurrences. We know someone with intelligence designed it and built it, all for a purpose.

  All of creation, including the Earth, universe, animals, plants, and us, are much , much more complicated than any house is. Reasonably, the more complicated the design is, the more intelligent the creator must be.

  The most accurate and complicated time piece in the universe, is the universe itself. All the planets, moons, and stars are in perfect alignment, in perfect order, so much so that scientists can predict years in advance where a particular celestial object will be on a given date, even at a given time. If you took all the pieces of a watch, put them in a can and shook them around in that can, those pieces would never assemble themselves into a working timepiece, even if you could shake them around in that can for millions of years. Someone with knowledge of how a watch works has to put those pieces together to make it operate properly.

  I also believe that the Bible itself testifies to being inspired by an intelligent creator. Over 700 years before Jesus was born, the Bible writer Isaiah, at Isaiah 40:22 said, "There is One who is dwelling above the circle of the earth..." Interestingly, the Hebrew word translated "circle" literally means "sphere," so that some translations render that word as such. Isaiah wrote this at a time when the worldly "scientists" of the day thought that the Earth was flat, and supported by giant elephants. It would take science over 2000 years to catch up to the Bible when they discovered that the Earth was indeed round as Isaiah has said. How did Isaiah get his information? I believe it was was from the one who would know, the creator.

  Job 26:7 says,"He is ...Hanging the earth upon nothing." This eludes to the Earth has having no visible means of support. This was only understood thousands of years later when scientists discovered gravity. Again, the Bible was ahead of it's time, and again, I believe the information had to come from the creator.

  Ecclesiastes 1:7 explains accurately, but in very simple terms, the Earth's water cycle. The Jews were protected from diseases by sanitation laws provided by the creator, at a time when people had no knowledge of bacteria or microorganisms that can cause disease.-(Deuteronomy 23:13; Leviticus 11:27,28,32,33, 13:1-5; Numbers 19:1-13) This was at a time when the world's physicians used human excrement as a salve to treat open wounds! But the Israelites were protected from such dangerous practices. Again, I believe that information could only come from the creator, the father, Jehovah God.

  For more information, here is a couple of links that you may find interesting: http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2004/6/22/article_02.htm http://www.watchtower.org/library/ct/creator.htm

• Circular Reasoning

  Q. Is there a God?

  Ans. Yes there's a God.

  Q.How do you know that there's a God?

  Ans. Because the Bible tells it so.

  Q. How do you know the Bible is infallible?

  Ans. Because the Bible is the word of God..

  See Related Links for "Circular Reasoning" to the left for the answer.

• Isaiah 40:22.. "He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in."

  This passage may reasonably be interpreted as referring to a flat circular earth with the heavens forming a dome above it. Such an interpretation is consistent with other passages of the Bible which refer to a solid FIRMAMENT (emphasis mine) (Gen. 1:6-20, 7:11; Ezekiel 1:22-26; Job 9:8, 22:14, etc.).

  Psalm

  "Thou has set all the borders of the earth" A spherical earth has no borders. 74:17 God holds the earth up with pillars. 75:3

  Another reference to "the foundations of the earth", implying that the earth is fixed and does not move. 82:5

  "The world also is established, that it cannot be moved." 93:1

  "The world also shall be established that it shall not be moved." 96:10

  "God ... who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain" (The earth is stationary and does not orbit the sun.) 104:5

  "Praise him in the FIRMAMENT (see link) of his power." 150:1

• ** Your point regarding Isaiah 40:22 is well stated, however, the Hebrew word (pronounced "chugh") which has been some Bibles translate as "circle," literally means "sphere." Interestingly, only a spherical object appears as a circle from every angle. So, from the perspective of a circle or sphere, the Bible writer was correct.

• ** In Ps. 74:17 borders are mentioned. Yes, a spherical object does not have borders, but continents, islands, and land masses do have borders. So, from that perspective, the Bible writer was correct.

• ** Using terms such as "pillars, foundations, established, cannot be moved, firmament," in regards to the Earth does not have to literally mean that the Bible writers meant that the Earth does not move. Psalms 104:5 says,"He has founded the earth upon its established places; It will not be made to totter to time indefinite, or forever." Ecclesiastes 1:4 says,"One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever."(KJV) Job 26:7 clearly states that the Earth hangs "upon nothing." No visible means of support. These other verses indicate the Earth's permanence, that it is here to stay. God promises that he will not allow the Earth to be destroyed. In fact, Revelation 11:18 lists among God's purposes, to "bring to ruin those ruining the Earth." So even though man has the ability to destroy the Earth, God will not allow it to happen according to the Bible.

  Flat Earth 4:5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

  Daniel: The stone became "a great mountain" that "filled the whole earth." This could only be possible on a flat, disc-shaped earth. 2:35

  Daniel's tree is tall enough to be seen from "the end of all the earth." Only on a flat earth would this be possible.4:10-11, 20

  Revelation 1:7".....and every eye shall see him..."

  Psalm 33:14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.

  Ezekiel 7:2 Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.

  Isaiah 11:12 "..... four corners of the earth."

• Just because the bible says that there is a GOD does not make it true. A person wrote the bible. Someone out there wrote the bible, so who's to say that they didn't just make it up? While I am not saying that this is true, it is a question that I have all ways wondered. I will probably burn in hell for this, oh well. People tend to make their own explanations for things they don't understand, like the fact that the earth is not flat, and it is not in the center of the universe like we thought before. And the people that where smart enough to figure it out where scorned.
• Yes. Do you think that the world could just come to be from nothing? Think about all the details of the world. Take a leaf for example. There are whole books on leaves - all about them, their intricate systems and it just makes me go wow! Only a creative, amazing God could make something like that.

A:Religions and their gods have had more to do with human selfishness and greed than with righteousness, piety, compassion and spirituality. People use the words written by other men as proof of their religious theologies but never can they produce the realistic evidence as validation. It is apparent from many of the religious doctrines that this imaginary entity they call GOD is actually a slave master and a selfish, jealous authoritarian.

Absolutely no individual involved in organized religion has a conclusive answer to the question of proving the existence of God. Many religious zealots will venture to market their particular brand of theology in an attempt to create a convincing argument that their dogma contains the only credible proof that the God-Fantasy is true. If God can't help you when you are in need then why waste time? If you call your parents for help, they respond. If you call your friends for help, they respond. But this great and powerful God leaves so many innocent victims to suffer and die at the hands of vicious criminals.

Is it not curious how God is never around when good, honest and righteous people call for his help in terrifying situations? He hides from every one except the crooked charlatans trying to exploit gullible simpletons. The Internet is doing a better job than him. Doctors and scientists are adding more value to society than he and his cult of religious bigots. Human suffering is alleviated by the hard work of caring, compassionate, righteous and dedicated individuals.

The concept of God's Mysterious ways is a convenient excuse of religious fanatics for creating Fairy tales. It is no different from parents who make up stories in response to their children's questions about the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus.

No one has been able to prove beyond reasonable doubt, the existence/nonexistence of a supreme spiritual entity that govern the universe. If something exists it just has to be realized and experienced or for something to be discovered it has to exist.

In order to find something, you must know exactly what it is that you are looking for. You must know how and where to search for it then you have to know how to recognize it when you find it.

> Designer. To the archaeologist the existence and intricacy of the piece of pottery is conclusive proof of the existence, intelligence and ability of the people who made it. Look at the beautiful sunset on a summer evening, at the moon and the stars on a cloudless night, at the water that you drink, at the trees and how they grow from tiny seeds. Think about your eyes with which you see, your ears with which you hear, your tongues with which you taste and talk, your hands and your feet, your heart and your brain. Consider how these things are so complex in themselves and yet work together in such perfect harmony. From the movement of the galaxies to the complexities of the interaction of molecules, from the dynamics of eco-systems to the intricacies of DNA, all lead to the obvious fact of the existence of the great Wisdom, Knowledge and Power that allows our Universe to exist and function. To any perceptive person the existence and intricacy of creation is conclusive proof of the Existence, Knowledge and Wisdom of the One who creates, organises and sustains it. Most people naturally recognise the existence of the Creator, and we find reference to the Creator in all cultures and religions. Even the atheists, communists and (disbelieving) scientists cannot avoid this reality, but avoid the term 'creator', for phrases like 'Mother Nature' and 'the amazing way nature has designed...'

• How strange in the face of this, that many today reject the belief in the existence of the Creator. Perhaps this is due more to fashion and the desire to justify a materialistic attitude to life rather than real observation and comprehension of reality. Something stranger still, and perhaps another reason for the trend to deny the Creator, are those who claim that a man, or men, who walked on the earth, breathed air, who had bodies and souls subject to the Laws of the Universe, are the Creator, or manifestations of the Self-Subsistent One. This is of course a complete contradiction in terms. Something cannot be the Creator and created at the same time, needing air, food and drink and being self-sufficient, being temporary and eternal! If you are one of those who believe that a man such as Buddha, or Krishna, or Jesus is the Creator and Controller, then think again. We were created from a drop of despised fluid, in which was a microscopic sperm, which in turn fertilised a microscopic egg and we grew in our mother's womb in stages predetermined, over which we had no control. We came from our mother's womb, urinating and defecating, needing constant attention and care. Without food we will die, without air we will die ... and then such a one is God? Indeed any intelligent person would recognise exactly how dependant life, the universe and everything is on its Creator. Our dire need for His help makes itself plain in times of great distress. Imagine yourself in an aeroplane and you know it is going to crash... Who do you turn to for help then ? Or on a ship in the sea, thrown helplessly up and down by towering waves ...There will have been a situation at one time or the other in your life when you called upon your Creator alone, forgetting everyone and everything else, hoping, trusting, wishing that the Being you know in your heart and soul that has power and control over all things would help you. The only One you know can save you! O creature of God.

• God is not omnipotent as no amputee ever grew back a limb. God is not omnipresent as so only people in the ancient books claim to have seen God. God is not loving and caring as so many people die in poverty and diseases. God is not there. He is imaginary: I present a quote sometimes attributed to Epicurus, read it carefully: Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God? But this kind of thinking doesn't make sense to people who want to blindly believe whatever they have been told to believe and they just can't get over the fact that they were told incorrect things right from their birth.

• Some say there is, and some say there isn't. However, the more scientists try to prove that evolution is the answer, the more they prove that it isn't real. If you think about it, it makes sense that God is real. Miracles happen daily, and though bad things happen, good things happen more often. It may be hard to believe that he made the whole universe, but how else could it happen

• Life is what you make of it! Those who believe in god see a ray of light even on the cloudiest day.
• There are tens of proofs for God's existence. These have been recorded for centuries and are easy to look up. However, this subject is ultimately one of personal belief, since our possession of free-will mandates that it be possible to put forth arguments (fallacious or not) against every one of the proofs.
  Here are a few:
  1) Teleological Argument: The universe has definite design, order, and arrangement which cannot be sufficiently explained outside a theistic worldview. From the complexities of the human eye to the order and arrangement of cosmology, the voice of God is heard. God's existence is the best explanation for such design. God is the designer.
  2) Anthropic Principle: The laws of the universe seem to have been set in such a way that stars, planets and life can exist. Many constants of nature appear to be finely tuned for this, and the odds against this happening by chance are astronomical.
  3) Sensus divinitatus: The innate sense of the divine exists within all people. People and cultures of all time have, by nature, sensed a need to worship something greater than themselves. No ancient society ever existed that did not believe in a supernatural power.
  4) Tradition: There are events in human history which cannot be explained without God. Many people have their subjective stories that bend them in the direction of theism, but there are also historical events such as the Giving of the Torah, which are underpinnings for the belief in God.
  5) Pascal's Wager: Belief in God is the most rational choice due to the consequences of being wrong. If one were to believe in God and be wrong, there would be no consequences. However, if one were to deny God and be wrong, the consequences are eternally tragic. Therefore, the most rational choice is not agnosticism or atheism, but belief in God.
  6) Why is there reality rather than nothing? Aside from God's creating it, there are only five options:
  a) The universe is eternal and everything has always existed.
  - Even atheists have abandoned this possibility, especially because it would violate the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
  b) Nothing exists and all is an illusion. There is no reality. There is only nothing.
  - This possibility, it should be obvious, is completely self-defeating. In order to even make such a proposition, the subject has to exist in some sense. If all is an illusion, where did the illusion come from? Even the solipsist, who does not believe in the existence of other minds, has to explain the genesis of his own mind.
  c). The universe created itself. This is the idea that the universe and all that is in it did not have its origin in something outside itself, but from within.
  - Like with the previous two, this makes a logical absurdity. It would be like creating a square triangle. It's impossible. A triangle by definition cannot be square. So creation cannot create itself as it would have to pre-date itself to create. The pre-dated form would then need a sufficient explanatory cause, ad infinitum.
  d) Chance created the universe. The odds of winning the lottery are not very good; but given enough time, everyone will win. While the odds of the universe coming into existence are not very good, given enough time, it could happen.
  - This option is a sleight of hand that, like "survival of the fittest," amounts to nothing, because it implies that "chance" itself has quantitative causal power.
  The word "chance" is used to describe possibilities. It does not have the power to cause those possibilities. It is nonsense to speak of chance being the agent of creation of anything, since chance is not an agent. What are the real chances of the universe created by chance? Not a chance. Chance is incapable of creating a single molecule, let alone an entire universe. Why not? Chance is no thing. It is not an entity. It has no being, no power, no force. It can effect nothing because it has no causal power within it. It is a word which describes mathematical possibilities which, by the curious flip of the fallacy of ambiguity, slips into the discussion as if it were a real entity with real power, the power of creativity." (R.C. Sproul, Not a Chance. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1999.)
  e) The universe is created by nothing. Simply put, nothing created the universe.
  - The problem here is that it is either a restating of option #1 (the universe is eternal) or fails due to the irrationality of #4. In our current universe, the law of cause and effect cannot be denied by sane people. While we often don't know what the cause of some effect is, this does not mean that there was no cause. When we go to the doctor looking for an explanation for the cause of our neck pain, we don't accept the answer "There is no cause. It came from nothing."

Yes.

He has revealed Himself to mankind through the Bible. The Bible tells the history of mankind and how God chose the nation of Israel to be His people. Israel failed to reveal God's ways to other nations so in these last days God has spoken to all of mankind through His son Jesus Christ.