Bacchus Banished: The Blurry Line between Piety and Politics

Op-ed by Gossipia Gladiatrix

I can't help but imagine the sheer disappointment Bacchus must be feeling right now. This god of wine, who we cherished at our dinner parties, is suddenly not 'Roman enough' for our dear Senate. Like a fine vintage turned sour, our politicians have banished Bacchus, pushing us all into a sober reality of religious exclusivity.

Let's take a step back. In case you were too intoxicated on last year's harvest, allow me to fill you in. Bacchus, a deity loved by many Romans for his influence over wine, fertility, and insane dance parties, has been officially shunned. The Senate, in a recent decree, decided that we were all having a bit too much fun worshipping a god who promotes joy and pleasure. Apparently, it's not in line with our 'traditional' Roman values.

From "Bacchus, bring us wine!" to "Bacchus? Who's he?" in one fell swoop. The speed at which our politicians can pivot might actually be the eighth wonder of the world.

Now, I am not proclaiming that all Romans should be adherents of Bacchus. To each their own gods. But, the issue here is not about faith, but about freedom. The freedom of Romans to choose who they believe in, pray to, and yes, even party with.

The Senate, in their all-knowing wisdom, deems it necessary to micromanage our religious affiliations. What's next? A decree on the acceptable length of our togas? A law against eating dormice at banquets?

The banishment of Bacchus is not so much an act of piety as it is a dangerous dance with dictatorship. It is the first step towards a single, state-approved religion. What happened to the Rome that celebrated openness and diversity?

This is the Rome that has been a beacon for the world, bringing in new ideas, cultures, and yes, even gods. We've always been a melting pot of traditions and faiths, and the Senate's decree is a sharp deviation from this path.

I suppose the Senate would rather we all participate in the Cult of Cato, worshipping frugality, severity, and a dull existence. Excuse me if I'd rather drink my fill from the cup of life than sip miserly from the chalice of monotony.

Bacchus may be banished, but he will never be forgotten. His spirit lives within us, in every toast, every dance, and every free thought. So, Senate, keep your decrees. We'll keep our wine. Drink up, fellow Romans! For today, we are all Bacchanalians!

Carpe Vinum (Seize the Wine)!