Aesthetic matters, though present and felt in the replica, have not always enjoyed the primacy they knew in its ancient archetype. The docents at the jewel of Centennial Park are fond of describing how Athena's spear shaft was originally a flagpole donated by the McDonald's Corporation. The ideals which gave birth to the old Parthenon's lines, measurements, angles and sculptures are humanist and pagan. I believe the answer to Saarinen lies in an understanding that the Nashville Parthenon is yet unfinished. The gigantic figure of Athena is a recent addition and has not yet been gilded or painted.
Renovations continue on the exterior of the structure.
If it does not truly embody its original, this is not to say that it cannot be made to embody something to us. Its form does evoke powerful feelings. The massive image of Athena is moving, even awe-inspiring. Yes it is. We're creating the future.