Are the Pagan gods all just different manifestations of one god (such as in Hinduism), or are they seperate, individual gods who aren't manifestations of one god? And for Christians, please don't evangelize me because I'm not converting.
2006-08-30 12:15:25 · 15 answers · asked by Nowhere Man 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Each culture had/has different views about this. I feel that my deities are separate individuals just like all of my female ancestors were separate individuals--and not simply one ancestor with different names. My deities may share the same spiritual bloodline but they are definitely individuals.
2006-08-30 15:34:24 · answer #1 · answered by Witchy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All consciousness is part of the All. Including your own. But the All in and of itself is not a conscious being, but an energy source. It continues to exist as long as We exist (us and the Gods too). The Pagan Gods are all part of the All, and so is the Christian God for that matter. But they are also all separate individuals, with their own interests, preferences, talents, hobbies, etc. Just like you and me.
However, I do go for the classical (Greek and Roman) idea that Archtypical Gods are the same in different locations and just known by different names. For example, Eos, Eostre, Ostara, Aurora are all the same being.
That guy up there talking about Greek theology appears to be very confused. The Greeks clearly saw their Gods as being individuals with whom they could interact and each must be approached very differently as they all had their own preferences, habits, personalities.. They often disagreed with each other, quarrelled amongst themselves, fell in love with each other, played tricks and took vengeance on each other. They also appeared together before mortals on several occasions and many were worshipped side by side, like Demeter and Persephone or Aphrodite and Adonis, Artemis and Apollo. So what do we have here, a Divine Fight Club and mortals seeing double? Foolishness. He may be confused and referring to the Egyptian concept of all Gods being manifestations of Amon. If the Greeks ever developed this concept (and it clearly was not in place during the times of Homer and Hesiod) then they got it from the Egyptians along with Isis which happened relatively late in the classical era.
2006-08-31 14:38:38 · answer #2 · answered by kaplah 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends entirely on which form of Paganism. There are so many different forms of Paganism that this is really impossible to answer. Some Pagan traditions are hard-core polytheists and some are pantheistic. Others are panentheistic. Just about any "ism" you can think of is covered in one Pagan tradition or another.
As far as Wicca specifically, it is more of an Orthopraxy. The Wicca honor two specific tribal deities. However, how the individual view the nature of those deities is entirely up to them.
I wish I could be more helpful, but there are just so many branches in the Pagan tree!
2006-09-03 14:54:08 · answer #3 · answered by Matt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I understand, yes. First there is the ALL. God. Then there are the two the God and Goddess which are simply the male and female representatives of the feminine/ masculine energies. From these came the other Gods, from these gods and goddesses sprang every thing else. Just as you may have parts of your self living in lower planes than this third dimension. Just as you have parts of your self on higher planes. Where do your think the term "Causal" or "Higher" self comes from?
Hope that helps.
Peace
2006-08-30 19:27:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are different Traditions out there, each Pagan follows what feels right in their heart.
Personally, I believe the Gods and Goddesses are different aspects of the divine creative force on the universe.
2006-08-30 19:49:35 · answer #5 · answered by Juniper C 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on who you ask. There are varying beliefs on this.
I personally follow the "All Gods are one God" philosophy - that the various gods of the world's pantheons and religions throughout history are all aspects of the same Higher Power, broken down into entities that humans can interact and relate to in the context of their various cultures and societies and needs.
Different facets of the same diamond.
2006-08-30 19:40:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Separate, individual Gods.
2006-08-30 19:20:43 · answer #7 · answered by GreenEyedLilo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It varies from pagan to pagan. Some believe that certain gods from different mythologies are the same ones (thor and zeus), and some believe they're all the same thing, while some say they are very different.
2006-08-30 19:19:00 · answer #8 · answered by Kaiser32 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Separate.
http://wicca.timerift.net/wicca101/index.shtml
2006-08-30 19:17:05 · answer #9 · answered by Spookshow Baby 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The belief varies. Some believe like the Hindus, others believe in more than one god/goddess.
2006-08-30 19:29:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋