Why are Pagans always depicted as evil?

Question

Hollywood and the media always depict people of pagan faiths in a negative way. It's really annoying me. I have been involved with the Scouting Movement since I was a child, however I am not allowed to become a leader because I have pagan beliefs. I must believe in one god only!

Answer 1

This came about with Christianity - many pagan festivals were nicked by Christians eg - hallowe'en. Pagans celebrated this festival to mark the end of the bright half of the year (Summer) and the beginning of the dark half of the year (winter). The Celts also thought this was a time when the deceased could visit loved ones for the last time. However the church tuned it into what we know today - witches and ghosts, trick or treats.

Answer 2

I don't look at "all" pagans like that. But the truth of the matter is some are. Even the good pagans know this. But the only ones who really depict them as being evil are monotheistic believers. Not aknowledging some pagans are monotheistic, but will also accept the other gods that are not the one SUPREME. Even King Solomon(pbuh) did so. But he was no pagan. He just accepted the existance of what only his GOD has the right to change. And he did not accept them as divinities, but aspects. Like the buddha, krishna, and vishnu. Solomon(pbuh) still took no GOD but thiose of his ancestors and I am more than sure he did not look down on those who were about peace. For his name is translated to King of Peace. There were masons during his time and compared to pagans, the pagans were like angels. Or great comfort for one who knows GOD will change for no one.

Answer 3

im wiccan myself and follows is our 'law'

Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.

For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.

Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,
let love and light be our guides again.

Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,
and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.

When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.

Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.

When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.

Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.

Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's
insight. Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.

Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.

Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.

Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.

Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark.

As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.

When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite.

Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.

In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight.

Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be.

Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.

With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.

Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow.

Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you.

These Eight words the Rede fulfill:

"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"

Answer 4

Pagans worshipped women as the 'life givers'. Christianity being male dominated didn't like this so they started a vendetta against paganism that lasted for centuries. Burning witches etc.

Women being treated as second class citizens in christian and muslim countries was started by the christian church. The muslims pinched it from the christian church.

Answer 5

I am a Christian but have quite a few Wiccan friends. I have never thought of them as 'evil'. In fact I have to admit that they have a much more loving relationship with our world. There is of course people who use the name 'pagan' for others rites, but the true Wiccan are not like that.

Answer 6

In general, I don't think they are depicted as evil. Perhaps it has something to do with the level of ones education. Those who are educated about world religions, world history and anthropology usually do not see them as evil.

Answer 7

Because most of the answers and questions are malicious remarks from people who don't believe in God. Just see yourself right here in Yahoo Q/A.

Answer 8

Pagan Haiku

Pagans are my friends
No one should judge earth lovers
We are here to stay!

Answer 9

Pagans are free of dogma. Some people hate people that's free to enjoy life.

Answer 10

because it is an older religion in England than the christian church, so has always been depicted as evil so as to get favour for the church, also comments like above don't help the image..(rmarkgarr's post)