What is "Pagan" ?

Question

I dont really know so as much as you could give me some info please and thanks :)

P.s I am a christian, And I just want to know what it is.

Answer 1

The word "Pagan" comes from a Latin word meaning "country-dweller;" it started to mean a religion when the Roman cities converted to Christianity, and referred to people following the old gods as "Pagans" (or probably "pagani" in Latin)--the way that people in cities today would refer to "those superstitious hillfolk."

In the late 18th century, there was a fascination with pagans as "free" and "uninhibited;" the Romantic era started the practice of putting statues of Greek gods in people's gardens. In the late Victorian era, there was an interest in both the occult and ancient pre-Christian religious elements.

In the mid-50's/early 60's, a growing number of people claiming to be "witches" came out of hiding; they said they were following the pre-Christian nature-focused religion of the British Isles. That's the foundation of much of modern paganism; it gets called "Wicca" by a lot of people. (Exactly what "Wicca" is, is a matter of much debate.)

Answer 2

Since I may very well be one of the few pagans on this site tonight, I'll answer this. "Pagan" is a term that originally meant rustic or country-dweller, from the fact that those who lived in the country usually worshipped a Nature god that was likely to ensure the safety of their livestock and the productivity of their crops.The dictionary defines "pagan" as anyone who is not Jewish, Christian, or Muslim, or who has no religious beliefs. Most of us who refer to ourselves as pagans do so as a way of indicating that we follow a Nature-oriented religion, but do not agree with the tenets of Wicca.This is the modern meaning of the term.EDIT: Just reread the answers and noticed there were a lot more Pagans here tonight than I thought, sorry everyone.

Answer 3

Technically, it is anyone who is not a Christian or Jew. It refers to a group who practiced an Earth based religion and usually worship many deities (Gods and Goddesses) The word literally means "country person" or "bumpkin". Here's a great link with lots more info.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/neo_paga.htm

Blessed Be

Answer 4

Pagan - Comes from the root word paganus. Or, one who dwells in the country.

Now Heathen, another word for Pagan, but no longer used today very much, comes from "one who dwells on the heath".

Not such a big deal, is it? It is just, simply a nature religion, in which they believe in a higher power, but one who is everywhere and dwells in all things.

The different gods and goddesses all go back to just One, male and female energies inclusive.

Answer 5

Definition one: a non-Christian
Definition 2: A practitioner of a pre Christian polytheistic religion
Definition 3: Country person (latin)

Answer 6

Today's Christianity Not Jesus' Religion*

[5:72] Pagans indeed are those who say that GOD is the Messiah, son of Mary. The Messiah himself said, "O Children of Israel, you shall worship GOD; my Lord and your Lord." Anyone who sets up any idol beside GOD, GOD has forbidden Paradise for him, and his destiny is Hell. The wicked have no helpers.

[5:73] Pagans indeed are those who say that GOD is a third of a trinity. There is no god except the one god. Unless they refrain from saying this, those who disbelieve among them will incur a painful retribution.

[5:74] Would they not repent to GOD, and ask His forgiveness? GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[5:75] The Messiah, son of Mary, is no more than a messenger like the messengers before him, and his mother was a saint. Both of them used to eat the food. Note how we explain the revelations for them, and note how they still deviate!

[5:76] Say, "Would you worship beside GOD powerless idols who can neither harm you, nor benefit you? GOD is Hearer, Omniscient."

______________________________...
*5:72-76 In John 20:17, we see that Jesus taught that he was neither God, nor the son of God. Many theologians have concluded, after careful research, that today's Christianity is not the same Christianity taught by Jesus. Two outstanding books on this subject are "The Myth of God Incarnate" (The Westminster Press, Philadelphia, 1977) and The "Mythmaker" (Harper & Row, New York, 1986). On the front jacket of "The Mythmaker" we read the following statement:
" ...Hyam Maccoby presents new arguments to support the view that Paul, not Jesus, was the founder of Christianity....it was Paul alone who created a new religion through his vision of Jesus as a divine Saviour who died to save humanity."
http://www.submission.org/suras/sura5.htm


Did Jesus or his Apostles follow a religion called Christianity? Who were the first 'Christians' ? Who founded Christianity and do the teachings of Christianity conform to the teachings of Jesus?

The teachings of Paul, the true founder of Christianity, cannot be found anywhere in the teachings of Jesus or in those of prophets before him.
http://www.thetruecall.com/home/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=122&mode=&order=0&thold=0

Answer 7

pa·gan ( P ) Pronunciation Key (pgn)
n.
One who is not a Christian, Muslim, or Jew, especially a worshiper of a polytheistic religion.
One who has no religion.
A non-Christian.
A hedonist.
A Neo-Pagan.

adj.
Not Christian, Muslim, or Jewish.
Professing no religion; heathen.
Neo-Pagan.
The current term refers to someone who belongs to, or believes that they belong to an Earth based belief or religion.

Answer 8

Pre-Christian European Polytheism.

Answer 9

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paganism

Answer 10

it means people who dont practice correct religion