Do pagans really believe in their "religion"?

Question

Warning: The way I have written this sounds "offensive," but it isn't meant in that way; rather an honest inquiry.

I can understand why Christians, Jews, Muslims, Sikh, and Hindus* (to name a few) believe in what they do. To aggregate the reasons in its most simplistic forms I'd have to say the fact that they grow up in that religion or a culture that supports it. However, this is definitely NOT the case for (many) Pagans. Paganism is just some new-age resurrection of obvious mythology, and I can't escape but to say it is no different (in its core influence) than scientology or any of those cults out there. So I ask, Do pagans really believe this, or are they just trying to build a moral framework through the venue of spiritualism? I just can't concieve in this day and age someone who'd believe in some sun god or another similar god.

------------
*Technically Hindus are pagans, but for purposes of this thread I will exclude them from the definition.

Answer 1

Yes, we do. Paganism differs greatly from New Age Spirituality and Scientology in many ways that I'm not even going to attempt to explain. (I'd just screw it up.)

As for the Gods, we often refer to a "Sun God" or "Moon Goddess" but this does not mean that we see the sun or moon as actual Gods, but rather that they represent a particular deity. They are like a symbol, similar to a Buddha or perhaps a Crucifix or a statue of the Virgin Mary, but they not Gods in and of themselves.

One of the most profound differences between Pagan beliefs and the revealed religions i.e.: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, is that we know that our mythologies are just that, mythologies. They are stories that serve a purpose in teaching a particular lesson through allegory.

This is a very brief and simplistic description. For more information I would suggest the following web sites:

http://www.religioustolerance.org/paganism.htm
http://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm
http://www.witchvox.com
http://www.wicca.com

By the way, your honest inquiry is honestly appreciated and not the least bit offensive.

Blessed be. )O(

Answer 2

"Paganism is just some new-age resurrection of obvious mythology, "

What you don't fully comprehend is the fact that it is not a resurrection of anything. In truth, Paganism went underground during the "Burning Times." That period of history when the Inquisition was in full swing. This was obviously done in an attempt to save the Old Religion from the destruction of the early Catholic church, let alone save those who practiced this spiritual path from being murdered by the Inquisitors. It didn't resurface until British repealed the Witchcraft Act in 1951.

Since that time, a lot of work has been done by various groups to rebuild. A great deal was lost. Given the time frame, that is completely understandable. The Inquisition began as a result of the publication of, The Malleus Maleficarum (The Witch Hammer), in 1486. When you take into consideration that nearly a five hundred year period passed before the repeal of the Witchcraft Act, rebuilding was highly necessary and vital.

As far as "belief" is concerned, why does this particular spirituality seem more odd to you than a belief in the Hindu Krishna or Kali? Why is it more odd than a belief in a singular monotheistic all male god? Unlike the blind faith that we see demonstrated on a daily basis on these boards, Pagans and Wiccans understand that what we are working with are energies. Consequently, Pagans and Wiccans are not restricted from working with any and all religious pantheons - including the Christian pantheon.

I personally believe that the growth of this spiritual path is due to one single reason. A basic, even primal desire for something that's been lost from the religions springing from the Abrahamic texts. An understanding and honoring of the Feminine Divine.

The early Catholics did their best to incorporate the Feminine Divine into their religion by canonizing Pagan Goddesses. The Great Irish Mother Goddess, "Bridget" is a good example of that. When the Irish refused to give Her up, the Catholic church decided to make Her a saint. Problem solved. Same thing for Mary. But...

That's a poor second choice given what's offered through Paganism and the practice of Wicca. It's also a poor fifth, sixth or seventh choice when you consider how women are treated by all the monotheistic religions. Enter the real thing. Enter Paganism and Wicca.

Answer 3

This has got to be the most misused word in the world. Pagan means a peasant, rule or country setting or person. Paganism would be the study of this. In every religion you can find a story of creation, a story of a great flood, and a story of a great prophet who in turn is the son of God or whom ever that religion worships. God is God no matter what you call him.I think when you asked your question you meant to say atheist.When even they are stranded with no food or water you know who they will be praying to.

Answer 4

Paganism is not new - it is one of the oldest religions available to chose from.

Why is it strange to worship a sun god rather than the Christian god? The Christian god was, originally, a sun god who evolved into something else.

I'm not trying to be dismissive, but your question just doesn't make sense to me. It seems to imply that belief in Jehova/Allah/Yahweh is informed and understandable, but belief in any other god or goddess makes little to no sense.

I do understand your concession that culture makes religion more likely to be followed, but have you considered why so many cultures are religious? People are religious by nature - that's why religious cultures are so predominant. The fact that some people follow a religion counter to that culture doesn't mean that religion is less believable - it just means the religion takes more dedication in the face of adveristy.

Answer 5

The Sun and Moon are symbols of the God and Goddess, not the actual God and Goddess incarnate. They're representatives of the balance of nature, and I'd like to know what exactly it is that you think is so ridiculous about recognizing that nature - that which gives and supports life - is divine. It's merely a return to believing that the wheel turns. Everything in cyclical, including the seasons, life, death and rebirth. That you think this is a "cult" merely shows that you're bigoted to anything that views the world differently than you.

And yes, I am very serious about Wicca.

)O(

Answer 6

First off is it any more unreasonable for us to beleive in the ancient ones than it is for Christians to beleive in their myth. a myth is a myth whether it is Christian or pagan.

Religion is simply humankind's attempt to explain that which has no explaination. Our beleifs are no more unreasonable than any other religion.



christianity is just as new age as paganism is, I say this because modern christianity does not resemble first century Christianity any more than our practices resemble the pagan practises of the day. The difference is paganism was almost destroyed by Christians and we can only guess as to how it was back then, but Christians have the bible that details everything out and modern Christianity chooses to change it and deleberately rufuses to follow it.

Answer 7

No, pagans are very serious, especially the Reconstructionist variety (such as Heathens) who are aiming to recreate/resurrect the total worldview of pre-Christian European cultures.

For a real challenge, read Michael Greer's book "A World Full of Gods" -- it's an erudite and incisive polytheist theology.

Answer 8

*sticks thumb in mouth, puffs cheeks, POP!*

well, I'd say that being a pagan means more than being tied to a doctrine of beliefs... at least putting our hands in the earth and wading in the living waters of our glorious earth wasn't dictated by a bunch of scribblers. A pagan works WITH te earth, not against it. everyone is worthy of worship... everything is worthy. Fixation is surely death; fluidity, life.

Though I am still a big number rubber, I still wait for the sun to rise every morning.

Answer 9

Many of the teens don't, they do it just to annoy their parents, but yes, many pagans belive that the God and Goddess are made manifest in the old symbols.

Answer 10

i am not technically a Pagan although i share many of the beliefs
however i know many personally
and they take their beliefs extremly serious
it isnt just a belief but a way of life for them
their Gods and Godesses serve beautiful purposes in their lives and are as alive today for them as they were all those years ago