Pagans: How would you answer this?

Question

I was asked the following "question" and was curious as to how other Pagans might have responded.

Obviously, the questioner requires an actual "church" to accept a religion as valid, and I took the question as simply sarcasm from someone that didn't know any better. I did, however, provide a link so they could find more information should they want to educate themselves on another point of view.

I had defended Paganism and stated that I do attend gatherings and some other stuff that would be common knowledge among other Pagans.

"But I want to ask where a pagan church is? I know of none. The Central Church of Paganism? Never heard of it. Where are the gatherings and what might the subject matter be? "

Answer 1

If the person asking were a christian or a catholic, I would say: just as your people originally gathered in the wild (see the passage of Getsemani) or in catacombs, where they thought it best for they would feel free from curious or dangerous people, so do pagans these days gather in places they think secure, such as forests, private homes, and the like. What do they talk about? About life, goodness, magic, and becoming a better human being.

Blessed be!
.

Answer 2

There are some churches that follow Paganism. But please don't think of the term church in the recognised sense. It is mostly gatherings in peoples houses. Alas there is a law stating that you are not allowed to have a church in your home if there is over a certain amount of people.

There is no central place aside from the Pagan Federation which helps with legal matters. We just group together.

Answer 3

Some pagans are still stuck in the mindset of needing organized religion--they want the spiritual aspects of neopagna religions, but tucked within the structure of (usually) Christianity. Additionally, as more pagans push for mainstream acceptance of neopagan religions, ther'es more pressure for pagans to conform to mainstream standards of religion.

This is why you're getting more pagan "clergy" and "churches", both assopciated with the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, and with independent pagan churches.

Answer 4

There's no such religion as "Paganism" as such. Paganism describes a collection of various religions that have similar ideas, but are seperate: This includes Wiccans, Hellenists, Asatruar, Shintoists, Druids and Shamanists, among others.

With such a diverse group of religious falling into the catagory of "Paganism", a central chruch is impossible.

Answer 5

I don't think there is an actual "Pagan Church" and gathering locations may vary depending on where you live. Perhaps the topic for discussion at your gatherings can be The Wheel Of The Year?

Answer 6

Within many religions (such as christianity) is the idea that your religion is a seperate entity. As such, they expect a large out of home or nature place to do those seperate practices. To us pagans, our beliefs are in us, not outside. Most gatherings for pagans are in natural places such as a field or forest cleaing, or even in our own homes. Religion is a personal experience, not something you need to flaunt with some large artificialy decorated building.

Answer 7

Pagans don't have a centralized church or community. That's what attracts many people to it. Don't feel the need to defend it. I don't defend or explain anymore, or even wear my pentacle. I am what I am. I don't like people because of their religions, I like them for who they are/how they act, and I hope they do the same in return.

Answer 8

Just tell them, only a Christian needs a church to uphold their beliefs.

For the rest of religions, everywhere on Earth is their church. Gathering does not need to be on a specific day. Everyday is salvation day :D.

Answer 9

Pagan activities happen everywhere, not just in church, but most of them would lie! Your right, Paganism should be given its own place in society

Answer 10

It is not necessary for us to gather in a church, or at all even, because our church requires no dogma. We don't need someone to tell us how to do things, because it is centered on a completely natural experience with nature.