Are the Neo-Pagan paths spiritually advantageous because they encourage one to develop one’s own ideologies?

Question

… as opposed to adopting a creed or formula developed by some external group of people.

Answer 1

Yes and no.

It is said of religious movements that the first generation receives the vision, and invents the forms.

The second generation *hears* about the vision, and learns the forms.

The third generation hears about . . . the forms. :-/

So in that sense, spiritual and religious traditions need constantly renewed within each generation. While I admire neopaganism's spiritual openness and emphasis on personal gnosis and revelation, I sometimes think the "buffet" approach of picking some of this, some of that from various indigenous and historical folkways and traditions based on "what works" is inherently self-limiting.

At its best, the quest for revelation eliminates the need for validation, yes. But at its worst, it lacks *discipline* and shows profound disrespect for the cultures from which it steals . . . millennia old wisdom becomes a cool new toy for the self-obsessed.

I think *everyone* develops their own private ideology within whatever path they choose . . . every thinking, questing individual, anyway. For myself, I find that I experience greater growth as an individual by working within a specific ethnocultural and historical worldview and tradition.

Think of it this way: I could learn any number of meditation techniques that *work* . . . learning the way my Norse ancestors accomplished the same ends, whether it looks like "meditation" or not, and finding my path within *that,* is more difficult. And the difficulty is what *teaches.*

Answer 2

I really don't think that either way is advantageous over the other. Just different strokes for different folks.

There are also many neo-pagan paths who adopt a creed or formula from an external group of people. The Rede is one example. The three fold law is another. Basic circle casting is a formula that many people use even though they may not know exactly where it comes from...

Answer 3

I'm a sort of generic, practical Pagan. My views are Taoist, but I love the Pagan way of celebrating the phases of life according to the seasons, and I like the elemental symbolism. I'm a working Mom and therefore extremely busy, so any celebrations I do have to be flexible according to my time and energy, and they have to fit neatly into my everyday life (which I also believe is sacred). I don't care to make a spectacle of myself, so a lot of my ritual work is private or else quiet and subtle. This is the sort of person I am, and therefore how my spirituality must be. It's a path I created myself according to my own needs - I also don't care to follow the ways of others because they are not me and my spiritual needs are not theirs. I am very comfortable and happy this way, even if it's not something that anyone else would recognize.

Answer 4

In some cases, yes. Although there are some groups that use very structured rituals without ever modifying them. So, it varies.

In general, I've found that many neo-pagans tend to end up studying a lot about many different religions. I've met many neo-pagans that know more about christianity than most christians do. I'm sure that this type of thing must be advantageous.

Answer 5

The one thing we can not deny is the cycle of life, be you pagan, christian, atheist. We are born, we grow, and we die, to spend more time and energy on what we can give back to the earth, to enjoy the blessings that come forth from the earth, the things that we all need to survive, food, shelter, clothing, water are integral parts of being Pagan, it is not so much a journey that's primary focus is God, but survival and appreciation for the gifts we have been given, to acknowledge that respecting others beliefs and living harmoniously with all things around, that even the smallest of things plays an undisputed scientific factual role in our world, and pagans can see that, learn that and honor that. So in answer to your question, yes, having an open mind to all possibilities is what all humans should have, Pagans as a general rule, are constantly learning, questioning and growing.

Answer 6

I think so. I'm a Mormon, but my spirituality was developed through my Mother asking me questions about my beliefs, rather than telling me answers. I think being able to develop one's own ideologies is essential to having true spiritual feelings... The ideology needs to come from within (from processes of thought... questioning and seeking for answers) to really be a part of you.

I think those who obtain true spiritually through the Christian, Islamic, Jewish and other religions have done just that... developed their own ideologies.

You've made a very interesting point that religious parents (such as myself) need to think about. To develop youngsters of strong faith, we need to give them the freedom to explore their own questions and beliefs. I think this is the reason why God put us here on an earth where we could be completely free to choose... even if that meant choosing wrongly. We need that freedom in order to develop a true spiritual connection with Divinity.

Answer 7

In part this is true.
Everyone is on the path to enlightenment and the choices they've made dictate the roles everyone else in their life plays out in their drama.

For one thing the Pagans are on paths that aren't subject to as much judgment from people that matter as some other beliefs.

I guess we all need to have someone judge us from time to time and in absence of judges they do things like join Y!A so they can work through that part of their path.

Iron sharpens iron and I'd like to thank everyone that's been part of my "Drama Dance" on Y!A so far.

It's hard to remember that everyone you encounter in life is there for a reason and that on the cosmic scale your life is better for them being there even if they are the worst kind of person in the earthly sense.

Rambling to much now. Loving you all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh-1JVctSOY
♥Blessed Be♥
♥=∞

Answer 8

Yes because it's their own choice rather than something that has been indoctrinated into them as being the one and only choice (and there are dozens who will cite that their religion is the best. If a person feels that they are comfortable with their chosen path in life then who is anyone else to question or decry that?

Answer 9

I think it's good for me. It just depends on the person. Also what you are trying to do with your life, if anything at all. I think people get to hung up specific virtues and faults in themselves, and in other people. I find that being truly free to make up my mind about what matters in my heart comes with many responsibilities. It's a very enjoyable challenge. Bright Blessings to you and yours!!!

Answer 10

Yes, I think so. They have room in them for one to grow and to follow their own paths and interests while being true to themselves.

I think that if a spiritual path has no practical application, such as personal growth or emotional comfort, it is useless. Those that cause fear, self-loathing, and intolerance, are destructive.