Is there such a thing as a Generic Pagan?

Question

I was just wondering because I know there are many specific Pagan beliefs, just I see people describing themselves as Pagans often(without being specific)?

Are they just avoiding confusing people by being over specific?
Or is there a Generic Pagan?

I am only concerned by the labels people give themselves.

Answer 1

Yeah, but they don't call themselves that.

Answer 2

They are avoiding confusing people by being over specific mostly.

There are Pagans who draw ideas from many different Pagan paths to create a unique religious path that purely fits what they believe.They are described as 'Eclectic Pagans' not generic Pagans though.

Answer 3

I would say that the few animists I have met are "generic Pagans" - i.e. they do not follow any traditional Pagan religion or spiritual path, they do not personify the spirits of the natural world.

I think that's as close to being a "generic" Pagan as you can get.

As for what we call ourselves, I, like others, often just say that I'm a Pagan.

I don't expect that people will want to hear about what Traditions of Witchcraft I practice, with all the associated explanations that would be necessary.

Answer 4

Well, I think some might *start* that way . . . but I think most eventually find a tradition or group or set of practices or beliefs into which to settle.

Back in my SoCal physical culture runner/surfer/bicyclist days, I was what I suppose one might call a "generic pagan" . . . delighting in sunshine, drawing energy from the earth and nature, liking the trappings of seasons and holidays without having any actual belief system beyond a vague "everything is breathing god" idea.

It's been a long journey from there to here, but I like where I've ended up. My heathenry is so specific and NON-generic these days that I sometimes wonder if it's beginning to look like that "Star Trek: Enterprise" apology scene to outsiders, lol.

You know . . . the one where Scott Bakula has on the ceremonial headband, with magical symbols painted on his bared torso, while he cuts discs from the tree his beagle peed on and arranges them in a sacred pattern with traditional chants . . . *G*

Answer 5

Well yes and no.
If someone from the "outside" asks me what I am I say Pagan. It's enough to tell them what I am with out having to launch into a full scale explination of what traditions are, what tradition I am and how that is different from Wicca or any OTHER tradition.
Now, if I say Pagan and they say , "Oh cool, what tradition are you?" Then I will gladly tell them Heathen.
That being said any time you hear the term Eclectic, it does usually mean a little bit of everything...so I suppose that might count as generic. LOL

Answer 6

there are some generic pagans. it's like being gnositc i suppose. you believe in the gods, but you don't follow a specific path

some people just use the term pagan because they are eclectic and don't follow a specific path.

others may use it because they don't feel a need to give details of their beliefs

Answer 7

Generally speaking, most "Generic Pagan" just call themselves Pagan.

.

Answer 8

I call myself "pagan" because it's easier than "animistic, pantheistic, totemistic neopagan with neoshamanic tendencies, a strong dose of Chaos magic, and don't hold back the UPG". I don't follow any particular culture's religion; rather, I am quite happily a product of *this* day and age.

Answer 9

Yes. Eclectic Pagans. Meaning they don't follow just one path, they pick different things from different paths that they wish to use in their own practice.

Answer 10

I suppose. Why are so many people concerned with "labels" and not just people being people.

Answer 11

I think such people are just not being specific.