Are there “True pagans” in the same way there are “True Christians”?

Question

just wondering if a similar snobishness exists elsewhere

Answer 1

Absolutely. Pagans definitely have their share of holier-than-thous. I've been told specifically that I'm not a true Pagan because I'm willing to criticize Pagans who give blatantly false information or generally act like children. I've also been called a false Pagan because "real Pagans" don't stick up for Christians.

Then there's a number of generalizing claims that get made that are not only annoying but wrong, such as:

True Pagans worship the Goddess
True Pagans worship the earth
True Pagans always recycle
True Pagans love everyone

Answer 2

Well even though I have made the mistake of saying "true pagan" or "true wiccan" in the past I would say no there is no "true pagans" and there are infinite "true pagans". there are so many different Pagan religions and the Pagan religions tend to practice tolerance for other religions very strongly. I am personally a Wiccan but feel that Every religion is right and wrong at the same time. it all depends on what that singular person believes. Who is to say that ANY religion is the right or wrong religion? who is to say that when we pass we dont go on to the afterlife that we personally believe in instead of one type of afterlife for everyone? I dont know thats my personal belief and opinion which I am entitled to.

Now like I said I made the mistake of saying "true pagan" or "true wiccan" before but I was basicly speaking to those that actually follow the religion and believe it and speaking against the people who claim wicca or another pagan religion because its what is "cool" and "popular". but to answer your question I think that to all pagans that truly believe in their religion. most if not all are taught tolerance for other's beliefs.

Answer 3

I'm sure there are some Pagans who consider their practices more "pure" and "authentic" than those of other Pagans, but if they're snobbish about it they sure don't noise it around the way some "True Christians" do... and I've yet to hear a Pagan claim that if you don't worship the Pagan deities JUST RIGHT, you'll go to Hell (or the Pagan equivalent thereof)...

Answer 4

There are some who'd like to THINK they are... The "More XXX Than Thou" mentality is unfortunately pretty widespread.

You'll see those who will claim that "If you're not XXX then you're not really Wiccan", and I would imagine that the same sort of elitism exists in other Pagan religions, as well.

And then there are the "You can't be Christo-Pagan" types, who think that just because they don't understand how anyone could follow Christian-influenced Paganism, that no one else should be able to follow it, either.


Black Aliss - LOL!! I hadn't seen that before, thanks for the link!!

Answer 5

Well, there's no boss of paganism. Pagans don't have anything like a pope. And there's no generally agreed definition of what paganism is. No pagan bible to argue about. No generally accepted doctrine. So it's a free for all. You're a true pagan if you say you are.

Answer 6

I think of paganism as an umbrella term for a cluster of related beliefs. The origins of the term specifies simply non-Abrahamic religions. Now it has a lot of other connotations.

I don't think it is necessarily wrong to make a distinction between "true Christians" and false Christians, but I wouldn't think it a good idea to make claims as to who is which. Exceptions apply. Billy Graham is a Christian. Hitler wasn't a very good Roman Catholic. The rest we might want to leave alone.

Answer 7

Paganism is not a single belief system. So probably not. Different pagans believe different things. How I view something, another pagan may view differently. They are Pagans who will be snobbish like "True Christians" but I do not think they will call them selves True Pagans.

Answer 8

I cant figure out how someone could be a true pagan since pagan isnt a specific thing

Answer 9

Nope to be a TRUE Christian requires...

You are never depressed, always floss, don’t suffer from depression, halitosis, diarrhea, shingles, scurvy, kuru, hangnails, rickets, ingrown toenails, bad fashion sense, indigestion, headaches, heartburn, aneurisms, flatus, or hangovers, they never lie, get dehydrated, cheat, stub a toe, steal, lose their car keys, lust in their heart, stay up too late, bang their heads, improperly fold a map, have an eating disorder, make a social faux pax, misspell words (except atheist), have abortions, drink too much, strain a joint, get divorced, commit adultery, forget to take out the trash, have ear wax build up, bite their tongue, belch out loud, projectile vomit, believe in evolution, become obese, become impatient, have errant nostril hairs, they always believe the Bible, are loving, kind and patient, never curse or swear or question God and never ever ever chew with their mouth open.

Answer 10

I have never met a snotty pagan in my life, All the people i know are warm and wonderful, down to earth people!