What is the average person's thoughts on paganism?

Question

Just wondering what everyday folk thought of pagan/neopaganism? And really, don't come here telling me that all pagans are going to hell or are Devil worshippers, cause really, you're just putting your foot in your mouth.
I want real, educated answers....if you can actually handle that, that is.


...and yes, before anyone asks, I am in fact Neopagan. Again...I'm not going to Hell, because I don't believe in it.

Answer 1

I think it was far better when there weren't so many of us.

I feel, when I encounter young pagans in a public setting, probably much the way a lot of long-time Wiccans feel when they encounter the 'fluffy bunny' phenomenon.

Or something akin to what an Anglican priest must feel when he's forced into a setting of guilt by association with a died-in-the-wool no bs Bible-thumping fundamentalist.

Being around a group of them with no convenient exit is a bit like being picked up in a police roundup of aliens trying to pass themselves off as human when your attorney is away for the weekend.

Answer 2

The whole "no hell" thing is what I like the most about Neopaganism. I grew up Catholic and it always seemed like an artificial concept created to keep people in order.

Answer 3

I say to each their own. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs... though I have to ask, what is a Neopagan compared to other forms of Paganism? I am always curious to learn about other people's religious beliefs.

Answer 4

As I alluded to in an earlier post, the Zeitgeist is gradually moving towards one of open-mindedness, religious tolerance and intellectual inquiry. Neo-Paganism is part of this general trend I believe.

Answer 5

For those who are actually familiar with neopagans, I think the /average/ opinion is that they are a mixture of tree-hugging hippies, crystal-wearing new agers, and rennies.

Answer 6

I'm a pagan too. It suits me well!

Answer 7

I'd just like to say God loves you