Need info on Paganism?

Question

I see a lot of individuals on this site as pagan Believers. I am a Christian do not intend to switch, but just want to know more about that branch as well. I ahve an acquainatance who is pagan, and she seems fine(i make this comment as most Christians would not even hear u say the word Pagan, Wicca and stuff)

I never expected to receive so many answers, nonetheless am not complaning cos i hv a bunch of links provided by u guys to chk further. I ahve been reading books on Paganism but somehow hv questions hence needed ur help. Thx a ton

Answer 1

Pagan is a broad term that covers many paths. Wicca is one of those paths - well, I should say another general term of Paganism since there are different Traditions within Wicca as well. It can become confusing if you have never read up on it. I am Celtic, though am leaning towards another Path. You could say these 2 paths are cultural cousins as the people who followed these beliefs intermingled on several different levels. There is the Greek Path, though Hestia's Priestess is more equipped to discuss that. Kemetic - which is Egyptian. Asatru/Odinism. These are just a few of the Pagan Paths. Within Wicca there is Gardnerian and Alexandrian... Dianic... The Church and School of Wicca has their own flavor of it which seems to mix things from strict Gardnerian, Celtic and Egyptian paths.

You're right, most Christians who have never really met or talked with a Pagan wouldn't even ask for any kind info on our different Paths. Mostly because they have the idea that we're all evil taught to them. All of my close friends are Christian, though, and have never acted that way towards me or the different Pagan Paths. 2 of those friends have studied some of the Paths to get a better idea what they are about.

It's good to see a Christian who is willing to at least want info without jumping to conclusions about who and what we are. =)

Answer 2

Pagainism is a "blanket term" if you will that defines any Non Abramic/Islamic/Judaic religion. Obviously this includes alot of different religious beliefs systems some of which would be offended being called a Pagan. Some narrow the term to apply to more mystic or folk religions. Over all Paganism is as broad and varied as Christianity with many different Paths. Some of which can include, Wicca, Asatru, Celtic Recon, Druidism, Shaminism, Many forms of Witchcraft (though certainly not all), and many others (I've listed those that are generally more comfortable being under the Pagan label). I hope I have helped! If you want more info be sure and check out http://www.religioustolerance.org/ they have lots of good info!

Blessed Be
Kayla

Answer 3

It is not "that branch".

Paganism is a umbrella term that is applied to most non Abrahamic religions.

There are a number of different religions, that are Pagan. The Romans where Pagan before Christianity for example.

It covers a large group of primarily Polytheistic(multiple Gods), some Atheistic and Monotheistic traditions also fit into this category.

The term is very broad think of it this way. Every Wiccan is a Pagan, only some Pagans are Wiccan.

When the Greeks believed in Zues, Aphrodite, Demeter and Posiedan as Gods they were Pagan.

Answer 4

hi

you've already gotten some good links to help you.

there are so many different types of pagan out there (and on here). i have taken things from several paths and made them mine. a lot of pagans do that.

pagan is pretty much any of the earth religions. we follow which ever deity has called us. most paths are centered around the changing of the seasons.

for the most part pagans are very peaceful...of course we are human. most, but not all, follow the wiccan rede in some form - do as you will as it harms none. and most follow the three fold law - everything thing you do returns x3.

one of my best friends is a christian. she is one of the nicest people you could ever meet.

hope this helped you.
bright blessings

Answer 5

Pagan (Latin: from the word Paganus): Was used to describe the hill people; or those living in the wilderness. When the Roman Empire became 'Christine' those who continued to hold onto the old ways of the ancient Roman gods.
Has come to identify nearly every religion other then Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Savage and Heathen are of similar meanings.

Answer 6

"Pagan" is kind of an all-encompassing term to describe many Earth-based religions, Wicca being just one of them. Kind of like "Christian" encompasses Catholics, Protestants, Methodists, Baptists, etc.

Most common to all Pagan faiths is a belief in nature and it's ability to care for itself, and the idea of living with nature because we are part of it, rather than feel we own it and it's ours to do with as we please.

Native American religions are considered "Pagan" as well as South American Shamanism. Old religions of Europe such as Druidism are Pagan. Wicca is considered Neo-Pagan since it is a modern Pagan faith.

The common thread though is the belief of interconnectedness with every living being on the planet - human or not, and the desire to live in harmony with our planet (as the Native Americans have for thousands of years).

I hope that helped as a general overview of the term.

Answer 7

Pagan practices are strictly forbidden by the Lord, God Almighty. The Jewish peoples are still being punished by God for following the pagan ways after being instructed NOT to imitate anything they do, DO NOT worship the Lord, our God in the manner in which they worship their gods and to stay away from them and their rituals.

But, here is a little info about Wiccans and a few websites about pagan and/or Wiccans.

Their practices include:

Organizational Structure: Wicca is one religion (the largest) within Neopaganism. Other Neopagan groups include individuals and groups who are reconstructing Druidic, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Sumerian, Mystery Religions and other ancient spiritual traditions.

May God Bless You

Answer 8

Go to www.religioustolerance.org. You can learn about a lot of religions and beliefs.
Blessed be and Peace

Eclectic Pagan

Just got this new link
www.paganspath.com
More info for you look over and is mostly about Pagans which is general term for those who do not believe or worship the Abrahamic religions.
Thanks again for your kindness and tolerance towards our beliefs.
Blessed be my friend

Answer 9

Just look a christianity it is full of paganism. What most churchs teach came from paganism, the trinity, hell, heaven and a whole lot more

Answer 10

well that's a really hard question to answer cause a lot of religions fall under paganism: Hindu, Buddhist, Wiccans were all Pagans. i hate to tell you but you need to be more specific for me to answer this with out just rambling on about my specific beliefs and those of the others i hold ritual with.