Is paganism "challenged" on Y!A less frequently than monotheistic religions?

Question

I have heard very few voices in strong opposition to pagan religions at large. Mathematically, I realize that pagans are a small minority within the community, so they naturally produce far fewer questions and answers than do the major religions.

Does this fully explain why I do not witness heated debates concerning paganism? Is this perceivedly moderate level of tolerance of paganism due simply to its low visibility within the public sphere, enabling it to sort of "fly under the radar?"

Or, is there something fundamentally different about pagan worship that discourages opposition from both atheists and monotheists, or at least encourages indifference from these other groups?

Answer 1

Yeah, it's just the numbers. Trust me, if you ask most "devout" "Christians" what they think of paganism, they'll reply in terms that sound as if they were lifted from the Hammer of Witches. As for atheists, a lot of us probably think that pagan beliefs are nearly as ridiculous as Christian beliefs, but A) why bother attacking pagans when they generally keep it to themselves and aren't obnoxious proselytizers, and B) we can sympathize with the way they're demonized by Christians.

I'm an atheist, and I have a lot of pagan friends. They're fun, and they usually have good drugs.

I'll even go as far as to say that "paganism," insofar as that implies "nature religion," is really the most rational of religious systems. The Sun IS quite literally the Father of all life here on Earth, and the Earth is quite literally our Mother. And in fact, Christianity itself is only reformed paganism, with "Christ" substituted for the Sun (as is proved by the Christian calendar, with the Nativity at the Solstice and the Resurrection at the Equinox); only the "Christians" have mistaken the symbols for the things they represent.

Answer 2

There are probably several factors for this.

First (and you're right, here), there are fewer of us, in general. I can't think of any Pagan path that can truly be considered "mainstream religion" - so it's not something you just fall into because it's "normal."

Second, (and this is only based on the folks I know) Pagans tend to be curious creatures. We enjoy learning new things and finding out what makes others "tick" in addition to finding our own way. This doesn't make us 'naturally peaceful' or anything like that... just more likely to wonder why something was said or done rather than simply reacting to it.

Third, there are so many different Pagan paths, that it's hard to point fingers at "Paganism" without having a dozen people either want to know what religion is actually being pointed at. Even some of the common "red words" that tend to set people off have different meanings for different Pagan paths (the words "witch" and "magic(k)" are a good examples of this).

It's easier for atheists and monotheists alike to attack eachother, because it's an all-or-nothing battle. The many paths that are collectively known as Paganism have too many facets for an easy fight.

(And some of us bite really hard when we get backed into a corner, but that's beside the point.)

Answer 3

I am sure that if we bother to ask questions we would get challenged a lot. As it is, the going challenge at the moment seems to be Christians Vs Catholic or X Catholics VS the Catholic ideals. There are also people who gode the Atheists and Atheists who gode other people. I see few questions on Paganism or Wicca or Witches and most of the ones I have seen really are interested in what they stand for rather than to put the ideas down. Maybe it's because this group doesn't put down the other religions that tells the others we are serious and not interested in stupid question/answer sessions?!?!

Answer 4

According to Islam, God is the ultimate creator of everything hence, the devil, concepts like good and bad, events, etc. are all His creation. Thus, a Muslim does not blame the devil when things go wrong on the planet. The overall belief is that, good and evil are concepts within the context of earth. This is why, Muslims see life as a test of mettle, where everything comes from God. But just because an act has been created by God, it does not mean it has been initiated or done by the creator especially if it came from human hands. Thus, all human deeds are the responsibility of humans. This belief is good for both the wrongdoer and the victim: 1. the wrongdoer is told that they will pay the price of every act they do purposefully and sanely. 2. the victim is told that even if the wrongdoer will receive punishment by God and law. This event took place within the knowledge of God and hence, it came from God, indirectly. This tests the victims humbleness in reciprocating and they either rebel against God, or chose to trust His wisdom and strengh. It all depends on how you look at life. The first thing we Muslims teach our kids is that life is a test, and they need to hold onto all the good values they are taught and show patience in order to pass it. Spiritually speaking this view of the world is called: Human will within Gods Will. sort of like a space within a larger space. Alas, not many Muslims show patience now a days.

Answer 5

as a pagan, we are forced into hiding our religion from christians due to their lack of comprehending there is another religion that exists that doesnt worship or even believe in satan. if you know where to look, you will find very heated debates. most atheists (not all) where christians who converted. (again, not all). pagans have always been the "dirt" religion to christians in my opinion because we challenge all that the chruch is. pagans are challenged just as much as christians.
also, monotheists are brain washed into thinking one god, or the devil. we are incorrectly labelled and then well, what does a christian do to a sadist?
last, people think we're a joke. especially wiccans, or witches. (not all witches are wiccans or the other way around) people think of scary warted green faces on broom sticks with black cats with wands who give you poison apples. witches are the same as everyone else. they dont fly broomsticks. some do have a wand, but not all. and most are to abide by the 3 fold law and arent allowed to harm others.

Answer 6

I think the low amount of opposition and challenge is more because most pagans actually can and do relate to other beliefs (or lack thereof).

Another consideration is that many -- perhaps even most -- of the people on this forum are Christian and a good many Christian traditions are taken from pagan tradition.

Answer 7

A little bit of both.

With our lower numbers, we're simply a smaller target. Given how many topics get tossed around here, there's larger fish to fry.

That's not to say that we don't get a good amount of challenges. However, our approach to dealing with them is a little different. We don't particularly care too much if people believe differently than us, so we tend to not get as worked up about disagreements as some other folks do.

And, at least for the atheists, sure, they might think we're delusional - but at least we're quiet about it. ;) If the atheists ever manage to convince all Christians that they're off their collective rocker, they might come around and try to convince us too.... but I'm not expecting to see that any time soon. ;)

Answer 8

Two reasons.

1. Its a numbers game, there tend to be more Christians asking questions than Pagans.

2. Its an approach thing. I have no need to challenge someone with a belief in leprechauns, because they aren't trying to make me pay for their faith based initiatives. They aren't trying to get my taxes to pay for public schools to teach that there are pots of Gold at the end of the rainbow. And I have never had a Pagan tell me that their God is going to torture my children for eternity, if they don't find him. Christians do all these things and therefor deserve my attention.

Answer 9

this is not a church or an oppinion board... this is a question and answer board. If people ask more questions about paganism, then there will be more heated debate on paganism... otherwise there is nothing to spark the heat. Pagans get thier share on opinion boards, measage boards, chat rooms, etc. Here, if you stay quiet you tend not to be the topic of discussion

Answer 10

Well, partly it is we don't much care what others believe if they leave us alone. We don't go looking for converts or threaten people with horrible torments unless they agree with our beliefs. We don't try to take over the government and enforce our moral views with the force of the law.
Unlike many atheists we don't think anyone with a different view is mentally retarded or at least we are too polite to say so. Lastly most people think we are harmless cranks who can safely be ignored.