Neo-Pagan Saints?

Question

If other traditions of faith can hold certain individuals in such a light as sainthood, why can't Neo-Pagans?

Are there not any people within our circles who could be recognized as having attained a certain level of holiness? After all, we as Pagans consider everyone to be potential Clergy, all Priests and Priestesses in the making. Why not potential saints? Do we not have anyone within our ranks who has genuinely lived in a state of perfect love and perfect trust in regards to his or her beliefs about Divinity and the Universe which surrounds us? Do we not hold any individuals to be exemplars of our faith who should be commemorated or venerated as an inspiration to other Pagans?

Answer 1

Spirit is abstract, so you are right. A real saint can come from any belief system.

All it takes is renunciation or a kind of surrender to be in the light, so it can happen in any belief system.

This resource explains the abstract aspect of it.

That was a nice question by the way... very thoughful.

Answer 2

The issue I have with that is that one of the great appealing factors of paganism is the idea of reality, and not an idealized fantasy, being considered holy and good. Every moment is golden, every person is holy.

It's important for me to have faith in the way things are, not try to compare myself or others to how it 'should' be. I cannot revere someone else has having more love and trust than I do, because I am in different circumstances and I think I am doing just fine, thank you.

Why would I want something to live up to that is not applicable to my life? Why would I want to venerate someone I don't know personally?

It's my opinion that spirituality has no meaning unless it is applicable in practical terms to everyday life. I don't see how idealizing someone who does not have my challenges helps me in any way. My faith comes from what I feel inside, not having outside things to adore and feel unworthy of.

However, if you have someone you personally look up to, feel free to make them your own saint.

Answer 3

Interesting question. I tend to agree with the first two answers. Hierarchy can be dangerous, but then again, every religion must go through it's phases. In the early stages there are infinite possibilities, then it goes through a thousand (or more) year period of dogma, then finally a decline as that world view doesn't work anymore for the people in question.

Answer 4

While there's certainly nothing wrong with holding up individuals as a role model and inspiration, I wouldn't call them a saint. Saints are inherently better than us. Catholic saints are those people who have been recognised as being a specific tool of God and are considered purer and, quite frankly, better than the rest of us. That's pretty contrary to Wiccan worldviews.

Answer 5

you got that right, the christians try to dominant saint hood in there there view ,santa ,and saint patrick

I'm sure the Celts don't call [evil patrick] a saint ,for he was the one that tryed to destroy Celtic religion

one mans saint is a nother mans terrorist.

its who controles [ the point of view ]

the jews and the christians are finally losing there grip on [power] and the old religions are final coming back from the grave.

Answer 6

We could...but then that would begin a whole hierarchy over all of Paganism and I like not having that kind of thing in place. I feel that it would take away from the freeness of the religion.

Answer 7

I suspect you'd find the ancestor reveration in traditional Paganism to be much like early Christian saint reveration.

Answer 8

I'd nominate Scott Cunningham, may the Gods rest his soul.

Answer 9

The tooth fairy would be a good one to start with.

Faithful.

Charitable.

Loving.

Cute.

Works well with other fairies.

I'd vote for him/her/it in a minute.