Is there such a thing as a pagan (heathen) Atheist?

Answer 1

I, too, have wondered about this. It is my understanding that an atheist believes in NO God......none. Yet, there is an active poster here who claims to be a Wiccan atheist. Perhaps I do not understand, perhaps she is confused, or perhaps we will both learn something as a result of your question!

Answer 2

A heathen is not necessarily a pagan or an athiest. I consider myself an athiest. In other words, I do not believe in the physical existance of gods or goddesses. I celebrate some wiccan holidays and some christian holidays with my family. I do belive in the existance of energies both physical and spiritual. I have seen proof of them, and I am learning how to use them to heal and enhance life. I think if you are studying various religions (which is very important) you should remember that while some people are very adamant about labeling their beliefs, many others, such as myself, have created our own beliefs that cross boundries and do not fit into catagories. My advice is to always listen, always consider, and make up your own mind.

Answer 3

I know a few Pagans and Heathens who consider themselves "Pagan/Heathen atheists". There are some Pagans and even some Heathens who believe the Gods are merely symbolic archetypes.

Answer 4

Depends how you're defining "pagan." If you're meaning a non-Judeo-Christian, then yes. By that definition atheists are pagans. Also, Buddhism does not require belief in a deity, so you could be an atheist Buddhist.

Answer 5

paganism doesn't require belief in the gods. heathenism pretty much does, tho there are probably even heathens that don't consider the gods to be actual entities.

paganism is more a philosophy of living in harmony in nature than a god-cult.

Answer 6

There are naturalistic pantheists (and godhlauss heithinns) that meet your definition as they are atheistic, but earth-centered.

I'm a naturalistic pantheist which means that "I believe in God/dess but spell it N-A-T-U-R-E." It is sort of like a nontheistic and rational "pagan". It's paganism for the 21st century and is even more earth-centered than "mainstream" paganism which focuses on magic. It is very eco-centered and Green in focus.

Knowing of the interdependence of nature (food cycle, etc.) as well as the interdependence of actions (ancestors' past actions affect my current circumstances and my actions will affect the circumstances of my descendents) fills me with a sense of gratefulness which I demonstrate both through my actions as well as concrete actions of respect and honor.

We celebrate the solstices and equinoxes. Some of us even do rituals - for myself I have developed offeratory rituals to honor Nature and the ancestors, Sacred Meal ritual, and chanting and meditation practices. These are available in the files section of the public pantheist groups here on Yahoo and on Beliefnet.

Check the links below for more information on pantheism:

Answer 7

Pagans believe in their own older gods so the answer to your question has to be obvious even to you .

However I do bow to the opinion of any Pagan who has a differing opinion from mine .

Answer 8

No. Atheists have no divine belief system whatsoever, or any other similar belief of God, Heaven, Hell or Satan. They believe there is no higher power or entities (good or evil).

We are born, we live, we die. Thats it.

Pagans are not Atheists, nor can Atheists be Pagans.

Answer 9

Yes. I am one. I view deities as symbols and metaphors and archetypes, not as real beings. My spiritual philosophy is more Taoist.

Answer 10

Since paganism encompasses many religions (aka pagans have religion) and athiests dont have religion, the answer is no.