Practitioners of paganism believe in a diverse range of spiritual and religious practices that are generally rooted in ancient pre-Christian traditions. Paganism is a broad umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of belief systems, including but not limited to Wicca, Druidry, and Asatru. One of the main beliefs among pagans is the honoring and reverence of the natural world. Pagans often see the earth and its elements as sacred and interconnected with all living beings. They may celebrate the changing seasons, the cycles of the moon, and engage in rituals that involve the earth, such as planting gardens or participating in outdoor ceremonies. Many pagans also believe in the existence of multiple deities or gods and goddesses.
Many pagans also believe in the existence of multiple deities or gods and goddesses. These deities are often associated with particular aspects of nature, such as a god of the sun or a goddess of fertility. Pagan rituals may involve invoking or communing with these deities through prayer, meditation, or offerings.
What is Neopaganism?
Neopaganism / Neo-Paganism (literally, “new paganism” or “revived paganism”) is an umbrella term, covering a widely varied set of spiritual practices typically adapted from pre-Christian or anti-Christian religions. Neopaganism includes various forms of New Age belief, Wicca, versions of Greek and Roman polytheism, and Celtic druidism. Prior to the 1960s, these types of beliefs were overwhelmingly underground and seen as countercultural. Changing attitudes toward counterculture and a growing hostility to Christianity have allowed Neopaganism to expand, particularly when blended with other religious concepts.
Though it draws inspiration from ancient history, Neopaganism generally assumes a worldview that is very modern, if not postmodern. The “gods” and “goddesses” of these systems are not necessarily seen as literal beings. Dogma is generally shunned in favor of relativism and have-it-your-way spirituality. Some neo-pagans take such things seriously on their own merits, holding a sincere belief in whatever truths they claim. Others are motivated by a spiteful distaste for Western, Christian, or traditional attitudes.
Because there are so many flavors of Neopaganism, it is impossible to give a single description of belief that can be applied fairly across the board. The few concepts that nearly all neo-pagan systems have in common actually result in a less coherent, more diverse collection of views. Among these themes are relativism, inclusivism, and the rejection of creeds.
Neopaganism is overwhelmingly relativistic, claiming that truth is subject to each person’s individual reality. This allows for a personally customized approach to spiritual and moral matters. However, relativism also conflicts with a basic principle of logic, the law of non-contradiction. Two neo-pagans might have opposite views on whether or not the Greek god Athena literally exists without seeing this as a problem. However, logically, one of these two must be incorrect. The same problem applies to moral and ethical claims.
Inclusivism is another common theme of neo-pagan religions. Inclusivism is the principle that virtually all religious interpretations are equally valid. Of course, this inclusive attitude is not typically extended toward monotheistic views such as Christianity. Monotheism, in fact, is frequently seen in Neopaganism as one of the few—or the only—unacceptable approaches to spirituality. In theory, Neopaganism is “polytheistic,” although not all practitioners believe in the same set of deities, or any deity at all. As with relativism, inclusivism leads to a problem of contradiction. Completely opposite moral and spiritual ideas cannot both be equally true.
The rejection of creeds or any formal, binding description of belief and practice is known as anti-creedalism. Within Neopaganism this is simply the practical consequence of relativism and inclusivism. This approach shuns the idea of a “correct” set of beliefs. As a result, even neo-pagans of nominally identical faiths might have completely different opinions on how to live, think, or discuss those concepts. In keeping with its countercultural and anti-Christian themes, Neopaganism rejects fixed creeds.
In turning from the one true God to a god or gods of their own making, the neo-pagans attempt to fill their spiritual longing with vanity, the way ancient Athens was filled with idols (Acts 17:16). And, like the ancient Athenians, they need to be introduced to the One they would call “the Unknown God” (Acts 17:23).
Neo-paganism might well be a reaction against what Max Weber referred to as the “disenchantment of the world” whereby modern life and scientific advancement have drained a sense of the sacred from our lives. Neo-paganism’s use of occult practices reveal sacred, even supernatural, interactions with others in nature, such as birds, rocks, trees, or possibly spirits. This might be something Americans, particularly young people, are craving. At a time when industrialization, toxic consumerism, and environmental destruction seem to be reaching an apocalyptic crescendo, Americans might also view neo-paganism as a sort of spiritual activism by drawing on a “sacred ecology” that seeks to bring a divine found in the earth itself into the lives of practitioners. Through a worldview that finds the sacred in the natural, material world, neo-pagan’s notice, ritualize, and imagine magical interconnections between multispecies’ lives.
Another central belief in paganism is the concept of personal autonomy and individual spiritual paths. Unlike more organized religions with set dogmas and doctrines, paganism often encourages individuals to explore and develop their own unique beliefs and practices. This emphasis on personal agency can lead to a wide diversity of beliefs and rituals within pagan communities. In terms of ethics, paganism generally promotes harmony, respect, and balance in all aspects of life. Many practitioners emphasize the importance of living in alignment with nature and strive to cultivate a sense of interconnectedness and responsibility towards the earth and its inhabitants. Overall, practitioners of paganism hold a deep reverence for the natural world, honor a variety of deities, embrace personal autonomy in spiritual exploration, and strive to live in harmony with themselves and the world around them..
Reviews for "Paganism and Animal Spirits: Animal Symbolism and Connection to the Natural World"
1. Alex - 2/5 stars - I found "What practitioners of paganism believe" to be a very biased and one-sided view of paganism. The author only presented the negative aspects and stereotypes associated with paganism, which disregards the beliefs and practices of many practitioners. It felt like the author had an agenda to put down paganism rather than provide an objective viewpoint. I would not recommend this article if you're looking for a balanced understanding of paganism.
2. Emily - 1/5 stars - I was highly disappointed with "What practitioners of paganism believe." The author seemed to have a personal bias against paganism and presented it as some sort of dark and sinister practice. There was no effort made to explore the diversity of beliefs within paganism or provide a fair representation. It felt more like a fear-mongering piece rather than an informative article. If you're genuinely interested in understanding paganism, I would suggest looking for more reliable and neutral sources.
3. Jake - 2/5 stars - I found "What practitioners of paganism believe" to be lacking in depth and accuracy. The article made sweeping generalizations about the beliefs and practices of pagans, without delving into the rich history and diverse nature of the religion. It seemed more like a surface-level overview with a focus on sensationalism rather than providing a nuanced understanding. I would recommend seeking out other resources if you want to gain a more comprehensive understanding of paganism.
4. Lily - 1/5 stars - "What practitioners of paganism believe" was a disappointing read for me. The author's writing style conveyed a dismissive and contemptuous attitude towards paganism, which made it difficult to take the article seriously. There was no effort made to present the positive aspects or the reasons behind why people practice paganism. It felt like a missed opportunity to explore a fascinating religion in a fair and objective manner. I would not recommend this article to anyone genuinely interested in learning about paganism.