What does Pagan mean...

[sterling420]

...and do you think there are any Pagan now?

[Talon]

A Pagan is anyone who practices a nature-based religion....

In ancient times, all religions were based on some aspect of nature. The distinction between Pagan and world religions became necessary when monotheistic religious models were introduced a few thousand years ago.... Paganism does not oppose or deny any other religion, it is simply a pre-Christian faith. For this reason it is often called the "Old Religion"... Paganism differs from world religions in that it does not evangelize, as such there is no call for "Holy Wars"... Paganism is Shamanistic and akin to tribal religions like those of the Native American...

Pagans now?..

I am not sure as to how many pagans today there are, as it would seem that multiple types of Paganism branch out everyday... but I would have to guess at hundreds of thousands spread within the various sects all over the world... It would seem as well that more and more people each day revert back to this older form of religion.. for they feel more connected to the earth than they do with many of the present day religions.

[sterling420]

I'm unsure of your responce. Are you saying that Pagan is a religion?

[Mistress]

Sterling420

I happened upon this thread.. obviously due to the Topic at hand. I am not sure why you didn't understand Talon's answer.. for if you read it.. you will see.. that "Pegan" ie: "Paganism" in a Practical Definition is that of a Religious Belief, ie: a following of a certain belief..

The only definition that I could provide to you would be.. in my opinion, "A Pagan is someone who adheres to a belief system outside that of established Orthodoxy... ie: Catholic, Jew, etc...

What is a "Pagan?"
Everybody has their favorite meaning of "Pagan." But there is no consensus, even among people who adhere to a single religion.

"Pagan" comes from the Latin word "paganus" which originally meant "country dweller." In the early years of the Christian movement, the term referred to conservative folks from the rural areas who continued to follow ancient religions, long after city dwellers had converted to Christianity. By the third century CE, its meaning evolved to include all non-Christians. Eventually, it became an evil term that implied the possibility of Satan worship. The latter two meanings are still in current use.

There is no generally accepted, single, current definition for the word "Pagan." The word is among the terms that the newsgroup alt.usage.english, calls "skunk words." They have varied meanings to different people. The field of religion is rife with such words. consider: Christian, cult, hell, heaven, occult, Paganism, pluralism, salvation, Witch, Witchcraft, Unitarian, Universalist, Voodoo, etc. Each has so many meanings that they often cause misunderstandings wherever they are used. Unfortunately, most people do not know this, and naturally assume that the meaning that they have been taught is universally accepted. A reader must often look at the context in which the word is used in order to guess at the intent of the writer.

We recognize that many Wiccans, Neopagans, and others regularly use the terms "Pagan" and "Paganism" to describe themselves. They should definitely be free to continue this usage. However, the possibility of confusion exists -- particularly if one is talking to a general audience. When one is addressing non-Wiccans or non-Neopagans, it is important that the term:

Be carefully defined in advance, or that Its meaning is clearly understandable from the text's context.

Otherwise, the speaker or writer will be referring to one group of people, while the listeners or readers will assume that another group is being referred to.

However in ending.. I am actually curious as to why you are asking? Is it that you are looking for direction for yourself? Or perhaps just looking to understand it in general?

~ Mistress ~



[Edited by Mistress on 30th November 2003 at 05:01]

[Talon]

Originally posted by sterling420
I'm unsure of your responce. Are you saying that Pagan is a religion?

Yes...I am.

Though Paganism is a broad term...as is Christianity...as Christianity is a wide descriptive term for a diverse culture of beliefs...so is Paganism..

[Mamie]

Today paganism is a overall term for a number of religions not a religion in itself.

It and heathen was a derogatory term for those outside of mainstream religions but not necesarily just Christendom and Judaism. Romans who honoured Jupiter, Juno and the other "Roman gods" and/or the deified emperors of Rome called people in Northern Europe pagans and heathens.

I am a pagan with Celtic/Norse aspects and I am not alone but not all believe the same things I do.

[sterling420]

Pagan then is a "catch-all" term?

Now Pagan is seen as a religion eventhough Pagan is not a religion.

So then too this must apply to the term "Celtic", since the Irish, Scots, Welsh, et al are no longer "Celtic" actually but are grouped as such for commercial profit?