Ask a pagan

[Thorvald of Lym]

What separates Paganism apart from other religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism?

Celebrity, I should think. Paganism is a blanket term that is usually applied to older polytheistic practices that have fallen out of the popular limelight; Old Norse, Roman and Greek, to name but a few, but generally any close-knit, one could say 'folk' religion.

 

[Cheezy the Wiz]

Can you explain the basic tenets of your religion and religous practices to us? Who are your gods? Is there any sort of dogmatic organization? How many follow your faith? Do you have a unique religious calendar, or do you follow the normal Gergorian calendar? Is there any sort of missionary service with your religion, who goes out and tries to convert others?

Howdy.

ten char

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

You mentioned that there is no unity of belief; nonetheless, I would assume that there are some basics that most people have in common. What I am wondering is what is the view of a) your sect in general and b) you in particular regarding the afterlife, or whatever form it does or doesn't take?

 

[LucyDuke]

How old were you when you started with this? How old are you now?

(That probably sounds a little more standoffish than I mean to. Just wonderin'.)

 

[Rossiya]

How many legs do you have?

In a full moon, do you turn into a wolf?

When you walk past a mirror, is there a reflection of you?

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

Don't get discouraged by silly questions, by the way, we always do this.

 

[Rossiya]

Yeah, those jerks that do silly questions. Confound them.

 

[Swedishguy]

I understand most of those pagan verses in the OP.

Do you want to feel special?

 

[The Yankee]

Moderator Action: The procedure here for starting "Ask A...." threads is to ask the moderators here for approval for it. So, this thread is closed pending that approval. We'll get back with a decision!

 

[The Yankee]

Moderator Action: Thread approved and reopened. Enjoy!

 

[Rossiya]

Yay! We can now enjoy this thread!

 

[Lillefix]

Do you have long hair and wear leather clothes?

 

[Oruc]

What separates Paganism apart from other religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism?

(I didint include Confucianism since I see it more of a social philosophy)

Aren't the last three pagan beliefs.

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

According to some classifications, everything but Christianity and Judaism are pagan; however, in this context it is more useful as a self definition.

 

[Dachs]

Aren't the last three pagan beliefs.

I don't think so; pagan is more of a term used to identify the neo-Druids, or Wicca, and stuff like that. Hinduism, while extremely decentralized, is generally not lumped in along with pagans, and Buddhism is definitely not paganistic. Taoism comes close but I think that falls under its own heading as well, though I'm not sure.

 

[Oruc]

I don't think so; pagan is more of a term used to identify the neo-Druids, or Wicca, and stuff like that. Hinduism, while extremely decentralized, is generally not lumped in along with pagans, and Buddhism is definitely not paganistic. Taoism comes close but I think that falls under its own heading as well, though I'm not sure.

I thought Pagan was a western term for anything that isn't Christian, Jewish or Islamic. So I am quite sure those 3 are pagan beliefs.

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

By that definition they are, but that is not a common definition any more.

 

[Oruc]

By that definition they are, but that is not a common definition any more.

Yes it is

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

It is a common definition? I haven't seen it used much like that lately.

 

[Oruc]

It is a common definition? I haven't seen it used much like that lately.

You just saw me use it?