I think I'm a pagan

It could be. I'll confess to not being well-versed on the subject, since knowing detailed nuances regarding origins of a religion that isn't my own isn't a study priority.

[norseman]

I am not sure if "pagan" can be regarded as a religion or religions. It is more paths of life, ways of living. Generally, Earth accented though.

Originally Posted by norseman

I am not sure if "pagan" can be regarded as a religion or religions. It is more paths of life, ways of living. Generally, Earth accented though.

This is a good point, since many pre-christian cultures lacked a word for belief or religion. This point is particular emphasized in reconstructed forms of pagan cultures. Most religions aren't modular, and cannot really be removed from their culture of origin without suffering some misunderstanding, or losing a large part of the various practices and customs.

I'd be cautious about saying something like "Paganism isn't a religion" when this carries the implication "Paganism deserves none of the legal courtesies granted to religions." Seriously, we do not need to be giving the folks denying us our rights any more fuel for their fire.

Originally Posted by Quintessence

I'd be cautious about saying something like "Paganism isn't a religion" when this carries the implication "Paganism deserves none of the legal courtesies granted to religions." Seriously, we do not need to be giving the folks denying us our rights any more fuel for their fire.

I totally agree. But, the point is that the word religion does cloud the understanding of certain dynamics when discussing nuances and customs of pre-christian peoples. Not to say that modern neopagans and heathens shouldn't use the term religion, but an awareness of the terms usages helps further understanding within a specialized context. Although, I would just use the word religion in everyday conversations, especially with people who aren't well versed in the finer details of religious theory.


Err. I hope that makes sense. I shouldn't type while holding a conversation.

[norseman]

Originally Posted by Quintessence

I'd be cautious about saying something like "Paganism isn't a religion" when this carries the implication "Paganism deserves none of the legal courtesies granted to religions." Seriously, we do not need to be giving the folks denying us our rights any more fuel for their fire.

No such thing as "paganism".
Pagan is a catch-all word covering an extremely wide range of life-styles, beliefs, faiths, etc. Strictly speaking, it refers to all non-Abrahamic faiths. Just as an example, pagan includes wicca which is a religion and it is my understanding that wicca is recognised in the American military.
Religious "rights" are not an issue in the UK.

To clarify myself, I don't personally use certain definitions of "Paganism" because they're so useless. If I do use "Paganism" to refer to the useless definition of "non-Abrahamic" or "snarl word" or "atheist" than I don't capitalize it ("paganism" not "Paganism"), as in those cases, yes, it dubiously refers to religion. In the states, Paganism definitely does have issues securing rights for itself. It took, what, ten years for the blasted pentacle to be allowed on VA headstones even as other symbols were approved within that time? People conflating paganism with Paganism and saying Paganism isn't a religion really isn't something we need. >_<;

[Hazel]

well now i know im not the only one who just left their religion. I was born christian but at 13 i started reading about wicca and pagan and i was like "i agree with this!"

My mum and dad are christian - my dad just accepted it, but my mum argued with me saying i was what she'd raised me as for as long as i lived with her but i persuaded her eventualy :/ She's still determined i dont really believe in it cause im usually indiscisive but after a year and a half i know im defo a pagan. But anyway theres not any ritual you have to do to join that i know of!

You use any term that suits you and follow every path that calls to you and you will find what speaks to you--just like you found Paganism.

I use the world Paganism to describe many and varied Poly-theistic Religious and Spiritual Belief Systems.

Some are more comfortable w/ the term Witch. I prefer Pagan.

Peace and Love on the path of your choice...

Blessed be...

Originally Posted by sara00

I was raised muslim .. left Islam at the age of 18
became an agnostic for a couple of years but loved to read about buddhism
believed in many different things from different sources
I wasn't sure what am I so I took a religion test and the result showed that I'm a pagan
wasn't sure what pagan is so I started to read about it and it feels right
so, my question is .. do you discover that you are a pagan or do you have to do something to become one ?

Seemingly you are a spiritual person upon a journey.

Pagan is an old generic label to describe or call attention to anyone who is not of the Christian religion.