Some General Pagan Concepts

Pagan is a very general term encompassing many religions and belief systems.

Painting with a very broad brush, here are some concepts that are "generally accepted" by most "Pagans".

What do you think?

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Belief in Deity
Some believe in a Supreme Being. Many believe in God and Goddess--a duality. Many believe there are countless spirit beings, gods and goddesses, in the cosmos and within all of nature--God is all and within all; all are one God.

Incarnations
No human incarnations are worshipped in particular, as all of nature and the universe are considered embodiments of God and Goddess, or of gods and goddesses, worthy of respect, reverence, or worship.

Origin of Universe and Life
Generally, there is no conflict between observations revealed through science and Neo-Pagan beliefs on origins of the physical universe and of man

After Death
Many believe in reincarnation after some rest and recovery in the "Otherworld." Some believe in various spiritual resting places. Many say we don't or can't know what happens after death.

Why Evil?
"Evil" is imbalance. Most believe there is no evil but rather that people sometimes make mistakes. Wrongdoing results when we forget we are one with the universal spirit.

Salvation
The concept of "salvation" is essentially irrelevant; rather the belief that people can attain spiritual balance and harmony with each other and nature.

Undeserved Suffering
Most do not believe in Satan or any spirit being as the cause of suffering. Some believe in a karma-like principle, that choosing to live a life of wrongdoing and pain will naturally result in suffering in this or later lifetimes. Many view suffering as a result of spiritual imbalance in one's life or on the planet or in the universe. The focus is generally on healing suffering rather than answering definitively why it exists.

Contemporary Issues
Abortion is not condemned, as there is no official doctrine; beliefs about abortion range the full spectrum. Views on divorce, homosexuality, and gender equality are generally very supportive of human differences, equality, and personal choice. Many believe that involvement in community action, especially regarding environmental concerns, is integral to the belief in human interdependence and worship of the Earth Mother.

Very nice general overview for those interested in Neo-pagan paths, EP.

[norseman]

No argument there, EP. I have not met a pagan who was not "green".

I would agree with that.

Hello,
Well that just answered my questions. Wasn't sure what I was. Oh well at least I can put a label on myself now.
I am a Pagan!.........

Cheers for now Morganna

[norseman]

Well done, Morgana

For the most part, it's a comfortable set of beliefs. Nicely done. :)

[Spiritlite]

Thankyou for this.
SPiritlite.

i think you covered it all here. this might sound stupid but honestly i think every religious type thing has some truth to it. it's all basically the same thing just interpreted different.

Originally Posted by traveler

i think you covered it all here. this might sound stupid but honestly i think every religious type thing has some truth to it. it's all basically the same thing just interpreted different.

I agree with your traveler! :)

And great post, EP!