Question #1- What is paganism?
Ya know, it sucks & blows that defining this word is so tough. We all know it is an umbrella term for a large gathering of paths, traditions & religions. We know that most of these paths are orthopraxic. We know that some are polytheistic- but some are not. A tiny handful are earth-worshipping, most are not. Most of them are as different from one another as a cat is from a baseball. In some ways it is almost easier to define “paganism” and its paths by what it is (and what they are) NOT.
So help me, guys. I would like a clear, concise definition of paganism. One line- can we make it one line? Or is that impossible? How about a short paragraph?
Here are some things I’ve been mulling over with the popular definitions:
1) Earth-based. Nope not all the paths are. Not even most of the paths are.
2) Non J/C/I. Nope, because some non-Abrahamic paths do not consider themselves pagan
3) Polytheistic. Nope, not all forms of paganism are polytheistic. Some are duotheistic, monolatrous, etc.
4) A label one chooses for oneself. Nope, that allows in any sort of batshit lunatic that has no clue what they are talking about. Paganism definitely does not mean: “open to every single person”, or “a haven for nutjobs & unethical sorts” or “I really like animals, mkay” or whatnot.
5) One without religion or spirituality (from a dictionary entry). Obviously not correct.
Can you guys think of anything else? Any more “nots”? Any more inclusions? Any more common definitions that need debunking?
Am I nuts to think I can distill the definition of paganism down to a one sentence or even one short paragraph definition?
The biggest suckiest & blowiest thing about this is that a definition of paganism is how the book should logically start. Now I am not letting this get in my way, the writing continues on other parts of the subject. But really, this has got to be figured out before it drives me to smoke, or to drink heavily.
So help me, guys. I would like a clear, concise definition of paganism. One line- can we make it one line? Or is that impossible? How about a short paragraph?
Here are some things I’ve been mulling over with the popular definitions:
1) Earth-based. Nope not all the paths are. Not even most of the paths are.
2) Non J/C/I. Nope, because some non-Abrahamic paths do not consider themselves pagan
3) Polytheistic. Nope, not all forms of paganism are polytheistic. Some are duotheistic, monolatrous, etc.
4) A label one chooses for oneself. Nope, that allows in any sort of batshit lunatic that has no clue what they are talking about. Paganism definitely does not mean: “open to every single person”, or “a haven for nutjobs & unethical sorts” or “I really like animals, mkay” or whatnot.
5) One without religion or spirituality (from a dictionary entry). Obviously not correct.
Can you guys think of anything else? Any more “nots”? Any more inclusions? Any more common definitions that need debunking?
Am I nuts to think I can distill the definition of paganism down to a one sentence or even one short paragraph definition?
The biggest suckiest & blowiest thing about this is that a definition of paganism is how the book should logically start. Now I am not letting this get in my way, the writing continues on other parts of the subject. But really, this has got to be figured out before it drives me to smoke, or to drink heavily.