Historically, paganism was used by Christians to designate any religion or people who were not Christian or Jewish. The pagan religions were those that were not Abrahamic, given that Islam did not emerge until about the 8th century BCE.
Without Christianity, no other faith would be referred to as pagan, as it was used to denigrate religions that came before Christianity, with the exception of Judaism, from which Christianity originated.
Although the terms are often used interchangeably today, paganism is used to refer to the old religions, while modern paganism is known as neopaganism or contemporary paganism, which are new religious movements influenced by the various old pagan beliefs.
Early Christians referred to the people of the Roman Empire who practiced polytheism as "pagans," a term that was near, if not entirely, synonymous with "gentiles" or "heathens." Pagan and paganism were pejorative terms, the implication being that they were inferior to the Christian or Jewish religions. Until modern times, it was considered to be pejorative, the implication being that pagans believed in false gods.
Not much is known of the original pagan religions, although there has been some evidence from anthropology, archeology, and ancient literature.
Paganism has never referred to a single religion, and that is also the case with neopaganism. Most pagan religions were pantheistic, polytheistic, or animistic, although some were monotheistic.
Because little is known of the ancient pagan religions, defining paganism is difficult. Christians referred to a wide variety of diverse cults as a single group, largely as a matter of convenience. The term from which paganism is derived implies polytheism, but not all of them had a polytheistic worldview. Many of the old pagan religions believed in a supreme being, but most of them believed in a class of subordinate deities or divine emanations.
To Christians, the only important distinction was whether someone believed in the one true God, and all others were considered to be pagan religions.
As Christianity grew to dominate the Western world, and Islam arose and grew to dominate many other parts of the world, paganism decreased or went into hiding. Many pagans were converted, either to Christianity or to Islam, while large numbers of those that did not convert were killed, on both fronts.
Interest in pagan religions was revived during the Renaissance of the 14th-17th centuries, with a revival of Greco-Roman magic.
Fascination with Celtic and Viking revivals were seen in literary works during the Romantic era of the 18th-19th centuries, portraying Celtic and Germanic polytheists as noble savages.
Pagan mythology was also seen in 19th-century folklore or fairy tales.
A revival of pagan religions also began in the 19th century, largely with Wicca and neo-druidism, which included elements from Theosophy and the occult.
Given a dearth of historical information of the theology or practices of the ancient pagan religions, neopagan sects are new religions, although most of them share a view of the natural world as divine, which is why most neopagan religions are described as Earth religions.
At best, pagan is an umbrella term that refers to a wide variety of belief systems reaching back before the advent of Christianity.
Many practicing neopagans describe their worldview as a philosophy or a way of life rather than as a religion, although others have fought to be recognized as religions. Like paganism, neopaganism refers to a wide variety of religions and belief systems who have some characteristics in common.
Topics related to pagans or paganism are the focus of this category. Those relating to neopaganism, neodruidism, or any of the other neopagan faiths may be submitted here, or to an appropriate subcategory.
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Recommended Resources
Situated in Whittier, North Carolina, the pagan resource covers several religions that might be identified as pagan, including Celtic, Druid, Egyptian, Greek, and other magical traditions, as well as Native American, Norse, Roman, Santeria, Wicca, Witchcraft, and other Earth-centered and nature-based religions. General information about paganism links to pagan organizations and resources and a calendar of events are included.
http://www.outofthedark.com/
Organized in 1971, the Pagan Federation publishes “Pagan Dawn,” which was originally named “The Wiccan.” Largely set up to be a campaign organization, fighting negative attitudes toward Paganism, the organization also serves to help pagans stay in touch with one another. The principles of membership are set forth, along with an overview of its functions and activities, a directory of member organizations throughout the world, and general information about paganism.
http://www.paganfederation.org/
Created by a collective of Celtic Reconstructionist elders, representatives of CR sub-traditions, and other practitioners, the site answers questions about Celtic Reconstructionism, including a glossary, pronunciation guide, and preview of the book, “The CR FAQ - An Introduction to Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism,” which may be purchased online, proceeds going to Gaelic language and cultural preservation charities.
http://www.paganachd.com/
Hosted by Patheos, a dictionary of religion and spirituality, an overview of paganism and pagan religions is given, including its origins and early developments, schisms and sects, missions and expansions, explorations, and in the modern age. Also discussed are sacred narratives relating to paganism, pagan understandings of deities or spirits, and views toward death and the afterlife. Pagan rituals, worship, and other details.ism.
https://www.patheos.com/library/pagan
Online since 1997, the site carries an emphasis on Wicca but offers information and resources relating to other pagan religions, as well. Topics include Pagan holidays, Gods and Goddesses, moon phases, animal guides, candle magic, chakras, crystal magic, divination, Earth magic, essential oils, herbalism, meditation, shamanism, and others, such as Celtic lore. An online store offers books, candles, altar supplies, cauldrons, chalices, and other items.
https://www.wicca.com/
The site offers information about different types of religion, largely the big five (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism), it also features the modern tradition of paganism, based on the worship of nature, and influenced by indigenous religions. Featured is a history of paganism, an outline of pagan beliefs, and the wide variety of activities and customs in paganism, such as witchcraft, ecology, gods, Celtic traditions, and others.
http://www.typesofreligion.com/paganism.html
