Who Are We Pagans?

[Ahimsa]

I think the core of who we are as a religious tradition is that we honor the Sacred as immanent far more than we focus on the Sacred as transcendent. Most Pagans acknowledge there is a transcendental dimension to the world, but do not themselves focus on it. Pretty much the rest of who we are, in all our variety, emerges from our focus on the immanent.

The world around us is a world of amazing variety, and if the Sacred is found within it all, it follows that there will be innumerable paths to recognizing and honoring it. Even the spirituallly most inclusive manifests through the concrete and individual. As a consequence, Paganism is intimately connected to polytheism: that there are many divine presences in the world, with many ways to honor or get into better relationship with them.

Most Pagans will focus on one or a very few deities in our own practice, but we will recognize the existence of others and the legitimacy of those who seek closer connection with them. Our deities are not bothered by the presence of others.

 

[cheese_sdc]

Very interesting, thanks! Earlier this year I joked with my wife that I was probably one of the few people that went to a Beltaine celebration and a First Communion Mass on the same day. :lol:

 

[RainbowGirl82]

I have a great deal of respect for Pagans. In fact, I derive some of my beliefs from Paganism.

 

[Publisher]

I have Pagan friends. Quakers also believe that the Eternal is an immanent Reality and immediate accessability without need of ritual or sacrament. “He is present among us to teach His people Himself.” is one Quaker expression that exemplifies immanence.

Some of my Pagan friends have come to Meeting with me and shared in the Liviing Silence. They were welcomed participants…and while our understanding of the Divine differed, the same Light Within spoke to them as to us…“that of God” in each of us ministered to the whole.

 

[pjk123]

In India ,Pagans are getting “organized” to prevent “organized religions” from encroaching(as per their POV).I meant RSS,VHP,SHIVA SENA to be examples.

 

[IanCorrigan]

Excellent quote, and excellent column. Gus DiZerega, the author, has written two good books on Pagan/Christian dialogue. “Pagans & Christians: The Personal Spiritual Experience” is a very nice theological compare and contrast that intends to reduce anger by promoting understanding. He’s the co-author of “Beyond the Burning Times: A Pagan and Christian in Dialogue”, in which he engages in discussion with Philip Johnson, well-known Evangelical writer.