User:Cdierks21/Rise of Paganism

Rise of Paganism
What is Paganism?- The word Pagan comes from the Late Latin paganus, which was used at the end of the Roman Empire to name those who practiced a religion other than Christianity, Judaism, or Islam. Christians used the term to refer to non-Christians who worshiped multiple deities. In Latin, paganus meant “country dweller”. The word’s religious meaning developed from the non-Christian religious practices of those who lived far from the Roman cities where Christianity was common and accepted. Christians referred to themselves as “soldiers of Christ,” making nonbelievers “civilians.” 

Wicca
Wicca is the best known Pagan religion and the most misunderstood. WIccans refer to themselves as Witches which led non-Pagans to combine magic and witchcraft with mainly with Wicca, although many other Pagan traditions practice some form of magic.

Wicca is known for worshiping a God and Goddess. The understanding of this God and Goddess varies from one Wiccan to another Wiccan. A lot of Wiccans implement other gods from other pagan religions into their religion, like Zues from the Greek pantheon. Others choose to honor deities that are heavily associated with Wicca, such as the Horned God and Triple Moon Goddess.

Wiccans believe the energy of the Divine exists in all things. Creation is believed to be created by the elements of earth, air, fire and water. Wiccans are not devil worshippers although they are confused as being worshipers of the devil by Christians through the "horned god".

Druidry
Druidry or Druidism is a Pagan religion that seeks to the “greatest yearnings” of humanity. Druids desire to be “fully creative in our lives, to commune deeply with Nature, and to gain access to wisdom through nature.” The main three goals of Druidry are wisdom, creativity and love.

Like other Pagan traditions, Druidry has no real set dogma or sacred text. Druids can differ by being monotheistic or polytheistic to those who believe that Deity is unknowable. There are very many different views between Druids, although Druids tend to put a high focus on tolerance of diversity. Above all nature is sacred to Druids, and most Druids believe in the Otherworld. The Otherworld is the place that souls go after they die and are reincarnated back into the world.

Asatru
Asatru is a Pagan tradition based on old Norse beliefs. Also called "Heathenism". Asatruans believe in the Norse pantheon which includes the better known gods of paganism Odin, Loki, Freya and Thor. They follow a set of guidelines known as the Nine Noble Virtues which are courage, truth, honor, fidelity, discipline, hospitality, industriousness, self-reliance and perseverance.

Where is Paganism Popular?
Paganism is well established in a number of European countries which include Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK. Most of the well known Pagan religions like Wicca, and Asatru all started mainly in Western Europe. These religions where able to survive even through the spread of Christianity over the years and continued to practice their religion. These religions gained popularity especially in Western Europe once it was acceptable to be a Pagan in the modern day world.

Why do people turn to Paganism?
People turn away from mainstream religions because they are tired of the shame, they want to ask questions, and they don’t want to be a part of an organisation that promotes discrimination of any kind.” People also turn to Paganism for its sexual acceptence and freedom, Paganism is arguably the most tolerant of human sexuality. Sex is considered a divine gift and a sacred rite. The fact that there is no central authority in Paganism the power is shared between the group with some groups having some form of clergy with some power that is eventually passed on from one to another. With Paganism being mainly a nature based religion it draws people who feel a bigger connection to the world around them compared to a organized religion. Another major aspect that turns people to Paganism is the multiple representations of divine feminine figures, which most organized religion lack. Finally people turn to Paganism due to family heritage before the main religions spread through the world.