Sharania wrote:Interesting. Now, three questions to every faithful pagan in the thread:
1) Is paganism a faith or a religion?
2) Does adhering to the paganism require a pre-modern, irrational worldview?
To answer your first question, just as Abrahamism itself is not a religion, paganism itself is not a religion. These are both collective terms to describe a group of religious communities. Meanwhile, Wicca, Hellenism, Asatru, etcetera are religions by themselves.
Adhering to paganism does not “require” anything but your word. Indeed, most pagans tend to believe in and practice the pre-modern ways of our ancestors. But to “require” anything from that would mean establishing a dogma and authority of some kind, neither of which can possibly represent Paganism as a whole.
Aglonia wrote:The Wiccan Israel wrote:Thank you (and Happy Easter).
Not that long ago, pagans around the world celebrated the Spring Equinox (also referred to as Ostara, where Easter gets its name). Personally, I believe the event of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection is symbolic of rebirth and renewal, similar to the cycle of the seasons - the death and return of the sun.
That is cool that you believe that! And actually as a Pagan, what are your views on Christianity and on Jesus Christ?
As I was raised in a Roman Catholic family, Christianity remains an important (and sometimes unavoidable) part of my life. I believe that Jesus Christ was a real person who lived and died on the Earth. However, I would argue that his teachings were distorted by religious zealots, leading to the violent Christianization of Europe and the Crusades that followed. As regrettable and unfortunate as those events were, I cannot bring myself to hate Christians today.
Sharania wrote:The Wiccan Israel wrote:Thank you (and Happy Easter).
Not that long ago, pagans around the world celebrated the Spring Equinox (also referred to as Ostara, where Easter gets its name). Personally, I believe the event of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection is symbolic of rebirth and renewal, similar to the cycle of the seasons - the death and return of the sun.
Then what about Pesach? That's what the Christians appropriated for their holiday.
Elaborate on your question, please. Are you looking for my opinion on Pesach?