When it comes to modern religions, there are some that seem to get a lot of negative press. Religion is an ancient practice and one that dates back to the earliest recorded moments of human history. In fact, anthropologists across the board agree that one of the easiest ways to spot the signs of civilization is by taking a look at whether a culture buried its dead and, if so, what symbols were included with the ritual. One religion that seems to be misunderstood more than others is paganism.
Negative connotations surrounding pagan beliefs go back centuries, if not longer, and have usually been systematic attacks from religious leaders who felt threatened by the ancient and powerful customs of specific groups. While a lot of pagan traditions were incorporated into larger entities like Christianity and Judaism, the religion still stands on its own in one form or another in the current day and age. Breaking the misconceptions surrounding this religion starts with taking a moment to learn some of the most interesting aspects of it.
Equal Opportunity
One of the most interesting aspects of a religion like paganism is its ability to be incredibly inclusive. In fact, of a majority of religions being practiced today, paganism holds a distinction of being one of the few to encourage equality among the genders. Older religions, especially the more dogmatic systems of belief, tend to put more emphasis on the power of the male and regulate the female to the role of mother, wife, and daughter. In paganism, a woman holds as much potential as a man in regards to spiritual growth, positions of influence, and social justice.
The religion has also had a more relaxed attitude towards sexuality. Members of the LGBTI community often explore paganism as a possible religious option due to how open the religion can be on this front. For most people, religion is an opportunity to connect with something larger than themselves while being an active member of a community. When the religion welcomes all people on an equal front, it can become a powerful draw.
Connections With Other Beliefs
A large misconception that surrounds paganism is that it is a religion that worships satanic forces. This is a myth begun long ago by emerging religious institutions wanting to convert rural residents who held older practices. To influence people, propaganda was circulated to call these early pagans “devil worshipers.” This created a divide between people, ultimately pushing pagans to the fringes of society. This long-lasting misconception has persisted until this day even though there are hundreds of resources available on the internet to learn about the topic.
There are several other reasons for the perpetuation of the satanic myth. The pentacle, a popular symbol that is present in paganistic beliefs, bears a slight resemblance to the pentagram, which is an image associated with the devil. Similar symbols appear in all religions, however, and the comparison between paganism and Satanism is one that does not hold up to scrutiny. In truth, paganism is an incredibly peaceful and respectful religion with a pantheon of deities.
Magical Properties
A cornerstone belief of most pagans is a belief in some form of magic. While many pagans practice witchcraft, it is not an area that interests all practicing pagans. The connection with the magical and the divine comes in quiet reflections, prayer, and offerings to the appropriate deities, just as with most religions found around the world. Texts in almost all major religions tend to refer to acts and events that are brimming with fantastical elements, but paganism is one of the few that does not shy away from calling it magic.
There is a lot to be learned about the rich and diverse world of paganism. The misconceptions surrounding this religion may have persisted for a long time, but it is never too late to break old stereotypes.