RELIGIONS
OF THE WORLD
Neo-Paganism
Neo-Pagans are a community of faiths bringing ancient Pagan
and magickal traditions to the modern age--including mostly
Wicca but also Druidism, Asatru, Shamanism, neo-Native American,
and more. Neo-Pagan is an umbrella term for various and diverse
beliefs with many elements in common. Some Neo-Pagans find no
incongruence practicing Neo-Paganism along with adherence to
another faith, such as Christianity or Judaism.
. Belief in Deity:
Some believe in a Supreme Being. Many believe in God and Goddess--a
duality. Many believe there are countless spirit beings, gods
and goddesses, in the cosmos and within all of nature--God is
all and within all; all are one God. The Great Mother Earth,
or Mother Nature, is highly worshipped. Divinity is immanent
and may become manifest within anyone at any time through various
methods.
. Incarnations:
No human incarnations are worshipped in particular, as all of
nature and the universe are considered embodiments of God and
Goddess, or of gods and goddesses, worthy of respect, reverence,
or worship.
. Origin of Universe and Life:
Generally, there is no conflict between observations revealed
through science and Neo-Pagan beliefs on origins of the physical
universe and of man. Many believe in a supreme intelligence
that created a duality of God/Goddess who then created a spirit
world of gods and goddesses as well as all of the universe and
nature. .
. After
Death:
Many believe in reincarnation after some rest and recovery in
the "Otherworld." There is generally no concept of hell as a
place of punishment, but some believe wrongdoing can trap the
soul in state of suffering after death. Some (Wicca) believe
the soul joins their dead ancestors who watch over and protect
their family. Some believe that life energy continues in some,
if unknown, form. Some believe in various spiritual resting
places. Many say we don't or can't know what happens after death.
. Why Evil?:
"Evil" is imbalance. Most believe there is no evil but rather
that people sometimes make mistakes. Wrongdoing results when
we forget we are one with the universal spirit.
. Salvation:
The concept of "salvation" is essentially irrelevant; rather
the belief that people can attain spiritual balance and harmony
with each other and nature. The path includes group ceremonies,
dances, songs/chants, prayers, meditation, trance, altered states
of consciousness, the metaphysical, magic, invoking or evoking
deities or spirits, Tantric practices. Intercessors are commonly
used: psychics, seers, shamans, tarot, Oui-Ja board. Ethical
choices are influenced by a belief that one is rewarded or punished
within this or after this lifetime for one's choices and an
ethical code to do no harm.
. Undeserved Suffering:
Most do not believe in Satan or any spirit being as the cause
of suffering. Some believe in a karma-like principle, that choosing
to live a life of wrongdoing and pain will naturally result
in suffering in this or later lifetimes. Many view suffering
as a result of spiritual imbalance in one's life or on the planet
or in the universe. The focus is generally on healing suffering
rather than answering definitively why it exists.
. Contemporary Issues:
Abortion is not condemned, as there is no official doctrine;
beliefs about abortion range the full spectrum. Views on divorce,
homosexuality, and gender equality are generally very supportive
of human differences, equality, and personal choice. Many believe
that involvement in community action, especially regarding environmental
concerns, is integral to the belief in human interdependence
and worship of the Earth Mother.
