What is Neopaganism?

Answer

Neopaganism or Neo-Paganism (literally meaning “new paganism” or “revived paganism”) is an umbrella term that encompasses a diverse range of spiritual practices typically derived from pre-Christian or anti-Christian religions. Neopaganism includes various forms of New Age beliefs, Wicca, versions of Greek and Roman polytheism, and Celtic druidism. Before the 1960s, these beliefs were largely underground and viewed as countercultural. Shifting attitudes towards counterculture and an increasing hostility towards Christianity have facilitated the expansion of Neopaganism, especially when combined with other religious ideologies.

While drawing inspiration from ancient history, Neopaganism generally embraces a very modern, if not postmodern, worldview. The “gods” and “goddesses” in these belief systems are not necessarily perceived as literal entities. Dogma is typically avoided in favor of relativism and a personalized spiritual approach. Some neo-pagans genuinely believe in the truths they uphold, while others are driven by a disdain for Western, Christian, or conventional beliefs.

Due to the wide array of Neopagan practices, it is challenging to provide a single description of beliefs that applies universally. The few common concepts shared by most neo-pagan systems actually result in a less cohesive and more diverse range of perspectives. These common themes include relativism, inclusivism, and the rejection of creeds.

Neopaganism predominantly embraces relativism, asserting that truth is subjective to each individual’s reality. This allows for a personalized approach to spiritual and moral issues. However, relativism contradicts a fundamental principle of logic, the law of non-contradiction. Two neo-pagans may hold opposing views on the literal existence of the Greek goddess Athena without considering it a conflict.

However, logically, one of these two must be incorrect. The same issue arises with moral and ethical assertions.

Inclusivism is a prevalent theme in neo-pagan religions. It asserts that nearly all religious interpretations hold equal validity. This inclusive stance, however, is usually not extended to monotheistic perspectives like Christianity. Monotheism is often viewed in Neopaganism as one of the few—or the sole—unacceptable approaches to spirituality. While Neopaganism is theoretically “polytheistic,” not all followers believe in the same gods, or any deity at all. Similar to relativism, inclusivism results in a contradiction. Diametrically opposed moral and spiritual concepts cannot both be equally valid.

The refusal of creeds or any formal, binding statement of faith and practice is termed anti-creedalism. Within Neopaganism, this is essentially the practical outcome of relativism and inclusivism. This standpoint rejects the notion of a “correct” set of beliefs. Consequently, even neo-pagans sharing the same faith label may have entirely different perspectives on how to live, think, or discuss those ideas. Aligned with its countercultural and anti-Christian themes, Neopaganism eschews fixed creeds.

By turning away from the one true God to self-made deities, neo-pagans endeavor to satisfy their spiritual yearning with futility, akin to how ancient Athens was brimming with idols «Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. », (Acts 17:16). Like the ancient Athenians, they too must be introduced to the One they refer to as “the Unknown God” «For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. », (Acts 17:23).