When Paganism Ends...

[kevyn]

My deep philosophical question for the season:

Is it possible to be an Atheist (or Agnostic), and be a Pagan at the same time?

I don't have an answer, I'm just mulling it over in my mind. I used to think "yes," and identified as such, but since then I've had Pagan friends I trust and respect tell me I can't be both at the same time.

Sorting out belief...

-Hagrid

Comments

[baxil.livejournal.com]

Not to be flip, but I think this really is one of those cases where it comes down to your definition of "pagan."

And Paganism is a much broader category than, say, Wicca, where there are a certain base set of beliefs ... I think if the category is big enough for Hellenic reconstructionists and Asatru and New Agers, it's damn well big enough for people who don't follow (or believe in) the god-concept too. There's a lot more to paganism than the name you worship.

[kevynjacobs.livejournal.com]

I think you're exactly right, Bax... maybe my question should be, "What is a Pagan?" It's one I am trying to figure out, and I don't have an answer yet. With my recent exploration of the ideas of The New Atheists, and my participation in The Blasphemy Challenge, I am trying to figure out where I belong anymore. If I say I doubt the existance of Magick, or a Universal Divine or any kind of supernatural forces in my life.... am I no longer a Pagan?