Paganism (salvation, tradition, followers, atheist, pagans)

[michel]

I Hope you will not mind my'borrowing' something you said, Lilithu, because I actually agree with you, and would like others' opinions - obviously especially that of Pagans

Originally Posted by Lilithu

In fact, I was surprised when some self-identified Pagans in RF said that they were ultimately monotheistic, or henotheistic, believing in "the Source." My own understanding of (as an interested observer not a believer) was that, while it is polytheistic in that there are many gods and goddesses, it is atheistic with respect to some unifying underlying all-encompassing God. I did not get the impression that there is some ultimate plan or higher purpose being orchestrated.

Any takers?

[Merlin]

Originally Posted by michel

I Hope you will not mind my'borrowing' something you said, Lilithu, because I actually agree with you, and would like others' opinions - obviously especially that of Pagans


Any takers?

I thought a pagan believed in a God or more than one God.

They are just called pagans by people who are arrogant enough to believe that they themselves have the true religion. If it turns out that the so called pagans are correct, then it is Christians and Moslems who are the real pagans

That first step towards the pearly gate is surely going to be a very interesting one. Some people will have very red faces (if we still have faces)

[michel]

Originally Posted by Merlin

I thought a pagan believed in a God or more than one God.

They are just called pagans by people who are arrogant enough to believe that they themselves have the true religion. If it turns out that the so called pagans are correct, then it is Christians and Moslems who are the real pagans

That first step towards the pearly gate is surely going to be a very interesting one. Some people will have very red faces (if we still have faces)

No, you haven't understood what I am after. Pagans do believe in Gods, that was never in question - the point I was hoping someone would clear up was :- do the pagan Gods (or maybe 'senior' god if there is a hirearchy) have an ultimate plan for thir followers ?

[Merlin]

Originally Posted by michel

No, you haven't understood what I am after. Pagans do believe in Gods, that was never in question - the point I was hoping someone would clear up was :- do the pagan Gods (or maybe 'senior' god if there is a hirearchy) have an ultimate plan for thir followers ?

Does our God?

[Feathers in Hair]

Arrrrghhh! I had a nice reply typed up and my computer decided that was a good time to shut down.

A lot us us embrace the term 'pagan'. Its origin is basically 'country bumpkin.' Since so many of us would prefer to live in the country, since there's easier access to nature, it's a highly acceptable phrase. *grin*

While I percieve my gods as being compassionate, loving ones, they don't tend to let me in on any master plan that they might have, if they have one. They seem to prefer to have us help ourselves and help each other. Mine aren't distant, as some pagan traditions think of them as being, but they're more of the 'do it yourself' type.

[Darkdale]

Originally Posted by michel

No, you haven't understood what I am after. Pagans do believe in Gods, that was never in question - the point I was hoping someone would clear up was :- do the pagan Gods (or maybe 'senior' god if there is a hirearchy) have an ultimate plan for thir followers ?

I depends on the god or goddess in question. Every god has it's own niche. For heathens, the ultimate plan is for their followers to live an honorable, courageous, exciting and enjoyable life; strengthening their family and community.

[michel]

Originally Posted by Darkdale

I depends on the god or goddess in question. Every god has it's own niche. For heathens, the ultimate plan is for their followers to live an honorable, courageous, exciting and enjoyable life; strengthening their family and community.

I understand that - but I think I was looking for somesort of 'Salvation' system (as in Christianity). Am I right in thinking Pagan Gods have no such 'plans' ?

[Darkdale]

Originally Posted by michel

I understand that - but I think I was looking for somesort of 'Salvation' system (as in Christianity). Am I right in thinking Pagan Gods have no such 'plans' ?

No, I can't think of a single "pagan" tradition that believes in Salvation. I'll see if I can think some up and I'll let you know, but I doubt it.

[Druidus]

There is no real plan in Druidry. The various Gods may have plans of their own, in the same way that we have plans, but these are not plans for divine salvation. The Source also has no plans for us.

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by michel

I Hope you will not mind my'borrowing' something you said, Lilithu, because I actually agree with you, and would like others' opinions - obviously especially that of Pagans

Any takers?

Hey Michel, I don't mind, but could you let me know, either by PM or in the donor thread, when you do this? This is the second time that I know of, and it's a little disconcerting to click on a thread just out of curiosity and find one's own words staring back.

I would like to always have the opportunity to make sure that I am being understood correctly. For example, here I would like to make it clear that I did not write that as a criticism of Paganism, just an observation. My own monotheistic conception of God does not necessarily include a higher purpose or plan, so I do not see this as a failing.

Thanks.