Can't be a pagan.

[Guitar's Cry]

Originally Posted by Mr Cheese

he stated what it originally meant, not what it became.

Close enough. The assumption was historically accurate. But, do you see my point about the strict definition of labels not always being all that accurate to the reality of the social phenomena?

[Mr Cheese]

Originally Posted by Guitar's Cry

Close enough. The assumption was historically accurate. But, do you see my point about the strict definition of labels not always being all that accurate to the reality of the social phenomena?

yes and no.

We can call a tree a goat if we like,
it doesnt mean a tree will eat grass.

But there is a difference between eclectic and syncretic.
Then again I understand most people here are young.

Each to their own.

Do you remeber the website "I hate wiccans.com" created by a wiccan?
It was very informative.

[Guitar's Cry]

Originally Posted by Mr Cheese

yes and no.

We can call a tree a goat if we like,
it doesnt mean a tree will eat grass.

But there is a difference between eclectic and syncretic.
Then again I understand most people here are young.

Nor can we call a Christian a Christian and it doesn't mean she will worship Christ.

As I mentioned, paganism is a social movement, and if a single individual is bigger than a label, then a social movement is one big, amalgamated entity that's not easy to pin a definition to.

[Mr Cheese]

Originally Posted by Guitar's Cry

Nor can we call a Christian a Christian and it doesn't mean she will worship Christ. .

what?

Originally Posted by Guitar's Cry

As I mentioned, paganism is a social movement, and if a single individual is bigger than a label, then a social movement is one big, amalgamated entity that's not easy to pin a definition to.

Ok its a social movement....if you say so...

I thought it was a "religious" stance or perspective.

I guess paganism has become a fashion accessory, essentially,is what you are saying? Like goth, punk, emo, crusty, greebo...

I think pagans would have a problem with this idea!!!

but maybe not: Putting the “Pagan” in Pagan Values « Chrysalis

accordign to wiki:
Social movements are a type of group action. They are large informal groupings of individuals and/or organizations focused on specific political or social issues, in other words, on carrying out, resisting or undoing a social change.

Ah so paganism has become a collective group. Ok so obviously we are looking at a very narrow group, the so called neo pagans. We'll forget about anyone before 1960 then....

I fail to see though, that my Pagan "markers" do not apply to pagans as a whole.
If you can provide pagans that are actually outside the markers I gave, then please do so. Otherwise I fail to see the "argument" here....

[AlsoAnima]

Originally Posted by Mr Cheese

he stated what it originally meant, not what it became

one online dictionary:

pagan c.1375, from L.L. paganus "pagan," in classical L. "villager, rustic, civilian," from pagus "rural district," originally "district limited by markers," thus related to pangere "to fix, fasten," from PIE base *pag- "to fix" (see pact). Religious sense is often said to derive from conservative rural adherence to the old gods after the Christianization of Roman towns and cities; but the word in this sense predates that period in Church history, and it is more likely derived from the use of paganus in Roman military jargon for "civilian, incompetent soldier," which Christians (Tertullian, c.202; Augustine) picked up with the military imagery of the early Church (e.g. milites "soldier of Christ," etc.). Applied to modern pantheists and nature-worshippers from 1908. Paganism is attested from 1433.

Nitpick some more. It's a really endearing quality that makes people appreciate your presence.

[painted wolf]

Apparently Pagan is now mainstream enough to start being 'exclusive'...

The joy of organizing your religion is that someone will eventually want to decide who is and who isn't "a true memeber".

wa:do

[Azakel]

Originally Posted by painted wolf

Apparently Pagan is now mainstream enough to start being 'exclusive'...

The joy of organizing your religion is that someone will eventually want to decide who is and who isn't "a true memeber".

wa:do

Yeah even when that someone isn't a Pagan them self.

[painted wolf]

ah but they have the ever important... "I used to be" cred...

wa:do

[Gentoo]

I used to be Catholic, does that mean that I can tell Catholics if they REALLY are or not?

[Azakel]

Originally Posted by painted wolf

ah but they have the ever important... "I used to be" cred...

wa:do

Yeah, that all was kind of bothered me. I mean you could define and tell us what kind of Pagan you where, but that doesn't mean all Pagans are like that ^_^

Originally Posted by Gentoo

I used to be Catholic, does that mean that I can tell Catholics if they REALLY are or not?

I course you can Sister Gentoo, but that doesn't mean you'll be right ^_^ lol