Common Misconceptions About Paganism

Paganism is a "new age" religion that is often misconstrued as "devil worship" or "Satanism". It is not. The term Pagan is from the Latin word paganus, an adjective originally meaning "rural", "rustic" or "of the country." As a noun, paganus was used to mean "country dweller, villager." As a noun its meaning is "non-Christian, heathen".

Throughout history, both Pagan and heathen have been used to describe polytheistic religions; or religions outside of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

People often mistake Pagans for Atheist. This is not true. In fact, Pagan's worship more Gods than Christians, Jews and Muslims do. Pagans worship both a God and Goddess. Although it is debated throughout the Pagan community as to whether or not believing in Greek, Egyptian, Norse, etc., Gods and Goddesses is in fact a part of the Pagan religion, some Pagans do worship and pray to the Ancient Gods and Greece, Rome and Egypt. The "God" they worship may or may not be the "same God" the Christians worship, but they most certainly DO worship.

Pagans also pray just like Christians, Jews and Muslims. When help is needed and thanks are given, Pagans pray. Pagans pray on their knees like Christians, Jews and Muslims. Pagans also pray through meditation.

Another common misconception about Pagans is that they worship the Devil, as the Christians call it. This, again, is not true. Pagans do not believe in Satan or Hell, as the Christians believe in them. Pagans believe that there is evil in the world, but they do not call it the devil or Satan. The Pagans believe in an afterlife, but they do not believe in Hell. Additionally, Pagans, more specifically Wiccans, believe in what is called the Wiccan Rede. It is as follows: An it harm none, do as thou will. How is someone who may "harm none" supposed to worship the devil?