Deconversion, Conversion, Neo-Paganism, and Polytheism

 Unknowingly many deconverts (Note 1), at first, bring their spiritual problems into Neo-Paganism and Polytheism. Since these faiths are heterodox (Note 2), people from “revealed” faiths such as Christianity will often apply their learned doctrines. One problem that is encountered is that these faiths use the same words with different meanings (such as “Gods” and “piety”). The result is confusion until the deconvert finds their way and lets go of their old theology.

 

Neo-Pagan author, Yvonne Aburrow writes in “Changing Paths,” the pathfinder (deconvert) asks themselves, “should I stay or should I go?” for a while. The process of changing beliefs, values, and community is one of “huge upheaval and turmoil.” She says the experience of arriving in the Pagan community is often thought of as a homecoming and not a conversion. The pathfinder has finally found a community of shared values and practices.

 

Conversion is what revealed religions do. In “The Anatomy of Deconversion,” John Marriott writes, “conversion to a faith tradition nearly always includes adopting a comprehensive set of doctrines and becoming embedded in a religious community.” He continues, “believers choose to become Christians – it is an act of the will, a commitment to a faith system that provides them with great spiritual gain.”

 

People becoming a part of Neo-Paganism usually have no formal classes in converting. Instead, they read books, talk to other Neo-Pagans and begin to develop a Pagan-world view. What usually occurs is that most people become involved with eclectic Neo-Paganism. They follow the Wheel of the Year and become comfortable with magic.

 

Some study witchcraft with lineage groups such as the Alexandrians. Others will go from Neo-Pagan eclecticism into Polytheistic traditions such as Heathenism. Since they are actively searching for a place to feel at home, deconverts will often switch between groups.

 

Within Polytheism, deconverts embark on a new concept of the Gods outside of a revealed sacred text. Therefore, they need to find reliable people to ask questions of. By continually exploring, each person works to become comfortable with new ways of doing and thinking.

 

Entering either Neo-Paganism or Polytheism is a slow evolution of reinterpretation and experience. In response to both, people’s beliefs will wax and wane. It is not a steady progression but winds its way through twists and turns in believing.

 

Because people are developing their relations with the numinous, they often change paths within Neo-Paganism and Polytheism. They go from “just visiting” to “feeling at home.” Wise people will understand what Neo-Paganism and Polytheism can provide and what they are looking for. Others will discover that their beliefs lead them elsewhere outside of both faiths.

 

Where many Neo-Pagans get stuck is in constantly reassuring themselves that the faith they left was a bad one. They cannot seem to let go of the old faith. Usually, some trauma is involved, which needs to be addressed. Within Neo-Paganism, they will seek a solution to the trauma. However, a reputable group will refer the person to counselors who can help them. Otherwise, the group will be warped and filled with trauma-filled people.

 

Meanwhile, new Polytheists go from why they are doing a ritual to learning how to do it properly. New people need explanations to help them understand the numinous. In Polytheism, theology becomes how to relate to the sacred and why rituals are done in certain ways.

 

Notes:

Note 1. Deconversion is a religious transition from one religion to either another one or to no religion. Reasons for leaving could be emotional as the person was hurt by others or by religious leaders. A person may have suffered abuse such as being shamed for being gay. Cognitive or intellectual reasons for leaving stem from the dissonance between faith and reality. Toxic theology such as original sin or the fires of hell propel people to leave. Faced with the truth that does not fit the religious meanings, people are forced to rethink their understanding of their original religions.

 

Note 2. Neo-Paganism and Polytheism are orthopraxic. They focus on the proper ways of venerating the sacred. They have no outstanding doctrines to believe.

 

Suggested Reading:

Yvonne Aburrow, “Changing Paths.”