Neptune's Dolphins

 

Meanwhile, Neo-Paganism is an umbrella term for a variety of alternative religions. Their commonalities are the sacredness of nature and the acceptance that magic is effective. The Divine is generally not restricted to One God but can be expressed in many forms. Neo-Paganism has an overlap with Progressive Christianity as there are Christian Pagans. However, Polytheists, usually, do not consider themselves to be Neo-Pagans.

 

Why are Atheists at home in Neo-Paganism? Many Neo-Pagans are refugees from the Monotheistic faiths. They have not deconverted (Note 2) but still carry certain Monotheistic ideas with them. Most have left their original faiths over issues such as sexuality, damnation, or politics. Therefore, the questions of “true Gods,” “false Gods,” “many Gods” are not usually a part of their religious focus. Because of this, Atheists can fit into Neo-Pagan faiths.

 

Since Atheism and Neo-Paganism are derived from Monotheism, they have many things in common. Both need the underpinnings of Monotheism to exist. They rely on its religious traditions (which are the norms in Western Society). One religious scholar likened it to swimming in a lake fed by the rivers of Monotheistic belief. Monotheism provides the frame of reference and organizing principles for members of both groups. Moreover, the beliefs of Atheism and Neo-Paganism are based on how they regard Monotheism.

 

Many writings of Atheist Pagans and Neo-Pagans have the underlaying assumptions of Western Monotheism as the “true” or “only” religion. For example, Goddess religions often point to the Patriarchy embedded in Monotheism, as well as the male God. Both groups regard themselves to be “spiritual” but not “religious.” (Note 3) In discussing their problems with religion in general, Atheist Pagans and Neo-Pagans default to examples from Monotheism.

 

Unlike Neo-Pagans, Polytheists have deconverted from Monotheism. The matter and concept of Gods is important in Polytheism. Theology is often hotly debated and is usually pondered. Moreover, Polytheism has rejected both universalism and the unifying aspects of Monotheism. Since it is the antithesis of Monotheism, Polytheistic traditions are difficult for Atheists to join.

 

Notes:

 

Note 1. Nontheists are religious believers with no Gods, while Atheists do not believe in Gods. It is a subtle difference.

 

Note 2. Deconversion can mean a loss of one’s faith in a religion, and a severing of that bond. It can also mean deconstructing the former faith and examining its weaknesses and inconsistences. After that, the person joins a new faith.

 

Note 3. “Religious” can be defined as the response to Gods and other Beings. “Spiritual” is the awareness of such Beings.

 

Further Reading:

Alain de Botton, “Religion for Atheists.”

Nimue Brown, “Spirituality Without Structure.”

Edward Butler, “The Way of the Gods”

John Michael Greer, “A World Full of Gods.”