Quote:
|
it appears the word can encompass all the definitions suggested so far.
|
Yeah, but Muslims wouldn't call themselves pagan. Some would be quite offended that you suggested it. To me, that particular usage feels like a vestigial trace of Christianity's dismissal of any faith other than their own ("Let's go out and convert the godless pagans").
Quote:
If I were to say I have no religion, then some people would accept that as understandable. If I were to say I was Pagan, that would not tell them anymore than the first statement, however I'm sure some people would make assumptions as to what Pagan means.
That is both conflicting and interesting.
|
It's less interesting than you'd think. The misunderstandings can be quite tiresome in fact. As an example, I recently applied for a job, and on the form filled out the religion box with: "Pagan - shamanistic tradition". Next time I'm down in the office, everyone's acting a little odd so I interrogate a random employee and get "Oh it's because you're a
warlock". Needless to say, I'm not working there.