Is there a main book of Paganism? (myth, bible, worship)

[Trebek]

Originally Posted by ADVentive

Meanings of the terms Pagan and Paganism

This is a page specifically discussing the differences in meaning of the term "Pagan". Some interesting points that I think are relevant to our discussion:

First meaning: Pagans consist of Wiccans and other Neopagans:
We recommend that this should be the primary definition of "Pagan," for the simple reason that many Wiccans and other Neopagans embrace the term for themselves. "Paganism" in this sense refers to a range of spiritual paths which are Earth centered -- involving their members living in harmony with the Earth and observing its cycles. These are often Neopagan religions based on the deities, symbols, practices, seasonal days of celebration and other surviving components of ancient religions, which had been long suppressed. For example:
* The Druidic religion is based on the faith and practices of the ancient Celtic professional class;
* Followers of Asatru adhere to the ancient, pre-Christian Norse religion;
* Wiccans trace their roots back to the pre-Celtic era in Europe.
* Other Neo-pagans follow ancient Roman, Greek, Egyptian and other traditions.

Third meaning: Pagans are ancient polytheists:
The term "Pagan" is sometimes used to refer to ancient polytheistic religions. The Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary defines "pagan" as: "belonging to a religion which worships many gods, especially one which existed before the main world religions." 18

The Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) contains many references to the societies surrounding the Israelites -- Babylonians, Canaanites, Philistines, etc. These are commonly referred to as Pagans

Fifth meaning: Pagans are followers of non-Abrahamic religions:
A rare use of "Pagan" is to describe a person who does not follow an main Abrahamic religion. That is, their faith does not recognize Abraham as a patriarch. The individual is neither Christian, Muslim, Baha'i nor Jew. This includes Agnostics, Atheists, Buddhists, Hindus, Humanists, Taoists, etc. About 45% of the people of the world are Pagans, by this definition.

Conclusions:
* Most Internet references to Paganism refer to Wiccans and other Neopagans.
* Conservative Christians generally use the term Pagan to refer to ancient Polytheistic religions that adversely affected Christianity.
* Other meanings of "Paganism" appear to be rarely used in contemporary literature.

Thanks, this answers my origional post completely

[Trebek]

Originally Posted by ADVentive

But what does this have to do with the Pagan religion? I'm guessing (hoping) that we have a different in our definition of terms. When I speak of Pagans, I am referring to those who follow an earth-centered or a Goddess-centered religion, such as Wicca, Asatru, Druidism, etc. What makes you think that Pagans read such magazines or that these magazines are somehow specifically characteristic of Paganism?

Hey, McMeal was merely cracking a joke. He also apologized for it. I was pretty funny.....sort of

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by Predos

Sorry, I thought that it was in this topic/on this board. Must have been another one. I trust that the explaination I gave above answers your question.

No, it doesn't. The difference between English and French. Do the French spell it Keltic? (Not that I've ever seen.) So: why Keltic? What's the point?

[Predos]

Originally Posted by Mark S.

No, it doesn't. The difference between English and French. Do the French spell it Keltic? (Not that I've ever seen.) So: why Keltic? What's the point?

Trying to be difficult? It is an ethnicity difference, a difference in historys and traditions. At one time, a difference in nations. Do some research prior to trying to being "cute". You are not that dense.

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by Predos

Trying to be difficult? It is an ethnicity difference, a difference in historys and traditions. At one time, a difference in nations. Do some research prior to trying to being "cute". You are not that dense.

No, I'm not that dense. You are just being evasive. Why??? I have read A LOT of books on Celtic history, culture, and language, and I have NEVER seen "Keltic" used as an accepted form of spelling.

The Celtic "ethnicities" are the Irish, Scots, Welsh, Cornish, Manx, Bretons, and Galicians of Spain. The Gauls and other Celtic peoples amalgamated into the peoples who conquered them. But I have never run into a "Keltic" people.

The only place I've ever seen Keltic used is in a science-fiction/fantasy series by Patricia Keneally-Morrison about Celts who migrated to other planets. Surely that's not what you're proposing.

Why are you so hesitant to give a simple answer? Why so defensive? Why the K spelling? Is it some big secret?

[Predos]

Originally Posted by Mark S.

No, I'm not that dense. You are just being evasive. Why??? I have read A LOT of books on Celtic history, culture, and language, and I have NEVER seen "Keltic" used as an accepted form of spelling.

The Celtic "ethnicities" are the Irish, Scots, Welsh, Cornish, Manx, Bretons, and Galicians of Spain. The Gauls and other Celtic peoples amalgamated into the peoples who conquered them. But I have never run into a "Keltic" people.

The only place I've ever seen Keltic used is in a science-fiction/fantasy series by Patricia Keneally-Morrison about Celts who migrated to other planets. Surely that's not what you're proposing.

Why are you so hesitant to give a simple answer? Why so defensive? Why the K spelling? Is it some big secret?

Why are you so insistant that you have all the knowledge on the subject? Afraid to admit that you don't know everything? Remember, just because YOU don't know something does not make it false.

As for evasive, I have answered your questions in a respectful manner yet you attack for my not caving in to your desires. Why so agressive and pendantic?

BTW, just because YOU have read something does not make it true for the peoples involved, ie the Irish and Welsh being in fact the same peoples. They may have something to say about that, but you haven't read it so it must not be true.

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by Predos

Why are you so insistant that you have all the knowledge on the subject? Afraid to admit that you don't know everything? Remember, just because YOU don't know something does not make it false.

Dude, I am admitting I don't know, which is why I am asking. I haven't claimed it is false. I'm saying I've never seen it done that way. Which is why I'm asking. In fact, at this point, I am BEGGING. Just give me a straight answer: Why do you spell it with a K?

And while we're at it, why not Keltik?

Originally Posted by Predos

BTW, just because YOU have read something does not make it true for the peoples involved, ie the Irish and Welsh being in fact the same peoples.

Never said they were. But they are both Celtic peoples.

[rayneinspain]

Originally Posted by Mark S.

Dude, I am admitting I don't know, which is why I am asking. I haven't claimed it is false. I'm saying I've never seen it done that way. Which is why I'm asking. In fact, at this point, I am BEGGING. Just give me a straight answer: Why do you spell it with a K?

Irish Celtic Dictionary David Morris

Keltic: Believed to be the correct English spelling and pronunciation of Celtic.

Celtic Art by Welsh artist Jen Delyth - Keltic Designs Celtic Catalog & Celtic Tree of Life

Well you know the original spelling of Celtic is Keltoi –with a K. Also C is a roman letter, and doesn’t appear in the old language. Always a K. You go to Cornwall (Kernow) or Brittany and everything is spelt with a K!.

Remember, Google is your friend.

Blessings.

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by rayneinspain

Irish Celtic Dictionary David Morris

All that offers is:

Keltic: Believed to be the correct English spelling and pronunciation of Celtic.

Believed by whom??? The guy who runs that website? Forgive me if I don't take him as an authoritative source.

[rayneinspain]

Originally Posted by Mark S.

All that offers is:

Keltic: Believed to be the correct English spelling and pronunciation of Celtic.

Believed by whom??? The guy who runs that website? Forgive me if I don't take him as an authoritative source.

FFS. This one good enough for ya?

Concise Oxford Companion to the English Language | Date: 1998

CELTIC LANGUAGES – FREE CELTIC LANGUAGES Information | Encyclopedia.com: Find CELTIC LANGUAGES Research