This thread caught my attention, I figured I should check in on it. ;)
Probably the most accurate, concise summary of my own beliefs is "Agnostic with Pagan Sentiments." Basically, while I would like to believe in the myths, gods, etc that I love, I personally haven't seen the empirical evidence for them to support those beliefs. That does not mean, however, that I don't fully respect others who feel that they have seen the evidence they need. If I didn't respect that and didn't have a love for the subject matter, I wouldn't have my site.
Now, the question has arisen, what does the word "pagan" actually mean. Having done quite a bit of study on this subject myself, I'd like to share what I've found.
Firstly, I am going to use "Pagan" when referencing it as a religious structure, just as I extend the same courtesy to capital-c Christians, capital-B Buddhists, and so on. It's nice to extend the same courtesy to others that one expects or would like to receive themselves, no? :)
Now, onto the etymology. Modern dictionaries generally define it as shown in 4christs's post, as a term that is only anti- or opposite in nature. However, the most up to date editions of some dictionaries (such as the highly reputable American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: 4th Edition) add to these definitions the recognition of the modern usage within the "Neo-Pagan" context. (see: http://www.bartleby.com/61/11/P0011100.html)
Digging deeper, looking at the Latin root: paganus, is said to mean "country dweller, civilian." While most etymologies leave it at that, suggesting that "Pagans" were considered in those times to be the uneducated country hicks who maintained folk beliefs, etc., another origin for the term has been suggested. We find that paganus is derived from pagus, meaning "district." With that established, consider that when the term Pagan was first applied to people, Pagans and those living in urban areas were part of the intelligensia. So the "country dweller" interpretation doesn't make a great deal of sense.
Now, getting back to the "district." Historically, Pagan beliefs have been tied to particular geographic areas and cultures, each having their own unique pantheons and holy sites. This stood in stark contrast to Christianity, which was considered the "universal" religion. This makes better sense to me, that Pagan would have its roots in the concept of beliefs centered on places and things that had special meaning (i.e., holy/sacred) to the local inhabitants.
A special thanks to one of my mentors, Ceisiwr Serith, for bringing this information to my attention. He is an Indo-European scholar and a gentleman, and therefore I would like to credit him for this knowledge. It is a special honor to know him. And no, he has no idea that I am posting these niceties, they are completely sincere on my part. :)
Well, I hope that I haven't bored anyone too much, and that maybe someone will even find this tidbit valuable. :)
Cheers,
~arachnia
Say not, "I have found the truth," but rather, "I have found a truth."
-Kahlil Gibran
