Do Witchcraft, Zen Buddhism, and Spirituality Make Someone Pagan?

The term 'pagan' has historically been a Christian construct to describe individuals who did not adhere to the monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity, or Islam. Over time, this term has evolved, sometimes gaining broader connotations within modern contexts. Understanding whether a person practicing witchcraft, Zen Buddhism, or engrossed in spirituality is considered pagan requires considering historical, cultural, and individual definitions.

Understanding the Term 'Pagan'

Technically, someone who is not Christian is considered pagan. This definition is rooted in ancient Christian beliefs, where the term was used to describe individuals or groups who practiced polytheistic, animistic, or other religious practices that diverged from mainstream Christianity. However, in contemporary usage, the term is often more flexible, particularly among modern religious and spiritual communities.

A pagan, in its classical sense, refers to someone who is not a monotheist, which includes Christians, Jews, or Muslims. According to the Modern Catholic Dictionary by John A. Hardon S.J., a pagan is defined as 'a heathen. In general, one who practices idolatry. Formerly used to define anyone who did not profess monotheism and still used by Christians, Jews, and Muslims to identify a person who does not believe in one God, the Creator of heaven and earth.' Etymologically, the term 'pagan' originates from the Latin 'paganus,' meaning a countryman, villager, or civilian.

The Changing Landscape of Paganism

Today, the term 'pagan' has taken on new meanings, particularly within the Neopagan community. This identity is often adopted by individuals who practice earth-based religions, witchcraft, or other non-traditional spiritual practices. However, it's essential to note that not all who dabble in witchcraft or spirituality self-identify as pagan. For instance, a person practicing Hoodoo, Wiccan, or Asatru might use the term, but it might be seen as overly general or not appropriate in certain contexts.

Modern Perception of Paganism

By the modern understanding, pagan typically refers to individuals who do not follow the major world religions, such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and sometimes Confucianism and Taoism. People with more abstract or non-theistic spiritual beliefs, such as Zen Buddhism or certain forms of spirituality, are generally not considered pagan. Instead, they might be categorized as spiritual or non-traditional religious practitioners.

Divisions within Paganism

Within the pagan community, there are various sub-religions with distinct practices and beliefs. For example, a practitioner of Hoodoo might have a very different religious experience compared to a Wiccan initiate, who in turn might be very different from someone practicing Asatru. These distinctions emphasize the diversity within the broader category of 'pagan.'

Conclusion

Whether witchcraft, Zen Buddhism, and other spiritual practices make someone pagan depends on both the context and the individual's self-identification. Technically, the term 'pagan' can apply to those outside the major world religions, but its usage is often more nuanced in modern times. It is a term that can be used with a range of meanings, making it a flexible concept that continues to evolve with the communities it describes.

Keywords