[Neo Paganism]

by

Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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ABSTRACT

Neo-paganism is a term which describes a wide range of belief systems. It is a collection of various separate religions and is one of the fastest growing religious populations in world. In this research we will study what are the Similarities and differences of Christianity and Neo-paganism, common ideas of Christian Theism and Neo-Paganism which they share with each other and the differences between the two beliefs. This study focuses on the approach that helps to minimize the dissimilarities between these two beliefs.

Table of Contents

ABSTRACT4

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION6

Background of the research6

Thesis Statement7

CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY8

Research Design8

Keywords8

CHAPTER 3: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS9

Voodoo and Christianity9

Wicca and Christianity10

Goddess worship and Christianity12

CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION14

BIBLIOGRAPHY16

Chapter 1: Introduction

Background of the Research

Neo-paganism is a term which describes a wide range of belief systems. It is a collection of various separate religions and is one of the fastest growing religious populations in world. The term “Neo-Paganism” was coined by Tim Zell. It is the reconstruction of ideas and symbols of ancient religions elements like Druidic, Wiccans, and Asatru etc. The Word “Pagan” is derived from the Latin word “pagans” but there is no agreement on the specific meaning of this word. According to Neo-pagans the word is interpreted as “rustic” suggested by Christians who were very slow in adapting new faith, some people believe that this is derived from word “paganus” which means “civilian” and in the early Roman Empires those Christians who fought for Christianity called themselves “Soldiers of Christ” and the non-Christians were called “pagani” which means civilians or non soldiers.

As mentioned above Neo-Paganism is the collection of different religions they shares many common factors like:

•They reconstructed their faith from ancient information sources as their faith was completely wiped out in the past.

•They believe in many Gods and Goddess (polytheistic belief system).

•Solitary practitioners are their followers.

•Or are involved in small groups like covens and groves.

•They celebrate 4 cyclic days of celebrations every year.

•Many of them do not practice their religion publicly

•They do not have any hierarchical structure.

•They are concerned for the environment and feel close to nature.

Thesis Statement

Similarities and differences of Christianity and Neo-paganism, common ideas of Christian Theism and Neo-Paganism which they share with each other and the differences between the two beliefs

CHAPTER 2: Methodology

Research Design

The research is based on secondary data collection. The data is extracted from various journals, articles and books. Secondary research describes information gathered through literature, publications, broadcast media, and other non-human sources. This type of research does not involve human subjects.

Keywords

Some of the keywords that were used to conduct the search are: Neo-paganism, History of ...