Religion

The word Pagan came from the Latin word paganus, which means “country-dweller.” These rural people often incorporated nature in their belief systems and were polytheistic (believing in more than one God). They differed from most religions in its non-hierarchal (with no paid clergy) and were more equally led by women. Pagans celebrate seasonal festivals and ceremonies. Christians used the term Pagan interchangeably with heathen, as a put down because many country people were not rich or highly educated.

In Paganism In Christian Holidays, Wheeler presents evidence that modern Christian beliefs, practices and symbolism borrowed heavily not only from Pagan beliefs, but also from Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Aztec, Hinduism, Buddhism and other ideologies. Do these concepts sound familiar? Blood sacrifice, a triune god, a man-god who had to be sacrificed for society’s salvation.