by Sarah Todd

Created on: October 31, 2008   Last Updated: December 08, 2008

In its broadest sense, paganism defines almost all forms of religious practices outside of the world's three main religions: Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Pagan faiths believe every aspect of life and nature possesses a soul, all co-existing in harmony and peace. A polytheistic religion is one based upon the belief in and worship of multiple deities, beings or gods, whereas the term monotheism refers to the belief in and worship of a single deity.

Islam, Christianity and Judaism are monotheistic religions. Today paganism encompasses spiritual, animistic and shamanist beliefs and principles, as well as folk religions and ancient or historical polytheistic religions. This means the Ancient Greek religious practices were pagan.

The word "pagan" originates from the Latin word meaning "rural" or "of the country". The earliest forms of religion focused upon many aspects of nature, such as the seasons, phases of the moon and the harvest. Followers would celebrate their faith and their devotion to their deities by dancing, singing and feasting. The religions of Greek or Roman mythology are examples of paganism.

Ancient Greek religious practices centred around the gods residing on Mount Olympus, as well as a number of minor gods. Each god or goddess represented one or more aspects of life, nature and man's emotions. Ares was the god of war, bloodshed, hatred and frenzy while Demeter was the goddess of the harvest, nature, the seasons and fertility. This form of belief led to the development of various cults and rites, encouraged because different cities and regions worshipped different deities.

The god Pan was not one of the main Olympians, yet he is the Greek god most associated with pagan worship. Depicted with the horns, hindquarters and legs of a goat, Pan was the god of wild mountains, fields, groves and wooden glens and rustic music. He was also the god of shepherds and their flocks. He represented spring - the season of new life - and fertility.

The Greek gods may have been heavenly immortals, but each one displayed very human emotions. None was perfect, and their vices and flaws caused them to make some very human mistakes. They frequently interacted with human beings, using people to achieve their own objectives. Sometimes they would use humans for personal gain, while at other times they might help a promising individual achieve his or her ambitions. During the Trojan War Zeus, the king of the gods, supported the Trojans, while Poseidon, the god of the sea,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>