I really enjoyed Being Pagan. I don't have super much to say about it right now, but I really enjoyed it! In fact so much of it was new to me which is why I don't have qualified comments but also why it was fascinating.
I would say yes. Rhyd's reply above is pretty much comprehensive and I don't have much to add :) In the book, Rhyd is direct in saying that he believes in the existence of gods and spirits as at least partially external forces with their own agency (and not just something in the mind). But you don't have to believe that to understand other aspects of the 'pagan' mindset he is describing. And in any case, this certainly helps in understanding.
I do have a question about the book-Being Pagan. I am not "pagan" although I am a panenthist Follower of Jesus. Is your book written to bring conversation and understanding or to edify and strengthen Pagans and those who are interested in Paganism?
Also, have you read - Brigid's Mantle -by Lilly Weichberger and Kenneth McIntosh?
It would probably be helpful to know that my definition of Pagan is quite different from the prevailing "neopagan" definition. By Pagan I mean the kind of land-centered relationship to nature outside of Empire and the logic of the civitas, which has some parallels with some of the more esoteric (but not gnostic) Christianities.
There is of course some significant criticism of Judeo-Christianity itself, but I would imagine you might actually resonate with those critiques if you are panentheist. Also, I quote G.K. Chesterton a few times.
So, to answer your question, yes, I do think so. If anything, I suspect a deep-thinking Christian might find more of interest there than an American neopagan. And by the way, there are some early chapter excerpts published, and I'm about to publish the introduction soon. Here is a link to an early version of the chapter "Being of the Land": https://abeautifulresistance.org/site/2021/8/07/being-pagan-connecting-to-land
Wonderful essay. I wonder if you have seen a wonderful Swedish film Together, about a socialist commune where things go awry and much hilarity ensues?
The Naked Emperor problem seems to be a fair assessment of the problems with this new phenomenon. I certainly find myself being swayed by the demands of ideological conformity. Including by a loved one who demanded I remove my assessment of the Rittenhouse trial on Facebook, which I did to keep the peace. Although I wonder if I should have caved on that one.
I really enjoyed Being Pagan. I don't have super much to say about it right now, but I really enjoyed it! In fact so much of it was new to me which is why I don't have qualified comments but also why it was fascinating.
Do you feel that -Being Pagan- has a benefit to non-pagans seeking understanding, but not becoming Pagan?
I would say yes. Rhyd's reply above is pretty much comprehensive and I don't have much to add :) In the book, Rhyd is direct in saying that he believes in the existence of gods and spirits as at least partially external forces with their own agency (and not just something in the mind). But you don't have to believe that to understand other aspects of the 'pagan' mindset he is describing. And in any case, this certainly helps in understanding.
Well said.
I do have a question about the book-Being Pagan. I am not "pagan" although I am a panenthist Follower of Jesus. Is your book written to bring conversation and understanding or to edify and strengthen Pagans and those who are interested in Paganism?
Also, have you read - Brigid's Mantle -by Lilly Weichberger and Kenneth McIntosh?
It would probably be helpful to know that my definition of Pagan is quite different from the prevailing "neopagan" definition. By Pagan I mean the kind of land-centered relationship to nature outside of Empire and the logic of the civitas, which has some parallels with some of the more esoteric (but not gnostic) Christianities.
There is of course some significant criticism of Judeo-Christianity itself, but I would imagine you might actually resonate with those critiques if you are panentheist. Also, I quote G.K. Chesterton a few times.
So, to answer your question, yes, I do think so. If anything, I suspect a deep-thinking Christian might find more of interest there than an American neopagan. And by the way, there are some early chapter excerpts published, and I'm about to publish the introduction soon. Here is a link to an early version of the chapter "Being of the Land": https://abeautifulresistance.org/site/2021/8/07/being-pagan-connecting-to-land
Wonderful essay. I wonder if you have seen a wonderful Swedish film Together, about a socialist commune where things go awry and much hilarity ensues?
The Naked Emperor problem seems to be a fair assessment of the problems with this new phenomenon. I certainly find myself being swayed by the demands of ideological conformity. Including by a loved one who demanded I remove my assessment of the Rittenhouse trial on Facebook, which I did to keep the peace. Although I wonder if I should have caved on that one.
In any event, I look forward to your manuscript.