Arguments for Paganism

A Rational Framework for Pagan Belief and Practice

Almost no serious philosophical work exists to support contemporary pagans. Without serious philosophical support, contemporary paganism often looks irrational and unethical. It is therefore vulnerable to exploitation by people with bad agendas. Moreover, although pagans often claim to be religiously inspired by the earth and by nature, they often endorse doctrines that oppose or distort nature.

Arguments for Paganism aims to provide a logical framework for contemporary pagan belief and practice. Since most of our knowledge of paganism comes from the ancient Greeks and Romans, it uses their ideas to build a modern pagan system. But Arguments for Paganism is not affiliated with any current religious sect or political ideology. It rejects ethno-centric paganisms in favor of pagan universalism. It does not seek to return to an imaginary past, but rather to move forward into a brighter future.

Arguments for Paganism is inspired by ancient Platonic and Stoic thought. It takes old Platonic and Stoic theories apart and puts them back together in ways supported by modern knowledge and ethics. Arguments for Paganism is also inspired by those modern pagan movements which develop old Platonic and Stoic paganisms in reasonable ways. It uses the tools of contemporary analytic philosophy to build a rational system for modern pagans. It provides naturalistic interpretations for dozens of core pagan concepts. It provides rational explanations for pagan rituals and practices.

Arguments for Paganism is supported by modern science. It rejects all supernaturalism, avoids pseudo-science, and profoundly opposes all woo. While much paganism uncritically relies on mind-body dualism, Arguments for Paganism takes an entirely different approach to pagan concepts and practices. Its theories and practices are supported by evidence and logical arguments. It shows how ancient pagan thought and modern scientific rationality can generate spiritually rich ways of thinking and living in our entirely natural world.


 

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