Eclectic paganism

Eclectic paganism, also occasionally termed universalist or non-denominational paganism,[1][2] is a form of modern paganism where practitioners blend paganism with aspects of other religions or philosophies, including the blending of separate pagan traditions.[3][4] In the book Handbook of New Age, Melissa Harrington states that "Eclectic Pagans do not follow any particular Paganism, but follow a Pagan religious path, that includes the overall Pagan ethos of reverence for the ancient Gods, participation in a magical world view, stewardship and caring for the Earth, and 'nature religion.'"[1] The practice of eclectic paganism is particularly popular with pagans in North America and the British Isles.[5][2]

Eclectic paganism contrasts with reconstructionist paganism: whereas reconstructionists strive for authenticity to historical religious traditions of specific groups or time periods, the eclectic approach borrows from several different cultures, philosophies, and time periods.[6][7]

Some see benefits and drawbacks to the eclectic pagan label. It is broad and allows for various practices and beliefs and without concrete rules, practitioners can explore various religions, philosophies, practices, and cultures while remaining within the bounds of the label. Some also create their own beliefs, philosophies, and rules.

  1. ^ a b Kemp, Daren; Lewis, James R. (2007). Handbook of New Age. Brill Publishers. pp. 435–436. ISBN 978-9004153554. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  2. ^ a b Lesiv, Mariya (2013). The Return of Ancestral Gods. Mcgill-Queens University Press. p. 22. ISBN 978-0773542624. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  3. ^ Davy, Barbara Jane (2006). Introduction to Pagan Studies. Rowman Altamira. pp. 5, 194. ISBN 978-0-7591-0818-9. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  4. ^ Jennings, Peter (2002). Pagan Paths. Random House UK. pp. 113–116. ISBN 9780712611060. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  5. ^ Kermani, S. Zohreh (2013). Pagan Family Values. NYU Press. p. 46. ISBN 978-1479894604. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  6. ^ Strmiska, Michael; Strmiska, Michael F. (2005). Modern Paganism in World Cultures: Comparative Perspectives. ABC-CLIO. pp. 18–22, 41, 47. ISBN 9781851096084. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  7. ^ Rountree, Kathryn (2015). Contemporary Pagan and Native Faith Movements in Europe. Berghahn Books. p. 12. ISBN 9781782386476. Retrieved 30 September 2015.