DO ANY THEOLOGICAL OBLIGATIONS EXIST FOR NEO-PAGANS?

[Madame Monpetit]

Hi there,

I was just wondering if any theological obligations exist for neo-
Pagans?. For example, it is widely viewed by the vast majority of
Christian denominations that attending Church every Sunday, or least
on a regular basis, is obligatory to remain an adherent of the faith.
Fasting is a practice in several Christian denominations or other
churches. Some denominations do not practice it, considering it an
external observance, but many individual believers choose to observe
fasts at various times at their own behest.[32] The Lenten fast
observed in the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church is a
forty-day partial fast to commemorate the fast observed by Christ
during his temptation in the desert. This is similar to the partial
fasting within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (abstaining from meat
and
milk) which takes place during certain times of the year and lasts
for
weeks. The Bible sets aside one whole day a year for fasting, The Day
of Atonement. Leviticus 23:27, 32 (CEV) says "Everyone must go
without
eating from the evening of the ninth to the evening of the tenth on
the seventh month which is the Day of Atonement."

I believe I am correct in stating that Fasting is a very integral
part
of the Hindu religion. Individuals observe different kinds of fasts
based on personal beliefs and local customs. Likewise, Fasting is the
fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam and involves fasting during the
holy month of Ramadan, which is probably the most notable time for
fasting among Muslims. Fasting for Jews means completely abstaining
from food and drink, including water. Traditionally observant Jews
fast six days of the year. With the exception of Yom Kippur, fasting
is never permitted on Shabbat, for the commandment of keeping Shabbat
is biblically ordained and overrides the later rabbinically
instituted
fast days.

So are there any theological obligations for neo-Pagans in terms of
ritual fasting, observing the sabbats,praying, meditating, engaging
in
divination, ect?. Must neo-Pagans technically observe all or some of
the
sabbats in order to be assured of reincarnation and/or a positive
journey of their soul in the afterlife?. Can a neo-Pagan technically
call
themselves a Wiccan, Druid, ect; were a pentagram neck less, but
never pray, fast, observe the sabbats or do anything at all in terms
of
being a practitioner of their faith, from a theological perspective?.

Thank you!

Madame Monpetit

[Giovanna Stefani]

Madame Monpetit scrive:

> Hi there,
>
> I was just wondering if any theological obligations exist for neo-
> Pagans?.

Paganism is not an organised religion. For many, that is part of the
attraction. There are no rules, no obligations, and practitioners are
free do do whatever they fancy. There is no theology, just pick and mix.

--
Giovanna

daughtersofdea.org.uk

[Gandalf Parker]

Madame Monpetit <madamem...@gmail.com> contributed wisdom to
news:e7226448-da05-4dd9...@dp10g2000vbb.googlegroups.com:

> Can a neo-Pagan technically call themselves a Wiccan, Druid, ect;
> were a pentagram neck less, but never pray, fast, observe the sabbats
> or do anything at all in terms of being a practitioner of their faith,
> from a theological perspective?.

I dont think there is anything in those religions that says "do, or else be
excommunicated".

Everything has its pros and cons. I think you are just seeing the general
acceptance of the religions. We are ending up with the same mix of people
that the mainstream religions have. Some fanatics, some practioners, some
are just faithful, and some just claim it but never seem to actually
attend.

Personally I am thankful we now have such a mix. Religions which do NOT
have such a mix are generally referred to as cults, and usually for good
reason.


Gandalf Parker
--
Neo-Pagan more-or-less druidic. :)