| Postmodernism A reaction to the assumed certainty of scientific, or objective, efforts to explain reality Stems from a recognition that reality is not simply mirrored in human understanding of it, but rather, is constructed as the mind tries to understand its own particular and personal reality; relies on concrete experience over abstract principles, knowing always that the outcome of one's own experience will necessarily be fallible and relative, rather than certain and universal Highly sceptical of explanations which claim to be valid for all groups, cultures, traditions, or races, and instead focuses on the relative truths of each person. Interpretation is everything; reality only comes into being through our interpretations of what the world means to us individually Postmodernism is "post" because it is denies the existence of any ultimate principles, and it lacks the optimism of there being a scientific, philosophical, or religious truth which will explain everything for everybody - a characteristic of the so-called "modern" mind. Source:www.counterbalance.org/ |
| Paganism – the postmodern religion |
| Paganism A non-dogmatic, subjective view of reality which takes into account the fluidity of reality Paganism and the Craft are predicated on the idea that we do not have beliefs, because we know by experience. In other words, we don't believe in anything unless and until we have experienced it for ourselves, and then we come up with a "working hypothesis" to explain it. Paganism is not dogmatic. Pagans pursue their own vision of the Divine as a direct and personal experience. Paganism is a nature-based religion, with many paths (Wicca, or the Craft; Druidry; the Northern Tradition; shamanism, etc.). Paganism is an umbrella term covering a number of different, constantly evolving strands. Pagans feel that everyone can find their own path to the divine, and that all paths are valid for the people following them. Source:www.geocities.com/godgifu.geo/paganism.html |