Atheology
-
Values and Self-Development in a World without Gods
Atheopagans don’t believe in gods. We don’t believe there is a Cosmic Plan beyond the simple unfolding of the Cosmos according to physical laws. We don’t believe in an afterlife. We believe that science tells us all that can reliably be known about the nature of the Universe. Many who do believe in gods see them as defining the moral structure of their lives. They are prone to demand of atheists: how is it that you are not amoral sociopaths? To which we reply: because our morality is within ourselves, not defined for us by some external authority. We do not need marching orders, threats or inducements from gods in order to be…
-
Building Atheopagan Community
As I referenced earlier, Atheopaganism as a named path is new. That means that those of us who are a part of it are rare, and far-flung (the Facebook group has members from across the globe). That said, Atheopaganism has something precious to offer both atheists and Pagans, and those are quite a bit more common. Atheopagan community is therefore likely to be ecumenical community: at first, at least, we will gather with both those who share our worldview and those whose cosmologies differ. Pagans are rare enough in most places; expecting to find a broad community of atheist Pagans may be unrealistic. However, most Pagans are pretty tolerant–they will joyfully be a…
-
Encountering Your Personal Atheopaganism
Through my essay and on this site, I have laid out Atheopagan Principles and values that work for me. They may work for you, too—I think of them as relatively universal ideals of a life well lived. But your mileage may vary; maybe you disagree with one or more of the Principles I articulated, or maybe there are others which are deeply important to you. So as you craft your personal “flavor” of Atheopaganism, I encourage you to ask yourself, “What really matters to me? What kind of person do I want to be? What kind of world do I want to live in? What do I need to do to…
-
Atheopaganism Alone
Recently, I asked the Atheopagan group on Facebook for suggestions of some topics they would like to see addressed here at the Atheopaganism blog. Given that non-theistic Paganism is a minority element of a minority religion, it’s no surprise that several people suggested writing on how to have a solo practice, or how to build an Atheopagan community. First of all, you’re not alone. There are thousands of us who believe as you do. You can connect with them through the Facebook Atheopaganism group, through the Humanistic Paganism website and other spiritual naturalism sites. You’re not alone. It’s true: we’re new as a recognized group, and you may not have others around you who…
-
Considering the Moon
What does the Moon mean to an Atheopagan? Well, to this one, at least, the Moon is the bringer of “magic light”. Low light conditions tend to damp down the activity of the pre-frontal cortex of the brain, enhancing the role of the limbic system in consciousness. In moonlight, we are more likely to feel attentive, emotional and alive in the Present moment rather than trailing off into our thoughts. The same is true of candlelight or firelight–though the flickering of flame is a different quality than the serene calmness of moonlight. There’s a reason why gathering under the full Moon is associated with witches and Pagans. A landscape bathed…
-
Making Peace with “Energy”
Something I had a hard time getting used to when I first entered the Pagan community was constant bandying of the word “energy”. “The energy was strong,” a person might say after a ritual. Or, “she has really bright energy”. Or, “we’re going to ‘send healing energy’ to Bob”. Or, “there was a lot of sexual energy in the room”. Or, worst of all, that a ritual tool was “filled with energy”. Many Pagans use the term as if it were physical: as if “energy” were a force or substance which can be generated and directed, with which “magical” objects may be imbued, and which inhabits persons, creatures, and inanimate objects. It is spoken of…
