drgnrydr asked this question on 1/1/2000:

from whence comes the terminology, "pagan" ? why is it thus ? What is the greatest gift humankind can give to oneself ?

FiliaLunae gave this response on 1/1/2000:

The word "Pagan", when capitalized, has the modern meaning of a follower of a polytheistic or bitheistic earth-based religion. The technical meaning is one who doesnot follow the Judeo/Christian/Islamic God, or one who has no religion.

The word comes from the Latin word "paganus", roughly, country hick. Christianity began in the cities. The country dwellers still practiced the old religions, which were tied to the cycle of the year and nature. As time went on, the term "paganus" became associated with both the people and the religion.

The greatest gift humankind can give itself? I think this would be if each individual made a choice to live his or her life with responsibility and joy.

As a whole, peace and tolerance.

Blessed be, Filia