Work

The old gods as a live possibility: on the rational feasibility of non-doxastic paganism

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Pagan revivalism is a growing trend in the contemporary religious landscape. Is it possible to be a neopagan without disregarding the demands of reason? While outright belief in the old gods seems out of the question, I argue that polytheism represents a live epistemic possibility, and that non-doxastic paganism is therefore a viable option. However, the rational, non-doxastic neopagan should only commit to general polytheism, rather than a detailed, specific pagan pantheon (such as the Greek or Old Norse). I also suggest that the ancient pagan conception of the divine as radically immanent must be rejected.

Source: Religious Studies

DOI: 10.1017/s003441252200049x

Author: Carl-Johan Palmqvist

Institution: Lund University

Language: English

Topic: Study and Philosophy of Religion

Subfield: Philosophy

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,255

Funder: Åke Wiberg Stiftelse