What do Neopagan Druids Believe?

 

 

Thou Art God/dess: We believe that divinity is both immanent (internal) and transcendent (external). Deities can manifest at any point in space or time which They might choose.

Gods and Goddesses: We believe that divinity is as likely to manifest in a female form as it is in a male form, and that the word "Goddess" makes just as much sense as "God."

Polytheism: We believe in a multiplicity of Gods and Goddesses, as well as lesser beings, many of whom are worthy of respect, love and worship. We have no concept of ultimate "evil."

Nature Worship: We believe that it is necessary to have respect and love for Nature as divine in Her own right, and to accept ourselves as a part of Nature and not Her "rulers."

Cautious Technophilia: We believe in accepting the positive aspects of Western science and technology, but in maintaining an attitude of wariness towards the supposed ethical neutrality of that science and technology.

Religious Freedom: We believe that monolithic religious organizations and would-be messiahs and supergurus are a hinderance to spiritual growth. Healthy religions should have a minimum amount of dogma and a maximum amount of eclecticism and flexibility.

Positive Ethics: We believe that ethics and morality should be based upon joy, love, self esteem, mutual respect, the avoidance of actual harm to ourselves and others, and the increase of public benefit.

Religious Toleration: We believe that it is difficult for ordinary humans to commit offenses against the Gods and Goddesses, short of major crimes such as ecocide or genocide. We see no need to punish people for "blasphemy" or "heresy."

The Good Life: We believe that human beings were meant to lead lives filled with joy, love, pleasure, beauty and humor. Most Neopagans are fond of food, drink, music, sex and bad puns.

Magic and Mystery: We believe that with proper training, art, discipline and intent, human minds and hearts are fully capable of performing most of the magic and miracles they are ever likely to need.

Liturgical Art and Science: We believe that there is an art and a science to creating, preparing and performing worship rituals. Our rites are continually evolving.

Connecting to the Cosmos: We believe in the importance of celebrating the solar, lunar, and other cycles of our planet.

Born Again Paganism: Many of us believe in some sort of afterlife, usually involving rest and recovery in the Otherworld before reincarnating.

Hope and Action: We believe that people have the ability to solve their current problems, both public and personal, and to create a better world.

Mystic Vision: We believe that people can progress far towards achieving personal growth, evolution and balance through the carefully planned alteration of their "normal" states of consciousness.

Community Responsibility: We believe that human interdependence implies community service.

Authenticity: We believe that if we are to achieve any of our goals, we must practice what we preach.

Cooperation and Defense: We believe in cooperation and ecumenical activities with those other faiths who share all or most of these beliefs.