Sorry I am late to this thread, Rick. From one of my published articles, written a few years ago, in a fairly basic way ,in response to fundamentalist's attacks on the local alternative community:, "According to the well-researched Women's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets, by Barbara G. Walker, the Latin term, pagan, meant country-dwellers, the rural people whose religious conservatism caused them to cling to old gods and goddesses. Heathen -- one who lives on the heath -- became synonymous with pagan."

Also, "Paganism is a non-Christian religion. It does not include worship of Satan....Pagan beliefs include living in natural harmony with our earth mother, her peoples, and beings.

"Most believe there is a god-self within every living thing, including plants, animals, and minerals. Becasue of this, pagans try to live in a non-invasive way, honouring this higher-consciousness with reverence and respect.

"This is a basic metaphysical concept of religion practised by members of the many different paths,including the Rosicrucian Order-AMORC; Unity school of Christianity; Native American, Buddhist, and some other Christian denominations, among others."

Don't have time to address some of the other stuff in here, but will try to later. BTW, before anybody jumps on this, PLEASE REMEMBER, I was writing at the present day community, not the past except for the above definition.

Thanks,

kat