'Paganism' is an evocative word that, even today, conjures up deep-seated emotions and prejudices. Until recently, it was primarily a derogatory term used by Christians to describe the non-Christian cultures confronted and vanquished by their Churches. For some it evokes images of sacrifice and
barbaric behaviour, while for others it symbolises a peace-loving, nature-worshipping spiritual relationship with the earth.
This Very Short Introduction explores the meaning of paganism - through a chronological overview of the attitudes towards its practices and beliefs - from the
ancient world through to the present day. Owen Davies largely looks at paganism through the eyes of the Christian world, and how, over the centuries, notions and representations of its nature were shaped by religious conflict, power struggles, colonialism, and scholarship.
Despite the
expansion of Christianity and Islam, Pagan cultures continue to exist around the world, whilst in the West new formations of paganism constitute one of the fastest-growing religions. Focussing on paganism in Europe, but exploring the nature of paganism globally, Davies looks at how Europeans
discovered new cultures through colonial expansion, missionary work, and anthropological study. Contemporary social paganism can be a liberating and social force, and the idea of a global Pagan theology is now on the religious map.
Introduction: Defining Paganism
1. Ancient world
2. Paganism in retreat
3. Gods in the North
4. Pagans across the oceans
5. Embracing the pagan past
6. Return of the old gods
Conclusion
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Owen Davies is Reader in Social History at the University of Hertfordshire. He has published numerous articles on the history of witchcraft and magic and is the author of Witchcraft, Magic and Culture 1736-1951 (Manchester University Press, 1999), Cunning Folk: Popular Magic in English History
(2003) and Murder, Magic, Madness: The Victorian Trials of Dove and the Wizard (2005). His most recent book is Grimoires: A History of Magic Books (OUP, 2009).
