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Date: Tue, 18 Apr 2000 11:32:53 CST
From: Manny Olds <oldsma@clark.net>
Subject: Re: Alt.Pagan Frequently Asked Questions (Version 4.0 FAQ)
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I think it might be useful to introduce the term "retropaganism": a new
religion constructed to be a modern projection of a paleopagan religion
based on existing lore. These religions do not assume that there is
unbroken continuity of religious belief and practice between Then and Now,
although many aspects of the old religion may have survived as literature,
history, or even folk custom. And they are not reconstructions, because
they do not attempt to exclude modern elements.

Asatru is an example of retropaganism. There are also Celtic, Roman, and
Greek retropagans. (There are likely others, too, of course.)

-- 
Manny Olds <oldsma@clark.net> of Riverdale Park, Maryland, USA

"Actually, any magic save pure chaos can be explored via the scientific
method. I have to admit that designing experiments involving Creation
mythologies may be difficult, but... "-- Tony Quirke