Prevalence of Metaphysical and Theological Beliefs among Contemporary Pagans

ABSTRACT: Based on an original quantitative national survey, this study investigates the prevalence of certain metaphysical and theological beliefs in a large sample (N=1921) of contemporary Pagans. Results indicate that while contemporary Paganism is a “disorganized” religion with no formal doctrine, one constellation of metaphysical and theological beliefs is held by over 75 percent of contemporary Pagans, and another is actively disbelieved by the same margin. Study examples include a strong propensity of contemporary Pagans to be polytheists who embrace a qualified non-dualist monism and animism. There is minimal variation by contemporary Pagan tradition, and no meaningful variation between those who are solitaries and those who are not. The results seem to indicate isomorphism. Findings suggest that assertions de-emphasizing belief as compared to practice should be problematized.