"If the Base Fundamentals Are Too Much for You . . . ": Reconsidering the Existence of Doctrines in Modern Paganism

ABSTRACT:This article deals with the possible existence of doctrines in modern Paganism. Generally, Pagan studies scholars widely consider modern Paganism a religion without doctrines. Furthermore, Margot Adler, one of the early researchers of modern Paganism, established a narrative that practice is more important than beliefs in modern Paganism. However, based on ethnographic research conducted among modern European Pagans between 2014 and 2017, along with additional secondary data, this article argues that doctrines may emerge in situations of pressure or conflict, or while delineating boundaries and gatekeeping Paganism against other religions. In such situations, beliefs become enforced and turn into the basis of potential doctrines. Doctrines are authoritatively defined theoretical components of religion, comprising teaching, beliefs, and confessions. Their authoritative character has its historical roots in Christianity and tries to keep the doctrinal contents fixed using a dynamic of truth and falsity, which determines orthodoxy—distinguishing right faith from error.