What are the three major characteristics of the pagan world?

Answer 1

There are several definitions of paganism, so several answers are possible. The usually accepted definition covers the polytheistic religions of the Roman Empire, including Graeco-Roman paganism and the ancient Egyptian religion, but excluding Mithraism and, of course, Judaism and Christianity. The Romans did not actually call their religion 'paganism' because, if they worshipped the one true religion, it did not require a name. This definition is sometimes extended to include the polytheistic religions of northern Europe. Many similarities existed between these beliefs and those of the Roman Empire, partly reflecting the influence of traders, captives, etc, and perhaps partly a shared proto-Indo-European background from the ancient past. The same definition has sometimes been used, particualrly by more modern Christians, to refer to all the minor religions of the overseas territories. A separate definition refers to the rural population of Italy. While the urban Romans believed in the more sophistic gods that they received from their Etruscan and Greek neighbours, the rural population also clung to their more ancient animist beliefs. The word 'pagan' became used to refer in a derogatory way to these people. Graeco-Roman paganism has the characteristics of: Polytheism

Active involvement of the gods in world affairs

Relative tolerance of other gods, but not of 'Atheism'

The ability to absorb new ideas and beliefs

Belief in an afterlife The 'Bible' of the Greeks was: Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.

The Romans had derivative works.

ANSWER

respect for nature respect and tolerance for all life acknowledgement of a spiritual side to life, not just th ematerial