Seeking the Mystery: An Introduction to Pagan Theologies

by Christine Hoff Kraemer

Contemporary Paganism focuses on practice, often neglecting theology. Yet belief and practice are intertwined. As the religious movement continues to grow, so does the need for intellectual frameworks for practice and ways of approaching the controversial question of belief.

In this book, Christine Hoff Kraemer asks central questions about the varieties of Pagan belief: Why is multiplicity so important to contemporary Pagan understanding of deities? How do Pagans experience divinity in nature? In what way can the human body be a sacred site? And what are "virtue ethics" for Pagans?

With an estimated 1.2 million Pagans in the United States and significant numbers elsewhere, Seeking the Mystery is important for Pagan self-understanding and also for non-Pagans who want to understand what their Pagan neighbors believe. This short introduction to Pagan theology--or better, theologies--is a valuable primer for students and practitioners alike.

Genres: Nonfiction, Paganism, Religion, New Age, Spirituality

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2012

Reviews

[Dee Eisel]

It has been a long time since I read a book on paganism that prompted me to make notes. I am happy to say this one did. It isn’t long, but it is dense: packed full of information on theology and how it applies to some facet or other of modern pagan belief. I love it.

Kraemer begins with saying that it’s difficult for pagans to interact with those of the Abrahamic religions because those are based on faith, where paganism is, by and large, incredibly diverse and based on practice and ritual instead of liturgy and belief. In fact, along with animist, pantheist, polytheists of various kinds, and so forth there are substantial numbers of nontheist pagans. She draws clear lines between the belief systems, but is careful to note that these describe practices, not people - people can have combinations of practices. She does not talk much about different varieties of pagan groups, preferring to discuss practices such as eclectics and reconstructionists. She also mentions the downsides and upsides to the beliefs on these different practices. I cannot do her careful and scholarly phrasing justice. It should be read for itself.

In addition, she talks about great myths of paganism as a larger group and what myths and practices can mean. I would have to say my favorite part of the book, though, is her discussion of how pagans tend to virtues over prescribed and proscribed actions. This is fantastic and helped me define my own virtue practice further. For the first time, I have something I can say to my evangelical sister and brother-in-law!

If I ran a coven, circle, or study group I would want to include this into basic-level teaching. It’s that valuable. Five of five stars, and I wish I could give it more.

[Kathleen O'Neal]

This book is pretty much perfect for what it is and fills a real gap in the literature on Pagan religion. It strikes the perfect balance of being substantive and never talking down to the reader while also being incredibly accessible. Highly recommended!

[Silas]

This is complicated for me. While this book pretty clearly outlines and defines a number of important terms in Pagan theology, giving people a base from which to start discussing ideas together, it also fails to present a single thing that I didn't already know. I am pretty well-read in this area, so for someone who has read fewer things, this might provide a good start for figuring out areas to explore. It was considerably shorter than I had expected, which was something of a disappointment, since I had hoped that I was just getting through the introductory material before getting to the substance of the book. I did also find that the author's bias towards polytheism as a viewpoint and a focus on building community structures showed through rather clearly, and might not be something with which all readers will agree. I would recommend it, tentatively, to someone who has not read a lot of Pagan theology who is looking for an introduction.

[Julian]

Overall, a very balanced introduction to pagan theologies. There are some eye-rolling moments where the author is frustratingly neutral on social and historical topics that I personally view as having a "right answer." The theology, though, is well-cited, with endnotes on specialized vocabulary that may be unfamiliar.

[Malum]

A good introductory level book on modern pagan theology. A book that made me continually put it down to research new terms and ideas that I wasn't familiar with or was interested in.

[Jio Butler]

Short and concise, but chock full of knowledge. The author has successfully surmised the important aspects of paganism that can be defined (although the basis of the religion is ineffable in my opinion) with plenty of references and further reading. It is written in an open format so as not to discriminate. My only criticism is that the author seems to feel the need to put labels on things that don't really need labels. As much as this book would help the average pagan define their beliefs and bring them into context with others, the idea of having a name for every 'type' slightly misses the point (although this is discussed briefly). The author shows good knowledge of the history and influences of paganism and certainly gets you thinking. Although some of this knowledge is basic and even readily- available for free on the internet, only here will you find it in it's full form; no scouring the internet for discussions and forum threads, articles and book recommendations!

[Kathleen]

Kraemer's Introduction to Pagan Theologies provides an excellent (albeit brief) account of the diversity of views that are held within the Pagan community. Each chapter offers an overview of a range of Pagan beliefs on a particular topic and related practices. Kraemer covers hard and soft polytheists, nontheists, pantheists, panentheists, and feminist goddess worshippers throughout the book and does so with an even hand. Overall, it is a fantastic introduction to a vibrant and diverse and sometimes weird group of people and beliefs. I only wish it were longer and that Kraemer had covered the Earth-centeredness of Paganism in more depth.

[Clodia Metelli]

A a clear and stimulating introduction, offering lots of avenues for further exploration with some useful links to further reading including blogposts as well as books and articles.

I did find the main body of the book frustratingly brief, which was perhaps inevitable when such large topics were being introduced. I was surprised however to find that the final 30% or so was made up of notes, glossary etc, some of which seem to mostly reiterate the other. Perhaps other readers will find the glossary of more use and thus more of an integral part of the book.

[Claire]

This book was short, but it provided a lot of information clearly, and did include recommendations for further reading. For me, it synthesized many things I've already read and helped clarify them in my mind.

[Jenn]

Very well written!

I really enjoyed this book. It made me think and gave me some new vocabulary to use in my exploration of my faith. I would definitely recommend this book to my Pagan friends.

[Aika Artemisia]

better than some I've read with attention given to non wiccan pagans, though it was rather short.

[Chris]

This is an excellent primer for anyone interested in learning about Pagan and Wiccan theologies. I have read it twice already.