Pagan studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that investigates historically and contemporarily the beliefs, practices, texts, and social structures associated with religions classified as “pagan.” The term primarily encompasses two overlapping research areas:
- Ancient paganism – the study of pre‑Christian polytheistic religions of Europe, the Mediterranean, and neighbouring regions (e.g., Greek, Roman, Celtic, Germanic, Baltic, and Slavic traditions).
- Modern paganism (Neopaganism) – the scholarly examination of contemporary religious movements that draw inspiration from or revive elements of ancient pagan traditions, such as Wicca, Druidry, Heathenry, and eclectic pagan paths.
Scope and Methodologies
Pagan studies draws on methods from religious studies, archaeology, history, anthropology, folklore, classics, and sociology. Researchers analyse literary sources (myths, inscriptions, sagas), material culture (temples, ritual objects), ethnographic data, and contemporary community practices. Comparative approaches are common, linking ancient and modern expressions of pagan belief.
Historical Development
The systematic academic interest in paganism emerged in the mid‑20th century, initially within classical studies and folklore. By the 1990s, a distinct focus on modern neopagan movements began to appear in journals of religious studies and anthropology. The establishment of dedicated venues—such as conference sessions, edited volumes, and book series—solidified the field:
- Key publication series: Pagan Studies (Brill, edited by Michael Strmiska and Graham Harvey, launched 2018) provides monographs and edited collections on both ancient and contemporary topics.
- Journals and articles: Articles on paganism appear in Religion, Journal of Contemporary Religion, Folklore, and The Pomegranate (a journal of pagan studies).
- Conferences: The Pagan Studies Association (PSA) organizes biennial meetings that bring together scholars from multiple disciplines. Sessions on paganism are also regularly featured at the International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) congresses.
Notable Scholars and Works
Prominent contributors include:
- Graham Harvey – author of Animism: Respecting the Living World (2005) and co‑editor of the Pagan Studies series.
- Michael Strmiska – known for Modern Paganism in World Cultures: Comparative Perspectives (2011) and editorial work on the Pagan Studies series.
- Chas S. Clifton – author of Her Hidden Children: The Rise of Wicca and Paganism in America (2005).
- Miriam Black – contributor to studies on contemporary pagan ritual and community formation.
Institutional Presence
University departments of religious studies, classics, and anthropology often host scholars who specialize in pagan studies. Research centres such as the Centre for the Study of Religion at the University of Wales, Lampeter, and the Department of Anthropology at the University of Copenhagen have hosted related projects.
Criticisms and Debates
Scholars debate the applicability of the term “pagan” to diverse traditions, emphasizing its historical use as a Roman label for “non‑Roman” religions. Some argue that the label can obscure distinct indigenous contexts, while others maintain its utility for comparative analysis. Methodological discussions also focus on the balance between treating modern pagan movements as “revivals” versus “invented traditions.”
Bibliography (selected)
- Harvey, Graham, and Michael Strmiska, eds. Pagan Studies. Brill, 2018–present.
- Clifton, Chas S. Her Hidden Children: The Rise of Wicca and Paganism in America. AltaMira Press, 2005.
- Strmiska, Michael. Modern Paganism in World Cultures: Comparative Perspectives. ABC‑CLIO, 2011.
- Hutton, Ronald. The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles: Their Nature and Legacy. Wiley‑Blackwell, 1991.
Pagan studies continues to expand as both ancient sources and contemporary pagan communities generate new material for scholarly inquiry.
