Queen,
I understand your concerns about the use of terminology by third parties to refer to persons or groups who prefer not to apply those terms to themselves. I usually don't consider Native Americans among Pagans, simply because I have Native ancestry and I am somewhat more inclined toward being more conscientious about Native American people, history, and culture. But I don't take it personally if someone else (who is not Native) refers, in a positive way, to Native American religion as being Pagan. My understanding of Buddhism is that most people who consider themselves Buddhists consider it a "way of living" or a philosophy, rather than a religion. I am less familiar with the sentiments of Hindus about their being called "Pagans."
I often use the term "New Age" which apparently many Native Americans allow. I've met and talked with actual Native Americans at New Age and psychic festivals and expos. (I am about one-sixteenth Native but do not have an official blood card, so I simply say that I have Native American ancestry. I have a cousin on the same line of descent as I am, from the same ancestors, and she does have her official Cherokee Nation blood card.)
I use the term "Neo-Pagan" sometimes. However, it seems that more people simply use the term "Pagan" to be all-inclusive because they are using it in a spiritual sense, rather than strictly a historical sense. I do believe there is a "Pagan Community" in the sense of shared common elements. It is an umbrella term, used for convenient reference, and for promoting unity. There can be varying definitions within that umbrella, even while there is a shared purpose: promoting broader religious liberties, increased dialogue and understanding, and social networking for people outside the three Abrahamic religions (or even for those within those three religions, if they are inclined toward inter-faith interaction).
I am still learning. I appreciate your starting this thread and for the dialogue.
BB,
Soul
Queen of the Dead wrote:Thank you for understanding, SnowCat. My only problem with the definition is that Hindus, Buddhists, and Native Americans have asked to not be called Pagans, and I saw a post somewhere where they were included as Pagan religions. The community is slightly misinformed on some websites (cough tumblr cough)