Pagans, Neo-Pagans, Wiccans – Let’s Sort It Out!

# Stuff You Should Know: Paganism

Josh and Chuck dive deep into the world of paganism—both ancient and modern—in this wide-ranging episode that explores everything from animism and shamanism to how Christianity essentially weaponized the concept of Satan to stamp out pagan religions across the Roman Empire. They trace paganism's fascinating resurgence during the Renaissance and Enlightenment, then break down modern movements like Wicca, Heathenry, and Dianic Wicca, revealing how today's pagan practitioners are creating entirely new religious traditions inspired by—but very different from—their ancient predecessors. Fair warning: this is a sprawling topic with tons of nuance, so the guys apologize in advance for any oversimplifications!