The modern word “pagan” is derived from the Latin noun “paganus,” which is in turn derived from the adjective “pagus,” meaning “rural or rustic.” “Paganus” means “villager, peasant, or countryman (in the sense of being from the country, not a nationalistic sense).” The term was applied to non-Christians because many rural areas were slower to embrace Christianity than the more urban areas, instead clinging to their older polytheistic religions. This evolution of the word continued to the present day, where it not only means “non-Christian,” but often carries a connotation of hedonistic activities and traits on the part of the person described.[i]

By modern definition, all of the Greek gods were pagan, simply by virtue of being non-Christian. Many also represented some aspect of nature which would also fulfill the rural requirement. The more interesting question is whether the ancient Greek gods were hedonistic, and whether the modern perceived relationship between the term “pagan” and hedonism is warranted.

Hedonism is defined as the “pursuit of or devotion to pleasure, especially to the pleasures of the senses.” [ii] Many Greek myths tell of the sexual escapades of the gods and goddesses. Barring Artemis, the virgin goddess of the moon and of the hunt, there are very few deities in Greek mythology that demonstrate restraint in matters of lust. Zeus in particular goes to great lengths to consummate his infatuations with mortals, goddesses, nymphs and dryads, frequently transforming himself to further his ends. In many ways Eros is the most powerful of the ancient gods. His influence humbles gods and mortals alike, bringing the proudest and strongest among them to their knees. Making a god responsible for lust and desire also absolves the afflicted from responsibility for his feelings, though not always for his actions.

While Eros personifies lust and infatuation, Bacchus represents another aspect of hedonism. The god of wine is often depicted as an adolescent boy cavorting wildly with the Maenads, female devotees known for their wild abandon. While most depictions of Bacchus are not overtly sexual, the feral nature of the Maenads has an almost subversive feel, particularly when viewed through the lens of Judeo-Christian society. The frenzy of Bacchus’ rites, as well as his role as the god of wine, add another element to the hedonistic behavior of the Greek gods.

The implication of linking “pagan” with “hedonistic” is that the pursuit of pleasure necessarily detracts from the spiritual aspect of life, that the two are mutually exclusive. While it may be true that pursuing sensual pleasure to the exclusion of all else leads to a spiritual void, it seems that a balance is possible and, indeed, necessary. The association of the term “pagan” with hedonism seems a construct of the disdain with which the first Christians viewed their rural neighbors who still embraced their polytheistic religions. At first merely seen as provincial and unsophisticated, they gradually began to merge in the Christian psyche with the gods traditionally worshipped in those areas, deities who often blurred the lines of morality in search of pleasure. The term absorbed that connotation, though lately there has been a resurrection of its original meaning, “rustic,” as nature-worshippers embrace the word, making it their own. No doubt its perceived association with immorality will continue, however. There are certain sects of Christianity that will persist in viewing any deviation from their belief system as inherently immoral.

The question of the pagan nature of the ancient Greek gods is undeniable. The negative connotations associated with the term “pagan” offer a much more interesting look into the psychology of religion and the demonizing of views contrary to accepted dogma. The impact religion has on the mentality of an era or a place is profound and should be subjected to careful scrutiny whenever possible.

[i] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pagan

[ii] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hedonism