The main differences between the worldviews of atheism and paganism are manifested in their basic assumptions and approaches to understanding the world.

Contrasting Worldviews: Atheism vs. Paganism

The main differences between the worldviews of atheism and paganism are manifested in their basic assumptions and approaches to understanding the world.

Atheism relies on scientific thinking, rationalism, and materialism, rejecting any supernatural explanations. Modern atheists, as a rule, base their views on accumulated scientific achievements and critical analysis, considering the world a rational and measurable reality where myths are merely cultural artifacts.

"Modern atheism is often based on scientific achievements and rational thinking, rejecting religious and mystical explanations of the world. Paganism, on the other hand, can include magism and mysticism, which emphasize the affective and emotional apprehension of nature and the divine." (source: various sources)

In contrast to atheism, paganism is characterized by its diversity of forms and its deep roots in the culture and history of individual peoples. The pagan worldview incorporates elements of polytheism, mysticism, rituality, and the deification of natural phenomena. It perceives nature and its forces as manifestations of the divine, often linking them with mythological archetypes and traditional rites, which provide emotional and symbolic richness to this perspective.

"Paganism is often inclined to sanctify nature and is understood as a religious worldview with many forms, while atheism is more often seen as a philosophical position that denies the existence of any supernatural entity. Another important difference is that paganism includes polytheism, magic, and mysticism, whereas atheism is based on materialism and rationalism." (source: various sources)

It is also worth noting that paganism, due to its variability and strong connection with ethnic and cultural identity, can contribute to the development of traditional culture and art, whereas atheism, as a universal stance, is aimed at pursuing truth through science and philosophy.

"The specificity of paganism lies in its deep roots in the culture and history of individual peoples, while atheism is a more universal and modern position. Paganism can include various rituals and beliefs that differ greatly from region to region, whereas atheism tends to adhere to a singular philosophical foundation." (source: various sources)

Thus, the key differences are that atheism rejects all things supernatural, relying on evidence and rational justification, whereas paganism is a multifaceted religious worldview in which cultural traditions, mythology, ritual practices, and an emotional perception of nature play a crucial role.

Supporting citation(s):
"Modern atheism is often based on scientific achievements and rational thinking, rejecting religious and mystical explanations of the world. Paganism, on the other hand, can include magism and mysticism, which emphasize the affective and emotional apprehension of nature and the divine." (source: various sources)

"Paganism is often inclined to sanctify nature and is understood as a religious worldview with many forms, while atheism is more often seen as a philosophical position that denies the existence of any supernatural entity. Another important difference is that paganism includes polytheism, magic, and mysticism, whereas atheism is based on materialism and rationalism." (source: various sources)

"The specificity of paganism lies in its deep roots in the culture and history of individual peoples, while atheism is a more universal and modern position. Paganism can include various rituals and beliefs that differ greatly from region to region, whereas atheism tends to adhere to a singular philosophical foundation." (source: various sources)