A pagan is a person holding religious beliefs other than those of the main world religions.
Wiki says:- Paganism (from classical Latin pāgānus "rural, rustic," later "civilian") is a term first used in the fourth century by early Christians for people in the Roman Empire who practiced polytheism.
I can't say that I totally agree with the Wiki derfinition; mine is closer to yours - Anyone who does not follow one of the seven major religions, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hindu, Sikh. Buddhism, Judaism.
It is quite expensive Owlswing but the kindle edition is cheaper if you or anyone like using a kindle (I prefer books). Maybe can find it second hand if you're keen on reading it.
I am still frantically trying to finish the pile of books that I received from my son and daughters for Christmas and have one-and-a-half still to finish from my birthday last June! Thanks for the offer but by the time I get around to it I might try the local charity shops!
I'm intrigued & like this from the review:-
Pagan Christianity takes the readers through the history of many of our church practices. The authors argue the following:
The idea of a sermon in a church gathering is pagan (after all, that brings about a clergy/laity distinction).
I am not totally sure, but it is very probable, that any High Priest or High Priestess who tried to give a sermon would probably not be in those offices at the next ritual.
Dressing up for church is a leftover from paganism and hypocritical for Christians.
This one brought a grin to my face. On one occasion a few years ago I was late for ritual and, as I was carrying the mead for the end of ritual, I had got changed on the train and was stepping it out with my head down when I was bellowed to a stop by a very irate Catholic priest who wanted to know on whose authority I was on his turf (I can't remember his exact word) and I opened my cloak to display my black robes, the pentacle on a chain around my neck, the Coven sword, a four and a half foot long katana on a rope belt. and a six inch long witch's athame in its sheath at the front of my belt. He quite obviously realised what I was and departed as fast as his legs would carry him!
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper have been coopted by pagan mysticism.
Not in any branch of Paganism with which I am familiar!
Blessed be!