Why is Paganism growing? Has the christian church lost its way?

Good question! I believe that paganism is growing because it is a religion that honors women; whereas more and more women (in particular) are waking up to the misogyny of the christian church. It is hard not to see that christianity is a male-based, male biased religion, with hatred towards women. Where this hatred comes from who knows, but I believe most of it is based on womb envy. The fact that women can do something powerful that a male cannot do, breeds the resentment. Many books now being written on this topic, and many examples of womb envy within religion, Adam's rib birth, etc. Paganism honors women as the ones who perpetuate life, but does not demean men in the way that christianity demeans women. Even though technically we have freedom of religion in the US, I would argue it can hardly be freedom, when there are basically only christian churches. Now in these past decades, the choices are growing, and feminism is waking women up. The internet is also helping with the growth as we can form groups without going to a physical place. I believe the trend will be for Paganism to grow. The reason for this is that women tend to be more interested in spiritual matters, as even women make up the majority of christian churches. The more choices women have, with paganism being one, the more women will naturally move towards religion(s) that are less insulting to them. The christian church hasn't lost its way, it's just been somewhat messed up since its inception. A true religion doesn't demean, and the christian church has failed in this regard. How quickly will the change come? It is hard to say, but it seems women are slow to realize that the very churches they flock to every Sunday are places that continue to demean them.

Christains have not lost their way, they are just waking up to the truth of the path of spirituality.

I don't think it should be a question of one religion against another. I think it's just good that people can find a religion and faith that fits them and helps them make it through life. I think all positive religions should be celebrated, not compared and put against each other.

Considering the fact that more people are coming out of the "broom closet" more and more today it is opening the doors for new opportunities. Also alot of the people today are gettird of being told how to live there lives from a book. Alot of people are finding comfort in being able to choose there own paths and do there own things. People are attracted more and more to making there own destiny than the one already maped out for them.

I can not agree with you more with the fact that more people are coming out of the "broom closet" and in turn, more discussions are help on the religion. The more it is understood and talked about, the more people are inclined to learn and even practice more. Therefore, it seems to be becoing more popular. My partner of many years did not agree with my religion. I had to teach and follow the path of his ways (Methodist) for the children. Never did I pressure. It took my 16 yr old asking him if it was okay that he start learning more of my religion before he made a decision on what he felt was right. Not long after, my partner went out on his own to my frequented Pagan start and picked himself up a book to read...Wicca for Men. He was so excited because he said it was everything he believed and felt....now, this holiday season. My family will be celebrating Yule for the 3rd year. I admit, he is not into it as much as I am. But he does have a respect for it and will defend our religion to anyone. It will take him time...as I have been already learning for years. Patience. It is all about patience. :)

I can't agree more with Verbose...

I don't think it is growing..it's just coming out of hiding as it is more accepted now..paganism has been around as long as time..they used to not hide at all...where do you think the maypole dance comes from??