The Structured Faith of the Ancient World: A Reflection on Paganism’s Rituals and Control

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Former Pagan, Christian Conservative LDS Priest

The journey of faith is often marked by transformation and discovery. As someone who has traversed the paths of Islam, socialism, and even paganism before embracing Christianity and becoming a Priest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have found a profound clarity in understanding the role of religious structure in human civilization. From Norse and Germanic tribes to Scythians, Persians, and the Romans, paganism offered a structured, ritualistic approach to life, one that arguably shaped the contours of culture, governance, and personal behavior. Yet, this structure pales in comparison to the rigidity of Islam and Judaism while exceeding the freedoms offered by Christianity.

The Rituals of Paganism: A Framework for Civilization

Before the rise of Abrahamic monotheism, pagan societies across the world embraced complex systems of belief that influenced every aspect of daily life. Norse paganism, for example, revolved around rituals dedicated to gods such as Odin, Thor, and Freyja. These rituals involved offerings, feasts, and seasonal festivals that marked the cycles of nature and the balance between man and the divine. Similarly, Germanic paganism emphasized the role of sacred groves and the "thing" assemblies, where laws were intertwined with spiritual observance.

Greek and Roman paganism were even more systematized, with temple priesthoods, state-sponsored festivals, and auguries dictating both personal and political decisions. Persian paganism, rooted in the Zoroastrian and pre-Zoroastrian traditions, brought about fire temples, seasonal celebrations like Nowruz, and a dualistic worldview that influenced governance and societal order. Scythians and Sarmatians, my own ancestors, revered their own pantheon and nature-based rituals, with their warriors often conducting elaborate rites before battles.

Control Through Ritual: A Precursor to Monotheism

While pagan religions were often decentralized, their rituals exerted significant control over individuals and communities. The Norse, for instance, believed that breaking oaths or disrespecting sacred customs could incur divine wrath. Roman emperors leveraged state paganism to consolidate power, requiring public sacrifices to the emperor's genius as a test of loyalty.

Persian paganism, as evidenced by the Avesta, structured society into classes, with fire temples acting as centers of both worship and moral enforcement. The rituals of purification, prayers, and offerings shaped the rhythms of daily life in ways that might seem overly prescriptive to modern sensibilities. However, unlike the all-encompassing control of Islam or the legalism of rabbinic Judaism, paganism allowed for a more localized and varied expression of faith.

Islam and Judaism: Structures of Absolute Control

When I reflect on my years as a devout Muslim and a leader within the Islamic community, the contrast between Islam and ancient pagan traditions is stark. Islamic law (Sharia) reaches into every aspect of life, from dietary restrictions and prayer schedules to laws governing dress, speech, and even thoughts. The same can be said of Judaism's halakha, which prescribes strict observance of 613 commandments, encompassing everything from business dealings to the minutiae of daily living.

Paganism, while structured, lacked this level of intrusion. A Norse farmer could honor Thor with a sacrifice during the planting season but was not expected to dedicate every moment to religious observance. Similarly, a Roman citizen could fulfill their religious duties through public festivals without constant fear of divine punishment for minor infractions.

Christianity: The Liberation of Faith

In contrast, Christianity offers a balance between structure and freedom. As a Christian, I have found that the principles of faith are rooted in love, grace, and personal accountability rather than fear or compulsion. This is particularly true within the LDS Church, where the focus is on covenant relationships with God rather than exhaustive ritualistic obligations. Christ’s invitation is one of voluntary discipleship, not coerced submission.

Lessons from the Past

The history of paganism reveals that human beings have always sought meaning through structure and ritual. However, it also shows that excessive control can stifle individuality and spiritual growth. As I reflect on my own journey from pagan-inspired rituals to the rigid dictates of Islam, and finally to the liberating truths of Christianity, I am reminded of the Apostle Paul's words: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free” (Galatians 5:1).

Paganism, with its rich tapestry of rituals and traditions, served its purpose in laying the foundations of civilization. Yet it is in Christianity that we find the ultimate balance—a faith that respects structure while celebrating the freedom to choose and grow.

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Citations

1. Tacitus, Germania. Translations by H. Mattingly, Penguin Classics, 2009.
2. Lincoln, Bruce. Religion, Empire, and Torture: The Case of Achaemenian Persia. University of Chicago Press, 2007.
3. Hultgård, Anders. “Norse Religion: Rituals and Beliefs.” In The Oxford Handbook of the Study of Religion, edited by Michael Stausberg and Steven Engler, Oxford University Press, 2016.
4. Boyce, Mary. Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. Routledge, 2001.
5. Paul, Nicholas. The Sacred Executioner: Human Sacrifice and Ritual Power in Ancient Civilizations. Princeton University Press, 1990.