"Paganism" is a term that has been used to refer to a wide range of religious and spiritual beliefs throughout history. Its fuzziness lies in the fact that it is a broad umbrella term that encompasses many different belief systems and practices, which can vary greatly depending on the time and place in which they are found.
In its most general sense, "paganism" can be used to refer to any religious or spiritual system that is not part of the Abrahamic monotheistic traditions of Judaism, Christianity, or Islam. This can include ancient polytheistic religions like the Greek and Roman pantheons, as well as modern nature-based or neo-pagan traditions that draw inspiration from a variety of sources.
The fuzziness of "paganism" also arises from the fact that many of the belief systems and practices that fall under this umbrella term have been heavily influenced by other religious traditions over time. For example, many ancient pagan religions were shaped by contact with Judaism and Christianity, and later pagan revivals have been influenced by a wide range of religious and philosophical traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and the occult.
Additionally, the term "paganism" has often been used in a derogatory or dismissive way by members of the dominant monotheistic traditions, and as a result, many pagans have embraced the term as a way of reclaiming their spiritual heritage and asserting their own identities.
In short, the fuzziness of "paganism" arises from its historical, cultural, and religious diversity, as well as its complex and contested meanings in different contexts.
