Paganism encompasses a diverse set of native religious beliefs including those of the Ancient Greeks, Celts, native Americans and native African beliefs. Hinduism could also be described as a form of Paganism. Many native beliefs were extinguished by Christianity and Islam, but have been reconstructed by some people in modern times. There are so many forms of Paganism, that it is not possible to make a summary that accurately describes all of them. However, there are some points that apply to many forms of Paganism, and I have included some of these here. I believe that most Pagan traditions are compatible with the idea of personal heaven (i.e. it would not be difficult to be a selfless Pagan in a personal heaven).

There are many positive aspects to many forms of Paganism, for example:

• Freedom of choice. People can choose which Pagan beliefs to follow, and there is a huge range to choose from. People usually follow Pagan traditions because they want to, not because they are trying to go to heaven and avoid hell.

• A lack of a strict set of rules. Some Pagans opt for beliefs that involve rules, but they don't have to if they don't want to.

• Acceptance of people such as homosexuals, which many other religions do not accept.

• The rule of threefold return discourages Wiccans from harming others (Wicca is a type of Paganism). This law suggests that if a person does something good or bad, then it will be returned to that person with a magnitude of three times. The emphasis on the importance of personal responsibility contrasts with Pauline Christianity, which states that a belief in Jesus allows for the remission of sins. The Wiccan Rede (Do what you will, so long as it harms none) also discourages Wiccans from harming others.

• Historically, goddesses and feminine power have been significant in some Pagan traditions, so many forms of Paganism promote sexual equality.

• Pagans often prefer to be outside and their traditions often harmonise with nature. Some traditions serve to promote relationship formation and sexuality.

There are some negative aspects to the Pagan religions:

• Pagan spiritual interactions sound fascinating (such as native American spiritual journeys), and may be personally fulfilling. However, they may be time-consuming and distracting from major global issues and the needs of others. In ancient times, some Pagan spiritual interactions have been more damaging, and may have encouraged human sacrifices in some cases. The inhabitants of Easter Island may have been responding to spiritual interactions when they were building their stone statues, leading to the deforestation of their island, and the eventual extinction of their population.

• The prospect of people casting curses, hexes and spells that are intended to influence free will (e.g. love spells) could make people feel a little uncomfortable around some Pagan groups. In ancient times, this effect may have contributed to the persecution and killing of witches. Christian persecution of Pagans may also be encouraged by Matthew 18:17, which is probably a misquotation of Jesus; he taught people to help outcast groups, so it is unlikely that he would have helped to turn Pagans into one. In addition, there are instances where Paul condemns Pagan practices (e.g. 1 Corinthians 10:20).