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Survey for The Case for Paganism

Consent Form

Selina Rifkin is asking you to participate in a research study titled “An inquiry on why people in earth-based religions find them preferable.” I will describe this study to you and answer any of your questions. This study is being led by Selina Rifkin. The Faculty Advisor for this study is Diedre Sommerlan-Rogers, PhD. This study is being funded by Selina Rifkin.
The purpose of this research is to provide data on why Pagans leave whatever religious path they were raised in, and why Paganism is a better religious or spiritual path for them.

I will ask you to fill out a survey either online.

I/We do not anticipate any risks from participating in this research.
Benefits
The data from this study will be included in my latest non-fiction book, The Case for Paganism. I will use this information to first, explain to non-Pagans why we are on this religious path. While data often doesn’t change hearts, it can change the minds of those who are open to it. My secondary purpose is to demonstrate the value that earth-based and polytheistic religious practice could have for those who find monotheistic religions to be a poor fit.

Privacy/Confidentiality/Data Security
The electronic survey is completely anonymous

Taking part is voluntary
The participant's involvement is voluntary, the participant may refuse to participate before the study begins, discontinue at any time, or skip any questions/procedures that may make him/her feel uncomfortable, with no penalty to him/her.
If you have questions
Please ask any questions you have now. If you have questions later, you may contact Selina Rifkin at [email protected]

Checking the box means you understand and agree

Checking the box means you understand and agree

Your birthdate

Approximate date you became Pagan/Wiccan/Heathen/Druid/polytheist.

If you left another religion, which one?

If you left another religion, which one?
A
B
C
D
E
F

How old were you when you left

How old were you when you left
A
B
C
D
E
F

Did you already know about Wicca or Paganism as a religion when you left?

Did you already know about Wicca or Paganism as a religion when you left?
A
B

Why did you leave? May check multiple

Why did you leave? May check multiple

What do you get from being Pagan that you weren’t getting from your former religion?

What aspect of Paganism do you find most useful in your day to day life?

What aspect of Paganism do you find most useful in your day to day life?
A
B
C
D
E
F

Do you believe the gods exist as isolated and unique individuals?

Do you believe the gods exist as isolated and unique individuals?
A
B

Do you believe the gods represent various concepts such as love, war, or order and can be generalized across cultures?

Do you believe the gods represent various concepts such as love, war, or order and can be generalized across cultures?
A
B

Do you believe individual humans are important to the gods?

Do you believe individual humans are important to the gods?
A
B

Do you think evil exists as a thing separate and with a unique will?

Do you think evil exists as a thing separate and with a unique will?
A
B

Do you believe your god defends you from negative aspects of the unseen world?

Do you believe your god defends you from negative aspects of the unseen world?
A
B

Do you believe the soul continues to exist when the body dies?

Do you believe the soul continues to exist when the body dies?
A
B

Do you primarily practice:

Do you primarily practice:
A
B
C

Do you belong to a formal organization that charges a fee for membership?

Do you belong to a formal organization that charges a fee for membership?
A
B

If yes to above, Please tell me which one. [write 'None' if no to above]