Why do people denounce Pagan beliefs outright?...?

I'm not a Pagan, so sorry for gatecrashing :)

I just wanted to say that I have seen so many people bashing Paganism, it astonishes me. I suspect that much of this is down to 'ignorance'. The very word 'Pagan' seems to conjure up an image that is not based on knowledge or understanding OF Paganism.

I'm from an 'organised' religion, and I find Pagan traditions and religions extremely interesting. And I would also maintain that any religion can ONLY be judged by the character and behaviour of its followers - and certainly the Pagan religions seem, to me, to attract/produce/encourage people who are kind, staunch and compassionate.

There are THOUSANDS of branches of paganism. I think pretty much all religions are about community. With out each other we are nothing as a human race. That has little to do with religion.

Pagans are "Denounced" because the "Bible says so".

Paganism is too broad of a term, you'd need to be more specific. But, quite a few folk denounce paganism simply because it disagrees with what they believe.

Paganism is different things to different people. People who denounce it (or anything else) usually don't fully understand it or see it as a threat.

Since the term Paganism refers to thousands of religions, denouncing it is silly-as is saying it is "about" anything.

There are so many branches of paganism that any generic statement is wrong.

However, to me paganism (Wicca specifically) is about freedom. If I wish to help my neighbor, I can, but I am not beholden to do so.

Sometimes I honestly think they do it to take focus of their own questionable claims.