In orthodox Islam, the term “People of the Book” is traditionally understood as being a reference to Jews and Christians. But it can also refer to members of other Abrahamic/monotheistic faiths that predate Islam. However, I have come across tolerant and positive views of polytheists as well, especially within some Sufi literature.
For example, in The Conference of the Birds by Farid ud-Din Attar, “… as in a great deal of Sufi poetry, the true idol to be destroyed is the Self” (p. 21 of the 1984 edition) i.e. self-centeredness and narcissism.
In your view, whereas Sufism is more inclusive of “pagans”, why does orthodox Islam limit this term to members of certain faiths and not others?
The people of the book are mentioned in the Qur’an. It specifically applies to those people who received revelation through their prophets. So Musa AS was sent the Torah for the Jews. And Isa AS was sent the Injeel (bible) which the Christians follow. This term only applies to the people who received revelation through their prophets from God. Its just fact.
But where do followers of polytheistic religions in general, such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism (for example), fit into orthodox Islam? Does the term “People of the Book” imply that members of certain faiths are accorded a higher status than others? Since mystic Islam is pretty much tolerant and respectful of all religions, can members of all faiths hold the same title in Sufism?
Islam is version 3.0 of Abrahamic faith. Essentially, the basic ideas are (or were supposed) to be same but were diluted or corrupted by people of earlier versions. It is sort of calling those people back to the original path.
Calling some people ‘people of the book’ does not mean that we cannot be respectful to other people.
P.S. Confucianism is not a religion. Gods are not really important for Taoism and Shintoism.