Pagans in a Christian based world
Submitted by Foxsong17 on Sat, 07/18/2009 - 21:39
I have to hide my religion because of the media and hollywood making it seem that all Pagans are devil worshiping, dance around naked, or sacrificing. It hurts because this is an exceptionally peaceful religion and we did nothing to deserve such treatment. I except Christians, so why can't they except me?
I am sorry to hear that people do these things, but this is a cruel world. If you do not mind, can you explain to me what a Pagan is?
I am in the same boat in a way, because people look at me like Im crazy when I tell them that I do not believe in religion, because I believe that it was created to maintain social ordinance and segregation to make people feel that they were above others. I do what I feel is right. I believe that God lives within us and not in the cloud, because thats gas and atmosphere. They get quiet and they look at me as if a lightening rod is going to burst through the ceiling and strike me. The real stinger is when I tell them that I do not believe in hell because noone has ever proved that it existed. I feel free to discuss this when people ask because I KNOW that I am a good person. I know that if I were to be judged by my character and whats within me, I would get a wonderful judgment.
I said all of that to say, do not hide who or what you are. Believe in what you believe in and do what you feel is right. Never let anyone make you feel uncomfortable about who you are, because we know that you're human and thats all that counts. As far as the media goes...everyone should know that the media is a bunch of lies and exaggeration so that they can create a source of entertainment. They do things to freak people out and make them want to hear more, its a mind game. If you know that you are a good person and you love yourself, then thats all that matters...people will come around to reality sooner or later, just try to educate them on your religion and if they dont listen then they'll understand someday =)
Best wishes,
Sietta =)
Im a christian and have friends from many different religions. For me it not to make them change its more for me to learn from the other religions. I enjoy theese learning experiences.
Pagan is an earth based religion, we have the Lord and Lady instead of god and we believe in the gods and goddesses. We don't have hell or heaven but instead Summerland, where we are after we die until we're ready to move on to the next life. We aren't satan worshiping people who dance around naked and slaughter animals. We have sayings such as Blessing Be and Merry Meet. We love the earth and we believe in keeping it stored in the natural balance.
Foxsong17,I am sooooo glad to see what you have said!! seriously, I was beginning to think I was the only Pagan on this site!! it is so unfair to live in a world where it seems like everyone is Christian, or Jewish. I get that all the time,you know, people thinking I'm a crazy baby killing freak, and people thinking that the pentacle is a sign of the devil. It's so funny to hear people accusing Pagans of devil worshiping,don't they understand we don't believe in the devil? it's so ironic!! your description of our religion is great!! just enough information, but not too much to confuse people who have never heard of it before,which is pretty much everyone.....
this world is completely set up for Christians, and it's hard to be a religion that 99% of people have either never heard of, or if they have heard of it, have a completely skewed view of it!! it makes me so angry when I walk down the aisles in movie stores, and all you can see in the horror section is upside down pentacles!! I also get angry around Halloween, stereotypes of other religions wouldn't be considered acceptable,but when you're stereotyping pagans into cackling green faced hags writing on broomsticks, everyone seems to think that's fine, but it is sooooo not fine!!
as you said,we have never done anything to anyone,in fact Christians have done a great deal of harm to our people, and continue to do so (but in much more subtle ways than the witch burning times)!
really though, thanks for writing this!
Blessed be,
Mae
Thanks Mae, and personally it's great to know I'm not the only Pagan here either.
You know I have found that people are really just scared of what they don't know, once they find out what we're all about it's like "oh they really aren't that bad" ha ha.
Thanks again!
Blessed Be!
Foxsong
My best friend is a Pagan, i 100% accept her. I accept everyone and anyone. I judge people(when i do,i barely ever judge people) on how the act, NOT what they beleive. I wish others are the same way.
Foxsong17,
I completely agree! Once people understand, they seem to regret their immediate judgments (for the most part).
Being Pagan is definitely made difficult in our society, but all we can do is fight stereotypes.
Thanks for being awesome!
Blessed be!
Mae
P.S Do you have a UU church, or do you practice on your own?
I believe in spirituality where i have faith but i dont believe in a specific religion, and not a lot of people especially my extended family understand, i do not see why it is really such a big deal what i choose to believe in or not. I dont like the idea of god, because i feel he is cruel i have so many friends that ask me why does god punish me like this i am a good person. That seems wrong to me so i choose to believe that i have faith, and i pray to a specific entity when needed, but i am by no means worshiping the devil, i feel our souls are passed on to another life after death. But many christian people i hate to say are very narrow minded and prejudice because that is apparently what their god tells them to be.
I have met many people who are Pagan and not one of them would bring harm to a fly nor would they impose their beliefs on others or claim the U.S. as a "Pagan nation".
hi im wiccan and i understand 100% but im very open about my beliefs
~Live and let live~
I got some of that in high school. Even though they were just joking about it some of the jokes did make me feel a little... a little... not so good. So i understand(somewhat) of what other people that are not of one of the main religions are feeling. I almost got suspended for sticking up to a teacher, this jerk was failing the girl who sat next to me just because she was islamic(sp).
As sad as it is things like that will continue to happen in alot of places if we don't do something to stop it. And with a few religions a main reason why people can't accept those of other religions is missconception and missunderstanding.
I am Catholic Christian, but I accept all faiths. I have a friend who is a Wiccan and I accept her. I don't always agree with the beliefs of other but I accept them because it is what they believe. I even accept those who believe in nothing. I am sorry people unfairly judge you and many others but just know there are many people, like those in this forum, who will accept you regardless of your beliefs.
Believe in something, believe in nothing, believe in everything. But first and foremost, believe in yourself.