I've been in the Craft for over ten years now - and something that has bothered me a lot is when something comes up - it seems we like to let people know how different our religion is from theirs. Going out of our way at times. Then complain that we are treated differently....
Most religions are very much alike - but man has done his best to make them different.
I think the thing that bothered me the most was the protest by Pagans when after 9/11 firehouses and other public places post signs saying "God Bless America" or "God save America". Some saying it would be better to have "Goddess Bless America". I worship both a God and Goddess - the God is the hunter and protector - and that would be a time we turn to him. Asking him for protection. And since the signs didn't pick out any one God - it could be mine. When we make out burst against something like this is it any wonder that Christians think we worship the devil
Many times when someone learns I am Wiccan, they ask me if I believe in God. I always say Yes. (When ever I do ritual I always invite both the Goddess and the God to attend. ) This usually stops the "I'll pray for your soul" speech. When ever some one finds out you are Wiccan, let them know how much we are alike, not how much we are different. They already have their minds made up we are different - so don't add fire, use a little water.-
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Comments: 12
In the past, I have been very uncertain about Wiccan beliefs. Now I truly believe everyone is worshiping the same God and working for the same things. It's our paths that are different, not the destination.
Good thoughts.
Great article!
Wiccan is the closest to my belief system. I believe that we have a male/female creator. It does seem to me that EVERYONE is giving thanks and requesting assistance to THEIR CREATOR.
I do agree with you on all points. I thank you for sharing and enlightening us.
I converted to Wicca from being a born-again Southern Baptist 30 years ago. Converts - and 99%+ of the Pagans & Wiccans in the world are converts - tend to go through a phase of wanting to spread their new beliefs around and bring other people in, because internally that reinforces the idea that converting was the right thing to do.
Sadly, I think a lot of people tend to become jerks during this phase. Pagans & Wiccans included. Some never grow out of it.
A wise lady once told me that there is a duty that comes with being Pagan in public, and it is not to educate, to inform, to convert, or to enlighten the uneducated. Our singular duty is to appear sane and nothing more. Just be a normal person. Show people that there's no reason to fear us.
We don't need to be understood. We just need to be accepted.
When I have people approach me to proselytize I thank them for wanting to share something that means alot to them. I talk to them about my beliefs and express respect for theirs. It's a great learning process and I've learned things about different religions and viewpoints that I wouldn't otherwise know.
It's really sad when people of ANY belief system (whether religious, philosophical, political, etc.) feel that only they can be right, everyone else is wrong or ignorant.
I can't stand it. Thanks for this post