The Conflict That Is Paganity
Over generations, Christianity has stampeded and destroyed the remnants of the old religion; the religion of our ancestors. Paganism. You might have heard of her. She’s not a religion so much as an umbrella term, encompassing a range of practices from witchcraft to hugging trees.
Before I progress, it’s necessary to address the difference between Ancient Paganism and Contemporary Paganism. In ancient times, witches, druids, and other members of the old religion were first referred to as “Pagan” simply because they were not Christian. Truthfully, Contemporary Paganism began in the occult revival as a complex of religions established during the Florentine Renaissance. Contemporary Paganism is defined by the belief in more than one Deity, whilst not tying herself down to any one particular religion. Even as Contemporary Pagans attempt to reconstruct the lost Ancient Religion, the two remain separate and should be considered individual.
So why haven’t Christian attitudes changed towards them?
It’s a common misconception that poor old Paganism has to suffer that it’s a Satanic religion. But this can’t be true. We know this isn’t true because Satan is a Christian concept. Pagans don’t believe in, let alone worship, the Devil.
What do you think of when I say the word “Devil”? An evil red being surrounded by smoke, horns protruding from his skull and a black pitchfork in hand? If you asked a Pagan, they would inform you this is a humorous amalgamation of Hades, God of the Underworld, and Pan, the Horned God of Nature!
It’s my opinion that Christianity has also been twisted, and the roots of his sacred religion forgotten. “You can’t do that! That’s not very Christian of you!” The Lord’s Prayer has become a meaningless mantra and the Ten Commandments have transformed from a set of rules to a prison cell.
Like Paganism, Christianity is now an umbrella term. But within each movement is a hatred, distrust, and aggression towards their life-long enemy.
This conflict is Paganity.
Fellow blogger, Sam Webster, commented in 2013, ‘They already seek our destruction; that’s what makes them our enemies’. Which side do you think he speaks for? It could very well apply for both.
Why are we doing this? Why do we hate one another?
Christianity is currently the most popular religion in the world, so it’s understandable that many people would be attracted to following it blindly. In the modern world millions of people claim ‘Christian Privilege’, but ask yourself if this is right! How can this be right?
Forget what you’ve been told. Look at each individual religion and see them for what they are. Judge your personal beliefs according to the comfort they provide for you. You don’t need to turn a blind eye, just respect one another. If you enjoy your atheism, be an atheist and leave the Pagans alone. If you enjoy your Islam, be a Muslim and leave the Pagans alone. And if you enjoy your Christianity, be a Christian and leave the Pagans alone. Acknowledge the fact that you make your own truth.
For goodness sake, don’t persecute others. It’s unnecessary. We’re all human, and we’re all better than that.
Photo by Spencer Selover from Pexels
By Deborah Rose Green, 19/10/2019