Should a Pagan preach? There are hundreds of people willing to be teachers of magick and witchcraft. But there are little or any pagans that try to preach. Now the subject matter here is what is important. No pagans are supposed to go around and try to convert people to Paganism. What about p5reaching aka talking about how to present oneself or act in the world.
We know that certain things are right and wrong, but we don't have anyone telling the world how we feel and view things. There are a few people that talk about how racism has entered some of the Norse pagans groups. But people outside of the pagan world only see what they can easily find or what is thrown in front of them. We know that there are a slight few Norse groups that have neo-Nazi members, and they use those beliefs as a shield or excuse to act the way they do. A vast majority of the Norse focused Pagans are anti-racism , and are disgusted with these actions.
We are all told to "be silent". We shouldn't ruffle feathers and get the ire of sensitive Christians that can't handle anyone believing differently than themselves. Being Silent, be scared, and being kept hidden has also kept us from forming a community and a voice. Saying that our Pagan Community is fragmented is being nice. We lack so much from being a community, we are our worst enemies. We are over-protective of our personal beliefs and we will go against anyone that would try to lead us because somehow he doesn't understand you perfectly. How dare that Strega tell a Celtic what he should do!! This is also due to our past history with the Christian church, we don't want anyone to tell us how and what to believe.
So how do we get past this? We won't never really get past this. I was talking to a friend yesterday and she mentioned that most Pagan groups last about 3 years and then everything falls apart and then a new group or groups form from the wreckage. This is a continuing struggle with this. We are so distrusting of others when it comes to our beliefs that we will destroy the group to protect ourselves. We think that we are right on everything, that we can't allow someone that doesn't think like you to be in control for long.
So how do we get past this? We won't never really get past this. I was talking to a friend yesterday and she mentioned that most Pagan groups last about 3 years and then everything falls apart and then a new group or groups form from the wreckage. This is a continuing struggle with this. We are so distrusting of others when it comes to our beliefs that we will destroy the group to protect ourselves. We think that we are right on everything, that we can't allow someone that doesn't think like you to be in control for long.
What the Pagan community needs is someone, but better yet some people that would be willing to take the blunt of the opposing attitudes and rise up to show what a Pagan community could be. I have been focusing on the Roku channel for Pagans. It is a two sided sword with electrodes connected to it. This could give the Pagan community a voice that could be heard around the world. A platform that any opposing group couldn't take down. one whole category could be Pagan news videos. SO people on the east coast would know what is happening on the west coast, and vice versa. It would be a way to let solitary practitioners that they aren't alone. Categories can be used by predominant pagans on YouTube adding interesting content and educating others about what Paganism is and isn't. But toes will be stepped on, people that aren't comfortable that anyone was speaking about Paganism, will be enraged. The thick skin required to stand up would be amazed and draining. If a group was to stand up, everything they do would be over analyzed and twisted against them. SO a You tuber that joined the group of people speaking about Paganism could face a public out lash that could ruin a Pagan You Tube channel, but it could also energize it as well.
What does this have to do with Preaching? EVERYTHING..... I am going to continue the research and structuring of this Roku Pagan channel idea. I am wanting one category to be about spirituality and ethics. I personally would not allow a hell fire and brimstone video on the channel. But a set of videos talking about Pagan ethics and spirituality would work to explain to the world how we Pagans think and practice. There would be a category devoted to education. SO outsiders looking in could learn what the difference is on so many traditions. This channel would be about the spirituality of Pagans. Not about converting, but promoting understanding about Paganism in its many forms.
How would I preach about spirituality of Pagans? I would start with talking about ethics. There is this concept about "Character Counts". 6 pillars used to being a better person. Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. Pagans focus on the divine and the magic , but little is focused here. But I believe that we need someone to focus on the character of Pagans to show us in a better light. Citizenship is about being part of a community, but so many of us are loners or very distrusting. If we can't have citizenship, we can never have a community.
What does this have to do with Preaching? EVERYTHING..... I am going to continue the research and structuring of this Roku Pagan channel idea. I am wanting one category to be about spirituality and ethics. I personally would not allow a hell fire and brimstone video on the channel. But a set of videos talking about Pagan ethics and spirituality would work to explain to the world how we Pagans think and practice. There would be a category devoted to education. SO outsiders looking in could learn what the difference is on so many traditions. This channel would be about the spirituality of Pagans. Not about converting, but promoting understanding about Paganism in its many forms.
How would I preach about spirituality of Pagans? I would start with talking about ethics. There is this concept about "Character Counts". 6 pillars used to being a better person. Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. Pagans focus on the divine and the magic , but little is focused here. But I believe that we need someone to focus on the character of Pagans to show us in a better light. Citizenship is about being part of a community, but so many of us are loners or very distrusting. If we can't have citizenship, we can never have a community.
I would then continue talking about different aspects as they relate to other traditions. Now one of the reasons I am motivated to do this is the also educate some of those that oppose Pagans, some of those people are open to reason and so reason must be used. Look at how they relate all pagans as devil worshippers that perform ridiculous rituals. Have a video showing how the wiccan rede makes those claim mute. Of course that would only cover the Wiccans, but they are a part of the Pagan community.
Would you as part of the Pagan community speak for or against someone that stood up and refused to be silent.? Would you give that person a chance before condemning that person? Are you wanting to be part of a bigger community?
No comments:
Post a Comment