why arent Pagans rallying for justice agianst the christians?

Question

I know harm none, but there is a thing called self defense.

Answer 1

the only thing I can think of is how the christians treated Pagans in the midevil days. They used to torture, kill, and trick them so they believe christianity.

Answer 2

Yes, there is self-defense and many pagans use it regularly. I am a pagan, but as far as I am concerned, the harm none requirement is conditional. I will not go out for revenge, but I will defend myself if need be. Most times, this defense is in the form of, "No, I would rather not hear about your love of Jesus, but thank you for offering." and then putting my headset back on.

Do I hate Christianity? Yes, immensely. It has enslaved and mistreated people I love. I do not hate Christians--the people I love are Christians. I hate what this religion does to them. I hate what it does to the world. It takes good people and turns them into mindless sheep. Sometimes, it even compels them to kill, whether physically or emotionally. Even their own family members are not immune.

For now, the main injustice committed against pagans is harrassment. Most of us can deal with it on an individual basis. If Christians in the government were to make a law that would penalize us, though, I do believe we would rally together and fight. I know I would.

I've always believed in picking my battles carefully. A random Christian telling me I'm going to hell or offering to share their love to Jesus is harrassing and abusive, but it's something I can handle on my own. A law that would put me in jail, have me killed or result in home and/or family being taken from me is an entirely different matter. But it hasn't happened yet. (That I know of.) If or when it does, I'll be at every rally, every protest. I can guarantee it.

Answer 3

Of course there's self-defense - especially since not all Pagans believe in harming none. (Though, before anyone says anything, even those who don't typically have *some* sort of conduct-controlling code.)

If you're referring to the Far Right's attempts to get their theocracy on our peanut butter, efforts are in place. Though, typically, not always via specifically Pagan routes. Let's face it, Pagan's can't organize to save our lives. So, instead of forming 1500 bite-sized commitees with varying views, the folks who feel they should be up in arms typically through their weight behind the big names, like the ACLU. More bang for the buck, so to speak.

Certainly, there's some Pagan groups to specialize - AREN, WARD, etc. So we're going at things from both directions.

Answer 4

Justice against what? Them arguing politics, while trying to get their religion into the system? The only way to do that, is on that level and we are already doing that thru several Pagan organizations... Covenant of the Goddess is one among many who are active in this area.

Self-defense against what? I have not been personally, physically attacked by any Christian. If a Christian speaks out against my religion, well, they are using their Right to the Freedom of Speech.... which I can also use.

Fighting in this way has never solved anything... it merely causes more strife, even more confusion and usually ends up in war. In order to "defend" as you put it, against those people who would lie about us, spread false information (knowingly or not), etc... we need to get good information out there... info that even they can look up and find out for themselves.... if they were honest enough people to do that.

Answer 5

You pose a valid question and in a way you have answered it yourself.
This time of year we are especially aware of the atrocities commited against the Pagans at the hands of the christians. During the Burning Times thousands and thousands ( no one really knows how many) of innocent women and children were tortured and killed. I have read that there were villiages in Germany were ever single female, down to the youngest child were killed by witch hunters. It was nothing less than a war waged against women.
In spite of that we practice the words that you mention "An it Harm None, Do As Ye Will". We live our lives by those words and believing as we do revenge is not an option.
As you say tho, self defense is entirely appropriate. You can not defend yourself against what happened long ago. That would be revenge. You can of course defend yourself against what happens to you now. If you are being harassed or harmed in some way you have the right to protect yourself. A binding spell is within the mores of our belief system. If you need help in that way feel free to write to me and I will share with you what I know.
Samhain is tomorrow night. I would encourage you to do a ritual in honor of those who died during those terrible times. As the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest tomorrow night you may reach out to those who were victimized. Let them know that we have survived and that many still walk the path of the wise. Reach out to them with love and healing energy that they may feel that they did not die in vain. Let them know that those who tortured and killed them were not victorious. WE ARE EVERYWHERE. Our faith sustains us and we carry on.
The best thing you can do for those that died is to let your life be an example of what a Pagan should be. Stand out in your community and in every way you can so that others know that we do good and we participate where help is needed.
Blessed Be
Lady Trinity~

Answer 6

There are many was to fight without causing physical harm. I agree that we should be allowed to worship who we want without fear of persecution. But we should do so in ways that do not not harm any one including ourselves. Do some more research on the subjects. Because of one man we now have the right to acknowledge Pagan religion on the applications for the military and other such facilities.

I know it is a long battle, but if we continue to work at it, we will eventually see the changes. Maybe not in this life time, but hopefully soon.

Good luck on your journey

Blessed Be and Merry Meet.

Answer 7

I just steer clear of the true pagans. I do not harass them or even think about them past there out there and real. Why not let them be this is the united states. FREEDOM OF RELIGION! But who ever said that Christians are harmless yes not the case around pagans though they feel that god has sent them to rid the world of evil.
Most are not this extreme but there are many that will go out of there way to give pagans a hard time. So pagans, Christians I say live and let live.

Answer 8

Self defense? Are there Christians who are physically harming pagans? Or are you speaking of a non-physical abuse by them?

I think that what Pagans should do is just patiently and peacefully answer to any accusations or arguments that the Christians or anyone else may throw at them. I wouldn't want to see "Fundamentalist" Pagans coming up! But you can always defend your position, peacefully and respectively.

Answer 9

It would go against what they believe to be the true path. By doing harm, even in self defense, they subject themselves to the return of that energy three fold thus doing more harm to self than to their foe. Don't take me wrong, there are ways of protecting ones self against negativity without doing harm to some one else. Sometimes its better to use the shield instead of the sword. Besides, when has an opinion ever really mattered to those who were steadfast in their faith? Wouldn't it be grand if we, people of all faiths, were all wrong and our Creator put us here to learn this for our self's? In the end, if you truly believe, in a certain way, then continue to do so until you find a different path. Love and compassion are all that truly matters...to me that is.

Aho,
Fenix

Answer 10

Pagans have little to fear from Christians, but much to fear from Catholics and Fundamentalists. I look at this question with a different viewpoint, which brings to mind the old phrase: "If you give a dog enough rope, he will eventually hang himself." This is such a true saying. Let the Cath's and Fundi's keep on yapping and yipping and snapping at the heels of the only group on the planet who really loves the planet...and it's Creator! We pagans may be the ones who bring the planet together in health and harmony one day. Shall we judge our persecutors then, or will we (most likely) turn the other cheek and let it be? "Harm none"....sounds rather Christ-like, doesn't it?

Answer 11

cuz not all christians are mean to them. I have a lot of christian friends and they're all very nice. Mostly, it's the goverment.
This one judge decided to take a kid away from his mom and dad bcuz they were wiccan or pagan...i don't quite remember bcuz there's beena a lot of those cases. And justice? By what bombing chirstian homes? That would be really funny bcuz bush would be like: omg the terrorists are back! Another scapegoat...great.

My point is, there are pagan pride parades and etc. but we aren't violent.