Intolerance??

Question

Am i intolerant to christians if i don't accept a christmas card because i am wiccan??

Is this wrong or am i just thinking too much?

Answer 1

The problem here is that you are expecting everyone to understand your way of life...and they don't, believe me. Wiccan is not exactly a common practice amongst the populous.

I've always found it better to just play along and let them celebrate how they celebrate while I celebrate Solstice how I feel is right. By turning one's nose up at something as petty as "Christmas" cards might cause unneeded walls to go up around you.

If nothing else, Paganism and Wiccan-ism should be two of the most unbiased and accepting beliefs in the world.

Answer 2

Well it really depends on how you reject the card, but I don't think it is intolerant as much as it is impolite. What is the difference between impolite and intolerant? It is a fine line, but I'll try to give an analogy.

Seeing a Muslim praying in a public park and giving them a mean stare and telling them they don't belong here. That is intolerant.

If a Muslim says, "May Allah bless you" and you tell them you don't care, that is impolite.

The polite thing to do is just say thank you, accept the gift, and merely out of kindness give one back if you feel up to it.

Now the paradox, is it possible to be intolerant yet polite?

Answer 3

You have the right to be intolerant. You just shouldn't expect that intolerance not to offend anyone. If you're willing to accept the consequences of not accepting Christmas cards, then go ahead.

For my part, I'd accept the Christmas card, but you have to decide for you.

Answer 4

Probably just thinking to much. I buy cards every year that aren't religious. Usually something with "Happy Holidays" on it or just something about in general about peace and love. When I sign the cards I write on them "Happy Yule" to my Pagan/Wiccan friends and just sign my name to everyone else.

I'm a Wiccan too. I get cards from some people that are overtly religious (Christian) sometimes. I usually just display it with the rest of them and then throw them away at the end of December. It's the thought that counts, not necessarily what the card says. Everyone knows I'm a Wiccan but, I still get cards from some people with little note about finding Jesus and stuff like that. Funny, but it's usually the ones that I never see or hear from except their annual card telling me to "find God", lol. Last time I checked he and the Goddess are very much in my life. I wouldn't let the cards bother you. Just display them or throw them away.

Answer 5

I don't think you're intolerant to Christians when you refuse to accept a Christmas card. Don't worry so much.

Answer 6

What's wrong with intolerance? Not long ago, this meant bearing or putting up with someone or something not especially liked. Now the word has been defined to "all values, all beliefs, all lifestyles, all truth claims are equal". If you don't have the values and beliefs of a Christian then don't worry about accepting them. Be intolerant, its the right thing to do.

Answer 7

It would be a bit rude to refuse the well-wishes of others and it wouldn't help to build a respectful understanding between people of different religions/beliefs. My father celebrates Christmas so I spend a long time picking out a card that wishes him well for his holiday (religious-oriented card). He knows that I don't celebrate Christmas but he appreciates that I think of him on his holiday. On my holidays, he spends the time to send a carefully-chosen card and phones with well-wishes. I am a neo-pagan and he doesn't celebrate the same holidays that I do. I find it touching that he thinks of me on my holidays. We've had this respectful relationship for almost three decades, and it works for us.

Answer 8

well, TBH I know some wiccans who celebrate Christmas as day of gift giving, not as a day of celebrating Jesus Birth (EVEN though this is NOT the true day of His birth). I would just say, "I accept holiday cards" (if you do).nor should ANYONE look down on ANYone. Hate the sin, not the sinner... be blessed.... ><>

Answer 9

does a wiccan have a festival around the same as Christmas ?

the early church in fact hi jacked a pagan festival for Christmas, so are not infect affect using the same festival ?

all will say now may everyone be blessed, with understanding and wisdom.

Answer 10

You are thinking too much. How can you be insulted when they are trying to give you good wishes? Just chill out a little.

It is also fine if you give them good wishes for the solstices (or whatever) back. That way you can make a statement about who you are without sounding like an a**. If they have a problem with it (and some will) they will be the ones who sound bad.