Where have the intelligent Pagans gone ?

Question

There does not seem to be any Pagan representation on this site. It is full of bitter and twisted 'new religions' people, especially christians who do nothing but fight each other.

Janet L - Is the Q not self explanetary, the rest is observation.

Gerry - which God in particular?

Smashinghoney - excellent idea, our own section on Y!A

Well met and blessings to you all.

Frater Pan - whilst I agree with a new section for Paganism, I am a Pagan not a neopagan or new ager, I have some thelemite leanings but essentially not a np or na. Also if it were called Occult & Supernatural we would get all the ghosthunters and 'haunted house' watchers. The very people who give Paganism its bad reputation. A slight change to Occult & Magick would be preferable, we know the distictions there. I have to agree totally with your first paragraph, encourage the young like nurturing a plant. LITL,LUW.

Answer 1

there are still plenty intelligent Pagans around here
just wait and see

Answer 2

I think a lot of Pagans are just new at it, or still in the "rebellion" stage, and that given the support and guidance from some more experienced Pagans and Elders in the community, they will grow and become the "intelligent Pagans" you're looking for. We, as Pagans who have been at this for a while, have the duty to give each sincere question a sincere and supportive reply, and to try not to judge or discourage those who are less informed because they are new. Encourage them, gently and respectfully, to grow in the knowledge and understanding of their own chosen spiritual path. We should even respond to Christian questions with kindness and sincerity, or not respond at all. Show them how reasonable, intelligent, and respectful of others we can be -- show by example, and try not to get bent out of shape too easily (and I know, it's easy to get offended here!)

I agree with Smashing Honey that we should have our own section of Yahoo! Answers. Some Pagans like to post in the Mythology and Folklore section, but I think it would be better if there was, like an "Occult & Supernatural" section, or "New Age and Neopagan," though I would prefer the former to the latter. The question is, who do we petition on Yahoo! to accomplish this?

And Smashing Honey, thanks for the compliment *blush* but aren't you a bit biased? (She's my girlfriend ;-) )

Answer 3

There are some intelligent Pagans on this site, you just have to keep digging. Frater Pan has submitted quite a few intelligent answers. He's one of the smartest Pagan people I know.

I think it would be nice if there was another category for people of alternative religions.

Answer 4

Hello...just checking in.

I agree completely with Frater's first paragraph. I couldn't have written it better!

But I like the fact that all religions are included together. There are plenty of groups and forums for specific religious beliefs. It's easy to find them. But this is the only place that I can come to and learn about all different religions and interact with people of different religions (and no religion at all). Eventually, it would be nice if people of all religions could live peacefully. Here in R&S we can try to do that. If we can't even get along on here, how are we ever going to do it in real life? I still have hope. We will never learn to live together peacefully if we keep segregating ourselves.

Besides, what would keep those who want to proselytize from going to "our" section? They'd have all of us in one place. They already go to the mythology section and the LGBT section to look for converts.

Answer 5

I like to think of myself as a reasonably intelligent Pagan. I just prefer not to get into an argument with an anonymous person I've never met (and will never meet) via a computer screen. I feel I have more worthwhile things to do than crow about my beliefs all the time.

Answer 6

We've got some great Pagans on this site, maybe they're just not on right now. Anyhow, I understand your frustration. I'm a Buddhist and sometimes it can feel a little crazy but I try not to let things get to me. I've met some lovely people here and you will to or already have. Best to you. Namaste

Answer 7

I'm a college student. We are fastly approaching finals after a very long and challenging semester. So I have been concentrating on saving my GPA from the evil wicked Calculus Professor!

Answer 8

My husband is one of the few intelligent Pagans that I have found. He is intelligent enough to love me even though I am Native American and have different views than himself.
The unfortunate truth is that most "Pagans" are not true to their beliefs, they pick and choose what they want to follow. The same could be said for most religious people.

Answer 9

Intelligent pagans have better things to do with their time than sit at the computer, answering Yahoo questions.

Answer 10

They are now called Christians. I mean where did the cross come from? It was a pagan religious symbol.
The Christmas tree? Sun worshippers, complete with the candles and balls. Halloween? pagan source again.
Easter? Sex worshippers complete with colored eggs.
So you don't have to look far for intelligent pagans they abound in every church in every neighborhood. They all celebrate pagan customs with enthusiasm.

Answer 11

First off, christians are not pagans. Get that right. Second, you seem to have a bit of hostility too. Thirdly, people are bitter because they are trying to defend themselves from those who wish to convert them to something they don't want to be a part of. You would be hostile too if someone was constantly pushing their beliefs on you and you didn't want anything to do with it. So before you go bashing others for speaking their minds, maybe you should think before YOU speak!