How many of my christian fellows understand the scope of the persecution that pagans face in America?

Question

I had no idea about the scope of it... I never took an indepth and critical view of the actions of my forefathers and what goes on today. I'm so sorry...

Modern stories:
http://www.rapunzellstower.com/Pagan/discpaper.php

http://paganinstitute.org/PIR/legal_help.html

http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/5883/

http://sotall.org/discrimination.php

http://www.winchesterstar.com/article_details.php?ArticleID=1036

History:

http://atheism.about.com/od/christianityviolence/ig/Christian-Persecution-Witches/index.htm

http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/christian/blfaq_viol_index.htm

http://atheism.about.com/od/christianityviolence/a/witches.htm

Catholic Crusader, I'm a christian/yahwist...

Discrimination is a mild form of persecution.

Answer 1

Before specifically addressing your question, I must thank you and applaud as loudly as possible! The fact that you have put thought into this issue, done some research, and actually put this question forward is a wonderful testament to the possibility of change for the better.

In modern America, persecution is probably too strong a word for most cases. The American people - Christians and Pagans alike (and all the others who don't embrace either label, too) - have been conditioned to believe they are victims. American society, for whatever reason, has developed a sort of collective paranoia that leads to events being blown completely out of proportion.

Not to say that there isn't some religious persecution going on - just that a lot of what gets labeled "persecution" isn't always as bad as the term implies.

Another unfortunate development in American society is the reliance on "sound bites" for news and data. The media highlights the negative, the tragic, and the offensive in order to sell papers and boost television ratings, and many "good things" are left unnoticed.

In my life, I have experienced two situations that others might consider persecution. By my own standards, only one of those is even close - but both could be banner headlines for a newspaper on the persecution of pagans in the United States.

It's a matter of perspective, I think - and how much the target is willing to be victimized.

Again, though, I thank you for taking the time to actually look into this. It gives me hope that my kids won't experience things I did.

Answer 2

I definitely do not worship "the creation" as they define it. A tree is a just a tree. It has no intelligence. Why would I worship it? I wish they understood how absurd they sound to us when they say that. Seriously, I can't even figure out what they think I'm worshipping when they say that. I wouldn't say I worship "the Creator" either. First, I don't believe in a single creator. Second, I don't believe creation was a neat and tidy process where a being or beings looked around and said "Hey, it's really empty here. Let's make something!" My best guess is that the gods and the physical world came into existence at the same time.

Answer 3

I knew that it was harder to be a Pagan in parts of the USA than it is here in the UK-where no-one much cares what religion anyone else is as fundies are very rare here-but I am still surprised.

Still Christian fundies have been persecuting us for the best part of 2000 years so I suppose it's ingrained.At least they don't burn us at the stake anymore.

Answer 4

Persecuted is a strong word and I don't like it. No one is shoving me into an oven or lighting crosses on fire in my yard. Not to say it's not happening somewhere, but it's not happening to me. I DO know some who have been physically hurt over thier pagan beliefs but it's sort of rare.
Now DISCRIMINATED against. Yes. All the time. I just don't give a ****. LOL Still thank you to anyone who bothers to try to understand being on the "outside" of main stream. It can be frusterating.


*gasp* A blunt Heathen? OMGs I've never heard of such a thing! Hehehe

Answer 5

Funny.... I don't *feel* persecuted. ;)

I think it's a whole lot of perception.
Many Pagans perceive themselves to be persecuted when Christians try to convert them.
Many Christians perceive themselves to be persecuted when their attempts at conversion are rebuffed.

I think the persecution term is overused and in many cases, incorrectly used.

That's not to say that there isn't some legitimate persecution going on... but it's not as prevalent as some would have you believe.

EDIT:
Batgirl... I have ... you know... on OCCASION.... been a little less than completely nice.
I know... I know... it's hard to imagine an Asatruar being blunt and maybe a bit condescending.... but, hey... it happens. ;)

Answer 6

It is sad, but it's nothing new. People who believe differently than the Christian faith have been persecuted/discriminated against since before this country was officially founded.....you could also further research the topic, and find that it isn't only an American issue.

Answer 7

In some areas, yes, pagans are treated horribly. Where I'm from, it's not an issue. In Washington State, especially in the larger cities (like Tacoma, my home town), there's a nice-sized population of Wiccans and pagans. They're accepted just like everyone else. My best (female) friend from WA is a pagan.

However, one of my best friends from HERE (in Germany) is Wiccan, and he's from Florida. As if that wasn't enough, he's from a very small town in Florida. So he's definitely been persecuted against.

And I think that's wrong. Just because we disagree with them doesn't mean we should treat them horribly.

Answer 8

The fbi and homeland security are in on police state plots against hippies. Why not just call yourself a spiritual free thinker and not identify with any specific belief system.

Answer 9

I am saddened as well.

Pagans are the nicest people here.
Atheists bash Christians. Christians bash atheists.
Muslims bash us all.
I have NEVER seen a pagan be anything other than kind and respectful.

Answer 10

It is true. At best, we risk loosing our jobs and our Christian "friends". It can get worse. But, nobody ever said being true to yourself would be easy. Best way to show the lies for what they are is just to live well and be selective about who you tell.