Guest Author - Linda J. Paul

Does religion create insurmountable barriers? Can those barriers be overcome in the spirit of unity and the understanding that no matter what we may choose to call ourselves-- we are, in fact, and above all, human beings.

Since the onset of Christianity, Paganism has been presented as a system of belief that is unacceptable, barbaric, satanic, and heathenistic. The old beliefs were pushed aside, temples to the old deities were smashed and ruined, and Pagans were forced to convert or be tortured and killed. And, when they retaliated against a system that was against all they believed to be sacred, they were seen as the “bad guys.”

The problem is that Christianity and Paganism are at the two opposite ends of the spectrum of belief. The other religions fall somewhere in between the two. Judaism believes in the same God that Christianity does, but does not believe that Jesus is the Messiah. The Muslims believe in God or Allah, but the God that Muslims worship does not appear to be the same God that the Jews and Christians worship. However, all three religions are based on obedience to a supreme male Creator.

Even among Christians, there are variances in the interpretation of the scriptures. Some see Jesus as God incarnate and others see him as the Son of God. Some celebrate Christmas and Easter, others don’t. But what they all have in common is a belief in the Biblical God.

Pagans, on the other hand, also come in many different varieties, from the ones who worship pantheons of Gods, to those who do not worship a deity, but do believe in the presence of an unknown Creator force. Most believe in the principle of duality and the archetypes of that duality in the God and Goddess. What they all have in common is that they do not believe in the Biblical God.

Buddhists actually fall somewhere in between also, due to the fact that they do not believe in any type of outside deity Creator force. But they are closer to Pagan than they are to Christian.

Atheists actually are not part of the issue, because they do not believe in any kind of religious systems at all, and therefore do not believe in either the Biblical God or the presence of any other kind of supernatural Creator.

So, what we have is an ongoing struggle between the Christians and the Pagans. A conflict between the cross and the pentagram, and a disagreement about who owns what holiday. There is still an ongoing battle for soldiers who are Wiccan and die in battle to have a pentagram on their grave marker as a symbol of their religion.

Paganism in all of its forms is beginning to prosper and grow. There are books galore on the subject, websites devoted to it, groups forming everywhere, and misinformation about it being corrected. Witches are stepping out of the broom closet and proudly wearing their symbols of belief in public places. And, the Unitarian Universalist Church recognizes Pagans as an equal and valuable part of their congregations.

But, can Pagans and Christians find a common ground? I work in a predominately Christian based store, and my co-workers know that I am Pagan based. I wear my Pentagram and they wear their Crosses, and we respect one another’s right to believe. I work Christmas Day so they can be home with their families, and they work on the Full Moons for me so that I can do “my magic” as they say.

I must say at this point though, that I am not a “staunch” Pagan and none of them are “staunch” Christians. Our preferences of worship or belief may differ, but we have enough other common ground to stand upon that who or what we believe in is not that relevant to our friendship with each other.

There are however those on either side of the Christian/Pagan fence that are not nearly as flexible. I don’t think that there is anyone that can honestly say they like being told they are “going to hell” anymore than they like being told that the God they pray to is a “myth.”

Maybe the answer lies in respect and honor. Maybe we need to believe what we believe and allow others to do the same. I don’t mind if a Christian asks me if they can share their beliefs with me. In fact, some of the most philosophical and spiritual conversations I have ever had have been with traveling Jehovah Witnesses.

But, when a Christian sees the pentagram around my neck and says, “I will pray for you,” I have to admit I get a little cranky. Not about the prayer, but about the fact that they believe that is what I need, and the assumption that I do not have a say in the matter.

There are no easy answers, but I do think that as time goes on and the barriers are being breached, we need to hold strong to the ultimate spiritual fact that we are all here to learn and grow, no matter who sent us here and for what purpose.

Play nicely boys and girls, and share your toys!

In Love and Light….