A Place Where ALL Are Welcome)O(

OK, I know that the Pagan community has had it fair share of religious bashing by other religions, what with their taunting and teasing and rude and uncalled for comments and all. But arent we supposed to be showing respect and be the mature ones?  I dont think its smart to stoop down to their level and become what we despise so passionately.

We are supposed to be the ones who let their neighbors in from the cold pouring rains even if that neighbor has gone out of their way to make us miserable. If they need our help, WE HELP THEM, despite what they have done to us (theres a reason why they call it the past people....)

So other religious paths have their own thoughs of us yes, most of them are not kind thoughts HOWEVER it doesnt give us the right to do the same thing.

So, if one of a different path came along onto this site and we found out, do we turn them away or look down on them? ABSOLUTELY NOT! To me being a Witch/Wiccan/Pagan means to be compassionate, kind and understanding DESPITE what another may believe. Though some may disagree and pull the "you hit me i hit back" crap.

So, i think its pretty shallow for some to be treating others of a different faith they way we have been treated for thousands of years. I mean do you see where this is going?? First we are dissing other faiths, the next, we're having the Burning Times Part II  because we were being hurtful and disrespectful.

As far as i know, I am the only one in my family that is a follower of a Pagan tradition, the rest of my family are yes, Christians and Catholics,(there may be other religions in my family, but i dont know about it) eventhough we have our differences on who to pray to, we are STILL  family.

In my opinion, the Pagan community is supposed to show the rest of the world that we are forgiving to the ones that harmed and hunted us from long ago. In these modern times we CANT blame other paths for what happened to us thousand of years ago. Why? Because these people are only believing a LIE!!! A lie that has been told over and over again by groups of people who were scared to loose their followers. Its not the fault of our current neighbors, nor their families or the Churches these days because they have all been raised on a LIE!!!! It is OUR job in the Pagan community to set things straight and correct those who actually care to listen. Of course one cannot change thier mind if they choose not to. So in those cases there is nothing you can do for them. If they want to continue to believe in a lie, then so be it. Just say a prayer for them and be on your way.

Now, IF there is someone who happens to join this community  who IS NOT a follower of the Pagan traditions, WHO CARES?!?!? UNLESS they are all about harrassment on us(which is something i dont take kindly to) welcome them to the group and invite them to take part in conversations. Personally,  I think its interesting to have people of different faiths come here to see what we do and talk about.  It shouldnt matter if they dont believe in what we do, thats just fine. Accept it as it is and be done with it! We are supposed to be setting an example for future practitioners everywhere. If they see us putting someone down because of what they believe in, then they will think its ok as well and start doing it. Perhaps i appear to be a bit naive, but this is just how i see things need to be if we are to truly be accepted by the rest of the world and taken seriously.

As the saying goes treat others, the way YOU want to be treated.)O(