One of my philosophical goals is to find common points with those whom I may not agree. This makes for better discussion and a chance for each person to see the other side of the issue. It also affords one of the best opportunities for learning.
I have been working out for several months an experimental approach to a common path that can be walked by both Pagans and Christians. It involves five steps and the first letter of each step or role spells out the word PAGAN. (How is that for common ground with my Pagan friends?)
Of the respected and intelligent Pagans and Christians I have met I have noticed these qualities. Those who are confident in their own religion, whatever it may be, see themselves as a pupil and one who seeks to learn. Not only from life, but the life experiences of others and the beliefs they hold deeply. There are elements of truth in ALL religions. The pupil seeks to learn these truths and benefit from them.
Those who are thinkers in either school of faith analyze things. We play the role of the philosopher who evaluates all teaching. As C.S. Lewis said: we all use philosophy, there is no question. The question is whether it will be good philosophy or bad. To those truly in the know, the willingness to critically weigh all information is a virtue.
Those treading the common path all serve as guides or educators of those around them. We share what we know about our religious beliefs and seek to enlighten those around us of what our faiths really teach and avoid the stereotypes that mislead and breed an uninformed hatred.
The fourth character that is used is the advisor or the healing physician. You must be a listener to do well here. Listen to ALL that is said; read ALL that is written before passing any judgment. Find out from what perspective those with whom we are conversing have come. Let them share some of what has caused pain and hurt in their lives. Those walking this path, Pagan or Christian, seek to bring emotional healing to those with whom we start to understand. Before any of us are Christian, Pagan, Wiccan, Buddhist, Moslem, Witch etc. we are first of all people. People with deep feelings that are hurt or made well. To understand each other we must first address these emotional needs before we look at what causes us to differ in belief. Remember, before you judge the pagan in dark clothes to be a Satanist or the Christian to be a hell-fire condemner, they each are first people. Let’s try to see through the armor of beliefs and look at the lady who is the person before you.
The last piece of this journey is the newcomer or one who is a pilgrim. We both are on journeys to find the knowledge of life, and suffering and purpose and meaning. The old adage "two heads are better than one" applies here. For me I would rather journey with one whom I do not agree than journey alone. If the pagan and Christian approach what they are doing as pilgrims on a journey it takes the edge off the historical differences and gives us a common purpose, as do all of the other five.
With such an approach I firmly believe that Pagans and Christians can coexist and enrich each other and help to correct or confirm errors in each others approach. We both will be better people in the end for having used this approach. The best part of this process is that all of us retain our beliefs and look at them as students who are willing to learn. I hope others will join me on the P.A.G.A.N. journey. Peace be with you.
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