What We Really Need Is A Christian Perspective
The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle takes a look at the local Pagans, but the article, while generally positive, falls into the trap of looking for “balancing” quotes from a different faith. Guess which one. No not Asatru. Christianity!
“Jesus said, ‘If you are not with me, you are against me,’ For me, it’s just the great one and the pretender.” – Rev. Mark Dupre, associate pastor of Christ Community Church in Brockport.
That really enriched that article didn’t it? As Wren Walker chirps in on her blog: “And so, in the future, may we assume that the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle will be contacting the Pagan Church of the Sacred Pentacle to comment on the legitimacy of the baptisms or confirmations officiated by the Christ Community Church as well? Just askin’…”
There was a more positive quote from our pals the local UUs!
“Their practices and theology are quite rich and meaningful. It’s not something to be teased. These ideas are thousands of years old.” – The Rev. Jennifer Crow, associate minister at First Unitarian Church of Rochester
What is disturbing about the trend to find Christian quotes for articles on modern Paganism and Wicca is that is sets up Christianity as diametrically opposed to us (the “loyal” opposition as it were) and we all know what religion is supposed to be diametrically opposed to Christianity. I never (to date) have seen an article on Wicca or modern Paganism where they got an outside perspective from a Buddhist or Hindu. It is always the local Christian minister (most likely from a church they or a family member attend), and despite all the cries of persecution and secular media bias from certain American Christian sects we all know who the “normal” ones are in such a juxtaposition.
So a note to journalists. If you aren’t asking a Buddhist (or Pagan) what they think of a Christian ritual you are covering for the local paper, why are you asking a Christian about our rites?
2 responses so far
In my humble opinion we pagans *are* “diametrically opposed” to Christians. For one thing, we’ve never tortured and slaughtered entire sections of the globe just to force our religions down other people’s throats.
Might I suggest Athana that you read up on history a bit – for instance, the Roman Pagan practice of using Christians as street lights by setting them aflame because they refused to convert to Paganism.
What? You weren’t personally responsible? Well neither was I responsible for torturing anyone! So let us please leave ill informed inflamatory comments behind and relate with gentleness and respect.