Merry Meet!

Last time we talked about the “An it harm none, do as ye will” law that most Pagans follow. I’ve said before that this is the ultimate responsibility law. By my actions or inactions I may not cause harm to others or myself. As a Pagan, you really have to weigh the consequences of your actions and how they affect not only the people around you, but you yourself.

We’re going to look at a few of the ways that Christians and Pagans are alike. So many of us focus on our differences and forget the things to celebrate that make us part of the whole of humanity. We all love, grieve, laugh, cry, the whole spectrum of human emotion is shared by the average human. They can also be gateways into the conversation you’ve wanted to have with your friend, spouse, parents, “insert your person here;” whoever you’ve been contemplating sharing your spirituality.

As a former Christian, I was a bit surprised that most of my still-Christian friends think I’ve gone to the “Dark Side.” They don’t realize how similar our beliefs are. Our love of community. Our commitment to service. The ties that bind a community together weave through the Pagan community just as they do the Christian or Muslim or Jewish.

Here is my take on how Christians and Pagans share many similarities. I’m paraphrasing from the Christian Bible. First, the one I’ve spoken of before. An it harm none, do as ye will. This nearly mirrors the Bibles “Golden Rule” of Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Likewise, On Earth as it is in Heaven correlates perfectly with As Above so Below. Both of these sayings speak to harmonizing our spiritual life, our inside self, with the outside. Jesus of Nazareth taught tolerance, peace, love, and equality for all. Pagans believe this, too.

Take time over the next week or so to read some religious texts. Find passages in them that speak to the similarities in their belief system and yours. Read with as open a mind as you want others to find in your own words. Write down some of these passages as reference points to anyone who asks about your spirituality. Think about ways that Pagans and those of other religious backgrounds can work together.

Sit down for a few minutes every day to breathe deeply, relax, and reflect on what you’ve found that day. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the chasm you thought divided you from everyone else begins to close. Those reflections will be the gateways you can use to speak to others. To help them understand and alleviate their fear about what they think they know.

Don’t be afraid to question yourself, too. By asking questions, we learn who we are and what we believe. We also build a solid foundation from which to show others our faith.

Bright blessings and merry part ‘til merry we meet again!

Asha