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| Author: Posted: Sep. 8, 2002 | This Page Viewed: 7,022,332 |
Question of the Week: 102 - 3/11/2003 Do Interfaith Conferences/ Discussions Work? Do meetings, discussions or conferences designed to promote understanding and/or tolerance between the myriad religions and faith really work? Do you think anyone’s view on Pagan/Heathen religions are changed if we engage in dialogue with mainstream religions? What do you do/say when confronted by someone who thinks you are wrong/evil because you are a Pagan or Heathen? Do you think that Pagans/Heathens should seek acceptance from other religions? Or is just being left alone to worship as you please enough for you? How tolerant are YOU of people who believe in another religion? What do you think of the ‘Christian-bashing’ accusation? Is it a widespread problem? |
| Reponses: There are 29 responses posted to this question. | Reverse Sort |
| Christian - Pagan Dialogue That Works! | Mar 16th. at 6:50:48 am EST |
| Bruce Fraser (North east England) | Age: 42 - Email |
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If you go to this site http://www.gathering4square.com/Gathering_Web/NewPages/pagan_talk_signup.html you'll see that us pagans can get along just fine! Brightest blessings! Bruce |
| Anything Is Possible... | Mar 16th. at 9:18:18 am EST |
| Dana (Toronto, Canada) | Age: 35 - Email |
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Interfaith/multifaith dialogue is not only beneficial but necessary. Learning is essential in the process of acceptance. That education can not always come from books. I believe it is important to be given the freedom to worship my gods. I do not require a temple on every corner. I seek out the similarities not the differences. I expect that from my fellow humans. I do believe that there is a dynamic around Christian bashing that is saddening and disturbing. I realize that sub-cultures often poke fun at other sub-cultures. My feeling is that stands in the way of progress. I try not to partake and don't encourage it in my circles. |
| Information Fights Fear | Mar 16th. at 6:53:28 pm EST |
| Little Glo (AR) | Age: 38 - Email |
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Of course these discussions work - as long as they are truely open discussions. I recently visited with my stepfather who is a Muslim. He knew I wasn't a Christian, and my whole family has seen the pentacle I wear around my neck, but noone has ever asked me anything about it, until now. We spent about 2 hours discussing religion in general, me sharing my beliefs, him sharing his. It was absolutely one of the best dicussions I have ever had about religion. Neither of us were trying to convert the other, or discount the other, we were both trying to understand eachother's perspective. Now realize, both of us grew up in Christian households. One of the most important thing my stepfather said is, "there are so many paths to God (or the Gods) , how can anyone be certain that their's is the one true way." This is really important when you are in a discussion about religion, with people of the same path, or different paths. We MUST remember that we have chosen a path that works for us (some would argue it chose us) - and each person is free to choose their own path. It seems to me, that all paths are leading in the same general direction. Is it really important how each individual comes to Diety? That is the reason for religious freedom, discussion and breaking down of fear. |
| If There Is A Will There Is A Way.... Right?? | Mar 16th. at 11:47:48 pm EST |
| Karmann MoonWitch (St. Louis) | Age: 24 - Email |
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As the Missouri Director of WARD (Witches Against Religious Discrimination) and after having a very indepth meeting just last night with an interfaith group.. I can say no. It doesnt matter how many meetings we have.. how many times we go and lecture, discuss, teach the truth about our faith. The fact is.. everyone is going to believe what they want.. There is a split between all religions, even ours. We have different traditions that believe different things. And I have met Pagans that feel there way is right and all others are wrong. So it isnt just the other religions. If we really want to educate other religions about our own.. we also need to listen to them and learn about there religion. Give and Take. I promise you.. if a Pagan walked into a Catholic church and said I want to learn... but I also want you to listen. You do not have to agree with me..just listen to me. They willl be heard. We as a community, a Pagan community, need to realize that we are at as much fault as they are when it comes to discrimination and education. We want to be accepted, we want our faith not to be feared, we want to fit in with the rest of the crowed. If we stick together, show more support in groups like WARD or Pagan Pride or any other group in your area. If we work hard and for the right reasons, then yes there is a way. But if we fight just to be heard.. just to prove that we are not bad people, then we are fighting for the wrong reason. These are just my thoughts. I hope that one day we can live in peace, peace with each other and ourself. Until that day I will contenue to do the work I do for the children of tomorrow. |
| My Answer | Mar 17th. at 2:23:04 am EST |
| merlyn (clinton, mo.64735) | Age: 47 - Email |
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no i do not believe that it helps to discuss you religion with other faiths. they seem to go into atac mode.point, when the new preacher came to my house. and after telling him my belief he told me thjat i was a devil worshiper. i told him i didn't beleave in the deviland he called me a blasfeemer. when i am asked about my religion i tell them that i am wiccan. i think that we should others that think the you do. i think what one beleaves is between the beleaver and GOD, GODDESS, what ever. leave people alone let them worship the way they want. And in it harm none do what tuough wilt. merlyn priest universal life church of GOD. pray to god thank him for his seed. pray to the goddess thank her for for giving birth for all living thing. |
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