Hellenic Round Table (Topic 9)
I really should be studying but I saw the topic and thought it was interesting…
As Hellenic pagans/reconstructionists/wiccans/revivalists/whatevers what is our place in the wider religious world? What can we do to create better bonds with those of different paths?
What do you feel the place of paganism (or specifically Hellenic polytheism) is in the context of the wider world of religion?
Pretty much the same as every other religion: we belong. I think that recognition and acceptance of pagan and polytheistic faiths is important for people to understand that monotheism (I’m including the pantheistic “all Gods are one God” philosophy) isn’t the only form of religion. But I don’t think we’re important in the sense that we’re “special” or matter more than other religions. We are one little tile in the great mosaic of diversity, and while we deserve to be included, we should also be held to the same responsibilities as everyone else.
How do you relate to people of other religions?
Deep down, religion is all about where we find meaning in life. To a Muslim, the call to prayer can feel like coming home. To a Catholic, the rituals can feel reassuring in the midst of a chaotic life. To a Jew, lighting the candles of a menorah can be a beautifully spiritual experience. I may not agree with all the beliefs of those religions, but I can relate to the feelings of spirituality, reassurance and belonging because I have the same experiences in my own religion. We are all surrendering to something greater than us, whatever it may be, and we are all striving to be better people. I always remind myself of that when I am trying to bridge the gap with someone of a vastly different religion than mine.
I have a little bit more trouble relating to atheists, because I myself couldn’t imagine not believing in anything. But I don’t think that atheists are harming any Gods by their non-belief (unless they’re anti-theists, which is a different story) and really, they’re just trying to be better people too. So while I find it hard to relate, I’m happy to tolerate.
What do you think we can do to encourage interfaith unity, as pagans? Do you think interfaith unity is valuable? Do you work towards it in your own practice?
I like to talk to people of as many different faiths as I can, so that I can understand better what and why they believe. I also take the opportunity to tell them about my own religion. I absolutely think that interfaith is valuable. Faith is an important aspect of many people’s lives, and given that our diversity of religions isn’t going to disappear anytime soon (and I hope it never does), we need to learn how to work around our differences.
As pagans, first of all, we need to make people aware of our existence and of the validity of our beliefs. Second, we need to put aside our own prejudices. I’ve encountered a lot of anti-monotheism in the pagan community, and while I think our reasons to dislike those faiths are valid and should be addressed (it would be great if the extermination of polytheists from the Roman Empire to the Colonisation Era was acknowledged, for instance), holding grudges forever will benefit no-one. We need to educate other people about pagan religions and their history, but we also need to work towards a better future for all of us. Interfaith goes both ways: you accept me, and I accept you.
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