You aren’t one of “us” so fuck you

Sometimes it boggles my mind when the “my way is better, so I’m right ” brigade starts in others. There is a court case that many are watching closely in which a Wiccan chaplain is petitioning to be able to minister in prisons for those who have need of his service.  At the moment only secular faiths are recognized and many don’t feel that he has a right because after all, Wicca is not recognized by people outside the pagan world. It’s called evil, satanic, ungodly…out of ignorance because they do not understand it.  And as for those considered under the pagan umbrella, well forget it because most don’t even qualify as a religion if we are going to compare them to Abrahamic faiths.  My problem is when those in pagan circles want to tell those who walk outside a group setting that because they aren’t religious, then they do not qualify for protection under the first amendment.  I respectfully disagree.  That amendment states that no law shall be enacted in the establishment of a religion(which in this political climate is coming closer to being broken EVERY. DAY.).  It also says that none can be impeded from the free exercise of religion.  It is when the definition of religion comes into play.

re·li·gion

 [ri-lij-uhn]

noun

1.

a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creationof a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing amoral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2.

a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3.

the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4.

the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5.

the practice of religious  beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
If we go by the 1st definition or perhaps the 5th one..then ALL who practice ANY form of spirituality are religious in the sense that we have a belief and as such are protected under the law.
If by chance , we go by the 2nd, then by others definitions we are all witchfucked.  Not only do we have to try to fight with those outside pagan circles, we often have to defend ourselves from those who walk a structured path, are involved within circles and see those of us who walk solitary paths or a path that to them holds no structure(according to them) as inferior.
Many of us having had secular faiths shoved down our throats dislike the term “religion”, not because we aren’t, but because we like to think of ourselves more as spiritual in the connection to universe and how we practice.  How often do we run across those who sit pews then spew hate to those who are not the same as them? There are more than enough examples, so I will spare you the listings, but the climate of our country has seen more than enough attacks on those who walk contrary to those in power to be alarmed. I can agree that all of us need to speak up.  To let those we’ve elected that we no longer will sit idly by and let them usurp all the rights granted us by our founding fathers(who were NOT all christian btw..many were theists and in the preamble says that all men are created equal endowed by their Creator with certain inalienably rights).  You see what they did there?  They said “their Creator”…not a faceless god of one specific faith, but how people choose to see a higher power(or not).  Many who choose to not label their path a religion usually have deity involved somewhere in their path.  That is their right.  And it is protected.   So why quibble over which definition one follows? Its a personal spiritual journey and we all need to stand up as an individual and demand that all people be treated equally …even if you don’t agree.

3 thoughts on “You aren’t one of “us” so fuck you”

  1. Pingback: You aren’t one of “us” so fuck you | Practical Pagans

  2. I truly hope you are not referring to our conversation, because if you are, then you had no clue what I was even saying.

  3. BB. I have had this discussion with several other people, or listened as its played out in various groups. The case in question will draw special attention because it will set a precedent for others like it elsewhere in the country. My intent is not to argue with you but to write down things that go through my head,to try and find a way to sort things out. We don’t have to agree on anything …you have your way, I have mine. it is what it is.

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