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 by Harold Curtis II November 18, 2000 While the above may seem far fetched to some, and even cause others distress to even think of such an event occurring, nevertheless this scene is becoming more and more of a reality. Both Christianity and Paganism have open, public services/rituals, so it would stand to reason both traditions working together would indeed create some very sweeping changes in the community for the better. Even among the places of worship which encourage or profess such openness and unity, there is still open antagonism among many members toward those of a different tradition. It is not uncommon for the Christian community to actively promote very destructive myths about pagans, and to propagate misinformation. It is also not uncommon for many in the Pagan communities to engage in subtle acts of intolerance toward the Christian community in what may seem as harmless jokes or stories. Both traditions are fond of bringing up the past misdeeds of the others, when in reality both camps have been guilty of the very things which they profess to avoid. While many members both in the Christian and Pagan camps find the idea of bridging the gaps between the two traditions as undesirable or unwanted, there are those who find that such a solution would cure much of the misinformation and destructive myths each professes. If each traditions continue to drag other traditions skeletons from their cathedrals, what positive purpose will this serve? How do we bridge these gaps, between traditions? The process is not a simple one, and not without risks. Education cures intolerance, but one has to be open to the process for education to take effect. An open and unfaltering examination of our own spirituality would be the first step. If one professes an undying love for humanity, how is it one can approach the holy of holies after they have openly harassed someone not of their own faith? The sharing of faith should not be an attempt to convert, but rather to exchange information without threat of retribution if one disagrees. A second way to bridge the gaps is to eliminate our double standards of society. One of our major rights as Human Beings(not just Americans)is to openly express our spiritual life in concert with others who are doing the same and who may not be of the same path. Freedom of Religion is not a tool to establish a foothold for the prevailing religion of society in our schools or military. Rather it is to allow each faith to stand side by side, on equal footing in celebration of the other and celebrating personal choice of each member. If one is taught in the school systems, others need to be given equal attention in the same class or none taught. A third way would be to drop our "separate but equal" way of living. This concept is a hold over from the racial separation from our not so distant past. Some think along the lines, "Let them worship where/how they like, as long as they stay with their own kind." How many spiritual communities visit other spiritual communities outside of their own faith? Both Pagan and Christian are guilty of this. Even in some Unitarian settings, pagan groups are not welcomed and discouraged from forming. Yet, how many priestesses or priests have openly invited people of the Christian community to attend circle, consistently and beyond just making the statement, "They are welcome to attend if they want." Understandably the pagan community is reluctant to do so, for such event locations, when known, will draw those of the community of religious intolerants whose duty it is, out of loving charity, to disrupt spiritual gatherings. Understandably, the Christian community is concerned about keeping it's identity as a people (a common theme historically for the Christian community) and thus not understanding differences from their own spiritual ways creates a natural suspicion of anything different. Conformity and spiritual community are confused with one another. Often times both traditions create opposition which shouldn't be there. In an effort to maintain identity, roots and threads leading to that very identity as a spiritual community are overlooked. Historically each tradition draws from the other. Those who believe otherwise either knowingly or unknowingly subscribe to the concept of an Arian race, in a spiritual context. The cross or pentegram can easily be substituted for the Swastika. Bridging gaps between communities is never easy. Although we are a political community in many respects, I do not believe it will be politics which comes to our aide. It is simply a tool, that at best creates an opportunity for reform. However all of us know, if we wait on politics our lives will become much more complicated than they already are. While this article may seem idealistic in some respects, the reality of it happening is very much an event which has begun to happen in some places(granted, not many). However as individuals and community, we can foster such openness without the blessing of political leaders, or religious ones. How exciting it would be to see the end of the "pagan" year celebrated in the confines of a church sanctuary, with both Christian and Pagan involved. How exciting it would be to see a priestess cast a circle, and then a minister celebrate communion to celebrants of both faiths
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