Militant Pagan

Last updated on: October 4, 2010 at 11:51 am by Peter Dybing

Militant Pagan 2010-10-04T11:51:00-06:00 Peter Dybing

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Musings of a Militant Pagan

On a recent trip to Washington D.C. to attend a Pagan event, I had an experience at the airport that has taken me time to process. This experience reminded me that as a nation we still have a long way to go in establishing a culture of tolerance for the diversity of beliefs that make up the rich fabric of American religious life.

On the surface, this event rightfully made me resentful that my beliefs could be so easily ridiculed by someone I do not know. While proceeding through security, a TSA employee noticed the pentagram and medicine bag that I wear and stated, “Oh, are you going to sprinkle fairy dust from your bag on us all?”. I was dumbfounded. In my mind, I responded with “Do you make fun of everyone’s beliefs or are you just singling me out?”. Silence and a smile was what this individual received as a response.

Once upon a time, there would have been an indignant response, demands to speak with a supervisor and a letter to the Director of TSA. So what has changed? First, the Feminine Divine has taught me compassion. No longer do I feel the need to confront and be ‘right’. Through the Goddess I have learned to see narrow-minded views as a human condition from which we all suffer from time to time. How can I withhold compassion from this stranger and still be able to express compassion for those whom I know, yet disagree with?

Next, I have come to understand that changing society’s attitude is a matter of interfaith and civil rights activism. This individual’s ability to develop insight is most likely to be influenced by leaders of his own faith or tolerance being codified in the culture where he is employed. Having a conflict with a “Militant Pagan” would only serve to embolden his narrow view of religion.

Finally, participating in a confrontation driven by indignation could have resulted in my forgoing an important task, going to DC to honor an individual who has done much for Pagan rights through calm discussion and interfaith work. Choosing to address Pagan issues in a positive and constructive manner is what I was traveling to honor.

While passion for Pagan rights still fills the sails of my heart, as I have grown in my faith, it is reason that sets my course. Yes I am still a Militant Pagan, yes I still speak truth to power, but I will choose my battles, direct my intent and assist my community in obtaining acceptance through positive action that has a chance of success.

Peter Dybing

Uncategorized

Previous Post

October 4, 2010

Young Lives

Next Post

October 4, 2010 Islam and 911

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category 2016 election Activisim America American Pride Antifa Antifa Fire Chief Black Lives Matter Dallas Violence Democratic left Homeless Denver Homophobia July Fourth Orlando Violence Peter Dybing Social Justice TERF Transgender rights Trauma Uncategorized

Select a Month September 2017 February 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 March 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 May 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does 1 John say about anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister?

Select your answer to see how you score.

They do not know God They are in darkness They are hypocrites They are liars