Paganism 101 Again….and Again…

Last updated on: February 28, 2012 at 12:46 pm by Star Foster

Paganism 101 Again….and Again… 2012-02-28T12:46:20-04:00 Star Foster

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.

It fascinates me that there is no continuing education in Paganism (such as “Sunday School” or “Bible study”) but we have an endless series of 101 classes. I had to take them when I was considering the Alexandrian tradition of Witchcraft. I sometimes took classes twice when I was active in the Ravenwood tradition I was initiated in. Now I have rejoined Hellenion after an almost ten year absence and find yet another set of 101 classes facing me.

Don’t get me wrong. I get the need for 101 classes. They are useful. They are good. They are fine. But at some point it feels as if you’re taking kindergarten over and over again. It’s no wonder we have the phenomenon of “tradition collectors” who rack up initiations like they’re merit badges. Seekers are subjected to this intense course of study and then left cold.

I’m not saying any of the classes I’ve taken weren’t useful, but the idea of trudging through another one, no matter how wonderful, leaves me tired before I even start.

Every religious community needs social interaction, heartfelt practice and serious study to be balanced. Keeping these things in balance makes a healthy community. While most Pagans are good at keeping the first two going strong, continuing education often falls by the way pretty quickly.

Continuing education doesn’t have to be difficult. What it consists of may depend on your group, but it could be as simple as a book club, a regular magical cooking get-together, an ongoing herbal study, or even an in-depth look at each of the Orphic hymns in turn.

I think it’s something more Pagans need to consider. Most Pagan groups ask for very little time from their members. Maybe 1-2 nights per month. Far less than being active in a Christian church calls for. Maybe the answer to “collectors” is working to keep people engaged. It’s not hard to do. Engaged people tend to show up for ritual. Engaged people tend to show up for social events. Engaged people tend to become invested and committed to the group and it’s future. Having an invested and committed group of people opens the possibilities for new areas of growth, new Pagan charities and educational ventures.

At any rate, those are my thoughts this morning.

Previous Post

February 27, 2012

Don't Rubber Duckie My Religion

Next Post

February 29, 2012 Why Google+ Is Great For Pagans

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category alexandrian asatru astrology ATW Audio books btw ceremonial magick chaos classics community conversion cosmology dianic discordian druid dvd eclectic equinox ethics family feri festivals film Fully Inclusive Events gardnerian gender issues glbt heathen hellenismos history humor initiation interfaith magick meditation Military movies music mysticism myth networking news Open Thread Pagan Pagan 101 Paganism passings polytheism Polytheistic Religion polytheology praxis Reading List religio romana review ritual sabbats santeria service solstice symbols tools values wicca witchcraft

Select a Month July 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 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 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who was Solomon's mother?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Ruth Bathsheba Rahab Tamar