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The Makings of a Religion
In an age of "ecumenism" - that is, people of differing religions coming to accept (or, at least, tolerate) each other's beliefs - the earth religions have a greater chance to be recognized than ever before in history. Through this outpouring of understanding, Paganism, Wicca and similar tenets can "make their case", and repair the damage centuries of misunderstanding has caused.
The problem seems to be that Pagans and Wiccans are not recognized as people having a "religion", according to the "mainstream" definition of that word. Members of earth religions do not meet every Saturday or Sunday in a building designated a "church" or "temple"; they tend to meet in private houses, in a park or other location suitable for raising energy and touching nature. They do not have a "hierarchy" of supposed "trained theologians" who dictate religious policy. They appear to be few in number, because past (and current) persecution prevents most from freely admitting their beliefs. Estimates run between 3,000 and 1,000,000 in the United States - a very broad range - and these numbers are most often dismissed due to this inaccuracy.
Thus, members of the earth religions are seldom invited to ecumenical religious confererences. Or, when they are, the "mainstream" religious leaders resent their presence.
The obvious questions would have to be: "What more 'mainstream' religion is there than Paganism?" From what "main stream" do all other religions flow, after all? It has been proven, during the 20th century alone, that most of the religious holy days celebrated today are converted Pagan festivals and Sabbats. The visually and spiritually touching rituals used by so many religions these days were adapted from Pagan rituals of old.
Archeological research around the world proves the existence of ancient Pagan places of worship, be they Druid, Celtic, Roman or Greek. A recent documentary aired on A&E, The Unknown Jesus, indicated that, during the time of the Roman empire, religious tolerance was at its height, with each country within the empire enjoying religious freedom to worship the gods of their own culture. Only when trouble began - such as a radical band of Jews attacking Roman soldiers, or the Christians supposedly stirring up trouble in Rome - did religious suppression take place.
With the growth of Christianity, suppression of the "old religions" became more widespread. The Christians even attempted to obliterate the Jews, their own religious ancestors. Christianity became the "main stream", though cut off by choice from the true main stream of the earth religions.
If true ecumenism is to prevail, and religious tolerance to thrive, the earth religions must be recognized for what they are - the base of all other religions. There is nothing shameful in this admission. The earth religions have at their core personal responsibility, with the primary tenet being to pursue self without harming the earth or others. Many other religions have tried to incorporate this idea, but it has been overshadowed by the clutter of "commandments" and "rules" issues from "those who know better".
As for the gods - what is in a name, after all? Those of the earth religions may invoke Diana or Zeus, while the Jews hail Yahweh, the Christians Jesus, and the Moslems Mohammed. The point is, there is a belief in the "other", no matter how it is approached. And it is this approach which should be accepted between the various religions.
Each religion stands on its own these days, though some seem to be placed "higher" in importance than others. For the earth religions, it doesn't matter where we stand, just so we are recognized as a religion, and respected as such.
- Quill