I was Pagan once, a long time ago.
I used to be one of those who wandered around, looking at religions as if they were coats on a rack. Do I like this one, or that one?
I am also very interested in Native American religion. In particular, Navajo. I spent some time on the reservation learning about their culture ( what’s left of it) and how to weave in their tradition.
Some one once said something to me that made an incredible difference to my life:
They told me that he practiced the religion the Creator had given him. Why don’t I practice the one He gave me? The gist of the comment was that I already had a beautiful tradition and religion that my culture practiced. This religion lived in the context of the place and time I lived. And it was awesome, and enlightening and The Creator wants me to have it. It taught me the things I needed in the world I live in.
It made me realise that the answer was right under my nose. Ruby slippers style. I didn’t need to go anywhere else.God had already given me exactly what I needed in the cultural language I understood. To go elsewhere was to live with half understood truth, to be forever a cultural outcast. I didn’t live in preindustrial Europe. I dont live in Iceland where there is a surviving belief in the old ways. I don’t believe in Paganism like I believe the sun is going to rise in the morning. Praying to Odin is not anything like talking with Jesus.
I still have incredible interest and respect for the Navajo. In fact, more than ever. And it makes me wonder why someone would attatching himself to a culture and religion for which there is no cultural support. Life is hard enough as it is.
I hope this OPoster will mature someday and be open to the incredible beauty and wisdom of his own culture. He needn’t look elsewhere. I would bet he doesn’t live in Iceland, nor is he he an Iron Age Scandinavian.
It is already right under his feet…
There’s no place like home…
