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While it has not been a commonplace thing for very long in the US military, open practices of Paganism have quickly become a thing that you can find on almost [if not] every installation and base service-wide. Much like every new thing that gets the “ooh, shiny” reaction, the questions have been raised and have caught on like wildfire. When I first joined the Army, in the summer of ’13 (I’m young, I know, let’s focus here!), Paganism was still not an easily-accepted thing. So I got reamed about it a lot. I was called all sorts of things from “Satanist” to “Witch” to even some pretty nonsensical ones like “Dragon worshipper.” But now, I can walk around and speak openly about my faith. And now; I would like to address some of the common questions I get asked when the topic of my faith comes up.
What is it that you believe in? What do Pagans do?
This is kind of a difficult question to answer, simply for the fact that Paganism by itself is such a broad topic. Any and all things that are not sects of the “Big Three” (Judaism, Islam, or Christianity) are all-too-often lumped under the all-encompassing umbrella of Paganism. However, to clarify this, Paganism is a faith group characterized by religions that are “earth-centric and nature-based.” In this you will find several different variants, the four most-common being the Asatru (Norse), Wiccan (Nature), Druidic (Traditional Celtic), and Hellenic pantheons.
As for what we do; this question is nearly impossible to answer. Worship is unique to every path and every practitioner. Some people may fast. Some may gorge. Some drink in toast to the gods. Some pray. Some make sacrifices in tribute and homage. Some simply offer up silent thanks for the good things in their lives. It varies with no discernable pattern to each individual.
How does Paganism differ from the “Big Three?”
How does night differ from day? They have their similarities for certain, however, you must understand that 80% of all Pagan pathways predate the “Big Three” religions on Earth, and all three were tailored and modified to more easily convert from the older faiths. We all know the story behind Christmas and Easter (being that their dates do not match what the Christian Bible details). And the symbolism behind each faith, mirroring their significance with the older faiths that they were tailored from. Dates, stories, names, symbols, figures, and a great many other facets of Christianity in particular, mirror, or very closely resemble rites and traditions from what is now known as Druidism, Wicca, Hellenism and The Roman Pantheon (which we all know was bastardized from Hellenismos, anyway). However, despite all of these similarities, there are distinct differences between the Pagan (often called the “Heretical Practices”) Rites and the Big Three.
As a Hellene, I can detail several similarities and differences. For example: our understanding of the “Afterlife”. The destination of our immortal soul does vary (much like the Catholic sect of Christianity). However, the difference is that our eternal peace and joy is not dependent upon what I would call a “blind-faith belief” that someone died for our prophetic crimes two millennia ago. Rather, our eternity is entirely reliant upon the manner in which we live our life and the impact we leave on the Cosmos. If we live our lives in such a way as to leave a negative impact on the cosmos (being self-serving and cruel to all around us), we are damned to the depths of Tartarus (the equivalent to the Christian Hell). Should we live our lives so as to leave no real impact at all (staying to ourselves and going our own way, leaving out all others), then we are abandoned to the fields of Asphodel (eternity alone and despondent, much like the Catholic Purgatory/Limbo). However, if when we die, we leave a positive impact on the Earth and the Cosmos, living to serve and improve the existence that we know, we are granted our eternal peace in the Grandeur of Elysium (the equivalent of the Christian Heaven).
A great many of the Pagan faiths have similar beliefs, all of them eerily similar to one or more of the “Big Three,” but do not practice, believe, or even share common ground with a vast majority of the teachings of the Big Three.
What beliefs do Pagans have that differ from the “Big Three?”
There are as many differing beliefs as grains of sand on a beach. Honestly, the only common belief that is taught at the heart of all of these religions (and I mean their TRUE teachings, not the extremist and radicalized twists that zealots continually push on us) is love and tolerance. Some teach this to a higher degree than others. For example, Buddhists teach love on a level that does not allow harm to ANY living being, whereas the Asatru path teaches love in all things but combat (where brutal violence is not only demanded, but rewarded). In several of these pathways, there is no greater honor than to die in battle, fighting for what you believe in. However, they also teach to be kind to one another and love one another as you would family (“love thy neighbor as thyself” sound familiar?).
Paganism in the military, much like practicing Christianity or Islam or Judaism, does not change who we are as people. And I am pleased and honored to be a part of an organization that allows me to be who I am as a man, a father, a soldier, and a proud Pagan! As an infantryman, and soon-to-be medic, I can say without a doubt that my faith does not determine my proficiency at my job, and yours will not make me look out for you any less. So, it is a huge relief to me that this organization that I love so much - the US military - has finally allowed people like me to be open about what we believe without fear of reprisal or discrimination. I look forward to many more years and many more faces in my career. Best of luck to you all, and thank you for taking the time to read this old Grunt’s perspective!
Until on Elysium we meet: Blessed Be!
What is it that you believe in? What do Pagans do?
This is kind of a difficult question to answer, simply for the fact that Paganism by itself is such a broad topic. Any and all things that are not sects of the “Big Three” (Judaism, Islam, or Christianity) are all-too-often lumped under the all-encompassing umbrella of Paganism. However, to clarify this, Paganism is a faith group characterized by religions that are “earth-centric and nature-based.” In this you will find several different variants, the four most-common being the Asatru (Norse), Wiccan (Nature), Druidic (Traditional Celtic), and Hellenic pantheons.
As for what we do; this question is nearly impossible to answer. Worship is unique to every path and every practitioner. Some people may fast. Some may gorge. Some drink in toast to the gods. Some pray. Some make sacrifices in tribute and homage. Some simply offer up silent thanks for the good things in their lives. It varies with no discernable pattern to each individual.
How does Paganism differ from the “Big Three?”
How does night differ from day? They have their similarities for certain, however, you must understand that 80% of all Pagan pathways predate the “Big Three” religions on Earth, and all three were tailored and modified to more easily convert from the older faiths. We all know the story behind Christmas and Easter (being that their dates do not match what the Christian Bible details). And the symbolism behind each faith, mirroring their significance with the older faiths that they were tailored from. Dates, stories, names, symbols, figures, and a great many other facets of Christianity in particular, mirror, or very closely resemble rites and traditions from what is now known as Druidism, Wicca, Hellenism and The Roman Pantheon (which we all know was bastardized from Hellenismos, anyway). However, despite all of these similarities, there are distinct differences between the Pagan (often called the “Heretical Practices”) Rites and the Big Three.
As a Hellene, I can detail several similarities and differences. For example: our understanding of the “Afterlife”. The destination of our immortal soul does vary (much like the Catholic sect of Christianity). However, the difference is that our eternal peace and joy is not dependent upon what I would call a “blind-faith belief” that someone died for our prophetic crimes two millennia ago. Rather, our eternity is entirely reliant upon the manner in which we live our life and the impact we leave on the Cosmos. If we live our lives in such a way as to leave a negative impact on the cosmos (being self-serving and cruel to all around us), we are damned to the depths of Tartarus (the equivalent to the Christian Hell). Should we live our lives so as to leave no real impact at all (staying to ourselves and going our own way, leaving out all others), then we are abandoned to the fields of Asphodel (eternity alone and despondent, much like the Catholic Purgatory/Limbo). However, if when we die, we leave a positive impact on the Earth and the Cosmos, living to serve and improve the existence that we know, we are granted our eternal peace in the Grandeur of Elysium (the equivalent of the Christian Heaven).
A great many of the Pagan faiths have similar beliefs, all of them eerily similar to one or more of the “Big Three,” but do not practice, believe, or even share common ground with a vast majority of the teachings of the Big Three.
What beliefs do Pagans have that differ from the “Big Three?”
There are as many differing beliefs as grains of sand on a beach. Honestly, the only common belief that is taught at the heart of all of these religions (and I mean their TRUE teachings, not the extremist and radicalized twists that zealots continually push on us) is love and tolerance. Some teach this to a higher degree than others. For example, Buddhists teach love on a level that does not allow harm to ANY living being, whereas the Asatru path teaches love in all things but combat (where brutal violence is not only demanded, but rewarded). In several of these pathways, there is no greater honor than to die in battle, fighting for what you believe in. However, they also teach to be kind to one another and love one another as you would family (“love thy neighbor as thyself” sound familiar?).
Paganism in the military, much like practicing Christianity or Islam or Judaism, does not change who we are as people. And I am pleased and honored to be a part of an organization that allows me to be who I am as a man, a father, a soldier, and a proud Pagan! As an infantryman, and soon-to-be medic, I can say without a doubt that my faith does not determine my proficiency at my job, and yours will not make me look out for you any less. So, it is a huge relief to me that this organization that I love so much - the US military - has finally allowed people like me to be open about what we believe without fear of reprisal or discrimination. I look forward to many more years and many more faces in my career. Best of luck to you all, and thank you for taking the time to read this old Grunt’s perspective!
Until on Elysium we meet: Blessed Be!
Religion
Faith
Service
Command Post
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 31
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That was an interesting read for sure. If I can ask an honest question, what do Pagans have as far as source material? You mention that it predates religions like Christianity and you describe a reward system based on morality, so where are those teachings found? Also, do you believe your version of Paganism to be "right" and other versions of Paganism to be "wrong" Just curios, thanks.
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PO3 Steven Sherrill
PO2 Brian Dierks - The sagas are killer reading. Quite Detailed is an understatement of epic proportion. Problem with reading the Eddic Translations is that there are so many that all contain the same gist, with just enough difference that reading the different translations can leave one with a different impression each time. The example I like to use is comparing Lee Hollander's translation to Andy Orchard's translation.
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LTC Ernest Edge
While I was deployed in Iraq in 2006-2007 I was a member of an Open Circle. My path is shamanism, specifically Finnish and Lapland shamanism. I did a lot of research on my ancestral religion. What I found is throughout the world i.e., Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, each of the regions had destinations but all followed the same tenet. All things have a spirit either that be human, animal, plants, and even places such as a mountain or a river.
Back to the Open Circle. I was one of about 20 or so Soldiers that was a member at any given time - as people rotated in and out of theater. Everyone had their own “path”. Some might fall under the same category such as Druid or Wiccan. But there is no book that defines how one comes to where they are. Take Christianity, there are dozens of not hundreds of denominations. One is not necessarily better than another. They just interpret Christianity differently.
At VBOC (Victory Base Open Circle) we came together weekly to talk and hang out. We had ritual once a month. Every ritual was different as we had different paths leading it. We learned from each other about each other’s faith. We excluded no one. Even had Christians attend.
Back to the Open Circle. I was one of about 20 or so Soldiers that was a member at any given time - as people rotated in and out of theater. Everyone had their own “path”. Some might fall under the same category such as Druid or Wiccan. But there is no book that defines how one comes to where they are. Take Christianity, there are dozens of not hundreds of denominations. One is not necessarily better than another. They just interpret Christianity differently.
At VBOC (Victory Base Open Circle) we came together weekly to talk and hang out. We had ritual once a month. Every ritual was different as we had different paths leading it. We learned from each other about each other’s faith. We excluded no one. Even had Christians attend.
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MAJ (Join to see)
LTC Ernest Edge - Interesting. When you speak of everyone "having their own path", what path are you referring to?
Also, it's true that Christianity has many denomination with varying beliefs. However, for all Christians the path to salvation comes from Christ alone. Anyone preaching something different has left Christianity for something else.
Also, it's true that Christianity has many denomination with varying beliefs. However, for all Christians the path to salvation comes from Christ alone. Anyone preaching something different has left Christianity for something else.
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This is a very good post and you are in an obviously astute practitioner of the ancient religion. My husband practices Keltic Paganism, while I remain a Catholic. I often join him in his rituals.
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Sgt Robert J. Rudd
Shane I did not aim to strike you as you say. If you think that, I must have hit a nerve. I in no way was trying to insult you or your beliefs. Why is it that it is ok for someone to post their beliefs in an open forum, but if someone else posts their beliefs, they are offending or striking as you say? Yes, God said there will be no other gods before Him, period. And yes, people hate Him. That's because they don't want to give up "their" way of doing things, or the gods they serve. Jesus came to this earth, the Son of God, God in the flesh, died on the cross for ALL our sins so we wouldn't have to die. Like I said earlier, you need to read from the New Testament. The Old Testament is Mosaic Law. Jesus came to change, not destroy. And yes, you are not to marry someone who is a non-believer. How well would that marriage last if a Christian married a Satanist??
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LCpl Shane Couch
Sgt Robert J. Rudd - I do not think you were trying to strike me. I just don't fully understand Christianity as a whole. No strike was intended SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas , I was asking for your well respected knowledge on the subject, since my knowledge on Christianity is very limited.
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SSG (Join to see)
LCpl Shane Couch - The Old Testament was never intended for Gentiles, I don't see why all of a sudden that would change with the advent of Christianity.
Jesus when talking to his disciples even told them: "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 10:5,6) if that isn't enough read "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 15:24) or Romans 15:8.
Pauline Christianity began to change all that, and everything changed radically when Rome decided this new religion was an ideal foundation upon which to build their empire.
Jesus when talking to his disciples even told them: "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 10:5,6) if that isn't enough read "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 15:24) or Romans 15:8.
Pauline Christianity began to change all that, and everything changed radically when Rome decided this new religion was an ideal foundation upon which to build their empire.
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No more or no less ridiculous than any other religion. Definitely seems more entertaining than the big three as you call them. I had a few Soldiers in the 90s all into it. They seemed to enjoy themselves.
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