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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 >1 y ago
Responses: 36
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Thank you. I've been almost totally ignorant re: paganism, but you've given me a good jumping off point to search further answers. Not looking to convert. Just looking for info. Thanks again!!
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Interesting - however I would argue that Paganism began with Nimrod; I would also argue that the so called "Big 3" are Pagan also as they celebrate the pagan holidays of Easter; Christmas being the pagan winter solstice and neither having anything to do with Christ. In the first five books of the Holy Manuscript are the festivals that are to be followed (i.e. Passover, feast of unleavened bread; feast of weeks; feast of trumpets, etc...).
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SPC (Join to see)
MAJ E. Huerta, another perspective to your point, one that Hellenismos has NEVER refuted; perhaps all and none are correct. We acknowledge that we do not know enough of the gods, the Titans, the Ancients, etc. to make a definitive claim that we are right and someone else is wrong. Perhaps, according to some schools of thought, we are all correct. That we actually share the same deity(ies), but we only know them differently because of the way they chose to manifest themselves to us, and because of the NUMEROUS cultural and language barriers over the millennia.
However, to bounce off your second sentence there, according to the Christian faith, Lucifer --the most beautiful, powerful and enlightened off all of the Angels-- was struck from heaven for challenging the power and authority of God. Yes? Yes. There are other theories as to what really would have happened in the War in Heaven, as well as other probable causes and chains of events leading up to Lucifer's dissention, but that's a discussion for another time. ANYWAY; Christianity tells us that Lucifer, hence-to-be-known-as-Satan, will do whatever he can to mislead the sheep from the flock and damn our immortal souls for all eternity, etc etc etc. We can agree on that right?
Here's where the challenge of faith comes in; As a Christian, would you shun people who are non-Christians for fear that they are afflicted by Satan to lure you away from God? Or would you risk denying the tenants and foundations of your own faith (being the pushed idea of converting all non-Christians to the faith in order to save their immortal souls) in order to accept a friend or a family member who would not accept Christianity as an acceptable practice?
And for that matter alone, would you then consider us Pagans (being very much non-Christians) to be embodiments of Satan ourselves, being that our very presence and beliefs threaten your Christian Salvation?
None of this is meant to sound like mockery. I have personally faced all of these things from self-proclaimed Christians, and I am genuinely curious about how you feel and what you think on the matter.
However, to bounce off your second sentence there, according to the Christian faith, Lucifer --the most beautiful, powerful and enlightened off all of the Angels-- was struck from heaven for challenging the power and authority of God. Yes? Yes. There are other theories as to what really would have happened in the War in Heaven, as well as other probable causes and chains of events leading up to Lucifer's dissention, but that's a discussion for another time. ANYWAY; Christianity tells us that Lucifer, hence-to-be-known-as-Satan, will do whatever he can to mislead the sheep from the flock and damn our immortal souls for all eternity, etc etc etc. We can agree on that right?
Here's where the challenge of faith comes in; As a Christian, would you shun people who are non-Christians for fear that they are afflicted by Satan to lure you away from God? Or would you risk denying the tenants and foundations of your own faith (being the pushed idea of converting all non-Christians to the faith in order to save their immortal souls) in order to accept a friend or a family member who would not accept Christianity as an acceptable practice?
And for that matter alone, would you then consider us Pagans (being very much non-Christians) to be embodiments of Satan ourselves, being that our very presence and beliefs threaten your Christian Salvation?
None of this is meant to sound like mockery. I have personally faced all of these things from self-proclaimed Christians, and I am genuinely curious about how you feel and what you think on the matter.
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LT Charles Baird
SPC (Join to see) - May I interject here? My mother is a Christian and her and I had a conversation about converting "non-Christians"; one point I made to her is that nowhere in the scripture does it tell a Christian to convert anyone - Christ sent the Apostles out to plant seeds and teach - the scriptures even say in 1 Corinthians 3:7 "So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. So this "converting" people is not biblical but is man made; as Christians cannot convert anyone; it is a personal choice between God and the individual. The role of a believer is to just share the information and that is it. The Church pushes the conversion because it is a money game - the more members the more money.
As for a pagan's beliefs or very presence threatening salvation - I have yet to see any biblical verse(s) that say that.
As for a pagan's beliefs or very presence threatening salvation - I have yet to see any biblical verse(s) that say that.
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SPC (Join to see)
LT Charles Baird; I do see your point, and respect it accordingly. However, that being said, I was not implying that conversion or any threat to Christian Salvation was biblical. However, as history would show, more often than no, the actions of the Church are not biblical, but personal and man-made, and unfortunately are often passed down as doctrine. I say this, only because I have encountered those very things multiple times by Christians of several different denominations.
MAJ E. Huerta, again, I was not intending to come across as cynical, by any means. I was honestly wondering your take on those points in particular.
MAJ E. Huerta, again, I was not intending to come across as cynical, by any means. I was honestly wondering your take on those points in particular.
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LT Charles Baird
SPC (Join to see) - I understand you were not implying that it was biblical - however I know that 'Christians' try to say things are biblical when they are not; this happens more often when you have someone that just listens to the 'preacher' instead of actually reading the scriptures for themselves; or by people who take one verse and try to create a doctrine out of it - hence the verse of Isaiah 20:10 where it says line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.
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Any religion that doesn’t practice bigotry while promoting equality in all aspects, peace, morality and humanity is all good to me.
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Big 3? Judaism? Almost wiped out with antisemitism high. It’s ridiculous.
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Should be interesting when they ask for Chaplains to be commissioned to serve their many faceted faith.
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I'm a christian, but I think each person is entitled to believe or not believe in who or what they will. That is the only way I can justify my right to worship according to my conscience.
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Well spoken my brother. During my 10 years of service, I was open to most about being Pagan and it did not cause much of a problem for most people who I served with. Thank you for the post. Blessed Be
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There is no comparasion between Christianity and Paganism no matter how you spin it. The same applies to other religions as well. I would not share a fox hole with a Pagan, nor would I would want to near one in combat. You can lable me whatever "ism" you want. I keep my religion to myself and have no reason to convert anyone. Opinions vary.......
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SPC (Join to see)
If I may ask, because I'm genuinely curious, why would you not share a foxhole with a pagan or a polytheist? And is that to say you'd ask someone what their faith is before finding yourself in that position? I'm genuinely curious, as this is one of those few moments where I'm not sure I understand your view, and I'd like to know.
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Yeah, that's fine. Medic is a cool MOS, I was 91A10 for five years before going to OCS. You can also be a medic who carries no weapon as a conscientious objector. Although when I joined I never envisioned myself harming another human being, my Army training prepared me to properly defend myself and my patient. Growing up as a private and then Second Lieutenant in mechanized and then leg infantry taught me that my comrades expected me to be 11B until someone got hurt. I accepted that as being part of the whole. I respect all viewpoints that respect mine and follow the Army Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. Hooah!
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