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From a note on a freinds post
Dec. 22nd, 2003 02:10 pmPersonally, I have noticed what I call phases of paganism. WARNING THIS IS IN ITS OWN RIGHT A VERY BROAD GENERALIZATION. Not all Pagans go through these phases.
Phase 1: Fresh convert from christianity, usually from a sect that was prechy or strict.
This phase is bitter about their previous beliefs and want to strike back and essentally convert others either to "Their Side". Basically, they are still emulating the worst aspects of christianity that they previously hated. Now telling them this is pointless and causes instant rebellion and a "Your Wrong" attitude that nothing, even logic can penitrate. Because they know, or think they know, thier previous religion they feel justified in slamming it with a vengence. They tend to be Very Ritual orentated and some of the signs are Lots of obvious "Pagan" jewlery. Though they are still learning they are still participants in rituals that give it their all.
Phase 2: This is a pagan that is starting to "Get a clue". While they still hate their previous religion, they stop openly bad mouthing it. Pretending a "Live and Let Live attitude." Some of these have given up the worst aspects that they disliked but still retain subtle ignorance. These types tend to be very ritual orentated and are more comfortable in taking leadership roles in rituals.
Phase 3: This phase is very complatative. They are begining to agnolege and even reason a bit. Mostly it is a self rationalization of why the had followed their previous religion. This is also the type that is starting to admit to thier own wrongs. It is also the phase where some convert back. Phase 3 seems a breaking point in true tolerance and understanding and to the individual it seems to be a make or break point of pagan or not pagan. Sometimes the individual combines the two paths of faith. Becoming their own sect.
Phase 4: These are very rare. They are types that remain pagan but recognize that faith is needed in life. One of the most tolerant of the phases. The phase 4 has come to the point of drawing similarities between religions and only shun the Converters of other religion. Sometimes in the quest for faith the phase 4 relearns their old religion in with the eyes of harmony. Drawing conclusions between the two. Even sometimes learning as many religions as possible in search of "The Truth" or their own faith as it parralells with other faiths. This type has no problems in conversing on a theological level with anyone. This type also is quick to pick out what is felt to be the most important bits of any faith.
Phase 5: All is one and one is all. This phase has found the truth in themselves and might not be considered a pagan anymore. They belive that all beliefs are right to the beliver but will not tolerate a belief that wantonly harms others either physically or Spiritually. This is more of a moral or human rights issue than a religious one. Though the thought is not neccessarily seperated. To a phase 5 the largest "Sin" is forcing someone to belive what you belive and caliming that it is "The Only Way"
Some people float through the varing phases and blend or blur between. Basically, you get bad apples in any religious/spiritual group. I would classify your Boy-Pagan as a phase one. Myself I think that I am at a phase 5 but must admit to having phase 4 times. Only a year or so ago I was even lower than that in the phases. I think.
Dav
Phase 1: Fresh convert from christianity, usually from a sect that was prechy or strict.
This phase is bitter about their previous beliefs and want to strike back and essentally convert others either to "Their Side". Basically, they are still emulating the worst aspects of christianity that they previously hated. Now telling them this is pointless and causes instant rebellion and a "Your Wrong" attitude that nothing, even logic can penitrate. Because they know, or think they know, thier previous religion they feel justified in slamming it with a vengence. They tend to be Very Ritual orentated and some of the signs are Lots of obvious "Pagan" jewlery. Though they are still learning they are still participants in rituals that give it their all.
Phase 2: This is a pagan that is starting to "Get a clue". While they still hate their previous religion, they stop openly bad mouthing it. Pretending a "Live and Let Live attitude." Some of these have given up the worst aspects that they disliked but still retain subtle ignorance. These types tend to be very ritual orentated and are more comfortable in taking leadership roles in rituals.
Phase 3: This phase is very complatative. They are begining to agnolege and even reason a bit. Mostly it is a self rationalization of why the had followed their previous religion. This is also the type that is starting to admit to thier own wrongs. It is also the phase where some convert back. Phase 3 seems a breaking point in true tolerance and understanding and to the individual it seems to be a make or break point of pagan or not pagan. Sometimes the individual combines the two paths of faith. Becoming their own sect.
Phase 4: These are very rare. They are types that remain pagan but recognize that faith is needed in life. One of the most tolerant of the phases. The phase 4 has come to the point of drawing similarities between religions and only shun the Converters of other religion. Sometimes in the quest for faith the phase 4 relearns their old religion in with the eyes of harmony. Drawing conclusions between the two. Even sometimes learning as many religions as possible in search of "The Truth" or their own faith as it parralells with other faiths. This type has no problems in conversing on a theological level with anyone. This type also is quick to pick out what is felt to be the most important bits of any faith.
Phase 5: All is one and one is all. This phase has found the truth in themselves and might not be considered a pagan anymore. They belive that all beliefs are right to the beliver but will not tolerate a belief that wantonly harms others either physically or Spiritually. This is more of a moral or human rights issue than a religious one. Though the thought is not neccessarily seperated. To a phase 5 the largest "Sin" is forcing someone to belive what you belive and caliming that it is "The Only Way"
Some people float through the varing phases and blend or blur between. Basically, you get bad apples in any religious/spiritual group. I would classify your Boy-Pagan as a phase one. Myself I think that I am at a phase 5 but must admit to having phase 4 times. Only a year or so ago I was even lower than that in the phases. I think.
Dav