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i didn't say it wasn't true but in this day and age, a statement like that will get you some unwanted results, just look at the Da Vinchi Code xd

I don't hate Christian either. My whole family is Christian, and the guy I've been going out with is a Christian. It's kind of hard to not be exposed to them down in Texas. My family (except for my dad, the jerk) is accepting of my faith. They don't bring it up a whole lot. To each their own, you know? I don't make fun of my grandparents for owning a 7th Day Adventist church, I don't make fun of my sister for reading her Bible. I let them do what ever the hell they want with their faith.

My sort-of-but-not-really boyfriend Alex is okay with it too. He says that my faith doesn't change anything about me or how he feels about me, and that it's just part of who I am. His family is very iffy on me though. His brother doesn't even call me by my name, he just calls me Pagan (he says it like pag-gan though) as an insult. Alex tells me "Dude, just punch him. Hit him right in the face and shut him up." But I don't want to give his super-Christian family any more reasons to hate me. I really do want to knock his brother's light out though.

dear gods i would have punched him right there evil

Personally, I find that waiting a while to cool down and then sending my argument in the form of a letter allows me to consider carefully what I want to say. Before sending if off, I proofread it to make sure that it a.) has no spelling or grammar errors which would make me appear ignorant, b.) is phrased in a way which is more likely to solicit understanding than provoke defensive knee-jerk reactions, and c.) actually says what I thought I was saying when I wrote it.^_~ I have a hard time coming up with arguments on the spot- especially when confronted with sheer hostility, insistent ignorance, or malicious hatred. These things tend to be bewildering and overwhelming for me, and I only think of what I should have said some time later. So where possible, I try to use my skills at writing to convey what does not occur to me to say on the spot.

There are times where, to get the best benefit and the most education to the people involved, it really is best to stand up and speak on the spot. However, if you are not in a situation where you can reveal your personal beliefs, then writing a letter will allow you to practice your skills and arrange your information so that when you can stand up and speak, you'll know what you want to say beforehand. I find that writing also has the unique benefit of allowing you to put forward your completed thoughts on a subject before anyone can sidetrack you with questions or comments.^_~ In addition, you have the option of anonymity- although letters carry more weight when they carry a name and a face attached to them, they are still a powerful option if you can not reveal yourself. You might consider sending a letter or email to the youth group leader, and if possible, maybe even putting up an address to the youth group members on a bulletin board. I suggest keeping your tone calm and peaceful, and work toward understanding and cooperation rather than accusations on either side. If you haven't seen it already, you might find this to be a helpful read.

You say that you're afraid to come forward as a Pagan because you think your friends might hate you as a goat-sacrificing Pagan. I say, establish your good reputation among your friends and community first, then come out as a Pagan as a powerful and yet subtle, peaceful way of challenging public assumptions about Pagans as bad, evil people. I did this when I was Wiccan, working in charitable organizations and wearing my pentacle openly while building houses for the poor through Habitat for Humanity, and donating food to the hungry through our local food bank. I said nothing while doing these things, unless someone asked me about the pentacle (and even then my answers were polite and brief with the focus being on our mutual cooperation on the good work at hand), and my actions spoke for me- this is a very effective method of activism as it doesn't present anyone with an opportunity to disagree with you. They can't very well deny the fact that you're there and doing what you're doing.^_~ If you can not reveal yourself now, then work on your character and contribute to your community. You'll build yourself up for the day when you can pull that religious symbol out of your pocket and wear it for all to see.

Not every Christian is a raping, plundering, reckless, plague-spreading Conquistador, either. You can tell your youth leader that. The only brand of pagan that sacrifices goats that I know of are Vaudaun and Santerian practitioners, and they hardly do it out of malice or disrespect. The animal is treated very well and the sacrifice is a kindly one. Some rituals actually call for the animal to be eaten in a feast for the whole congregation after it has been sacrificed.


You could try to have a theoretical conversation with him, saying you have a friend who is Wiccan and doesn't do that kind of thing. (It's not really lying. You're among friends here.)

I actually do find it offensive.

Because it was said by a Christian, and actually most Pagans don't sacrifice animals anymore. There is a large percentage, but it is by no means a "most". I don't scorn it, and I don't do it. I believe that personal sacrifice is a bit more meaningful. And I'm an animal lover.

There was actually a whole issue devoted to it on PanGaia.

Edit: I think you're missing the point that the guy said it out of ignorance, his information based on Malleus Maleficarum-like and hollywood hype. He meant the comment to be scornful and degrading to us. I doubt any of his statements made about it were based on any kind of modern, logical fact. I don't mean to say that he was an idiot, just that he doesn't know and didn't do his research and said something he trusted that his prior pastors and church elders to know about.