Time to Point the Finger

Over the past few years we have witnessed dozens of examples in the mainstream media of attempts to brand our community as the “other” different and apart from society. Generally these issues arise when an individual who has some form of a Pagan or Wiccan connection is arrested for some misdeed. Many writers in our community rightfully point out that the so called ‘Pagan connection” is tenuous at best and is an attempt to brand an entire community with the deeds of a single individual.

Fast-forward to today, Pagans are posting and reposting links that identify Anders Breivik, the suspect in the Norway attacks as a right wing fundamentalist Christian extremist. After scanning dozens of news stories about this individual I can find no “Christian” link. No mention of a church, religious group etc.

Are we not engaging in the same form of behavior that has been used to brand our community for so long? Do we as a community really need to engage in the kind of behavior that we so abhor?

Yes this individual’s act is below contempt. Yes it is fair to point out his extremist right-wing political leanings. After all, extremists of any persuasion are threats to us all. Yet, to brand him as a Christian is unfair to the millions of peace loving people around the world who follow the Christian faith.

Is this an opportunity to look at our community? Food for Thought