Progressively regressive


A rare political rant on my Pagan blog

Yesterday I put up a response at Pagan Vigil to Starhawk's latest.

Ever since I created Pagan Vigil and turned Technopagan Yearnings into a blog, I've chosen to make an artificial distinction between two of my favorite passions, politics and Paganism*. Among libertarians, some aren't happy with religion of any kind, but they will tolerate my eccentricities. Among Pagans, well, it's created some flame wars.

I won't kid you, when it comes to behind the scenes politics I'm much better than any amateur has a right to be. Blame all those years of corporate double dealing if you like, but I have some very strong manipulative elements of my personality. Usually I manage to channel those impulses for the good of humanity. *ahem*

So it's ironic that two of the Big Name Pagans whose writings helped me decide NOT to be the controlling bastard that I longed to be are so politically motivated themselves. Obviously one is Starhawk, although "power with instead of power over" isn't original with her, it was her work that showed it to me the first time. The other is Isaac Bonewits, his long essay on dualism helped shape some of my basic assumptions as well as my logic methods.

You see, you are "allowed" to be openly political and Pagan, but only if you lean left.

Otherwise, you're not a True Pagan™.

Don't laugh, I've been told exactly that.

To keep peace in the "house," I have to separate my politics and my Paganism. They don't play by that rule, and they are embraced because of that.

It's "fair" if you're "progressive." Dissent is allowed as long as it doesn't disagree with their politics.

Part of me resents it, yes. But part of me recognizes that this mess has helped hone both my politics and my faith. I'm used to having my ideas challenged, I'm used to defending those ideas on their own merits. It doesn't mean I'm always right, it just means I have a leg up when it comes to certain "discussions."

Want to talk about it?

*Yes, I know the term Paganism isn't particularly accurate, but I don't have a better one.

Posted: Thu - April 15, 2010 at 03:29 PM
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