Sherry Hagen

HI folks,

We are basically a Pagan family. I do attend a United Methodist Church
because I get something out of it and the Pastor is Pagan friendly
(though he's the only one who knows my background). My son is 6 and we
make it a point to tell him which families are Pagan friendly, because
some of the families wouldn't be comfortable with our beliefs. Our son
has also pointed out that we are Christian friendly. I think it's my
job to give him information about different religions and beliefs to
help us all understand each other. We are part of a basically Christian
homeschooling group here in upper Michigan. Only two families knows of
our Pagan beliefs.

Sherry

[email protected]

In a message dated 11/8/00 4:55:48 PM Pacific Standard Time, oilmagic@...
writes:

<< We are basically a Pagan family. I do attend a United Methodist Church
because I get something out of it and the Pastor is Pagan friendly
(though he's the only one who knows my background). My son is 6 and we
make it a point to tell him which families are Pagan friendly, because
some of the families wouldn't be comfortable with our beliefs. Our son
has also pointed out that we are Christian friendly. I think it's my
job to give him information about different religions and beliefs to
help us all understand each other. We are part of a basically Christian
homeschooling group here in upper Michigan. Only two families knows of
our Pagan beliefs. >>

Sherry,

I know it's probably just my perception, but this comes across as a very
difficult existence to me, not having those around you know what your beliefs
are. Maybe there is no real reason for them to know, as of yet.

We are a Christian family. My daughter's best friend is Christian also, but
her mom is Pagan. It never crossed our minds to judge her because of this. We
recognize that
not everyone holds our beliefs and we don't feel it is our place to try to
change them.
It is our pleasure to learn more about her belief system.

I think we all have so much to learn from each other. I have also found that
Pagans and Christians have the important things in common. (Not that I'm an
expert, and I know that comment will offend some Pagans and Christians, but I
believe it to be true.)

I applaud you for your efforts in trying to expand minds. I find that knowing
someone's religious beliefs, the real beliefs instead of just labels, is
fundamental to knowing the person. I am so glad I have known Pagans,
Christians (of many stripes), Jews, Muslims, Black Muslims, atheists,
agnostics, etc., and hope my children will have the same privilege.

candice
Sappy after a glass of sauvignon blanc