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FAQ for March-June 2006
- Why are you Pagan?
- Why did you become Pagan?
- Do you think you would have become Pagan if your family was more relaxed about beliefs in general?
 Why are you Pagan?
Paganism was the first faith I investigated that really spoke to me. Specifically Wicca.
Josh P.
Being Heathen fulfils me spiritually. I've read about other beliefs but honestly none of them really appeal. I like the lust for life, the focus upon personal integrity, the expectation that I will be honourable. I love the family-atmosphere. I love the focus upon spirituality that walks with a strong enjoyment of living. The food is damn good too.
Avril H.
Why not? Seriously, because it makes sense to me and makes me happy.
Bill Wolfe.
Why did you become Pagan?
When I started studying Wicca I had not only spiritual epiphanies where I actually really 'got' it for the first time, but also I began to respect both myself and other people. In my previous faith - fairly Fundamental Christian - I always felt I was somehow less than good enough, and that was also how I saw others. We are these insignificant sinful creatures not worthy of being loved. How could I respect or love myself or anyone when that's what I was continually taught? Then I began studying Wicca and I started to realize that I was worthwhile and good. That simply being me was enough to make me loveable. know that such things aren't limited to Paganism, but at the time that was one of the mind-shattering differences between what I had been and what I was becoming.
Josh P.
My family are Heathens - I was raised Heathen and I am comfortable with it.
Avril H.
Paganism gave me peace, challenged me, didn't talk down to me, accepted me. It fitted who and what I was and has grown with me so it still fits who and what I am today.
Bill Wolfe.
Do you think you would have become Pagan if your family was more relaxed about beliefs in general?
That's an interesting question. My family is pretty tight and I learnt that from them - and there's no doubt that that is a large part of my breaking away from Christianity. Maybe if I had grown up in a more accepting and tolerant home I wouldn't have needed to look elsewhere for acceptance. But I think no matter what I probably would have ended up Pagan simply because there is so much about it that suits me and so much about Christianity that - even in its most tolerant form - doesn't.
Josh P.
Since my family is Heathen, I'd have been raised Heathen no matter what. But if they'd been extremists then I may have left Heathenry. Would I have become a non-Pagan? I doubt it.
Avril H.
My family is relaxed - they attend a local UU. So I'd have ended up here one way or another. It was never a rebellion against them but rather an attempt to escape what AMERICAN Christianity is about. Maybe if the country was more relaxed I'd be something else.
Bill Wolfe.
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2004-2007