Unfortunately, I’ve recently decided to start a section of this blog called, Witch Responses to Unkindness because, unfortunately, too many of these sorts of comments still appear:
On the FB Invite page for a Pagan Pride Event:
Are you kidding me? Why would anyone invite me to this? As a Christian I don’t feel right supporting anything like this. Sorry. I thought someone was playing a joke on me. Have fun.
My response:
1 Peter 3:8-11 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.”
I was raised Christian and became Pagan as an adult. We respect your decision not to join us. Whatever you do on your day, may it be blessed and beautiful. If you should decide to join us for a function, we would welcome you with open arms as the Christian you are. We have no desire to change you. In Paganism, all are welcome as they are for we come together in Love and Trust. No other qualifications necessary. We support your faith although you do not support ours, although your Christ taught the same love and inclusion as we practice. Blessed be and have a wonderful day.
I don’t know if this was the best answer, but it’s the best I could concoct in the moment.
When the words sting, try to keep your cool. There’s enough suffering in the world–we don’t need to add to it by being cruel in the face of unkindness.
But if you need to throw some Bible verses in about tolerance (nothing crushes a ‘CAN’T HANG WITH WITCHES–AM CHRISTIAN’ argument like a good Bible verse about acceptance), here’s a good link.
Courtney, i can honestly say that your response was perfect and beautiful.
It never ceases to amaze me how well-versed we Witches are with Scripture. Although I was not raised Christian, I was raised Catholic.
I have been a Happily-Recovered-Catholic ever since I forgot a long-time client’s Christmas Eve Birthday two years in a row.
In spite of the reason for launching this series of blog posts, I think that you were Divinely Guided to do so. After all, Brighid Is the Irish Goddess of Divine Inspiration and Divine Healing, as well as Divine Prosperity.
Thank you, Robert! Very kind thing to say. Actually, I too was raised Catholic, but a good portion of my family is Southern Baptist so I’ve had a lot of exposure to different forms of Christianity. Thanks again for stopping by. I hope we cross paths in person, soon!