Is Paganism an "Interest"?

[pt_tangles]

In poking around yesterday and today (mostly on MysticWicks - they are big and I can usually find an interesting topic there ... if not an interesting discussion), I stumbled across one of those "What's wrong with raising your kids Pagan?" threads.  One thing I noticed in many of the responses of people who were in the 'not raising kids Pagan' camp was the phrase, "If my children choose to share my interest, I will include them".

This is something I have seem before, but it struck me today how strange a thought that is.  I don't know about anyone else, but my religion is a hell of a lot more to me than an 'interest'.  It is a huge part of my life.  It shapes who I am and how I see and interact with the world. 

If you have found a spiritual home, why would you want to hide it from your children?  How would you spend holidays/Sabbats?  Send them to a sitter?

--Phae

Comments

[pt_tangles]

I dunno. I don't think it is something that can be classified as an interest. A person's faith should be something that they are drawn to. Not just something that they find 'interesting'.

For example, I've never heard of someone spending their lives searching for a hobby. Or for that perfect cup of coffee. A spiritual identity is something wholly different, IMO.

I think you are right that it might have to do with old scars. But, I can't see the wisdom of denying your children a spiritual life until their are old enough to feel the lack on their own.

And I am talking more about kids who are born to parents who are already Pagan, here. I do realize that the situation is different if you convert after they are already here.

Who knows. Maybe my view is skewed because I don't have kids yet.

--Phae