Pagans and Environmentalism

[Yerda]

From what I've read here Pagan is a word that is used to describe a whole range of religious beliefs, all though, as far as I can see, are respectful of the planet. To what extent do you (your own opinion) support the fossil fuel industry, nuclear power, industrial production etc?

Do all Pagan people consider themselves environmentalists?

 

[Master Vigil]

I can't speak for every pagan. But to me, the whole premise of being pagan is recognizing the sacred and divine in nature. If you recognize that, and still aren't an environmentalist, there's something missing. That is my opinion.

 

[kreeden]

I can't speak for every pagan. But to me, the whole premise of being pagan is recognizing the sacred and divine in nature. If you recognize that, and still aren't an environmentalist, there's something missing. That is my opinion.

MV , I don't think that the Divine needs our help . The way I see it , we need the Divine's .

As for being an " environmenlist , it would depend upon your definition .... Now I bet that you knew I was going to say that , didn't you ?

 

[SalemWitchChild]

The are some pagans who are environmentalists and some who are not. The true definition of a pagan is:

A Pagan: A religion other than Christian, Jewish, Or muslim origin.

Satanists would be put in that category. Their belief is basicly take care of one's own self first. (From what I gather from satanist friends).

 

[Master Vigil]

A Pagan: A religion other than Christian, Jewish, Or muslim origin.

Thats one definition, but I feel it leaves alot to be desired.

I agree kreeden, I definitely agree. But I simply believe that if we recognize the sacred in all of nature. We would allow it to help us, and we wouldn't be such idiots for hurting the environment. If we recognized that we aren't better than nature, and actually realize that we do need its help. The world would be a better place.

 

[Unedited]

I'd probably be an environmentalist if I wasn't so apathetic.

 

[argento_occhi]

I care about the environment. I quite like the earth. I'd consider myself an environmentalist, though I'm not one of the radical extremist types. I wouldn't say that every pagan is an environmentalist, just like I wouldn't say that every pagan is wiccan, or a witch, or even vegetarian. Not that there's not more of an environmentalist air around Pagans, but I think it's because of the earth-based religion concept, and the idea that pagans worship nature. Pagans are quite a diverse bunch, and the term pagan is a broad one at that. But, I thik it's these differences that make life interesting. I'm never going to find someone who has exactly the same beliefs as me. And I've suddenly realised I've gone a bit off topic here. I think I'll stop there.

Argent

 

[Lycan]

The true definition of a pagan is:

A Pagan: A religion other than Christian, Jewish, Or muslim origin.

Actually pagan literally means country dweller, but has come to signify, maybe not by literal definition but as an assumed definition as any polytheistic earth-based faith. To christians: any one that is not christian or atheist (they just call them atheists).

As for the OP - No all pagans are not environmentalist - Not all heathens are either...

 

[Fluffy]

From what I've read here Pagan is a word that is used to describe a whole range of religious beliefs, all though, as far as I can see, are respectful of the planet. To what extent do you (your own opinion) support the fossil fuel industry, nuclear power, industrial production etc?

I take the view that we shouldn't unbalance nature. We can take from it as long as we give back to it. So things like renewable reforestation is fine in my book. Chopping down rainforests is not!

Nuclear power is a bit of a grey area for me because, although I know it has some large risks, I am under the impression that these are not very likely and, other than the difficulty in disposing the waste, this is a very clean fuel source, pollution wise. As long as the waste is placed in a non contaminatable area, such as the middle of a desert for example or in space, then I cant really have a problem with this either.

Enviromentalist? Definitely but because of my views in other areas, such as toleration and enforcing ones own morals over anothers, I am far from an extremist.

 

[justa_gurl]

Mind if the newbie has a try at it?


I'm under the impression that on a very general scale, (obviously every man is his own) pagans tend to be far more apt to holding a positive environmental attitude than Christians. Here's why..


A pantheistic world view has a tendency to view all things as co-dependant or interconnected. This respect in all things allows for a more open and protective attitude toward that with all that which we are intimately connected. BUT on the other side of the fence, Christian beliefs state that mankind is set apart from nature, made in god's own likeness. They tend to believe that they are not equal to, but rather set apart from the rest of creation. This, added to the fact that the Christianity is one of the few religions that does not clearly state the believer’s responsibility to the earth, hinders them from developing a positive environmental attitude. It's a very subtitle but dangerous conviction to put human needs before that of everything else but for some, anything less is just too close to blasphemy and pantheism. I'm not saying that Christians tend to be anti-environment, just that they tend to be apathetic or hesitant to take any sort of protective action in the matter. Making things worse in this regard is their tendency to have an 'End Times' attitude, which holds the understanding that not only was the earth was made just to suit our needs but will soon be destroyed by god anyway. *shrug..


As for me, i fall into the environmentalist-pagan category.

 

[Yerda]

Two things.

• Thank you all for your replies.

• And my apologies for forgetting about this thread

Is it true like MV said though that being Pagan and not environmentalist means something is lacking?

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I dont consider myself an evironmentalist. But I do respect nature more than alot of people I know.

 

[Yerda]

I dont consider myself an evironmentalist. But I do respect nature more than alot of people I know.

Are you saying you respect nature but willfully mistreat it?

 

[EnhancedSpirit]

Is it true like MV said though that being Pagan and not environmentalist means something is lacking?

I would say that anyone who considers themselves spiritually enlightened would be 'environmentalists', regardless of religious preference.

If they are not aware of their connection with nature, and the health of the planet, then they are not truly enlightened.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Are you saying you respect nature but willfully mistreat it?

No. I just don't consider myself an environmentalist. When I think environmentalist, I think of someone who protest lumber companies, plastic companies, oil companies, volunteers for wildlife groups, DNR, etc., and someone who you will see planting trees. I have volunteered, planted trees, and I have done some extreme things to protect nature, but I would rather spend my time in nature enjoying it. Ok, so I guess I am a bit of an evironmentalist.

 

[Prima]

Luke Wolf, you're confusing 'environmentalist' and 'environmental activist' The former is respecting/liking/enjoying nature, and the latter is actively working for the improvement of natural causes.

 

[kreeden]

I have the same problem as Luke Wolf , so I claim to be neither . The terms confuse me .

 

[michel]

Sounds as if most of you pagans are indeed caring and solicitous of the environment and of Mother Earth; that must be good in anyone's books.

 

[Prima]

that must be good in anyone's books

Unfortunately, to some people, that fact is only a minor annoyance in their anti-pagan crusade

I generally avoid the terms altogether also, simply because I don't like labeling myself.

 

[kreeden]

One should not label theirself , for labels are limitations .