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[Jul. 9th, 2009|02:17 pm] |
Pope Palpatine Benedict is just a comedy machine. Here are some lines from his latest, which are being taken by many to refer to modern neopaganism amongst other things (a top dislike of his):
“There are certain religious cultures in the world today that do not oblige men and women to live in communion but rather cut them off from one other in a search for individual well-being, limited to the gratification of psychological desires. Furthermore, a certain proliferation of different religious “paths”, attracting small groups or even single individuals, together with religious syncretism, can give rise to separation and disengagement. One possible negative effect of the process of globalization is the tendency to favour this kind of syncretism by encouraging forms of “religion” that, instead of bringing people together, alienate them from one another and distance them from reality. At the same time, some religious and cultural traditions persist which ossify society in rigid social groupings, in magical beliefs that fail to respect the dignity of the person, and in attitudes of subjugation to occult powers. In these contexts, love and truth have difficulty asserting themselves, and authentic development is impeded. For this reason, while it may be true that development needs the religions and cultures of different peoples, it is equally true that adequate discernment is needed. Religious freedom does not mean religious indifferentism, nor does it imply that all religions are equal.”
Now, I can't give a direct translation of most of that into what he's really saying, because I'd have to invert every single statement so it matches reality. The short version would be that everything he accuses “smaller” religions of – the rigidity, magical beliefs, failure to respect the dignity of individuals – is exactly how a large number of people view Catholicism. But let's compare in more detail for a moment:
Neopaganism involves far less 'subjugation to occult powers', in my opinion. In fact, the idea that we as humans are not worthy and should unhesitatingly give thanks and praise to a perfect deity is deliberately avoided - rather most paths encourage working with the concept of deity in an experiential way. "Discernment" is critical, unlike some branches of Catholicism which instead extol faithful obedience to pre-written rules.
In fact, unquestioningly trusting 'faith' in that way is very much about "gratification of psychological desires", while neopaganism deliberately encourages you to be aware, ask questions, challenge yourself psychologically, and rely on your own experience rather than the words of others.
Most paths of neopaganism have no figure at the top who is infallible and the head of a hierarchy. There may be teachers and leaders of small groups, but they usually earn their place by knowing a lot and having experience, as well as giving up their time to teach others. Individual freedom and consent are paramount (no wonder the Pope hates it).
“In these contexts, love and truth have difficulty asserting themselves, and authentic development is impeded.”
Funnily enough, “love and truth” are concepts very much focused on in many paths of neopaganism, with a specific view towards personal development. Knowing yourself more fully, exploring yourself and multiple ideas about the universe.
I am not aware of how the Pope would like us all to ‘develop’, unless it is entirely according to the rules of his Church. Having more faith in God, and only asking questions so as to lead to a greater understanding …of the Roman Catholic God, seems to be the way of it.
Now, I know that some branches of Christianity are more relaxed, and that others do encourage you to question. But for every Alpha Course there’s an Opus Dei, and this is the Pope we’re talking about. Hearing him lecture liberal new religions on rigidity and hierarchy is just high comedy. |
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