Pagan Ireland

Christianity and Paganism - A Comparison 

I often hear pagans criticising Christianity, but I don’t hear Christians criticising Paganism! Paganism has much to recommend it. It’s adherence to caring about pollution, climate change and species extinction is exemplary and our planet needs this emphasis! Paganism offers equality, so males should not take precedence over females, but Christianity is catching up, offering greater prominent roles for females. 

The Pagan pantheon does not promote the written commandments of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Their pantheon of gods and goddesses could be said to be a dysfunctional royal court in the sky. Where are the role models for good leadership and good relationships? Pagan or not, in a world of division and violence, it is important that we have balance and accuracy - and praise for the goodness that people bring into the world from whatever place. 

Horrendous crimes were carried out by Christians over the past 2,000 years; no one can excuse them. Many of our ancestors were Christians, and were good, caring people.  There are 2 billion Christians today, often in the poorest of countries. Christianity is one of the most persecuted religions. It has its sacred places, often ancient sites of sanctuary and buildings of congregation and quiet reflection, with carved wood and stone, glass and handicrafts. Appreciation is a spiritual value like thankfulness, peace, humility, generosity, justice, truth, forgiveness, kindness, and the avoidance of jealousy, greed and hatred is a profoundly Christian teaching. 

For Pagan Ireland Magazine