by Rena Sherwood

Created on: March 01, 2009

A Pagan that isn't an environmentalist is just like a Pope that doesn't believe in God. There are very few rules in the free-thinking realm of Paganism, but one of those rules is a respect for the natural world and the other creatures living on this planet. A Pagan doesn't have to be a radical environmentalist or an activist. But they are expected to try not to harm the earth or its inhabitants as much as they can and to keep a proper perspective of humanity's role in nature.

Quietly Walking The Talk

Pagans are not expected to preach their beliefs or try to convince anyone to turn to their way of thinking. But they are expected to live by their beliefs. If a Pagan is wasteful, litters, does environmental damage, doesn't recycle if recycling is available, vote to support legislation to help the environment, then he should seriously think about not calling himself a Pagan any longer.

Taking care of the environment and other species is a core belief of any Pagan. This is one of the very few characteristics of all Pagan sects. Nature is the giver and sustainer of life. In order to be in harmony with yourself, you need to be aware of the rhythms of nature. For example, nature recycles. When a plant or animal dies, their bodies rot, which helps makes soil to grow more plants that can feed animals. Because nature recycles, so should we.

Keeping A Perspective

One thing that greatly differentiates Paganism from organized religions is humanity's place in nature. In organized religions, humans are superior to everything on the planet. Everything else is expendable to the whim of the human. This is because their God has made the world and the creatures in it for the sole purpose of serving the whims of humanity.

Pagans believe that this is not the case. Humanity is just another species on the planet. They aren't any more important, but they aren't any less important. The only difference between humanity and the rest of the planet's species is the power to destroy. Therefore, we have the responsibility to protect the environment and the creatures in it. Humans are like a puzzle piece. All of the pieces are equally important in order to make the full picture.

Everything needs to be in balance in order to be healthy and happy. Right now, we are out of balance with nature. We are working against nature and not with it. For example use the easiest ways to get fossil fuels, like strip mining, which destroys the surrounding area. That means less land available to grow plants and create oxygen. This winds up creating long-term misery for short-term gain.

Pagans need to think about the future, for they know their actions are like ripples in a pond that stretches out far beyond where they can see. This is why all Pagans have to be environmentalists.

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