Do you tell others that you are a reconstructionist?

[Hellenic_Witch]

Just curious. Although we obviously have freedom of religion here in the U.S., the court of public opinion often "persecutes" or misunderstands certain religious of spiritual beliefs. I, for one, live in a very Baptist community and don't go out of my way to discuss my religion. However, I'm not going to hide it either and if was asked about it, would discuss it.

I'm on the fence, I guess. To keep my beliefs secret sends the wrong message to my children. So I'm not going to do that because their opinions and their future are more important to me than others who would not understand. But, on the other hand, there are friends or family members who (although I love them) can't see past their own religion enough for me to tell them.

Are you open about your religion? What positive and negative experiences have you had as a result?

[Wolfpoet]

Mention Norse Gods and people think horned helmet. There is so much macho, hollywood crap attached to the whole "viking" thing that people just don't understand.

Try to explain to people that to follow the Norse faith is to follow a code of morality, a diffferent code from western culture admittedly, and you get a blank look.

Britain accepts Pagan religions, but just because there is a general acceptance doesn't mean people understand it. After a while you get tired of the viking jokes. So I pretty much keep it to myself and only talk about it when people show a genuine interest.

Anyhow the Nordic Gods don't care about preaching, it's not an evangelist faith. You live your life, do the right thing by Nordic custom and law and try not to screw up.

[Ishtara]

I seldom talk about about my religion IRL When I do, it is with my friends, who do not know much about paganism, much less about reconstructionism.

By now my friends all know that I have that passion for Egypt and that I am always celebrating weird but fun festivals :lol:
They are usually the ones who ask questions and they tend to ask about practical things, such as why I follow a different calendar or why I am teaching myself Hieroglyphics. From there it is not a big stretch to explain that my faith is a reconstructionist one.

I had people over for Wep Renpet (the Kemetic New Year) and a few days ago I sent out invites for my Opet festival party.
This is my way to introduce people who are close to me to my faith: I do not talk much about it, but I try to live it on a daily basis. I do not cut my friends and relatives off from the religious aspects of my life, because these aspects are part and parcel of my everyday life.

I am very lucky to live in a city like Vancouver, which is fairly liberal and very tolerant of all sorts of spirituality. I was not Pagan yet when I moved from France to Vancouver, but I do not think I could have been this open about my beliefs there without alienating most of my friends and acquaintances.

[Aidron]

I used to be, but I am no longer. For many years I was open in a casual way about it. If it came up, it came up, but otherwise I didn't see how it would matter to anyone. I treat being gay the same way, so this was a natural approach for me.

Now, I prefer to keep my secrets and work in secret. I don't need people hounding me for spells, tarot readings, or watching my ever move (especially when I don't want them too) and thinking when I sweep up hair at school that I may be taking it for some sort of wicked intent.

Although I must say, I would not classify myself as a true reconstructionist.

[Incendia]

No way! I'd lose my job, most of my friends, and my family would think I'm cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs! *sigh*

Edited to add: Everything's connected in my 'little world', as in all my friends know each other (which includes work) so it'd be a Domino effect.

[Duwayitheru]

Those who are the most close to me know of my religion. That's about it. Even most of my friends do not really know, but then we do not talk about religion ever, so that may have something to do with it. If someone asked me my religion, I would tell them, and we would discuss it more if they wished. I don't go around announcing it to everyone though, pretty much if it doesn't come up I don't go out of my way to bring it up. Religion is a rather personal thing for me, anyway. :)

[FMG]

I have a split life...
My Husband knows my beliefs and his close family knows also, so I can speak openly about things - Heck his mom even asked for a candle spell but my parents and family on the other hand have no idea. They wouldn't understand and wouldn't be able to accept my beliefs so I haven't ever said anything to them, Most of them know that I have a problem with the way they were raised and how they believe but they never ask so I don't tell (not sure what I would say if they did) I also don't want to hide how I live but I don't think it would be wise to tell them. As for friends I try and feel them out first, if I think that we could actually have a conversation and they wouldn't have a fit over the things I say I will tell them if the subject ever comes up.

I don't feel that ones beliefs should cause an agruement and some ppl just can't wrap their mind around anything other then what they believe to be the truth.

I think alot about how I want to raise my future family and I worry about the same thing.....Do I teach them that you shouldn't be proud of who you are and what you believe because of what others might say or think of you or teach them to be proud and possibly cause them more pain then pleasure in their beliefs. It's not an easy answer and I still have yet to figure out what I will do. I would like to think that it will be as easy to explain to them that it's ok to believe in things that are different then others but that others will not always understand.

[Nitefalle]

It's odd....I live with my boyfriend, have for two years, but he doesn't really know the depth of my beliefs. He comes from a Catholic background and used to not agree with my beliefs (though now he doesn't care b/c he "hates God", lol). Anyway, I think he just doesn't get it. I can tell him that I'm on this path b/c it just feels right to me until the cows come home, but he just doesn't get it. He keeps asking me "Well, why does it feel right?" Um....because it does? He really tries to understand, he's not trying to convert me or anything, but...it's just not there. It's a circular argument.

Only recently have I come to the Celtic path, as well as the Northern path, and I just recently happened to meet a couple who are on those paths as well (she's Celtic, he's Asatruar), so I have spoken with them in depth about the gods and ways of worship, etc. Other than that, I just say I'm Pagan, if asked....however, since I moved to Jersey from Texas, I try and not talk about it at all b/c people up here are crazy and just don't get it and will only judge me ridiculously, so I choose not to put up with it. I also think that my boyfriend's family would stop speaking to me for awhile, if only out of a lack of understanding. My family knows I'm into "Pagan stuff", but beyond that, we have a don't-ask-don't-tell policy that keeps everyone happy.

[David19]

I used to be, but I am no longer. For many years I was open in a casual way about it. If it came up, it came up, but otherwise I didn't see how it would matter to anyone. I treat being gay the same way, so this was a natural approach for me.

Now, I prefer to keep my secrets and work in secret. I don't need people hounding me for spells, tarot readings, or watching my ever move (especially when I don't want them too) and thinking when I sweep up hair at school that I may be taking it for some sort of wicked intent.

Although I must say, I would not classify myself as a true reconstructionist.

I think i agree with Aidron, 'cause it's sort of how i feel.

[_Banbha_]

All of my family and friends know I'm Irish Recon. Some of my family and friends are as well, in varying degrees. I live in an Irish American community where many people share common interests in cultural, historical, and political identity. Some of the people I meet in at cultural functions are Recon's too. I don't think it's something you have to talk about or wear on your collar, so-to-speak.

I don't really talk about the highly personal aspects, it's hard for me to do that <here> at times. The sacred is like that for me.

I only talk about things like religion, in general, if it comes up in conversation. I think some people might think I'm an atheist or lapsed Catholic. I don't mind. I'll certainly never deny my beliefs. If a person can't handle my beliefs', it's not my problem. I've got my own life to live. No closets. It doesn't suit me.

[Avalanche]

Mention Norse Gods and people think horned helmet. There is so much macho, hollywood crap attached to the whole "viking" thing that people just don't understand.

Try to explain to people that to follow the Norse faith is to follow a code of morality, a diffferent code from western culture admittedly, and you get a blank look.

Britain accepts Pagan religions, but just because there is a general acceptance doesn't mean people understand it. After a while you get tired of the viking jokes. So I pretty much keep it to myself and only talk about it when people show a genuine interest.

Anyhow the Nordic Gods don't care about preaching, it's not an evangelist faith. You live your life, do the right thing by Nordic custom and law and try not to screw up.

Stupid Viking jokes. I know how that is. Of course, I just laugh at them but it does get old after a while. I don't know how many times people have asked where my helmet was.

If someone asked me, I'd say I'm Pagan. If they really wanted more details, I might give some. I think I've only had to explain things once, because most people just leave it at Pagan. Maybe they can guess the rest from the way I am.

But when those religious groups come to my house, I'm a "Satanist." Best way to get them to leave you alone is make a sign that says Hail Satan and they don't want to ring your doorbell.

[ap Dafydd]

I think it's considered pretty eccentric here in the UK to be openly religious at all.

I'm quite happy to describe myself as Pagan if I'm asked, rather than try to complicate things by giving precise details of exactly which path I follow.

gwyn eich byd

Ffred

[Hærfest Leah]

I'm not a full on recon either. I hide nothing, I'm proud to say I'm Pagan and even Heathen to those who I know well. However being in Guam now that's 98% Catholic & Protestant we'll see how many people I meet whom I can reveal myself to. So far I only know one other Pagan on the island.

[Rasenna]

Hell, most other Recons don't even understand my Tradition LOL!