Young Pagans

[Adam Of Avalon]

I've noticed that young Pagans are more active in their religion than other religious youngens. (This includes myself.) Why do you think this is?

[Yvonne Belisle]

because when they act or speak like adults in the pagan areana we treat them that way. It tends to make one more active when they are in that place between adult and child when you are accepted for who you are.

[MistOfTheSea86]

It is exactly why I feel welcome. People do not treat me as only an age but as a human being with just as much knowledge to share as the next human being and just as much to learn. I thank the gods and goddess's that I am excepted here and not looked down upon for my age. It is nice to be respected for once without being called a rebellious teenager:) Thanks alot everyone!:)

[Sequoia]

this one might sound more far-fetched. . .

Perhaps pagans also acknowlage the fact that someone who is say 16 years old THIS TIME may actually be an older soul then themselves. . . And like everyone's been saying, I think pagans realize that no matter your age, you can share and learn just as much as anyone else.

Although I've seen some frighteningly zelous Christian kiddos o.o;;;

[Mariposa De La Luna]

I agree, its because if they show respect then they are respected. Everyone has a valid viewpoint, we just try to remember that teens haven't developed diplomacy yet, sometimes. I think it facillitates learning also. The teens at our local community center are absolutely fabulous! I have alot of respect for them just because i know I didn't take religion so seriously when I was their age. And most teens can think in a mcuh staighter line than I can.

[Adrenaline Junkie]

This is one of the reasons I love the Pagan community.

Most of the Pagan community treats us with respect and treats us like an equal, rather than talking down to us, which let me tell you I despise.

I also think that Young Pagans, like all Pagans are more active in their religion (be it Wicca or another Pagan religion) because they're very much "hands on" religions. It's a way of life, not just going to a building once a week.

[Myst]

Originally posted by Adam Of Avalon
I've noticed that young Pagans are more active in their religion than other religious youngens. (This includes myself.) Why do you think this is?

Firstly, Pagans actually live their religion everyday. We don't just go to church on Sundays to listen to a (possibly boring) lecture. So all Pagans are more active then most people in other religions IMHO.

Secondly, Paganism isn't about being humble, hiding pride, or believing some guy in the sky will watch over us. It's about being happy, enjoying life, celebrating, preserving nature, loving animals and your fellow man, even if that means protesting or speaking out. It means spending an afternoon hiking, planting flowers, and partying on the Sabbats. As you can imagine that's probably more fun then just sitting in worship once a week, etc.

Third, having the courage and strength to follow this religion (which is still not mainstream) and face those who would call you Satan worshippers is special. I bet a lot of teens love showing they have the guts to show off their beliefs, and love showing that they are smart enough to make their own decisions - instead of just following what everyone else at school or even at home might be.

Fourth, I've met a Pagan three year old who I would swear is at least 6. She just has the maturity, calmness, intelligence and thoughtfulness of older people. Her understanding of right and wrong is totally different - she doesn't stop banging the pots because God says honour thy mother and boy is mother yelling. She stops because mommy told her the sound was hurting her ears, and she loves her mommy so why would she want to hurt her ears? She doesn't call other people names or break other people's toys - mommy says we're all children of the God and Goddess, so why would you be mean to your own brothers and sisters? Also, if you're mean to people sometimes they're mean to you too, and why would someone want that? She loves to sit quietly on the grass watching ants or finding special stones, and that in itself is being Pagan in a way.

These are all internal reasons why young Pagans might be more active, not about what other people think of them.

[phoenixsong]

Originally posted by MistOfTheSea86
It is exactly why I feel welcome. People do not treat me as only an age but as a human being with just as much knowledge to share as the next human being and just as much to learn. I thank the gods and goddess's that I am excepted here and not looked down upon for my age. It is nice to be respected for once without being called a rebellious teenager:) Thanks alot everyone!:)

That says what I want to say way better than I can say it.

[willowfairy]

i love mystic wicks because i am treated as an equal. it seems as though at home no one listens to me. or if they do, they do not care. i am not even a teenager yet (i'm 12, almost there!! :D), and that's what people seem to notice when i voice my opinion. but here..... it's different.

[Sequoia]

hey willowfairy, I would NEVER in a million years have guess you're 12 hehe It sucks to be young (I'm sixteen and I never stop hearing it from my dad), but at least here you know you'll be talked to like any other person. ^_^

[Ball-Bhreac Ròn]

and ALSO, young teen pagans are normally quite sensible because they had the common sense enough to join Paganism :):):)

[gunner]

i've said this or something like it before but i've stopped noticing or caring how old anyone is, most of our young 'uns act very mature and a few of our older ones can get a bit childish at times so i reckon it averages out over the long haul.

[willowfairy]

gunner - you've never met me in real life! :eek: LOL! but actually, considering how immature most of my peers can sometimes act, i am kinda mature for my age.... :) (at least i like to think so)

[gunner]

"gunner - you've never met me in real life!"

no, and i'm sorry that likely i never will but i've raised a daughter and i've got a grand daughter now so i have an idea what teen age young women are about and you do have a right to let your hair down and "be a kid" when you want to. from what i've seen of you here you're good people whatever your calender age.