Most Pagans come to Paganism after dissatisfied experiences with the Christian church. Either they were "forced" to attend as children by Christian parents, they were driven out by bigoted parishioners of the churches they attended as adults, OR simply left due to disinterest. Many also have the misguided idea that somehow Christians are nasty people whose sole interest is converting everyone or anyone.
Regardless of how you leave the church or feel about it, for many, they STILL have Christian friends and family who want them on occasion to attend church, for whatever reason. For the reluctant, I offer the proper etiquette to attending church:
1) Dress Appropriately
--While we all would prefer to walk around in our favorite tank top, and PJ pants, if you want to convey respect, these aren't exactly the kinds of things you would wear to church. You wouldn't wear this to your rituals would you? You want to dress appropriately for rituals to ensure you convey respect to your Gods. Appropriate dress is just as important when going to church as well. I'm not saying wear a flowing dress or suit and tie, or anything like that...a clean pair of dark jeans and a nice shirt with no decals, pictures or words would suffice.
2) Don't Fidget
--I know church can be long, and seem boring, but you draw unnecessary attention to yourself if you keep shifting in your seat, sigh a lot or look bored. Use this as a time to be educated. Sure, you don't have to agree or believe in what's being said, but look at it as a time to educate yourself on the beliefs of others. While there may be less than honorable passages in the bible, how many times do you actually hear the negative stuff being promoted during service? When I go to church with my husband or in-laws, I haven't heard much about marrying your rapist, or selling your young daughter to an older man. The majority of the passages read teach about respect, responsibility and friendship.
3) Don't Play with your Phone
--The phone can be quite distracting, not only to you, but to those around you, especially if you've left the sound on. Think about it...you invite someone to your ritual and they sit there playing "Cut the Rope" or "Angry Birds" while you're trying to invoke the Gods. You wouldn't find that very respectful. It's the same thing when you play with your phone in church. It's disrespectful, not only to the priest/minister/pastor conducting service, but to those who came to listen to him/her. So be respectful...turn the sound off, and put it away. My husband and I don't even bring our phones to church.
4) Don't Scoff, or Make Unnecessary Noises
--When you're listening to the service, if you should hear something you disagree with...keep your opinion to yourself. Don't scoff (nasal snort), or groan. Yes, you disagree with what was said, but you're in THEIR house-of-worship...they have the home-field advantage...you don't. There are more of them and only one of you. You can be bombarded with scripture quotes, opinions, "factoids", etc...so much of it, you won't get a word in edge-wise. Best to keep your thoughts to yourself and enjoy the service.
5) Don't Take Communion
--While attending a Pagan service, generally cakes and wine are often shared with everyone (presumably). Things are different in a church, especially a Catholic church. Unless you've received first communion and have made regular confession AND attend church regularly, communion is not reserved for you. Your best bet is to stay seated when communion time comes around. If attending a Catholic church, you ARE allowed to attend the procession up to communion if you wish, but you would receive a blessing instead of the "bread and wine" by crossing your arms across your chest. The priest will make the sign of the cross and you're on your way. Painless.
These are a few forms of etiquette that should be followed when attending church. Remember YOU agreed to go. If you're really set against going to a church, make it known to your friend or family that you do not want to attend and/or that it makes you uncomfortable. Better to say it makes you uncomfortable and face their bruised feelings, than actually sit there BEING uncomfortable and causing distraction.
Treat church as you would any Pagan ritual...with respect (even if you don't believe).
No comments:
Post a Comment