May
Humility
There is a difference between honest humility and the self-deprecating humility of monotheistic religion. Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Buddhism all have the attitude that man must grovel before the divine. This is inherited from the days of Oriental despots, whose culture demanded that subjects cower before their king. It was common in the Middle and Far East.
Heathenism believes very differently on this matter. We believe that the Gods made us to stand tall and free. We believe that the Gods want us to interact with them as friends, not as servile toadies. The groveling and self-deprecation are foolish. The Gods already know what each of us can and cannot do. They do not need us to remind them that we are less than they. By the same token, they want us to become more than we are today. They want us to stand tall. Our achievement, confidence and success honor them myriad more times than any act of groveling.
On another level, conventional religions urge their followers to be meek and accommodating to others, even if it means depriving oneself. Ideas such as “turn the other cheek” and “give `til it hurts” are just another type of groveling. Heathens are not meek! We know that if we turn the other cheek, we are just inviting more trouble. Likewise, if we give until it hurts, we deprive ourselves the opportunity to do more. Heathens are not doormats. When we choose to give, it is done first to those who matter most to us. It is done wisely, and does not deprive us or our families. Of course, gifts are given on our terms, not because we are told to do so.
“Blessed are the meek” is a tenet of Christianity. To the Heathen, it sounds silly. History shows that the only earth the meek inherit is an early grave. “Blessed are those who will not be trampled!” Now that is Heathen!
