Sep
Paranoia
Most groups are not concerned if people choose not to join them. The time we should be concerned is if a group takes offense or is otherwise too interested should we refuse them. When an organization or individual takes an “us or them” attitude, there is a problem.
“Us versus Them” is great for a baseball game or a war, but has little good use for everyday life. As Heathens, we live and work in a diverse world. Our neighbors, relatives and co-workers may be of various stripes. Religiously, we are a minority among a plentitude of faiths. Our co-workers and neighbors may be of various sects of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism or Paganism. Though we may or may not disagree with some of their religious views, it does not automatically make them opposed to us. Only the most hardcore religious bigot would deny the good will of others merely for their choice of belief. “They” are not necessarily the enemy.
Back in the 1990s, I saw a lot of futile squabbling within Heathenism. Much came from an “us versus them” mentality. Several groups felt that to join any Heathen group other than their own was to be an enemy. This is why I never joined – and never will join – any of them. There was plenty of animosity to go around, in those days. The sad thing was the people who otherwise would cooperate and get along were separated by membership.
When a group or individual takes the attitude that all who do not join them are enemies, they plot a course to an unfortunate place. Many have crashed into the shoals by virtue of such a policy. I choose not to join them on their journey. Their attitude creates enemies. When they crash, they discover all too late that their biggest enemy was themselves.
For me, enemies are scarce. I prefer to have friends, allies and acquaintances. “Live and Let Live” works a lot better than “Us versus Them.” Let us save the animosity for those few who genuinely seek to harm us. For the rest who are the majority, whether they agree or disagree, join or not, we do best to maintain a general attitude of goodwill.
