I have a question for the Muslim and Pagan/ Wiccan (those pagans who have or live with Christian relatives)

[Guest]

I am really interested in talking to a few of you about everyday life. (For three characters) I am drafting a story based in the real world and I would love to get you thoughts on everything from practices and alike.

They are side characters, so I don't want to go too deep, but I want to show the readers that there is more than one perspective in the world. Will loving talk to anyone willing to help Anyway, thanks in advance.

[Faith]

My husband identifies as pagan, I'm from a hyper religious Christian background. I still identify as Christian, but I'm spiritually and energetically aware as well and most Christians would struggle with my beliefs.

Happy to answer any questions you like.

[Josie]

This is something that I don't see talked about hardly ever, but there are Christian witches and witches who work with Jesus and Saints in their practices. I only know this because I have a number of witch friends and I'm a member of their spaces, although I'm not a witch. A lot of witches are good people and it's sad people can't let go of their hatred and fear to love and embrace others.

Also, even if a witch is Pagan, atheist, or what have you, they are still good people if they do good in this world. My family is Catholic and I'm sick of being screamed at for refusing to hate others who are different.

[Darth]

I'm not a real, practicing anything, but I am an earthbound universalist. I believe all religions have part of the truth, and none can know all the truth.

I believe divinity is in everything and definitely not reserved for Sky Daddy. I was raised by a Pagan Buddhist who still sang Baptist hymns to the cows while she milked.

[Auburn]

Well, I said non-Christians are discriminated against and got jumped on by the Christians and accused of bullying them and called a bigot. I ended up deleting my comments and blocking some folks.

If that's not a prime example of what it's like to be a non Christian living amongst Christians, I don't know what is.

You can't ever speak about your actual lived experiences without them jumping down your throat then playing the victim.

[Crystiannia]

I'm Vanatru and have been for about 20 years, but pagan is a broad term - we come in a lot of varieties. You might want to look into the different types and then see what fits best for your characters. Then reach out to some of the groups or organizations out there.

Unfortunately, I'd advise against anyone sharing too much detail with any writer -- before knowing the details of how the practice is going to be portrayed in the story. I've seen that turn ugly too many times.

[Julia]

I am an eclectic pagan with a southern Baptist upbringing. My 2nd family is a spiritual sister and brother, agnostic brother and still christian Momma.

I appreciate what I understand you're doing by trying to create realistic characters instead of the generalized stereotypes.