Chaplain's Column: Christians & Pagans

June 4, 2009
When the chips are down and if I need back up I don't care what the faith tradition of the closest officer is as long as they get there quickly.

I recently participated in an online seminar hosted by Chaplain Dallas Little of the United States Air Force. The seminar was an ongoing discussion and chat interaction by a group of both Christians and Pagans. It was an interesting time for me as I have a Christian/ Jewish background.

The fact is our world of law enforcement is made up of both officers and the community at large from all faiths. It is important we as officers and chaplains regardless of our own faith tradition talk with each other and attempt to understand other's religions and known where our fellow brother and sister officers are coming from.

While I'm aware this is certainly not the holiday season for many of us these lyrics from the song, the "Pagans and Christians" by Dar Williams says a lot about just that. Amber called her uncle, said "We're up here for the holiday,
Jane and I were having Solstice, now we need a place to stay."
And her Christ-loving uncle watched his wife hang Mary on a tree,
He watched his son hang candy canes all made with red dye number three.
He told his niece, "It's Christmas Eve, I know our life is not your
style," She said, "Christmas is like Solstice, and we miss you and it's been
awhile,"

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,
And just before the meal was served, hands were held and prayers were
said, Sending hope for peace on earth to all their gods and goddesses.

The food was great, the tree plugged in, the meal had gone without a
hitch, Till Timmy turned to Amber and said, "Is it true that you're a witch?"
His mom jumped up and said, "The pies are burning," and she hit the
kitchen, And it was Jane who spoke, she said, "It's true, your cousin's not a
Christian," "But we love trees, we love the snow, the friends we have, the world we share,
And you find magic from your God, and we find magic everywhere,"

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,
And where does magic come from? I think magic's in the learning,
'Cause now when Christians sit with Pagans only pumpkin pies are burning.

When Amber tried to do the dishes, her aunt said, "Really, no, don't
bother." Amber's uncle saw how Amber looked like Tim and like her father.
He thought about his brother, how they hadn't spoken in a year,
He thought he'd call him up and say, "It's Christmas and your daughter's
here." He thought of fathers, sons and brothers, saw his own son tug his
sleeve, saying, "Can I be a Pagan?" Dad said, "We'll discuss it when they leave."

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able.

When the chips are down and if I need back up I don't care what the faith tradition of the closest officer is as long as they get there quickly.

Each of us, officers and chaplains alike can learn and discuss various religions and beliefs with other without compromising our own beliefs. It was once said by someone far wiser than I, People fear what they don't understand. Above all we must seek to understand.

I'm reminded of the time some years back when I received a certification for the National Islamic Chaplain College. Some of my Christian brothers and sisters couldn't imagine why I as a Christian would do such a thing.

Seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand - Saint Augustine.

True wisdom begins with understanding.



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