Christians & Pagans

[larrymeyer]

While this is directed toward LEO's I feel we can all learn from it. Like I said before I never heard a soldier in a firefight say to another solider get out of here I can handle it. Regardless of race or religion


Chaplain's Column: Christians & Pagans
Law Enforcement Isn't Faith Specific

http://www.officer.com/web/online/On-the-Street/Chaplains-Column--Christians-and-Pagans/21$46949


Posted: Thursday, June 4, 2009
Updated: June 3rd, 2009 07:13 AM GMT-05:00


CHAPLAIN DAVID J. FAIR, PHD
Spiritual Contributor



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.







Web Links:

International Conference of Police Chaplains


Chaplain Dave Fair is a former Board Member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains, where he served as Chair of the Education Committee. He is a Senior Chaplain for the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Brown County (TX) Sheriff’s Department where is also serves as a reserve deputy. He is Chaplain Emeritus of the Brownwood (TX) Police Department. Fair is a member of the Board of Scientific and Professional Advisors of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, and has written numerous articles on Chaplaincy and Traumatic Stress. Chaplain Fair is President of the American Association of Police Officers and President and CEO of Homeland Crisis Institute. A licensed peace officer, Chaplain Fair holds a Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling and Psychology from Bethel Bible College and Seminary, and a doctorate in Clinical Christian Counseling from Central Christian University. Dr. Fair is a member of the Curriculum Committee of the American Board of Certification in Homeland Security, as well as a member of the Commission on Forensic Education.

[-JD-]

Hear! Hear!

To butcher MLK's "I have a dream" speech:

I have a dream that [we] will one day live in a nation where [people] will not be judged by [anything but] the content of their character.

[Vig]

I enjoyed reading that, and it is quite interesting to note that Pagan ideals and Christian ideals aren't that terribly different.

Now if other levels of the government would be as understanding toward us Pagans (myself a Heathen, with a capital "H") we wouldn't get such a bad reputation.

(U//FOUO) An ideology adopted by many white supremacist prison gangs who embrace a Norse mythological religion, such as Odinism or Asatru. (also: Odinism, Asatru)

As always, the actions of a few are held to be the intent of many...Hel, you can't even join the Asatru Folk assembly if you're incarcerated...Not to mention the theological differences between Asatru and Odinism, to think that the DHS would even take the time to research the differences, but I digress.

[wa3ra]

will one day live in a nation where [people] will not be judged by [anything but] the content of their character. :

As long as it's least ten characters...


Actually, I agree...unfortunately humans being human, it will likely never happen.

[Sandcut]

Well, despite being a Heathen, (or maybe because of it) one of my favorite passages from Christian texts is from the Gospel of Thomas.

(77) Jesus said, "It is I who am the light which is above them all. It is I who am the all. From me did the all come forth, and unto me did the all extend. Split a piece of wood, and I am there. Lift up the stone, and you will find me there."

There's commonality to almost every religion in that line.

As far as Christians and Pagans getting along, my wife and I are a perfect example. We supoort each other's beliefs in spite of the fact that we disagree completely.