How do I explain? (experience, pagan, faith, catholic, religion)

[religious_by_nature]

Until last year I was a full on Catholic and in the last two years I have really started to become a full wiccan. I love my faith now I feel like I am apart of something great.

The only problem is that I go to a catholic high school and when I wear a pentagram I get werid looks and quiet comments from my teachers and fellow classmates. How can I explain to them my religion is part of me and something they don't have to be scared of. Many of them are.
Please help.

[Gentoo]

In that kind of environment I wouldn't even try. From what I've experienced, the more you try to explain that you're not evil and what-not, the more they'll believe that you are. My advice would be to start wearing the pentacle inside your shirt and not to bring up Wicca or Paganism unless you're asked.

[double coven]

I would have to disagree, you have to stand up for what you believe in, if you don't your just conforming which allot of people will want you to do. I say you should have a discussion with your class, telling them that Wicca is earth based, and that our values aren't that different from what they believe (such as the three fold law) although I think you should take a stand, I have to agree with Gentoo as to wearing your pentacle inside your shirt, (although it shouldn't) the Wiccan pentagram strikes fear in many hearts, and until you have built an understanding with your school, keep it inside.

[AlsoAnima]

I think the best thing to do is to express yourself in the way your comfortable with, and if questioned quietly correct any misconception people may have because of a bad background.

You can only hope that the people around you will be wise enough not to be affected by the difference of faith.

Good Luck.

P.S. If you or they enjoy religious discussion you can point out that Christianity and Wicca have a lot in common in the place of values.

[Francis]

Well, to answer this from the viewpoint of a Rc who goes to Catholic school: It depends. I'm a little worried, because, well, I'm RC. I find it sad that someone has left my church. I hope you find the truth. Anyways, this isn't what the post is about. I would recommend that you keep on doing what you're doing! These kids really probably are way too sheltered from other faiths, and when they leave that school they might be shocked. So no, don't stop. It might be good for them, and also, you might need to get used to it. Better be surrounded by friends before this happens somewhere else. Just try not to get mad at them. Chances are, they're just worried about you. Imagine how they might feel. Peace!

[DadBurnett]

Do what is right and let the consequences follow ...

[Functionless]

They probably think you're a "satanist", or at the very least that you're going to hell. I doubt most of them will ever accept your religion, so you might as well keep it to yourself for the time being.

It may not be the right thing to do, but if I was a wiccan at a catholic high school, I'd never tell anyone.

[Alva]

In the summer holidays before entering my catholic school, I've discovered wicca 4 years latter I have a coven with 2 other girls from school. Though I´ve never weared a pentagram I´ve met my friend anyway=) and when I was asked of my relation with god, I would answer that I believe in the values that Christianity and Wicca share (I agree with AlsoAnima)

Nada temas (portuguese for "fear nothnig")*

[Guitar's Cry]

To be on honest, I think this sort of decision really depends on you, your relationship with your friends, and your relationship with your family.

You should stand up for what you believe, and you may be a positive influence for tolerance.

But also, it may be banging your head against a brick wall and may break some important relationships causing undo and dangerous stress and conflict for you.

You need to decide whether or not its worth it. Just remember that someday you can be in a place where you can openly be who you are. If you feel that now's the time, go ahead! But if you feel that you can hold out for later and remove the stress of trying to deal with this stuff right now, then that may be more worth it.

I wish you the best of luck! On RF, you can certainly be yourself!

[Guitar's Cry]

Originally Posted by AlsoAnima

P.S. If you or they enjoy religious discussion you can point out that Christianity and Wicca have a lot in common in the place of values.

Right! For many, the cross and the pentacle represent very similar things (the macrocosm of human, and the connection between humankind and the divine).