What is our actual connection to the Pagans and accused Witches who were persecuted centuries ago by the Inquisition?
These are our spiritual ancestors, and, in many cases, our physical ancestors as well. The victims were identified at the time, by the Inquisition itself, as Witches and Pagans. Most modern Christians — especially those converted in recent centuries among Africans, Asians, Native Americans, Polynesians, etc. — could hardly be said to have any direct connection with the Medieval Roman Catholic Church. But if they can call themselves “Christian” simply because they identify with that heritage, then so may we consider ourselves Pagan. And probably with better cause. After all, originally ALL our ancestors were Pagan; even those who later converted to Christianity. Some of us just decided to convert back, even centuries later. “Dominating the minds of witch-hunters in the time of the great persecutions in Europe was the belief that it was the duty of Christians to rescue heretics and pagans from the hideous fate which awaited them after death. Long before, St. Augustine had stated his co
These are our spiritual ancestors, and, in many cases, our physical ancestors as well. The victims were identified at the time, by the Inquisition itself, as Witches and Pagans. Most modern Christians — especially those converted in recent centuries among Africans, Asians, Native Americans, Polynesians, etc. — could hardly be said to have any direct connection with the Medieval Roman Catholic Church. But if they can call themselves “Christian” simply because they identify with that heritage, then so may we consider ourselves Pagan. And probably with better cause. After all, originally ALL our ancestors were Pagan; even those who later converted to Christianity. Some of us just decided to convert back, even centuries later. “Dominating the minds of witch-hunters in the time of the great persecutions in Europe was the belief that it was the duty of Christians to rescue heretics and pagans from the hideous fate which awaited them after death. Long before, St. Augustine had stated his co
