One of my pet peeves is the constant bashing of Christians by my own people of faith. Yes, back then the very unChristian factions that went about burning accused witches at the stake, who slaughtered pagans into conversion as seen with Charlamagne and the Massacre at Verden where 4,000+ pagan Saxons died because of their adherence to their religion. I could list more, but really it doesn't matter because this doesn't reflect the reality of Christianity. There was no love in these violent acts and thus goes entirely against Christianity. So, I feel there should be no apologies from the present day Christian community for the actions of those who killed in the name of their faith and God in the past.
Besides, we pagans aren't actually free of blood stained hands. From the early days of Christianity where Christians were fodder for entertainment in pagan Romes colosseums to the brutal attack on Lindisfarne by pagan Vikings that saw the slaughter of peaceful Christian monks. If we agree that Christians should apologize for the deaths of pagans thousands of years ago then in return we pagans should apologize for the equally brutal actions of our pagan ancestors. However, I find any apology for past grievances that don't effect us today is pure nonsense. No Christian nor pagan should apologize for what happened ages ago in the past, way before we were a glimmer in the eyes of our mothers.
How shameful are we when any of us ask for an apology for things others have never done? Shall I apologize for slavery and persecution of Christians when I have done neither? Of course not. This is not rational and it is very stupid. I love my Christian friends (both on and offline) and family, so to ever make them feel guilt for things they've never done would make me an insufferable cretin worthy of being placed on a split over a scorching flame. I admit, though, I had the very thoughts of blaming Christians for everything, but growing up brings along with it wisdom to know when to realize that certain things don't require forgiveness especially when one hasn't committed an act of violence against you or your brethren in faith. All this amounts to is a silly game of, "But they started it!" No they didn't. Neither one of us did. However, we do have the power to end the nonsense today. It takes a rational mind and open outlook.
Brightest of Blessings to my Christian brothers and sisters and my Pagan brothers and sisters. May peace find its way to our hearts.
Jonathan,
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Peace in Him!