For all intents and purposes, I am out of the broom closet. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this term, it means telling others that one is Wicca or Pagan. My friends and most of my family know that I am Wiccan. I make real no attempt to hide my faith from those close to me who don’t know, but I also don’t make any real attempt to let them know either. As for strangers, I feel that my religion isn’t their business, so I don’t go around advertising I am Wiccan. No giant pentacles and pounds of silver occult jewellery for me.

I feel that religion is a very personal thing. When it is more then a mere title for people (which it often can be), one’s religion can shape one’s very being. The ethics and ideals of our faith help to mould our personality, as well as influence our actions and desires. This can be very beneficial, if one is careful not to twist the religion in to something it isn’t. And I am sure we can all think of examples of this, from televangelists to extremists of all faiths.

Because religion is personal, I also feel it should be private. I feel that one doesn’t need to inform every acquaintance or co-worker about one’s faith. I don’t say this because I am concerned about being discriminated against. (Canada is exceptionally tolerant on the whole, when it comes to religion.) I say this because religion is personal, so generally speaking no one really cares what another person’s religion is. Harsh, but true. Honestly, on a daily basis do you alter what you are saying to someone based on their faith? Perhaps the only time it is useful to know is for dietary restrictions, which not every follower of a religion adheres to anyway. (And can simply be explained by saying “Sorry, I don’t eat such-and-such.”)

I suppose I am sounding a little harsh again. But I am a little tired of people always tip-toeing around others who don’t share their faith. But in remembering that religion is personal, things may become a little easier. Your beliefs affect you, not the other person. You might believe in the Golden Rule, or the Rede, or that so-and-so is going to Hell. But that is you. When interacting with other people, I just assume everyone is a good person regardless of what their religions beliefs might be.

And it is also wise to remember that just because someone says that belong to a religion, that doesn’t mean they are a good person. There are zealots and malcontents in every faith. So I guess what I’m saying is that is best to judge a person by their actions rather then by the faith they say they belong to. I will admit to being guilty of judging by faith, not actions; but this is something I am trying hard to change.