Our Purpose:

Circle and Cross Talk is a discussion list of individuals from both Pagan and Christian backgrounds, who desire to come together and learn about each other, hope to understand one another, and are willing to break down the barriers which prevent significant and deeper dialogue.

Our Dilemma:

We understand that Pagan and Christian groups have battled through the ages. The Pagans of Rome persecuted and even slaughtered the first Christians. Later, the Pope from Rome (and we thought Salem had problems!) issued an edict allowing for the execution of untold numbers of Witches.

Obviously, Pagans and Christians have had a difficult time getting along. We believe that there is a place where love and common sense can prevail, and we can get along and communicate about our values with one another. Whether that is true or not, is still up to debate. This is the place where we hope to learn the answer to that question.

Our Name:

We have chosen Circle and Cross Talk as the name for this discussion list, because it fittingly describes the attitudes Christians hold toward Pagans, and vice versa. Christians tend to believe that the relativistic worldview of most Pagans causes them to talk in circles; while the Pagan hears the absolutist system of Christianity coming across as mean-spirited and "cross." I suppose we have each chosen the sign of our worship ritual appropriately! Needless to say, we believe these feelings are based upon false assumptions about one another, and even if they may at times be true, we can "learn to learn from one another."

Our Reason:

The Gathering at Salem is a Christian church. I know that this will automatically cause some Pagans to wonder why we are sponsoring such a list. You probably assume that we are out to convert you, by getting other Christians preaching at you. Your assumptions are warranted. You may have felt like a sales job was being pulled on you, the last time a Christian shared their faith with you. All we can say is that we hope to create an environment of understanding and mutual respect, not a showcase for our own beliefs.

Some Christians are wondering why we are doing this as well. You may feel like we are compromising our faith, or stepping into the enemy's territory, by allowing free discussion between practicing Witches and Christians. We do not believe that Christians and Witches are enemies. Rather we believe all people have the right to follow their convictions, and to be understood and respected. In this spirit, we endeavor to dialogue.

It is time to break down the barriers between the Pagan world, and the Christian world. The tabloid view we have developed about one another has jaundiced our opinions. We believe this can be remedied, but not without interaction.

Do we believe that people may convert? Of course. LetÕs be honest. People convert in both directions every day. The place we offer for open dialogue, and friendly interaction gives each individual a window into a worldview they may not previously have understood, and allows them to grow in understanding. This may cause you to reconsider how you live your life, and what you believe about reality. As the sponsor for this dialogue, I hope to be a different person when it is done, than when it began. I hope the same for you.

If you would like to be on this discussion list, there are some requirements which you must fulfill: 1) You must be either a practicing Pagan, or a practicing Christian (some individuals standing halfway between our worlds may be considered.) This is not a list for Satanists. Wicca, Druidic, and Family Tradition Paganism is the focus here. We understand that Satanic worship is viewed by most Pagans as an aberration of Christianity. 2) You must not be an e-mail flame-thrower. If you plan on venting your anger, sending threats or cursings, or if you plan on getting overtly preachy, you are not eligible for this list. We are here to learn, as well as teach one another our various ideas about life, not force our opinions upon one another.

Now, if you can be comfortable with the above requirements, and you are interested in being stretched beyond your comfort level to experience real growth in relatively uncharted territory, you can begin the sign up process now. We will monitor this list, and toss out those who choose to hatefully dialogue, whether Christian or Pagan. Position papers from both perspectives can be found on our site. These may help you to dialogue more articulately, or may help you to decide if this is the discussion list for you.

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