Peril of Being A Former Pagan

Author Carl McColman recently converted from Paganism to Catholicism. Since then he has been writing essays on faith and religion for Beliefnet. But it seems some Pagans are unhappy with Beliefnet tagging him “former Pagan” Carl McColman. His recent essay series on Advent, entitled “Diary of a Former Pagan” is drawing some flack including some from Pagan authors.

“I think perhaps the lesson here is that anytime someone identifies as a “former” anything, the subtext is they aren’t sufficiently done with that prior experience to be able to let it go and move on. Why is this called “diary of a former pagan”? he grew up christian, and returned to christianity. why isn’t it just called “diary of a christian”?” – Rune

“I’m glad Mr. McColman is happy as a Catholic. But I assume he was happy as an Episcopalian and a Pagan too, once upon a time. How long will he continue to be Catholic before another faith captures his interest? And will he turn around and point out all that he felt was “lacking” in Catholicism when he embraces something new? Probably.” – NightLad

“Personally, I’m happy that the author found a spiritual path with which he is satisfied. Sadly, he seems to have fallen into the same trap that most new converts do – assuming that everybody else is best served by making the same conversion.” – Raijin

“This article didn’t tell me much about Advent, and a lot more about what is allegedly wrong with Paganism. I mean, if Paganism doesn’t work for you, LEAVE, but for the love of all that’s holy don’t define your new faith by what you think is wrong with Paganism!” – Kaatryn MacMorgan, author of “Wicca 333″ and “All One Wicca”

But perhaps some of this ire is due to the fact that according to one comment, Beliefnet had originally promoted the article in their “Pagan and Earth-Based” section (it has since been removed and is now linked to the “Christianity” section). In the criticisms a good point is made in asking how long after a conversion is someone labeled a “former” something and is instead simply a member of their new faith? When does the label cease being a reminder for former readers and instead becomes a marketing tool?

UPDATE: Carl McColman responds at his blog.

Tags: Neopaganism