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Paganism Quote by Christopher Scott Thompson

“Some modern Pagans claim to be staunchly apolitical, seeing radical Paganism as a highly unwelcome trend that corrupts religion by mixing it with politics. Political neutrality is conservative by default. When the entire world is under threat from industrial capitalism, what does it mean for a…” quote by Christopher Scott Thompson
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““Some modern Pagans claim to be staunchly apolitical, seeing radical Paganism as a highly unwelcome trend that corrupts religion by mixing it with politics. Political neutrality is conservative by default. When the entire world is under threat from industrial capitalism, what does it mean for a Pagan to be apolitical? It can only mean that you will allow mountains be blown apart for coal, forests to be clear-cut, rivers to be poisoned, and the Earth to be overheated until it becomes unlivable. From the perspective of animism, that can only mean that you are no friend to the spirits but a collaborator with those who would destroy them and leave us all with a dead world. Pagan anarchists don't make rules for other people. No one is saying that a Pagan is "not allowed" to be a supporter of capitalism. You're always allowed to do whatever you choose- but that doesn't mean it makes sense. You can be an "apolitical Pagan" if you want, but the consequence of your apolitical position will be the death of everything you claim to worship.””

Christopher Scott Thompson

About This Quote

Source Essay: Modern Paganism and Politics, 2023

Being apolitical in a crisis means tacitly supporting harmful systems, betraying spiritual values and the Earth.

In simple terms: Apolitical stance aids oppression.

Key Takeaway

Choose active stewardship over passive neutrality.

Themes

environment spirituality politics activism responsibility

Mood

concerned determined reflective

Type

philosophical activist

When to use this quote

  • environmental activism
  • community organizing
  • spiritual practice
  • policy advocacy

Key Concepts

animism eco-ethics political apathy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does silence affect the world you cherish?
  • What actions align your spirituality with ecological care?
A Different Perspective

Apoliticalism can be seen as a form of passive complicity, limiting impact.

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