What I Learned about Christianity from the Druids

Abstract

The phenomenal growth rate of Pagan religions has attracted little attention from missiologists, not to mention the Christian community in general. Only recently has the academy recognized its growing interest among scholars, and some publishers are dedicating volumes, if not series, to Pagan Studies. The religious milieu of contemporary Western society provides an environment of pluralism, leading to the legitimization of religious others. This religious free-market has precipitated transfers of religious loyalty. As such, Christianity should be open to the criticism that it receives from outsiders, as well as former insiders, in order to hear and learn from their perceptions. As Western Christianity is increasingly considered inadequate in answering the questions of post-Christian Western culture, Paganism is positioned as a new religious movement that addresses spirituality in a manner that meets the desires of the contemporary West. Western Christianity needs to consider how it is viewed by Christian and religious others in order to address the spiritual needs of the post-Christian West. The purpose of this article is to present current research on one Pagan religion's perception of Christianity. While the perception exists that the dominant position of Christianity has placed it above the criticism of religious others, it is important for Christianity to humble itself and listen to others express their concerns and frustrations. The article begins with a definition of contemporary Druidry. Then, utilizing ethnographic data, the article presents some contemporary practitioners' views of Christianity. Finally, the article outlines three lessons about Christianity that can be drawn from the Druids.