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TechnographPagan students should come together in new assocation
By Tamilia Reid, Guest Columnist
Posted: 8/21/07 Section: Opinion Columns
When the sheer size of the campus and all the diversity that the University's size implies is combined with the fact that there is an active Pagan community in the greater Champaign-Urbana area, it becomes obvious that the absence of a Pagan student organization is a great discredit to the University.
The University, according to the list of student organizations available on the Student Activities & Programs Office Web site, currently has Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus among its ranks. Given that Paganism is a growing spiritual path which boasts adherents from many walks of life, I say Pagans can and should leap in and join the party!
In that spirit, I propose that Pagan students on campus - who are so inclined - come together for fellowship, knowledge-sharing, and celebration. From that togetherness may spring a bona fide Pagan Students Association capable of harnessing the great diversity of the UIUC campus and the passion of the greater Champaign-Urbana Pagan community!
Enthusiastically, I enter the University community with my Pagan spiritual convictions in tow. I invite UIUC Pagans and Pagan-friendly individuals to contact me if you are interested in building community on campus. I can be reached at psaatuiuc@gmail.com.
Blessed be!
The University, according to the list of student organizations available on the Student Activities & Programs Office Web site, currently has Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus among its ranks. Given that Paganism is a growing spiritual path which boasts adherents from many walks of life, I say Pagans can and should leap in and join the party!
In that spirit, I propose that Pagan students on campus - who are so inclined - come together for fellowship, knowledge-sharing, and celebration. From that togetherness may spring a bona fide Pagan Students Association capable of harnessing the great diversity of the UIUC campus and the passion of the greater Champaign-Urbana Pagan community!
Enthusiastically, I enter the University community with my Pagan spiritual convictions in tow. I invite UIUC Pagans and Pagan-friendly individuals to contact me if you are interested in building community on campus. I can be reached at psaatuiuc@gmail.com.
Blessed be!
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Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 16
JMD
posted 8/21/07 @ 1:28 PM CST
I really wish "Pagans" would be more forthcoming and refer to themselves as "neo-Pagans." Your religion began in the 20th century and is based on American counter-culture. (Continued…)
DMM
posted 8/21/07 @ 2:20 PM CST
Most Pagans understand that they are Neo-Pagans; some will use that terminology others just use the term "Pagan" out of convenience. Nobody is trying to hide anything or not "owe up" to anything. (Continued…)
Tamilia
posted 8/21/07 @ 4:51 PM CST
Hello! I am glad that this article has sparked discussion. I will admit the the definition of Paganism that I gave in the article is not comprehensive, but I felt it was a good start. (Continued…)
Stranger
posted 8/21/07 @ 10:47 PM CST
I'm happy to own up to being a modern pagan, or neo-pagan, or whatever, but my religion is not based on American counter-culture. I'm a Hellenic polytheist and my religion is rooted in the traditions of the ancient Greeks. (Continued…)
Jwulfsong
Wulfsong
posted 8/22/07 @ 9:31 PM CST
I was glad to see this article linked on Wren's Nest news (http://www.witchvox.com/xwrensnest.html. Witchvox is a great resource for anyone wanting basic information about 'Paganism" modern or otherwise. (Continued…)
Katmandu
posted 8/23/07 @ 2:31 AM CST
Hey, I had pagan-ish leanings even as a little kid. Only when I read some book a friend lent me in highschool did I learn that what I was thinking even had a name. (Continued…)
Raymond Wiley
posted 8/23/07 @ 10:00 AM CST
Maybe it's time to stop talking about it and form a student group. If you need help, just reach out.
Best of luck,
Raymond Wiley
UGA Pagan Student Association
Athens, GA
ugapagans@gmail. (Continued…)
Old Illini
Old Illini
posted 8/27/07 @ 10:19 AM CST
Discrimination if they get any University funding! If they do, then I demand equal funding to erct a temple to the the ancient Egyptian crocodile god, Sobek. (Continued…)
angela
posted 8/30/07 @ 11:19 PM CST
Please create a RSO for pagans!!!!!! :) I'm really excited that people are thinking of this. I was really disappointed when I could find nothing about paganism in uiuc's list of rsos. (Continued…)
Tamilia
posted 9/10/07 @ 12:58 PM CST
I don't know if anyone is still following this article's commentary but we are now an official registered student organization! Our first meeting is taking place on Wednesday, September 12th at 6:00pm. (Continued…)
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