2008 Woodie Awards
MU garners attention over Pagan recognition
Justin Hawthorne
Issue date: 9/3/08 Section: News
Marshall University's recognition of Paganism has garnered media attention on a national level and abroad.
Paganism is a religious movement that consists of many different religions such as Wicca, the mystical traditions of Kabbalism, Native American shamanistic traditions and religions from the African Diaspora like Voodoo. Last year, Marshall recognized pagan holidays as a reason for excused absences, producing a great deal of interest.
"I conducted a search a few weeks after the articles hit and found that while there was some small negative response, the overwhelming response was very positive from people of all religions and none," said Marty Laubach, professor of sociology and faculty advisor to the Marshall University Pagan Association said. "The story was picked up internationally. It was seen as an example of American openness and religious pluralism."
The Associated Press article on this subject circulated the Internet and has been posted to such news sites as The New York Times, USA Today and the International Herald Tribune.
"I think it's kind of strange, all the attention it's gotten," said Charlie House, a Marshall University sophomore. "In Marshall recognizing pagan holidays, they were just giving people who follow pagan religions what they were due."
House, while not a pagan himself, said it is essential for his friends who share these beliefs to get the same respect as followers of other faiths.
Sarah Lane, a self-proclaimed pagan at Marshall, said she thinks it was a perfectly logical decision to recognize Paganism as it is a recognized religion just as any other.
"I hope that the hype brings a sort of trend in universities to at least allow a blanket policy that would include paganism," Lane said. "To me it is a matter of equality."
Even though Marshall's decision to recognize pagan holidays seems to receive an overall positive response, Laubach said he fears it could shed a negative light on West Virginia."I think that perception of West Virginia is a double-edged sword regarding our recognition of paganism," Laubach said. "On the one hand, some people might criticize us as backwards and superstitious for recognizing paganism."
On the other hand, Laubach said, American Neopaganism is one of the fastest growing religions in the country, according to his statistics.
This growing population of pagans has shown an overwhelming appreciation for Marshall's dean of student affairs, Steve Hensley on the Internet. They said that Marshall's acceptance of paganism is a step in the right direction for religious freedom.
"I certainly hope this recognition will help pagans feel as though they have a place that is accepting of who they are," said House. "After all, finding the acceptance you never had is what college is all about, right?"
Justin Hawthorne can be contacted at hawthorne2@marshall.edu.
Paganism is a religious movement that consists of many different religions such as Wicca, the mystical traditions of Kabbalism, Native American shamanistic traditions and religions from the African Diaspora like Voodoo. Last year, Marshall recognized pagan holidays as a reason for excused absences, producing a great deal of interest.
"I conducted a search a few weeks after the articles hit and found that while there was some small negative response, the overwhelming response was very positive from people of all religions and none," said Marty Laubach, professor of sociology and faculty advisor to the Marshall University Pagan Association said. "The story was picked up internationally. It was seen as an example of American openness and religious pluralism."
The Associated Press article on this subject circulated the Internet and has been posted to such news sites as The New York Times, USA Today and the International Herald Tribune.
"I think it's kind of strange, all the attention it's gotten," said Charlie House, a Marshall University sophomore. "In Marshall recognizing pagan holidays, they were just giving people who follow pagan religions what they were due."
House, while not a pagan himself, said it is essential for his friends who share these beliefs to get the same respect as followers of other faiths.
Sarah Lane, a self-proclaimed pagan at Marshall, said she thinks it was a perfectly logical decision to recognize Paganism as it is a recognized religion just as any other.
"I hope that the hype brings a sort of trend in universities to at least allow a blanket policy that would include paganism," Lane said. "To me it is a matter of equality."
Even though Marshall's decision to recognize pagan holidays seems to receive an overall positive response, Laubach said he fears it could shed a negative light on West Virginia."I think that perception of West Virginia is a double-edged sword regarding our recognition of paganism," Laubach said. "On the one hand, some people might criticize us as backwards and superstitious for recognizing paganism."
On the other hand, Laubach said, American Neopaganism is one of the fastest growing religions in the country, according to his statistics.
This growing population of pagans has shown an overwhelming appreciation for Marshall's dean of student affairs, Steve Hensley on the Internet. They said that Marshall's acceptance of paganism is a step in the right direction for religious freedom.
"I certainly hope this recognition will help pagans feel as though they have a place that is accepting of who they are," said House. "After all, finding the acceptance you never had is what college is all about, right?"
Justin Hawthorne can be contacted at hawthorne2@marshall.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
Andi Lamont
posted 9/04/08 @ 1:13 AM EST
This was a very nice article, except for one thing: "Sarah Lane, a self-proclaimed pagan at Marshall," The 'self proclaimed' part is a little odd, you wouldn't say for example 'Mr. (Continued…)
Yvonne
posted 9/05/08 @ 6:45 AM EST
Why would anyone criticise MU for being "backward and superstitious" for recognising Pagan festivals?
I would have thought the mystical traditions of Kabbala (a Jewish tradition) would be rather surprised at being described as Pagans (though there is some overlap, e. (Continued…)
Kagil
posted 9/08/08 @ 10:13 PM EST
I was wondering about the 'self proclaimed pagan' thing to. lol It is very odd. I don't recall seeing 'self proclaimed mormon' or 'self proclaimed jew' lately. (Continued…)
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