Hi, I'm having a problem. Someone at school saw me going on a Pagan site and they kinda shouted "Pagan?! That's a cult!" And when I tried to explain that it wasn't, they didn't really believe me. And lately, people have been ignoring me or have been uncomfortable around me. My friends are pretty supportive but they're all Christians/Catholics/Muslims and they don't really like it when I talk about Wicca.
How do I explain it to them? I don't really know where to start because really, it's not like Paganism can be explained in a paragraph. Well, maybe it can be summarized but how? I'm not sure what I should tell them and what I shouldn't, some of them have never even heard of the words 'Pagan' and 'Wiccan'.
Each time I try to explain that Pagans aren't all evil, they tell me "Oh, what about Druids? They sacrificed humans!" and since I'm not very knowledgeable of Druidism, I don't really know how to answer that. Of course, I know they don't grab random people off the streets and feed them to the Devil, no way do they do that but that seems to be what most people think.
I tried telling them that Witches weren't wiped from the face of the Earth and that Druids weren't all gone but I really have no idea how to explain and where to start.

So my question is:
HOW DO I EXPLAIN PAGANISM IN A NUTSHELL?

I'm sorry to hear you are facing problems and the others here. can help out too. I get looks I do stand out I am in black all time.. I don' hide my ring..I do try to explain when the subject comes up..that no we don't worship the devil or eat children or sacrifice the either.. we harm no one..but don't do like Laethaween one time and go against a nutcase.. and go Balistic(and I did)I should of just walked away.(you know I am little crazy) and know even after you explain what you do and don't there are people who have a fixed opinion and nothing going to change there mind. so as the others here talk to you. All I can say be the best model pagan you can be hold your head up.( and yes it can be lonely but that is why your here.

There is no use trying to explain to some people. The fact that they snooped into what web sites you were in and then comented on it shows that they were just looking for some one to run down to boost their own low self esteem. If it hadn't been your religion, it would have been your clothes, your hairstyle or the color of your skin. You can't explain any one's belief system in a few words. I know it's hard but try not to feel defensive. Closed minds are never very bright so be patient with them. Stick to the friends who support you. It may help you to know that Wicca is excepted as a valid religion by the U.S armed forces. As for people with closed minds remember;
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig.

I can't get pass the part They Shouted?
That ego problem..Sheesh!(you know I crazy...stick with your support group!)
US![ninja][ninja]

......Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig...ha!

I agree with conjurwise....I feel NO NEED to explain to anyone what I believe or defend it to anyone either ~ they will not hear you anyway....seems it is just a way for them to make UPSET...period!
A Wise Person knows when to keep quiet with what they hold sacred!

My daughters had that problem in school. My oldest is now in college, more open minded people there. My youngest is still in high school. The way that she deals with problems like yours is one person at a time she educates on Wicca and the Craft. She does tarot for her friends on occasion only, because once it starts EVERYBODY wants a reading. We live in the Bible Belt and in a small town. In the seven years we've lived up here I've only had to go into the school once over religion.

[wink]Chin up and one at a time

I know what u're goin through. I disided my junior year in high school 2 b open about bing a witch. I carried books around & told people straight up. Kids made fun & yes even teachers. ( u goin 2 curse me if u get a bad grade & laugh in my face.) So kids wanted 2 know more & understand. So did care at all & some have been lookin into it themself. If u're friends make fun their no friends. Ive learned that the hard way. Good Luck hon

Haha, yeah, I guess pigs just can't sing. It's not that I really mind the mean looks and comments but I just don't know how to shut up when people pick on Pagans. The important thing is that we know we don't eat the eye of newt and toe of frog, right?

Ewwww! why would you eat an eye and a toe?[lol][lol][lol]

Cause it's covered in grease! [lol][lol][lol]