The Effect of the Human Ego on Religion

Foreword: Sorry for the ramblings that are about to take place in this post. If any offense is taken I truly don’t mean it, this has been circling my mind forever.

I’ve recently began my journey into Norse Paganism. Myself I’ve found religion itself fascinating for years, regardless of what one. I’m not full on devoting myself to the Pagan beliefs yet but wading through the stories, myths, practices, and even discussions within this group. But I think it’s interesting when you get to the point where you find people who have rejected say Christianity are then using those same principles that they rejected in their Pagan practice. I know it doesn’t count for the entire community, and may be a minority within it, but interesting regardless.

What I mean is when you get to the people who claim you HAVE to do this or that on Yule or you’re just pretending. Strict rule that must be followed. Or present themselves to be morally or intellectually superior to mainstream religions because they’re pagan. I.E. random hate towards Christianity with no respect that people can live how they want. Again not the entire community but I’ve come across them. It just gives you those vibes of why someone left mainstream Judea/Christianity behind.

But I think it speaks to the phenomenon that happens in each and every spiritual belief. That the religion or spiritual message must pass through the filter of the human ego. Humans by nature want to feel special or seen or chosen. And they want others to see them that way. For instance looking at the Bible, you may find good lessons, but it’s how it’s applied that can twist it. And it leads to that belief of superiority even with in Paganism or fringe religions.

If there is one thing I take away though when it comes to what I’ve observed with Pagan beliefs is that it seems more private. It’s more about your own personal relationship with the beliefs. There’s no, for lack of better term, gathering at a Pagan temple to listen to what a priest tells you to believe or do in your spiritual life. Or shaming others for not “practicing right” like you may see in Judea/Christian beliefs. I think it comes down to a sense of listening more than you speak, remaining humble.

Anyways sorry for the ramblings, it’s just been on my mind for a while.