How successful was St. Patrick and other early Christians in wiping out Pagans?
St. Patrick and later King Arthur and his knights were accredited with riding Ireland and Britain of the “snakes” and “dragons,” symbols for Pagans. What many do not realize is that those “snakes’ and “dragons” were people, rural peasants that lived and followed the beliefs of their ancestors. Their only crime was not believing in the same God as the Christians.
Their actions have been idealized and have become legends, myths retold in “fairy tales” and in movies and television shows. Holidays, parades, and celebrations abound across the world in honor of these acts. But how successful were they really?
Paganism has survived to this day! Druidism has even become a government-recognized religion in Britain. The truth is, some of the kings and aristocracy converted to Christianity, but most of the peasants, especially those that lived in the country, retained their beliefs. Some of the ancient views were adopted or integrated into Christian celebrations: Christmas coincides with Yule, Halloween, Easter coincides with the Spring Equinox celebration, etc. Some of the pagan gods were connected to Christian saints: Brigit (Brighid), St. Nicholas, etc.
Many used conversion of “heathens” as an excuse to get revenge against others (Salem Witch Trials), to get rid of enemies (Joan of Arc, Inquisition), to discredit opponents (Salem Witch Trials, even the Red Scare in the States), and to pillage and steal (the Crusades).
This in no way is to criticize the early Christians. Part of the reasons behind their actions was their complete and utter belief in their religion. It was their job to spread the word and to save those that had not heard or had not had the sense to save themselves. When Columbus landed in South America, he was not gentle in overcoming the “natives”. When the pilgrims landed in America, they did not readily embrace the “natives”, they set out to convert them, to get them to realize the barbarity of their ways of life and life more civillized like them. During the Crusades, bored fighters would hit villages and take whatever they could find.
So, whatever the reason for the atrocities, the reality is that paganism did not die. They just went underground with their faith. It would be nice to say that we have risen above the pettiness of our ancestors, but the truth is many major religions today are as equally as closed-minded as their forefathers. We must remember that today, and back then as well, the actions of the “many” do not reflect the beliefs or feelings of the “few”. Those that garner the most attention are seldom the majority in their beliefs. Have an open-mind, give everyone a chance to life their lives and honor whichever god(s) that they choose.
http://historymedren.about.com/od/paganism/Paganism_in_Medieval_Times.htm
lorageneva 