Note: This response is not written by an academic with an extensive background in research. Instead, it's very much written from a playground teacher's "How would you like it if someone did this to you?" logic. Rabbi Wolpe acted like a playground bully, so I am responding to him in my elementary teacher voice. For a more rigorous and scholarly response, I suggest Jason Mankey's "The Return of the Pagan Scapegoat".
In his controversial article "The Return of the Pagans," David Wolpe presents a grossly outdated view of Paganism, reminiscent of using ancient, archaic practices to define an entirely modern faith. This approach is not just intellectually negligent; it borders on the absurd.
Imagine a parallel universe where The Atlantic publishes an article written by a Pagan spiritual leader who declares Judaism is solely defined by ancient, bewildering rituals – telling millions of readers that modern Jews still practice animal sacrifices or smear blood on doorposts during Passover. Outlandish, right? This is precisely the skewed lens through which Wolpe views modern Paganism.
Wolpe's depiction of Pagans as primitive, magic-obsessed individuals is as ludicrous as portraying today's Jewish population as ancient Hebrew militants, zealously engaging in battles and conquests from Biblical times. It's a sensationalist misfire that neglects the rich evolution and current diversity of both faiths.
In the real world, modern Judaism has evolved far beyond its ancient origins, embracing a spectrum of beliefs and practices. Similarly, contemporary Paganism is a mosaic of ecological consciousness, ethical magic, and spiritual growth – a far cry from Wolpe's caricature of archaic rituals and superstitions.
The article's sensational portrayal of Pagans as debauched, uneducated fools who believe in fairies is as insulting as suggesting that modern Jews believe in stoning disobedient children, as per ancient laws. Besides, there's just as much evidence for Yahweh as there is for fairies. Regardless, Wolpe's attack piece is a reckless throwback that muddles outdated truth with modern Hollywood fiction, disrespecting the spiritual journey of countless individuals in our community.
In sum, "The Return of the Pagans" is a hyperboblic-at-best piece that misses the mark. It trades accuracy for shock value -- and ad revenue -- painting a picture of Paganism that's as absurdly outdated as the notion of modern Jews living by the exact letter of Levitical law. Such misrepresentations don't just spread misinformation; they fuel the fires of religious ignorance and intolerance that will only harm the reputation of both our faiths.
A rabbi should know better.
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