"Honestly, I think that it's probably misleading for students of the
Neo-Pagan movement to fault the Neo-Pagan movement's adaptations of
terms from other languages or historical cultural sources as *dumb.* The
Neo-Pagan movement has followed and continues to follow its own
imperatives, not those of academic scholarship. Liturgical, and maybe
theological, needs take precedence over strict academic precision vis a
vis the origin languages of those terms."
On the other hand, I think it's important to be thoughtful and mindful
in one's practice whether the culture one appropriates is vibrant now or
part of the past. Otherwise we all become Humpty-Dumptys and it leads to
confusion. People who rummage for "olde" words do run the risk of
offence and misunderstanding (just ask someone of Apache lineage about
the novel "Hanto Yo").
To make an outrageous example, I can freely choose to call my goddess
"Jesus Christ," but it would lead to a lot of understandable confusion.
Admittedly that example will lead to a lot more confusion that
converting "dryhten" to a female (which will offend and confuse few),
but the principle's the same.
One purpose of learning is to amend previous errors in thinking. As a
scholar and a pagan, I find it important to hold myself to the highest
standards in both respects. However, what other people choose to do is
their business and far beyond my duties. I have no desire to become some
kind of linguistic police officer! (insert video sequence with shiny
badge, tickets and cool motor scooter)
But someone asked about the origins and I'm happy to share my expertise.
Everyone is just as free to discount this information and do as they
like. That's the beauty of life.
Kate
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