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“The belief filter acts so strongly that it usually allows in only information you already believe to be true. Contradictory information is either ignored, explained away, or rejected.”
― Joyce Higginbotham, Paganism: An Introduction to Earth- Centered Religions

“Most world religions also teach that human nature is flawed, and that there is something fundamentally wrong with all human beings that must be corrected in order to reach that religion’s idea of salvation or enlightenment. This wrongness may be called original sin or ego or desire or free will or any other of a number of names, but the existence and overcoming of this inherent wrongness is the basis of the spiritual practices, sacraments, and ethics practiced by their members.”
― Joyce Higginbotham, Paganism: An Introduction to Earth- Centered Religions

“Pagans who take the time to develop their philosophy about how beliefs operate are more easily able to view beliefs and belief systems—including mythologies, religions, governments, cultural taboos, and corporate philosophies—with objectivity. When you are not emotionally bound to a belief, you are able to explore the direct relationship between it and the type of world that has been or can be built from it. Armed with this insight, you can then choose the beliefs that best work for you and the kind of reality you want to experience. Your objectivity will also allow you to examine your beliefs whenever you wish to see if they are meeting your expectations, and if not, to begin to change them.”
― Joyce Higginbotham, Paganism: An Introduction to Earth- Centered Religions

“Most Pagan traditions stress personal responsibility and put the burden of developing spiritual practices, beliefs, and ethics on to the individual”
― Joyce Higginbotham, Paganism: An Introduction to Earth- Centered Religions