Good questions for interviewing someone of Paganism beliefs and values?
19. Apr, 2010 
5 Comments
I am a junior in High-school and for my communications class I am required to profile someone from a culture I'm not a part of. I chose Neo-Paganism and I have set up an interview with a local shop owner. I'm under the impression that he is of the branch of ancient Pagan Reconstructionism known as Celtic Resconstructionism. Can anyone give me a few good ideas for questions to ask during the interview?
Thank you!
Ask him his personal views on other pagan religions, like does he respect outsider gods/spirits (for example, regional Native American religion might believe the spirits are disrespected if liquor is poured on the ground, which might be part of a ritual for him… would he adapt to pour it in fire to him, or is he indifferent to outsider spirits.) What are his views on non-reconstructionists like Wiccans and other eclectics. How much of a role does unsubstantiated personal gnosis play in his religious practices?
I’ll link to a Celtic Reconstructionism FAQ, if you’d think that would help you prepare.
Depends on whether you want information out of him (which is the point of an interview), to have a debate and really question him (which could be done properly, though doubt it), or to just trash his beliefs.
Ask him what it is….how it differes from Christianity (assuming that is your faith, and it is probably the most understood religion in this area of the world)…why he chose it….what makes him certain of his faith (if faith is required)…the basics
For debate questions….why are there not more of your following….what have people argued with you about in regards to your faith….paper or plastic…..or any other variation
Just some brainstorming ideas anyways.
WOW….I had to stop and ask myself If I had forgotten something…..nice to know there are other CR shop owners
The CR Faq that Corey linked you to should give you all the information you need to generate questions.
Just be respectful, and straight foreword, and everything should be fine.
First, be respectful and make sure you listen with an open mind. Make sure before you begin that he understands what your intentions are – to write a story.
Questions:
How does he think of himself and his faith?
What does he call his beliefs?
How did he arrive at them?
How was he raised? In a religious home or not? If religious, what one and why di it not satisfy him?
How do others view him and interact with him?
Other questions will come to mind as you talk. Again, listen well. Often when you ask a question if you remain silent for a few moments after the answer comes, people will elaborate, add more on their own.
And if he tells you something but asks you not quote him or not use it, honor that request.
Well, since you’re interviewing someone from a different cultural group, and you’ve probably got someone limited time/space for your results (you said profile, not a book), the things you should probably focus on are macro-level details. Find out, on a high level, what are some of the defining characteristics of CR.
Start with asking for a brief overview of what CR is. Ask about what deities there are, and which he follows. Find out what the major holidays are. Ask about what practices he does. Ask what the most important values/virtues/qualities are, from a CR perspective. Maybe even ask about the stories that it’s based on – CR doesn’t have a Bible, per se, but is based off of a number of stories that survived over the years (and some other sources.) Ask if he’s got anything in particular he’d like to talk about, in regards to CR. Maybe even ask about what he dislikes the most – what’s the biggest pain in the neck, etc. And, if you’ve got time, ask about what sets it apart – why pick CR, for instance, and not something else?
Hopefully, the answers he gives will either provide you with enough info, or give some spots to ask good follow-ups. He might not answer every question – some folks consider the details personal, so make sure you both understand that he’s got the option to say “I’d rather not discuss it.”
Anyway, good luck – sounds like you’ve got an excellent opportunity there, and, hopefully, an excellent article.