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The MAGA movement has reshaped the political and cultural landscape of the country I once loved in ways that many find alarming. Trump’s reign began in Charlottesville, Virginia with Nazis marching on and murdering American citizens on American soil. This cult embraces behaviors that are antithetical to the basic human values of respect, honesty, and moral integrity.
Over the years since Trump’s ascension, I’ve watched people whom I used to think had morals and values embrace his cult of hatred. The irony is that conservative Christians who claim to be the moral barometer for this country have instead become cruel tyrants devoid of values. Actions and attitudes they once widely condemned—mocking the disabled, cheating on your wife, befriending pedophiles, humility, and the erosion of honor and character—have become normalized in the MAGA Cult. This cultural shift has led many to question: how did we stray so far from fundamental decency? And more importantly, how can we find our way back?
It’s obvious that Christianity as practiced in America has failed. Conservative Christians now deride and decry the moral values they once claimed to uphold. For those seeking a different spiritual framework to guide their lives, Pagan mysticism and Druidry offer teachings rooted in respect, reverence, community, and personal growth. These paths remind us that cultivating honor and character is not only vital for personal well-being but also for the collective health of society.
The Erosion of Basic Human Values
One of the MAGA movement’s most visible impacts is its dismissal of behaviors that were once deemed unacceptable. When Trump mocked a handicapped reporter, his candidacy should have been over. This was merely the first in a long line of morally bankrupt incidents that have shocked and disheartened many Americans who still cling to human decency. Such actions would have once ended careers or destroyed reputations. Today, they are brushed aside or even celebrated by MAGA as demonstrations of “telling it like it is.”
Similarly, infidelity and dishonesty—behaviors antithetical to the idea of personal integrity that conservative Christians once claimed to hold dear—have been excused or minimized. Leaders whose actions betray a lack of character have been elevated, setting a troubling example for younger generations.
By supporting a man who brags about grabbing women by the genitals, we have taught our sons that such behavior is perfectly acceptable. We have taught our daughters to expect men to behave that way. By supporting a man with bone spurs who mocks our veterans and our military, we have taught our sons and our daughters that members of our armed services don’t deserve our respect or gratitude. By supporting a man who cuddles up with global terrorists like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, we have taught our children that democracy is a joke and that they should worship dictators and tyrants instead. Glorifying such behaviors sends a clear message: winning and power matter more and are more important than honor or decency. In other words, the only “values” the MAGA Cult has is their need to “own the libtards.” Sadly for them, the only people they are “owning” are themselves.
Pagan Mysticism and Druidry: Reclaiming Our Values
Some of these values include:
- Respect for Diversity
At the heart of most forms of Paganism and Druidry is a reverence for diversity—in nature, humanity, and thought. The natural world thrives on diversity, and so does human society. Our diversity is our strength. Mocking or marginalizing those who are different erodes the rich tapestry of life and hastens the demise of our society. Pagan mysticism and Druidry teach us to honor the unique contributions of every individual, recognizing that diversity strengthens both ecosystems and communities. - Reverence for Nature
Both Paganism and Druidry center on a deep connection to the Earth and to all of nature. This reverence reminds us of the interconnectedness of all life, nurturing a sense of responsibility not just for the environment but for each other as well. A society disconnected from this truth becomes vulnerable to exploitation, cruelty, and self-centeredness, traits that are often celebrated in movements prioritizing power over harmony like the MAGA Cult. - Service to the Community
Pagan and Druidic traditions emphasize the importance of service. In ancient times, Druids were advisors, mediators, and healers. These roles were deeply tied to the well-being of their communities. Modern adherents to Druidry continue this legacy, striving to contribute positively to our surroundings and to our communities. The MAGA movement’s focus on individual personal gain at the expense of societal well-being often contradicts this principle, encouraging division instead of collaboration. Far too often with the MAGA Cult, the cruelty is the point. And a cruel society is a society destined to fall. - Personal and Spiritual Growth
Central to most forms of Paganism is the concept of personal growth, which includes developing honor and character. True growth requires introspection, humility, and the willingness to learn from one’s mistakes. A culture that normalizes dishonesty and cruelty stifles this growth, replacing it with the shallow pursuit of external validation.
It is obvious that in America at least, Judeo-Christian values have failed us. In the face of this moral decline, ancient spiritual traditions like Pagan mysticism and Druidry offer a beacon of hope. These paths emphasize values that can guide us back to a more ethical and compassionate way of life.
Bridging the Divide
While the values espoused by Pagan mysticism and Druidry may seem distant from modern politics, in reality, they offer us timeless lessons that can help us rebuild a society that is grounded in compassion and integrity rather than cruelty and hatred. These spiritual paths encourage us to:
- Model Respect: By treating all people with dignity, regardless of their abilities, beliefs, culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual identity, or background.
- Live Honorably: By aligning actions with values, even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular. Don’t tell me what your values are; show me what your values are by the way you live.
- Build Community: By encouraging connections that transcend political divides and focus on shared humanity through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Path Forward
The normalization of behaviors like mocking the disabled, excusing infidelity, having a decades-long relationship with pedophiles, or dishonoring our military veterans reflects a deeper societal crisis. America is sick to its core. We are no longer a society that values human decency. Reclaiming basic human values requires more than political change; it demands a cultural and spiritual awakening. Pagan mysticism and Druidry remind us that a better world begins within. We must change ourselves before we can change the world. The first step in that change is to remove the hatred from our souls. The next step is to remove the hatred from our culture and our country.
By reconnecting with these ancient teachings, we can rediscover the importance of respect, reverence, and personal integrity. In doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a more compassionate and honorable society—one that values character over power and community over division.
Let’s hope the timeless lessons of Druidry and Pagan mysticism guide us as we enter an era in desperate need of decency and hope. Together, we can reclaim the values that make us truly human. We have a long road ahead. It will take us decades to undo the damage done by Trump and his MAGA Cult, but the only way we can succeed is to start by working together, in unity.
Share Your Thoughts on the MAGA Cult!
Has America lost its way? Do we need a new set of values? Share your thoughts in the comments below!