Review
of a Pagan Ethics book by Emma Restall Orr
Living
With Honour
Living With
Honour; a Pagan Ethics by Emma Restall Orr
O Books, 2007
S24.99, 360 p
Paganism/Philosophy
Emma Restall Orr has created a deep and moving philosophy of a Pagan
ethics in all its subtle complexities. She has drawn on more than
two decades of in-depth knowledge of philosophy and the history of
Paganism to lay out the fundamental fabric for a pragmatic and
respectful ethics of Pagan life.
No mean feat, this book covers every aspect of Pagan ethics drawing
on the wisdom of philosophers including Plato, Kant, Schopenhauer
and Wittgenstein, the rhythm of daily life and Restall Orr’s own
personal experiences.
Determined to leave no stone unturned, Restall Orr begins with the
Pagan focus on creating a sustainable relationship with nature, and
from their branches out into all other aspects of ethics an
morality, from the value of life to suicide and euthanasia, from
loyalty and honor to intuition and conscience.
“Instead of drowning in the sea, or trying to hold back the tide, we
learn to swim with its current. We listen to what nature suggests is
feasible, and when knowingly we push against that, wanting a little
more, we don’t complain or look for someone to blame when nature
comes crashing in.”
The book is not mere dry philosophy, it is interwoven with the
glistening threads of real life experience of life as a Pagan, and
these breathe extra life and meaning into its profound insights.
This is a book for Pagans who define Paganism as synonymous with
non-conformity and acceptance of the differences of being, and for
non-Pagans who are searching for a meaningful, practical ethics that
is very relevant to our time. For anyone concerned about ethics in
today’s often confusing world, this book is a homecoming.
Emma Restall Orr is a druid, poet and author. She is a spokesperson
for Druidry in the media as head of the international Druid Network,
Chief of the Order of the Yew, and former Joint Chief of the British
Druid Order. She teaches courses worldwide, and lectures at
universities and conferences on Druidry, environmentalism, healing,
and women's spirituality. Emma also founded Honoring the Ancient
Dead, an advocacy group for ancient British human remains, looking
at how they are and should be treated by archaeologists, museums and
other heritage bodies. She is the author of a number of other books
including, Spirits of the Sacred Grove, Principles of Druidry and
Ritual : A Guide to Life, Love and Inspiration.
Review by
Corinna Underwood
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