Originally Posted On -- September 12th, 2009.
"As it is necessary to affix right ideas to words, I will, before I proceed further into the subject, offer some other observations on the word revelation. Revelation, when applied to religion, means something communicated immediately from God to man.
No one will deny or dispute the power of the Almighty to make such a communication, if he pleases. But admitting, for the sake of a case, that something has been revealed to a certain person, and not revealed to any other person, it is revelation to that person only. When he tells it to a second person, a second to a third, a third to a fourth, and so on, it ceases to be a revelation to all those persons. It is revelation to the first person only, and hearsay to every other, and consequently they are not obliged to believe it.
It is a contradiction in terms and ideas, to call anything a revelation that comes to us at second-hand, either verbally or in writing. Revelation is necessarily limited to the first communication — after this, it is only an account of something which that person says was a revelation made to him; and though he may find himself obliged to believe it, it cannot be incumbent on me to believe it in the same manner; for it was not a revelation made to me, and I have only his word for it that it was made to him.
When Moses told the children of Israel that he received the two tables of the commandments from the hands of God, they were not obliged to believe him, because they had no other authority for it than his telling them so; and I have no other authority for it than some historian telling me so. The commandments carry no internal evidence of divinity with them; they contain some good moral precepts, such as any man qualified to be a lawgiver, or a legislator, could produce himself, without having recourse to supernatural intervention.
When I am told that the Koran was written in Heaven and brought to Mahomet by an angel, the account comes too near the same kind of hearsay evidence and second-hand authority as the former. I did not see the angel myself, and, therefore, I have a right not to believe it.
When also I am told that a woman called the Virgin Mary, said, or gave out, that she was with child without any cohabitation with a man, and that her betrothed husband, Joseph, said that an angel told him so, I have a right to believe them or not; such a circumstance required a much stronger evidence than their bare word for it; but we have not even this — for neither Joseph nor Mary wrote any such matter themselves; it is only reported by others that they said so — it is hearsay upon hearsay, and I do not choose to rest my belief upon such evidence.
It is, however, not difficult to account for the credit that was given to the story of Jesus Christ being the son of God. He was born when the heathen mythology had still some fashion and repute in the world, and that mythology had prepared the people for the belief of such a story. Almost all the extraordinary men that lived under the heathen mythology were reputed to be the sons of some of their gods. It was not a new thing, at that time, to believe a man to have been celestially begotten; the intercourse of gods with women was then a matter of familiar opinion. Their Jupiter, according to their accounts, had cohabited with hundreds: the story, therefore, had nothing in it either new, wonderful, or obscene; it was conformable to the opinions that then prevailed among the people called Gentiles, or Mythologists, and it was those people only that believed it. The Jews who had kept strictly to the belief of one God, and no more, and who had always rejected the heathen mythology, never credited the story."
- Thomas Paine (The Age Of Reason.) --- http://www.ushistory.org/Paine/reason/reason1.htm
He also wrote An Essay on the Origin of Free-Masonry (1803-1805), about the Bible being allegorical myth describing astrology:
"The Christian religion is a parody on the worship of the sun, in which they put a man called Christ in the place of the sun, and pay him the adoration originally payed to the sun."
The Buddha has been quoted as saying:
"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense."
"One man's theology is another man's belly laugh."
Robert A. Heinlein - American Novelist and Sci-Fi Writer 1907-1988
So I posted all that, that probably no one will bother to read, to post this.
"It is a contradiction in terms and ideas, to call anything a revelation that comes to us at second-hand, either verbally or in writing. Revelation is necessarily limited to the first communication — after this, it is only an account of something which that person says was a revelation made to him; and though he may find himself obliged to believe it, it cannot be incumbent on me to believe it in the same manner; for it was not a revelation made to me, and I have only his word for it that it was made to him." - Thomas Paine
that was a small snippet from the quotes I quoted.
it's quoted because it makes a valid point, "revelations" made from one person to another is simply hearsay, it was a "revelation" to that first person only and hearsay to the 2nd, 3rd, fourth.
so why should we take religions such as Christianity and Islam seriously? they are heavily influenced by "revelations" in their holy texts and doctrines, when in reality their "revelations" are nothing more than second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. hand "hearsay" kinda like a Chinese telephone game we only have the first persons word for it that they received revelation, they could be lying.
If we don't allow "hearsay" testimony in our modern day courts, why do we allow it to dictate our religious persuasions and ideology?
Monday, January 31, 2011
Reasoning About "Faith" and "Revelation":
Originally Posted On -- April 19th, 2009.
First let me start off by saying that I am a person with Theistic beliefs, though my view point may be a bit unorthodox compared to the majority of people who may read this. I am not going to go off on a tangent about what I believe right now, because that would take away from the point of this writing piece, suffice it to say if you are interested you can go back and look through my previous content to find out the specifics of my personal spiritual and religious beliefs if you so choose.
I am writing this to no particular audience, no specific religious sect or anything like that, I am writing this to a general audience who may enjoy religious and philosophical debates and discussions. It is my hope not to sway anyone away from or towards a specific way of thinking, but only maybe to find common ground wherever it is to be found.
Awhile back I was driving along and came across a sign for a local church, and that sign read “Reason is the enemy of faith.” Now, this made me feel dejected in the human condition because I don’t feel that reason should be the enemy of faith, I think the ideas of having faith in a supreme power and a set of beliefs can go hand in hand with reason. We shouldn’t just go around having blind faith in things taking it at face value, I believe we should use our reasoning to discern the things we believe in and make sure that those beliefs are rational, lest we go around making fools out of ourselves.
Thomas Paine said in his pamphlet “The Age of Reason”:
“I do not mean by this declaration to condemn those who believe otherwise; they have the same right to their belief as I have to mine. But it is necessary to the happiness of man, that he be mentally faithful to himself. Infidelity does not consist in believing, or in disbelieving; it consists in professing to believe what he does not believe.”
And later on he claimed:
“Every national church or religion has established itself by pretending some special mission from God, communicated to certain individuals. The Jews have their Moses; the Christians their Jesus Christ, their apostles and saints; and the Turks their Mahomet, as if the way to God was not open to every man alike.
Each of those churches show certain books, which they call revelation, or the word of God. The Jews say, that their word of God was given by God to Moses, face to face; the Christians say, that their word of God came by divine inspiration: and the Turks say, that their word of God (the Koran) was brought by an angel from Heaven. Each of those churches accuse the other of unbelief; and for my own part, I disbelieve them all.
As it is necessary to affix right ideas to words, I will, before I proceed further into the subject, offer some other observations on the word revelation. Revelation, when applied to religion, means something communicated immediately from God to man.
No one will deny or dispute the power of the Almighty to make such a communication, if he pleases. But admitting, for the sake of a case, that something has been revealed to a certain person, and not revealed to any other person, it is revelation to that person only. When he tells it to a second person, a second to a third, a third to a fourth, and so on, it ceases to be a revelation to all those persons. It is revelation to the first person only, and hearsay to every other, and consequently they are not obliged to believe it.
It is a contradiction in terms and ideas, to call anything a revelation that comes to us at second-hand, either verbally or in writing. Revelation is necessarily limited to the first communication — after this, it is only an account of something which that person says was a revelation made to him; and though he may find himself obliged to believe it, it cannot be incumbent on me to believe it in the same manner; for it was not a revelation made to me, and I have only his word for it that it was made to him.
When Moses told the children of Israel that he received the two tables of the commandments from the hands of God, they were not obliged to believe him, because they had no other authority for it than his telling them so; and I have no other authority for it than some historian telling me so. The commandments carry no internal evidence of divinity with them; they contain some good moral precepts, such as any man qualified to be a lawgiver, or a legislator, could produce himself, without having recourse to supernatural intervention.
When I am told that the Koran was written in Heaven and brought to Mahomet by an angel, the account comes too near the same kind of hearsay evidence and second-hand authority as the former. I did not see the angel myself, and, therefore, I have a right not to believe it.
When also I am told that a woman called the Virgin Mary, said, or gave out, that she was with child without any cohabitation with a man, and that her betrothed husband, Joseph, said that an angel told him so, I have a right to believe them or not; such a circumstance required a much stronger evidence than their bare word for it; but we have not even this — for neither Joseph nor Mary wrote any such matter themselves; it is only reported by others that they said so — it is hearsay upon hearsay, and I do not choose to rest my belief upon such evidence.”
(source: http://www.ushistory.org/Paine/reason/reason1.htm)
The Buddha has been quoted as saying:
“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”
(source: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/buddha122706.html)
A lot of people base their assumptions and their beliefs upon eye witness accounts and ‘revelations” that have been written down as scripture thousands of years ago and passed down though the ages as truth. I’m not talking about only one religion or only one holy text, I am talking about them all as a whole. I have my own faith in my personal set of beliefs and a lot of the time I do utilize these writings to help me better understand the realm of the divine. But, I keep in mind the fact that these writings were written by the hands of men, and since I was not an eyewitness to their “revelation” I must regard much if not all of their writing with a grain or two of salt. That doesn’t mean that what they have written down isn’t useful most certainly on the contrary, a lot of these holy texts have good advice and morals contained in them. Have faith in your chosen holy book and beliefs, but use the common sense and reasoning that the Divine gave you to keep in mind that since you were not around when these people wrote and said these things and all we have are third, fourth, and fifth person accounts that say these things transpired, we should be at least slightly skeptical about their contents. To have faith in something but also to have a nice healthy dash of skepticism about it, is I think rational and reasonable.
This writing is not a call to Atheism, nor is it a call to a certain brand of Theism, this is certainly simply a call to temper your faith (no matter what it is.) with a bit of reason. Why would the divine give us the ability to rationalize and to reason and to have common sense if it did not intend for us humans to ever use it?
If I told you that the President has declared war on the country of Canada, would you simply take me at my word? or try to find out on your own? I think you would try to independently prove it on your own. So then, why would you try to prove something that happened today on your own, yet take the word of what people wrote down and translated some thousands of years ago? Why take them at face value and not myself as well?
I myself could write a book and claim that it was “divine revelation” from a higher power, from either a certain god from a certain religion or from the ultimate supreme Universal-Divine source. Would you be obliged to believe in my “revelations’? Or would you simply write it off as ramblings of a mad man? If it is the former then fair enough, however, if it is the latter, why? Why write my ramblings off as being that of a mad man yet keep those “revelations’ written thousands of years ago as being actually from a Divine source? Is it because those people lived a really, really, really, really, really, long time ago? And now they’re dead and we can’t ask them? What if I died and no one found my “revelations” for a couple hundred years or so, would you believe in them then? I see no difference in a mad mans writings today and the “revelations’ of the writers of the holy texts from a couple thousand years ago or longer. Those books of “revelation” are as same as the ones we find on the bookshelves today the only difference being the passage of time between them.
The Dalai Lama has been quoted as saying:
“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”
“All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives”
“If you have a particular faith or religion, that is good. But you can survive without it.”
(Source: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/dalai_lama.html)
Those quotes are to demonstrate that in addition to Reason: Kindness, Love, understanding, and compassion are all important as well.
We can have blind faith in something and be unwavering and alienate ourselves from the rest of our various communities, Or, We can use reason to temper our collective “faiths” and to show understanding, kindness, and compassion to those who think differently than us. I think that if we do the latter then we can help to better understand one another, and would not be so afraid of our differences, in fact I think that despite our individual differences, we could come together as a people in solidarity if we exercised a little reason, kindness, compassion, and understanding and tempered our “faith” a little bit. Like I said faith is okay, I have no problem with faith, however if faith accompanies these other things then I feel as a people we would be much better for it.
First let me start off by saying that I am a person with Theistic beliefs, though my view point may be a bit unorthodox compared to the majority of people who may read this. I am not going to go off on a tangent about what I believe right now, because that would take away from the point of this writing piece, suffice it to say if you are interested you can go back and look through my previous content to find out the specifics of my personal spiritual and religious beliefs if you so choose.
I am writing this to no particular audience, no specific religious sect or anything like that, I am writing this to a general audience who may enjoy religious and philosophical debates and discussions. It is my hope not to sway anyone away from or towards a specific way of thinking, but only maybe to find common ground wherever it is to be found.
Awhile back I was driving along and came across a sign for a local church, and that sign read “Reason is the enemy of faith.” Now, this made me feel dejected in the human condition because I don’t feel that reason should be the enemy of faith, I think the ideas of having faith in a supreme power and a set of beliefs can go hand in hand with reason. We shouldn’t just go around having blind faith in things taking it at face value, I believe we should use our reasoning to discern the things we believe in and make sure that those beliefs are rational, lest we go around making fools out of ourselves.
Thomas Paine said in his pamphlet “The Age of Reason”:
“I do not mean by this declaration to condemn those who believe otherwise; they have the same right to their belief as I have to mine. But it is necessary to the happiness of man, that he be mentally faithful to himself. Infidelity does not consist in believing, or in disbelieving; it consists in professing to believe what he does not believe.”
And later on he claimed:
“Every national church or religion has established itself by pretending some special mission from God, communicated to certain individuals. The Jews have their Moses; the Christians their Jesus Christ, their apostles and saints; and the Turks their Mahomet, as if the way to God was not open to every man alike.
Each of those churches show certain books, which they call revelation, or the word of God. The Jews say, that their word of God was given by God to Moses, face to face; the Christians say, that their word of God came by divine inspiration: and the Turks say, that their word of God (the Koran) was brought by an angel from Heaven. Each of those churches accuse the other of unbelief; and for my own part, I disbelieve them all.
As it is necessary to affix right ideas to words, I will, before I proceed further into the subject, offer some other observations on the word revelation. Revelation, when applied to religion, means something communicated immediately from God to man.
No one will deny or dispute the power of the Almighty to make such a communication, if he pleases. But admitting, for the sake of a case, that something has been revealed to a certain person, and not revealed to any other person, it is revelation to that person only. When he tells it to a second person, a second to a third, a third to a fourth, and so on, it ceases to be a revelation to all those persons. It is revelation to the first person only, and hearsay to every other, and consequently they are not obliged to believe it.
It is a contradiction in terms and ideas, to call anything a revelation that comes to us at second-hand, either verbally or in writing. Revelation is necessarily limited to the first communication — after this, it is only an account of something which that person says was a revelation made to him; and though he may find himself obliged to believe it, it cannot be incumbent on me to believe it in the same manner; for it was not a revelation made to me, and I have only his word for it that it was made to him.
When Moses told the children of Israel that he received the two tables of the commandments from the hands of God, they were not obliged to believe him, because they had no other authority for it than his telling them so; and I have no other authority for it than some historian telling me so. The commandments carry no internal evidence of divinity with them; they contain some good moral precepts, such as any man qualified to be a lawgiver, or a legislator, could produce himself, without having recourse to supernatural intervention.
When I am told that the Koran was written in Heaven and brought to Mahomet by an angel, the account comes too near the same kind of hearsay evidence and second-hand authority as the former. I did not see the angel myself, and, therefore, I have a right not to believe it.
When also I am told that a woman called the Virgin Mary, said, or gave out, that she was with child without any cohabitation with a man, and that her betrothed husband, Joseph, said that an angel told him so, I have a right to believe them or not; such a circumstance required a much stronger evidence than their bare word for it; but we have not even this — for neither Joseph nor Mary wrote any such matter themselves; it is only reported by others that they said so — it is hearsay upon hearsay, and I do not choose to rest my belief upon such evidence.”
(source: http://www.ushistory.org/Paine/reason/reason1.htm)
The Buddha has been quoted as saying:
“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”
(source: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/buddha122706.html)
A lot of people base their assumptions and their beliefs upon eye witness accounts and ‘revelations” that have been written down as scripture thousands of years ago and passed down though the ages as truth. I’m not talking about only one religion or only one holy text, I am talking about them all as a whole. I have my own faith in my personal set of beliefs and a lot of the time I do utilize these writings to help me better understand the realm of the divine. But, I keep in mind the fact that these writings were written by the hands of men, and since I was not an eyewitness to their “revelation” I must regard much if not all of their writing with a grain or two of salt. That doesn’t mean that what they have written down isn’t useful most certainly on the contrary, a lot of these holy texts have good advice and morals contained in them. Have faith in your chosen holy book and beliefs, but use the common sense and reasoning that the Divine gave you to keep in mind that since you were not around when these people wrote and said these things and all we have are third, fourth, and fifth person accounts that say these things transpired, we should be at least slightly skeptical about their contents. To have faith in something but also to have a nice healthy dash of skepticism about it, is I think rational and reasonable.
This writing is not a call to Atheism, nor is it a call to a certain brand of Theism, this is certainly simply a call to temper your faith (no matter what it is.) with a bit of reason. Why would the divine give us the ability to rationalize and to reason and to have common sense if it did not intend for us humans to ever use it?
If I told you that the President has declared war on the country of Canada, would you simply take me at my word? or try to find out on your own? I think you would try to independently prove it on your own. So then, why would you try to prove something that happened today on your own, yet take the word of what people wrote down and translated some thousands of years ago? Why take them at face value and not myself as well?
I myself could write a book and claim that it was “divine revelation” from a higher power, from either a certain god from a certain religion or from the ultimate supreme Universal-Divine source. Would you be obliged to believe in my “revelations’? Or would you simply write it off as ramblings of a mad man? If it is the former then fair enough, however, if it is the latter, why? Why write my ramblings off as being that of a mad man yet keep those “revelations’ written thousands of years ago as being actually from a Divine source? Is it because those people lived a really, really, really, really, really, long time ago? And now they’re dead and we can’t ask them? What if I died and no one found my “revelations” for a couple hundred years or so, would you believe in them then? I see no difference in a mad mans writings today and the “revelations’ of the writers of the holy texts from a couple thousand years ago or longer. Those books of “revelation” are as same as the ones we find on the bookshelves today the only difference being the passage of time between them.
The Dalai Lama has been quoted as saying:
“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”
“All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives”
“If you have a particular faith or religion, that is good. But you can survive without it.”
(Source: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/dalai_lama.html)
Those quotes are to demonstrate that in addition to Reason: Kindness, Love, understanding, and compassion are all important as well.
We can have blind faith in something and be unwavering and alienate ourselves from the rest of our various communities, Or, We can use reason to temper our collective “faiths” and to show understanding, kindness, and compassion to those who think differently than us. I think that if we do the latter then we can help to better understand one another, and would not be so afraid of our differences, in fact I think that despite our individual differences, we could come together as a people in solidarity if we exercised a little reason, kindness, compassion, and understanding and tempered our “faith” a little bit. Like I said faith is okay, I have no problem with faith, however if faith accompanies these other things then I feel as a people we would be much better for it.
Some of my Favorite Quotes/Sayings/Teachings As They Pertain To Religion.
From The Gnostic Gospel of Thomas: Yeshua Said: Recognize what is in front of you, and what is hidden from you will be revealed There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Matthew Ch. 5 -verse 6)
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew Ch. 5 Verses 7-10)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew Ch. 5 Verse 16)
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew Ch. 5 Verses 42-48)
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Matthew Ch. 6 Verses 31-34)
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye meet, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (Matthew Ch. 7 Verses 1-3)
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. -- Hebrews 13:2
1 Corinthians 13 (New Living Translation) verses: 1-13
1 If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn't love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody.
3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud
5 or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.
6 It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
8 Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will all disappear.
9 Now we know only a little, and even the gift of prophecy reveals little!
10 But when the end comes, these special gifts will all disappear.
11 It's like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.
12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now.
13 There are three things that will endure--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love.
Romans 12:9-21
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
THE NINE NOBLE VIRTUES OF ASATRU/NORSE PAGANISM:
Courage, Truth, Honor, Fidelity, Discipline, Hospitality, Industry, Self-Reliance, and Perseverance
REIKI PRINCIPLES:
Just for today, I will be grateful. Just for today, I will not anger. Just for today, I will not worry. Just for today, I will do my work honestly. Just for today, I will respect all life.
THE (TOLTEC)FOUR AGREEMENTS: By Don Miguel Ruiz
1. Be Impeccable With Your Word 2. Don't Take Anything Personally 3. Don't Make Assumptions 4. Always Do Your Best
The Noble 8-Fold Path Of Buddhism:
1. Right View 2. Right Intention 3. Right Speech 4. Right Action 5. Right Livelihood 6. Right Effort 7. Right Mindfulness 8. Right Concentration
13 Goals Of a Witch:
1. Know yourself 2. Know your craft 3. Learn 4. Apply knowledge with wisdom 5. Achieve balance 6. Keep your words in good order 7. Keep your thoughts in good order 8. Celebrate life 9. Attune with the cycles of the Earth 10. Breathe and eat correctly 11. Exercise the body 12. Meditate 13. Honor the Goddess and the God
The Witches Rede of Chivalry:
In so far as the Craft of the wise is the most ancient and most honorable creed of humankind. It behooves all who are witches to act in ways that give respect to the old gods, to their sisters and brothers of the craft, and to themselves. Therefore, be it noted that:
Chivalry is a high code of honor, which is of most ancient pagan origin, and must be lived by all who follow thee old ways.
It must be known that thoughts and intent put forth on this middle-earth will wax strong in otherworlds beyond, and return...bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent for. Thus one should exercise discipline, for "As ye do plant, so shall ye harvest".
It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain godhead.
"This above all...to thine own self be true."
A Witch's word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus they give word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron.
Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may not be known.
Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in a large part, a thing of falsehoods.
Be thou honest with others, and have them know that honesty is likewise expected of them.
The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keep one's head is a virtue.
Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to harm.
Diverse covens may well have diverse news on love between members and with others. When a coven, clan, or grove is visited or joined, one should discern quietly their practices and abide thereby.
Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humor are much to be admired. As a Witch thou hast power, and powers wax strongly as wisdom increases. Therefore exercise discretion in the use thereof.
Courage and honor endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust.
Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen other of the brethren and they shall strengthen thee.
Thou shall not reveal secrets of another Witch to another coven. Others have labored long and hard for them and cherish them as treasures.
Though there may be differences between those of the Old Ways, those who are once-born must see nothing and must bear nothing.
Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes of the world.
The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and with reason, for in the main they have been chosen with wisdom.
Have pride in thyself and seek perfection in body and in mind. For the Lady has said, "How can thou honor another unless thou give honor to thyself first?" Those who seek the mysteries should consider themselves as select of the Gods, for it is they who lead the race of humans to the highest thrones and beyond the very stars.
The Law of Power: by: Scott Cunningham
The power shall not be used to bring harm, to injure or control others. But, if the need rises, the Power shall be used to protect your life and the lives of others.
The Power is used only as need dictates.
The Power can be used for your own gain, as long as by doing so you harm none.
It is unwise to accept money for use of the Power, for it quickly controls its taker. Be not as those of other religions.
Use not the Power for prideful gain, for such cheapens the mysteries of Wicca and magic.
Ever remember that the Power is the sacred gift of the Goddess and God, and should never be misused or abused.
The Wiccan Rede: (long Version)
Bide within the law you must, In perfect love and perfect trust. Live you must and let to live, Fairly take and fairly give.
For tread that Circle thrice about To keep unwelcome spirits out. To bind the spell well every time Let the spell be said in rhyme
Light of the eye and soft to touch, Speak you little, listen much. Honor the old ones in deed and name. Let love and light be our guides again.
Deosil go by the waxing moon, Chanting out the joyful tune. Winddershins go where the moon doth wane, And the warewolf howls by the dead wolfsbane.
When the Lady's moon is new, Kiss the hand to Her times two. When the moon rides at Her peak, Then you heart's desires seek.
Head the North winds mighty gale, Lock the door and trim the sail. When the wind blows from the East, Expect the new and set the feast. When the wind comes from the South, Love will kiss you on the mouth. When the wind whispers from the West, All hearts will find peace and rest.
Nine woods in the cauldron go, Burn them fast and burn them slow. Birch in the fire goes To represent what the Lady knows. Oak in the forest towers with the might, In the fire it brings the God's insight. Rowan is a tree of power, Causing life and magic to flower. Willows at the waterside stand Ready to help us to the Summer-land. Hawthorn is burned to purify And to draw faerie to your eye. Hazel - the tree of wisdom and learning Adds its strength to the bright fire burning. White are the flowers of Apple Tree That brings us fruits of fertility. Grapes grown upon the vine Giving us both joy and wine. Fir does mark the evergreen To represent immortality seen. Eldar is the Lady's tree. Burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark In the light and in the dark. As the old year starts to wane, The new begins, it's now Samhain. When the time for Imbolc shows, Watch for flowers through the snow. When the wheel begins to turn Soon the Beltane fires will burn. As the wheel turns to Lamas night, Power is brought to magic rite. Four times the Minor Sabbats fall; Use the sun to mark them all. When the wheel has turned to Yule, Light the log; the Horned One rules. In the spring, when night equals day, Time for Ostra to come our way. When the Sun has reached its height, Time for Oak and Holly to fight. Harvesting comes to one and all When the Autumn Equinox does fall. Heed the flower, bush, and tree By the Lady blessed you'll be.
Where the rippling waters go Cast a stone, the truth you'll know. When you have and hold a need, Harken not to others' greed.
With a fool no season spend, Or be counted as his friend. Merry Meet and Merry Part Bright the cheeks and warm the heart. Mind the Three-fold Laws you should. Three times bad and three times good. When misfortune is enow Wear the star upon your brow.
Be true in love; this you must do Unless your love is false to you. These eight words the Rede fulfill: "An ye harm none, Do what ye will."
Sayings Of Odin as found in the Havamal:
Havamal
Abraham Joshua Heschel: A religious man is a person who holds God and man in one thought at one time, at all times, who suffers harm done to others, whose greatest passion is compassion, whose greatest strength is love and defiance of despair.
Abraham Joshua Heschel: The problem to be faced is: how to combine loyalty to one's own tradition with reverence for different traditions.
Socrates: Do not do to others what angers you if done to you by others.
Socrates: Get not your friends by bare compliments, but by giving them sensible tokens of your love.
Socrates: Having the fewest wants, I am nearest to the gods.
Albert Einstein: Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish.
Albert Einstein: My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.
Alfred North Whitehead: Religion is what an individual does with his solitariness.
Algernon Black: Why not let people differ about their answers to the great mysteries of the Universe? Let each seek one's own way to the highest, to one's own sense of supreme loyalty in life, one's ideal of life. Let each philosophy, each world-view bring forth its truth and beauty to a larger perspective, that people may grow in vision, stature and dedication.
Anne Frank: The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.
Felix Adler: Ethical religion can be real only to those who are engaged in ceaseless efforts at moral improvement. By moving upward we acquire faith in an upward movement, without limit.
Felix Adler: The unique personality which is the real life in me, I can not gain unless I search for the real life, the spiritual quality, in others. I am myself spiritually dead unless I reach out to the fine quality dormant in others. For it is only with the god enthroned in the innermost shrine of the other, that the god hidden in me, will consent to appear.
Frederick Buechner: Everybody prays whether [you think] of it as praying or not. The odd silence you fall into when something very beautiful is happening or something very good or very bad. The ah-h-h-h! That sometimes floats up out of you as out of a Fourth of July crowd when the sky-rocket bursts over the water. The stammer of pain at somebody else s pain. The stammer of joy at somebody else's joy. Whatever words or sounds you use for sighing with over your own life. These are all prayers in their way. These are all spoken not just to yourself but to something even more familiar than yourself and even more strange than the world.
"I can see no real reason why one cannot be a good enough though unorthodox Christian and a witch at the same time. It seems to me easier than being a Christian and a Communist." - Gerald Gardner 'Witchcraft Today' Page 121.
"The Christian who thinks reincarnation heresy, who will not countenance any form of superstition and belongs to the Sabbath Day Observance League, Would certainly not make a good witch. It is possible that the grandfathers of some of these people may have called their leader the Devil in the days when it was considered rather advanced to talk of the Devil. It may be argued that many witches confessed to signing pacts. Of course, they did, and so would I if I were tortured long enough. Recent experiments by the Nazis have proved that people can be made to say anything under torture. By confessing to dealing with the Devil they were quickly condemned." Gerald Gardner - 'Witchcraft Today' pages 121-122.
A friendly study of the world's religions is a sacred duty. --- Mahatma Gandhi
This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness. --- The Dalai Lama
And so we ask for peace for the gods of our fathers, for the gods of our native land. It is reasonable that whatever each of us worships is really to be considered one and the same. We gaze up at the same stars, the sky covers us all, the same universe compasses us. What does it matter what practical systems we adopt in our search for the truth. Not by one avenue only can we arrive at so tremendous a secret. --- Symmachus, Quintus Aurelius
"Do what thou will, as long as it harms none." - Part of The Wiccan Rede
"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
Gandhi
"As it is necessary to affix right ideas to words, I will, before I proceed further into the subject, offer some other observations on the word revelation. Revelation, when applied to religion, means something communicated immediately from God to man.
No one will deny or dispute the power of the Almighty to make such a communication, if he pleases. But admitting, for the sake of a case, that something has been revealed to a certain person, and not revealed to any other person, it is revelation to that person only. When he tells it to a second person, a second to a third, a third to a fourth, and so on, it ceases to be a revelation to all those persons. It is revelation to the first person only, and hearsay to every other, and consequently they are not obliged to believe it.
It is a contradiction in terms and ideas, to call anything a revelation that comes to us at second-hand, either verbally or in writing. Revelation is necessarily limited to the first communication — after this, it is only an account of something which that person says was a revelation made to him; and though he may find himself obliged to believe it, it cannot be incumbent on me to believe it in the same manner; for it was not a revelation made to me, and I have only his word for it that it was made to him." - Thomas Paine (The Age Of Reason.)
Isaac Bashevis Singer: Doubt is part of all religion. All the religious thinkers were doubters.
Galileo Galilei: I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.
Napoleon Bonaparte: If I had to choose a religion, the sun as the universal giver of life would be my god.
Thomas Jefferson: Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Louis Kronenberger: There seems to be a terrible misunderstanding on the part of a great many people to the effect that when you cease to believe you may cease to behave.
Swami Vivekananda: You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.
Helen Keller: It is wonderful how much time good people spend fighting the devil. If they would only expend the same amount of energy loving their fellow men, the devil would die in his own tracks of ennui.
George Santayana: The Bible is literature, not dogma.
The Buddha: Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.
One man's theology is another man's belly laugh.
Robert A. Heinlein - American Novelist and Sci-Fi Writer 1907-1988
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Matthew Ch. 5 -verse 6)
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew Ch. 5 Verses 7-10)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew Ch. 5 Verse 16)
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew Ch. 5 Verses 42-48)
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Matthew Ch. 6 Verses 31-34)
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye meet, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (Matthew Ch. 7 Verses 1-3)
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. -- Hebrews 13:2
1 Corinthians 13 (New Living Translation) verses: 1-13
1 If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn't love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody.
3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud
5 or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.
6 It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
8 Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will all disappear.
9 Now we know only a little, and even the gift of prophecy reveals little!
10 But when the end comes, these special gifts will all disappear.
11 It's like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.
12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now.
13 There are three things that will endure--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love.
Romans 12:9-21
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
THE NINE NOBLE VIRTUES OF ASATRU/NORSE PAGANISM:
Courage, Truth, Honor, Fidelity, Discipline, Hospitality, Industry, Self-Reliance, and Perseverance
REIKI PRINCIPLES:
Just for today, I will be grateful. Just for today, I will not anger. Just for today, I will not worry. Just for today, I will do my work honestly. Just for today, I will respect all life.
THE (TOLTEC)FOUR AGREEMENTS: By Don Miguel Ruiz
1. Be Impeccable With Your Word 2. Don't Take Anything Personally 3. Don't Make Assumptions 4. Always Do Your Best
The Noble 8-Fold Path Of Buddhism:
1. Right View 2. Right Intention 3. Right Speech 4. Right Action 5. Right Livelihood 6. Right Effort 7. Right Mindfulness 8. Right Concentration
13 Goals Of a Witch:
1. Know yourself 2. Know your craft 3. Learn 4. Apply knowledge with wisdom 5. Achieve balance 6. Keep your words in good order 7. Keep your thoughts in good order 8. Celebrate life 9. Attune with the cycles of the Earth 10. Breathe and eat correctly 11. Exercise the body 12. Meditate 13. Honor the Goddess and the God
The Witches Rede of Chivalry:
In so far as the Craft of the wise is the most ancient and most honorable creed of humankind. It behooves all who are witches to act in ways that give respect to the old gods, to their sisters and brothers of the craft, and to themselves. Therefore, be it noted that:
Chivalry is a high code of honor, which is of most ancient pagan origin, and must be lived by all who follow thee old ways.
It must be known that thoughts and intent put forth on this middle-earth will wax strong in otherworlds beyond, and return...bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent for. Thus one should exercise discipline, for "As ye do plant, so shall ye harvest".
It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain godhead.
"This above all...to thine own self be true."
A Witch's word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus they give word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron.
Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may not be known.
Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in a large part, a thing of falsehoods.
Be thou honest with others, and have them know that honesty is likewise expected of them.
The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keep one's head is a virtue.
Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to harm.
Diverse covens may well have diverse news on love between members and with others. When a coven, clan, or grove is visited or joined, one should discern quietly their practices and abide thereby.
Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humor are much to be admired. As a Witch thou hast power, and powers wax strongly as wisdom increases. Therefore exercise discretion in the use thereof.
Courage and honor endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust.
Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen other of the brethren and they shall strengthen thee.
Thou shall not reveal secrets of another Witch to another coven. Others have labored long and hard for them and cherish them as treasures.
Though there may be differences between those of the Old Ways, those who are once-born must see nothing and must bear nothing.
Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes of the world.
The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and with reason, for in the main they have been chosen with wisdom.
Have pride in thyself and seek perfection in body and in mind. For the Lady has said, "How can thou honor another unless thou give honor to thyself first?" Those who seek the mysteries should consider themselves as select of the Gods, for it is they who lead the race of humans to the highest thrones and beyond the very stars.
The Law of Power: by: Scott Cunningham
The power shall not be used to bring harm, to injure or control others. But, if the need rises, the Power shall be used to protect your life and the lives of others.
The Power is used only as need dictates.
The Power can be used for your own gain, as long as by doing so you harm none.
It is unwise to accept money for use of the Power, for it quickly controls its taker. Be not as those of other religions.
Use not the Power for prideful gain, for such cheapens the mysteries of Wicca and magic.
Ever remember that the Power is the sacred gift of the Goddess and God, and should never be misused or abused.
The Wiccan Rede: (long Version)
Bide within the law you must, In perfect love and perfect trust. Live you must and let to live, Fairly take and fairly give.
For tread that Circle thrice about To keep unwelcome spirits out. To bind the spell well every time Let the spell be said in rhyme
Light of the eye and soft to touch, Speak you little, listen much. Honor the old ones in deed and name. Let love and light be our guides again.
Deosil go by the waxing moon, Chanting out the joyful tune. Winddershins go where the moon doth wane, And the warewolf howls by the dead wolfsbane.
When the Lady's moon is new, Kiss the hand to Her times two. When the moon rides at Her peak, Then you heart's desires seek.
Head the North winds mighty gale, Lock the door and trim the sail. When the wind blows from the East, Expect the new and set the feast. When the wind comes from the South, Love will kiss you on the mouth. When the wind whispers from the West, All hearts will find peace and rest.
Nine woods in the cauldron go, Burn them fast and burn them slow. Birch in the fire goes To represent what the Lady knows. Oak in the forest towers with the might, In the fire it brings the God's insight. Rowan is a tree of power, Causing life and magic to flower. Willows at the waterside stand Ready to help us to the Summer-land. Hawthorn is burned to purify And to draw faerie to your eye. Hazel - the tree of wisdom and learning Adds its strength to the bright fire burning. White are the flowers of Apple Tree That brings us fruits of fertility. Grapes grown upon the vine Giving us both joy and wine. Fir does mark the evergreen To represent immortality seen. Eldar is the Lady's tree. Burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark In the light and in the dark. As the old year starts to wane, The new begins, it's now Samhain. When the time for Imbolc shows, Watch for flowers through the snow. When the wheel begins to turn Soon the Beltane fires will burn. As the wheel turns to Lamas night, Power is brought to magic rite. Four times the Minor Sabbats fall; Use the sun to mark them all. When the wheel has turned to Yule, Light the log; the Horned One rules. In the spring, when night equals day, Time for Ostra to come our way. When the Sun has reached its height, Time for Oak and Holly to fight. Harvesting comes to one and all When the Autumn Equinox does fall. Heed the flower, bush, and tree By the Lady blessed you'll be.
Where the rippling waters go Cast a stone, the truth you'll know. When you have and hold a need, Harken not to others' greed.
With a fool no season spend, Or be counted as his friend. Merry Meet and Merry Part Bright the cheeks and warm the heart. Mind the Three-fold Laws you should. Three times bad and three times good. When misfortune is enow Wear the star upon your brow.
Be true in love; this you must do Unless your love is false to you. These eight words the Rede fulfill: "An ye harm none, Do what ye will."
Sayings Of Odin as found in the Havamal:
Havamal
Abraham Joshua Heschel: A religious man is a person who holds God and man in one thought at one time, at all times, who suffers harm done to others, whose greatest passion is compassion, whose greatest strength is love and defiance of despair.
Abraham Joshua Heschel: The problem to be faced is: how to combine loyalty to one's own tradition with reverence for different traditions.
Socrates: Do not do to others what angers you if done to you by others.
Socrates: Get not your friends by bare compliments, but by giving them sensible tokens of your love.
Socrates: Having the fewest wants, I am nearest to the gods.
Albert Einstein: Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish.
Albert Einstein: My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.
Alfred North Whitehead: Religion is what an individual does with his solitariness.
Algernon Black: Why not let people differ about their answers to the great mysteries of the Universe? Let each seek one's own way to the highest, to one's own sense of supreme loyalty in life, one's ideal of life. Let each philosophy, each world-view bring forth its truth and beauty to a larger perspective, that people may grow in vision, stature and dedication.
Anne Frank: The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.
Felix Adler: Ethical religion can be real only to those who are engaged in ceaseless efforts at moral improvement. By moving upward we acquire faith in an upward movement, without limit.
Felix Adler: The unique personality which is the real life in me, I can not gain unless I search for the real life, the spiritual quality, in others. I am myself spiritually dead unless I reach out to the fine quality dormant in others. For it is only with the god enthroned in the innermost shrine of the other, that the god hidden in me, will consent to appear.
Frederick Buechner: Everybody prays whether [you think] of it as praying or not. The odd silence you fall into when something very beautiful is happening or something very good or very bad. The ah-h-h-h! That sometimes floats up out of you as out of a Fourth of July crowd when the sky-rocket bursts over the water. The stammer of pain at somebody else s pain. The stammer of joy at somebody else's joy. Whatever words or sounds you use for sighing with over your own life. These are all prayers in their way. These are all spoken not just to yourself but to something even more familiar than yourself and even more strange than the world.
"I can see no real reason why one cannot be a good enough though unorthodox Christian and a witch at the same time. It seems to me easier than being a Christian and a Communist." - Gerald Gardner 'Witchcraft Today' Page 121.
"The Christian who thinks reincarnation heresy, who will not countenance any form of superstition and belongs to the Sabbath Day Observance League, Would certainly not make a good witch. It is possible that the grandfathers of some of these people may have called their leader the Devil in the days when it was considered rather advanced to talk of the Devil. It may be argued that many witches confessed to signing pacts. Of course, they did, and so would I if I were tortured long enough. Recent experiments by the Nazis have proved that people can be made to say anything under torture. By confessing to dealing with the Devil they were quickly condemned." Gerald Gardner - 'Witchcraft Today' pages 121-122.
A friendly study of the world's religions is a sacred duty. --- Mahatma Gandhi
This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness. --- The Dalai Lama
And so we ask for peace for the gods of our fathers, for the gods of our native land. It is reasonable that whatever each of us worships is really to be considered one and the same. We gaze up at the same stars, the sky covers us all, the same universe compasses us. What does it matter what practical systems we adopt in our search for the truth. Not by one avenue only can we arrive at so tremendous a secret. --- Symmachus, Quintus Aurelius
"Do what thou will, as long as it harms none." - Part of The Wiccan Rede
"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
Gandhi
"As it is necessary to affix right ideas to words, I will, before I proceed further into the subject, offer some other observations on the word revelation. Revelation, when applied to religion, means something communicated immediately from God to man.
No one will deny or dispute the power of the Almighty to make such a communication, if he pleases. But admitting, for the sake of a case, that something has been revealed to a certain person, and not revealed to any other person, it is revelation to that person only. When he tells it to a second person, a second to a third, a third to a fourth, and so on, it ceases to be a revelation to all those persons. It is revelation to the first person only, and hearsay to every other, and consequently they are not obliged to believe it.
It is a contradiction in terms and ideas, to call anything a revelation that comes to us at second-hand, either verbally or in writing. Revelation is necessarily limited to the first communication — after this, it is only an account of something which that person says was a revelation made to him; and though he may find himself obliged to believe it, it cannot be incumbent on me to believe it in the same manner; for it was not a revelation made to me, and I have only his word for it that it was made to him." - Thomas Paine (The Age Of Reason.)
Isaac Bashevis Singer: Doubt is part of all religion. All the religious thinkers were doubters.
Galileo Galilei: I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.
Napoleon Bonaparte: If I had to choose a religion, the sun as the universal giver of life would be my god.
Thomas Jefferson: Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Louis Kronenberger: There seems to be a terrible misunderstanding on the part of a great many people to the effect that when you cease to believe you may cease to behave.
Swami Vivekananda: You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.
Helen Keller: It is wonderful how much time good people spend fighting the devil. If they would only expend the same amount of energy loving their fellow men, the devil would die in his own tracks of ennui.
George Santayana: The Bible is literature, not dogma.
The Buddha: Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.
One man's theology is another man's belly laugh.
Robert A. Heinlein - American Novelist and Sci-Fi Writer 1907-1988
A Call To Unity And Understanding Among All People Of Faith.
The Following Article was featured on "The Witches Voice" (Witchvox) website on: December 6th, 2009.
The Following Article is an opinion paper that talks about Religion in general. It is a call for understanding and respect among people of all faiths, not just among the Pagan and Witch Traditions, but among everyone in the whole Universe who holds a belief in a higher being or Power. Thank You.
In his pamphlet “The Age Of Reason” Thomas Paine was quoted as saying:
“Each of those churches show certain books, which they call revelation, or the word of God. The Jews say, that their word of God was given by God to Moses, face to face; the Christians say, that their word of God came by divine inspiration: and the Turks say, that their word of God (the Koran) was brought by an angel from Heaven. Each of those churches accuse the other of unbelief; and for my own part, I disbelieve them all.
As it is necessary to affix right ideas to words, I will, before I proceed further into the subject, offer some other observations on the word revelation. Revelation, when applied to religion, means something communicated immediately from God to man.
No one will deny or dispute the power of the Almighty to make such a communication, if he pleases. But admitting, for the sake of a case, that something has been revealed to a certain person, and not revealed to any other person, it is revelation to that person only. When he tells it to a second person, a second to a third, a third to a fourth, and so on, it ceases to be a revelation to all those persons. It is revelation to the first person only, and hearsay to every other, and consequently they are not obliged to believe it.
It is a contradiction in terms and ideas, to call anything a revelation that comes to us at second-hand, either verbally or in writing. Revelation is necessarily limited to the first communication — after this, it is only an account of something which that person says was a revelation made to him; and though he may find himself obliged to believe it, it cannot be incumbent on me to believe it in the same manner; for it was not a revelation made to me, and I have only his word for it that it was made to him.
When Moses told the children of Israel that he received the two tables of the commandments from the hands of God, they were not obliged to believe him, because they had no other authority for it than his telling them so; and I have no other authority for it than some historian telling me so. The commandments carry no internal evidence of divinity with them; they contain some good moral precepts, such as any man qualified to be a lawgiver, or a legislator, could produce himself, without having recourse to supernatural intervention.
When I am told that the Koran was written in Heaven and brought to Mahomet by an angel, the account comes too near the same kind of hearsay evidence and second-hand authority as the former. I did not see the angel myself, and, therefore, I have a right not to believe it.
When also I am told that a woman called the Virgin Mary, said, or gave out, that she was with child without any cohabitation with a man, and that her betrothed husband, Joseph, said that an angel told him so, I have a right to believe them or not; such a circumstance required a much stronger evidence than their bare word for it; but we have not even this — for neither Joseph nor Mary wrote any such matter themselves; it is only reported by others that they said so — it is hearsay upon hearsay, and I do not choose to rest my belief upon such evidence. ...
It is, however, not difficult to account for the credit that was given to the story of Jesus Christ being the son of God. He was born when the heathen mythology had still some fashion and repute in the world, and that mythology had prepared the people for the belief of such a story.
Almost all the extraordinary men that lived under the heathen mythology were reputed to be the sons of some of their gods. It was not a new thing, at that time, to believe a man to have been celestially begotten; the intercourse of gods with women was then a matter of familiar opinion.
Their Jupiter, according to their accounts, had cohabited with hundreds: the story, therefore, had nothing in it either new, wonderful, or obscene; it was conformable to the opinions that then prevailed among the people called Gentiles, or Mythologists, and it was those people only that believed it. The Jews who had kept strictly to the belief of one God, and no more, and who had always rejected the heathen mythology, never credited the story.”
He was also quoted in his work “An Essay on the Origin of Free-Masonry (1803-1805) ”as saying:
“The Christian religion is a parody on the worship of the sun, in which they put a man called Christ in the place of the sun, and pay him the adoration originally payed to the sun.”
The majority of people in America identify themselves as “Christian” of some persuasion or another, they accept the Bible as a living breathing errant document detailing The Divine’s whims and wishes for humanity, they accept this without question simply because they have been told to. No one takes into account the position that Thomas Paine eloquent presented in “The Age of Reason” that the words and accounts and deeds written in the bible are no more then hearsay upon hearsay.
The ‘revelations’ contained within cease to be ‘revelation’ when it becomes second, third, and fourth person accounts. At that point it is “somebody said that somebody said that somebody said that this person said this” we no longer have any proof except for some person who died centuries ago allegedly said so. Furthermore, since no one alive today witnessed these ancient peoples receiving this ‘revelation’ that adds to putting this ‘revelation’ reported in doubt.
Now, That should not take away from religious belief or experience. Religious Experience has been around probably ever since humans have been able to experience it. There is nothing wrong with sincere religious belief.
This writing is not a call to Atheism nor is it a call to a specific brand of Theism. Instead, it is a call, that no matter our collective faiths a little reason is required and we should take any belief no matter if it has been substantiated or not with a healthy grain or two of salt. The teachings of all religions worldwide certainly do contain good teachings about life and morality. However, none of these teachings, books, or religions should be seen as the end all be all on the subject.
We need to realize that these texts are no more than a collection of writings penned by the hands of men, no more or less valuable than the fables of Aesop, or the writings of Dickens, that while powerful and uplifting only bring to light our base human understandings of a phenomenon that is maybe just maybe beyond our realm of comprehension to understand it fully.
The Buddha has said:
“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”
The Dalai Lama has said:
“All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.”
Another quote that is dear to my heart reads as follows:
“And so we ask for peace for the gods of our fathers, for the gods of our native land. It is reasonable that whatever each of us worships is really to be considered one and the same. We gaze up at the same stars, the sky covers us all, the same universe compasses us. What does it matter what practical systems we adopt in our search for the truth. Not by one avenue only can we arrive at so tremendous a secret.” - Symmachus, Quintus Aurelius.
This is something that I wholeheartedly believe in, that all religion, whether it is the many sects and denominations of Christianity, or if it’s Judaism, or if it’s a Sunni or Shia sects of the Muslim religion, no matter of it’s the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, or Norse Vikings, no matter if it’s the ancient religion of the Celts or of the British Isles, no Matter if it’s the many tribal religions of the world, or if it’s the beliefs of a modern Wiccan or other Neo-Pagan Practitioner or people of other Earth based and Alternative Spiritualities, I believe with every fiber of my being that each of these views contain within them certain kernels of knowledge and truth, if only to those people, that help to explain something that is very hard to comprehend, and that is the meaning and purpose of our lives as human beings and the phenomenon surrounding the supernatural world of the Divine life force.
Since none can be proven false or true with empirical scientific data, all we have are our hearts, spirits, guts, and mind to help us reason them out. We should not condemn someone because they think different than us, instead we should all accept people for who and what they are and believe in.
We are all on this mysterious, wonderful, roller coaster ride called life together, and as such we should endeavor to understand one another and to help uplift one another, to learn and to grow from each other and not to tear each other apart.
The Following Article is an opinion paper that talks about Religion in general. It is a call for understanding and respect among people of all faiths, not just among the Pagan and Witch Traditions, but among everyone in the whole Universe who holds a belief in a higher being or Power. Thank You.
In his pamphlet “The Age Of Reason” Thomas Paine was quoted as saying:
“Each of those churches show certain books, which they call revelation, or the word of God. The Jews say, that their word of God was given by God to Moses, face to face; the Christians say, that their word of God came by divine inspiration: and the Turks say, that their word of God (the Koran) was brought by an angel from Heaven. Each of those churches accuse the other of unbelief; and for my own part, I disbelieve them all.
As it is necessary to affix right ideas to words, I will, before I proceed further into the subject, offer some other observations on the word revelation. Revelation, when applied to religion, means something communicated immediately from God to man.
No one will deny or dispute the power of the Almighty to make such a communication, if he pleases. But admitting, for the sake of a case, that something has been revealed to a certain person, and not revealed to any other person, it is revelation to that person only. When he tells it to a second person, a second to a third, a third to a fourth, and so on, it ceases to be a revelation to all those persons. It is revelation to the first person only, and hearsay to every other, and consequently they are not obliged to believe it.
It is a contradiction in terms and ideas, to call anything a revelation that comes to us at second-hand, either verbally or in writing. Revelation is necessarily limited to the first communication — after this, it is only an account of something which that person says was a revelation made to him; and though he may find himself obliged to believe it, it cannot be incumbent on me to believe it in the same manner; for it was not a revelation made to me, and I have only his word for it that it was made to him.
When Moses told the children of Israel that he received the two tables of the commandments from the hands of God, they were not obliged to believe him, because they had no other authority for it than his telling them so; and I have no other authority for it than some historian telling me so. The commandments carry no internal evidence of divinity with them; they contain some good moral precepts, such as any man qualified to be a lawgiver, or a legislator, could produce himself, without having recourse to supernatural intervention.
When I am told that the Koran was written in Heaven and brought to Mahomet by an angel, the account comes too near the same kind of hearsay evidence and second-hand authority as the former. I did not see the angel myself, and, therefore, I have a right not to believe it.
When also I am told that a woman called the Virgin Mary, said, or gave out, that she was with child without any cohabitation with a man, and that her betrothed husband, Joseph, said that an angel told him so, I have a right to believe them or not; such a circumstance required a much stronger evidence than their bare word for it; but we have not even this — for neither Joseph nor Mary wrote any such matter themselves; it is only reported by others that they said so — it is hearsay upon hearsay, and I do not choose to rest my belief upon such evidence. ...
It is, however, not difficult to account for the credit that was given to the story of Jesus Christ being the son of God. He was born when the heathen mythology had still some fashion and repute in the world, and that mythology had prepared the people for the belief of such a story.
Almost all the extraordinary men that lived under the heathen mythology were reputed to be the sons of some of their gods. It was not a new thing, at that time, to believe a man to have been celestially begotten; the intercourse of gods with women was then a matter of familiar opinion.
Their Jupiter, according to their accounts, had cohabited with hundreds: the story, therefore, had nothing in it either new, wonderful, or obscene; it was conformable to the opinions that then prevailed among the people called Gentiles, or Mythologists, and it was those people only that believed it. The Jews who had kept strictly to the belief of one God, and no more, and who had always rejected the heathen mythology, never credited the story.”
He was also quoted in his work “An Essay on the Origin of Free-Masonry (1803-1805) ”as saying:
“The Christian religion is a parody on the worship of the sun, in which they put a man called Christ in the place of the sun, and pay him the adoration originally payed to the sun.”
The majority of people in America identify themselves as “Christian” of some persuasion or another, they accept the Bible as a living breathing errant document detailing The Divine’s whims and wishes for humanity, they accept this without question simply because they have been told to. No one takes into account the position that Thomas Paine eloquent presented in “The Age of Reason” that the words and accounts and deeds written in the bible are no more then hearsay upon hearsay.
The ‘revelations’ contained within cease to be ‘revelation’ when it becomes second, third, and fourth person accounts. At that point it is “somebody said that somebody said that somebody said that this person said this” we no longer have any proof except for some person who died centuries ago allegedly said so. Furthermore, since no one alive today witnessed these ancient peoples receiving this ‘revelation’ that adds to putting this ‘revelation’ reported in doubt.
Now, That should not take away from religious belief or experience. Religious Experience has been around probably ever since humans have been able to experience it. There is nothing wrong with sincere religious belief.
This writing is not a call to Atheism nor is it a call to a specific brand of Theism. Instead, it is a call, that no matter our collective faiths a little reason is required and we should take any belief no matter if it has been substantiated or not with a healthy grain or two of salt. The teachings of all religions worldwide certainly do contain good teachings about life and morality. However, none of these teachings, books, or religions should be seen as the end all be all on the subject.
We need to realize that these texts are no more than a collection of writings penned by the hands of men, no more or less valuable than the fables of Aesop, or the writings of Dickens, that while powerful and uplifting only bring to light our base human understandings of a phenomenon that is maybe just maybe beyond our realm of comprehension to understand it fully.
The Buddha has said:
“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”
The Dalai Lama has said:
“All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.”
Another quote that is dear to my heart reads as follows:
“And so we ask for peace for the gods of our fathers, for the gods of our native land. It is reasonable that whatever each of us worships is really to be considered one and the same. We gaze up at the same stars, the sky covers us all, the same universe compasses us. What does it matter what practical systems we adopt in our search for the truth. Not by one avenue only can we arrive at so tremendous a secret.” - Symmachus, Quintus Aurelius.
This is something that I wholeheartedly believe in, that all religion, whether it is the many sects and denominations of Christianity, or if it’s Judaism, or if it’s a Sunni or Shia sects of the Muslim religion, no matter of it’s the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, or Norse Vikings, no matter if it’s the ancient religion of the Celts or of the British Isles, no Matter if it’s the many tribal religions of the world, or if it’s the beliefs of a modern Wiccan or other Neo-Pagan Practitioner or people of other Earth based and Alternative Spiritualities, I believe with every fiber of my being that each of these views contain within them certain kernels of knowledge and truth, if only to those people, that help to explain something that is very hard to comprehend, and that is the meaning and purpose of our lives as human beings and the phenomenon surrounding the supernatural world of the Divine life force.
Since none can be proven false or true with empirical scientific data, all we have are our hearts, spirits, guts, and mind to help us reason them out. We should not condemn someone because they think different than us, instead we should all accept people for who and what they are and believe in.
We are all on this mysterious, wonderful, roller coaster ride called life together, and as such we should endeavor to understand one another and to help uplift one another, to learn and to grow from each other and not to tear each other apart.
An Open Letter to the (Eclectic) Pagan Community
The Following Article was featured on "The Witches Voice" (Witchvox) website on: January 18th, 2009.
First let me start out by saying this is not an attack on your beliefs, I am a firm believer in religious freedom and the ability to express said freedom, and I am of the position that a person’s path will come to them and no matter what that happens to be no one has a right to judge you. I am a bit of an Eclectic myself as I am a neo-Pagan who is influenced by several Pagan religions (ancient and Modern) and am also influenced by the ideas and philosophies found in Gnosticism and I find wisdom and knowledge in the Gnostic teachings of “The Christ” Yeshua.
So obviously I have no problem with eclecticism in and of itself. My problem lies with how some people express their eclecticism. Like I said, I am a firm believer in religious freedom and peoples right to express it how they so choose. I also think that people should be a little smarter about how they present it.
So let’s take for example the most noted modern day Neo-Pagan religion as it has currently flooded our culture, Wicca. When I think of Wicca, I think of Wicca circa 1950’s Gerald Gardner style. While I respect people and their right to practice their eclectic style of Wicca, and follow what ever path and tradition their heart desires -- be it Dianic Wicca, or “Celtic-Tradition” Wicca, or “Egyptian Wicca”….or whatever else is out there that you can come up with -- it is a deviation from what was originally intended.
When I think of Wicca, I think of a modern pagan religion that is influenced by older religions and by occultism and esoteric and mystical magickal orders such as Crowley’s O.T.O, The Golden Dawn, and Free Masonry. Wicca has its own unique tenets, philosophy, rituals, hierarchy, and gods. As far as I know to be a Wiccan you still have to be at least 18 years of age (Or whatever your local laws are governing the age of consent) and you must be initiated by a High Priestess or Priest of a coven with an established lineage.
Now you can follow a Wicca-inspired path… as in you are a Pagan who is influenced by the outer-court Wicca 101 style information that is freely available in the public domain. It’s really okay to be a Wiccan-Inspired Pagan as you can be a multitude of religions, and still be a Pagan.
You can be an Eclectic and still be a Pagan. You can follow a path completely made up by you to suit your personal growth and needs and still be a Pagan. As to my base understanding, to be a Pagan is to follow some type of Earth Centric Path.
The term Pagan is actually an umbrella term that encompasses many different religions, paths, and spiritual traditions, that is typically Earth-Centric. A Pagan path is also typically polytheistic and duothestic, worshipping one or more Gods and/or Goddesses. However a Pagan can be monotheistic as well, choosing to worship only one particular god or goddess from a chosen pantheon or choosing to see each god or goddess and attributes as smaller parts that when combined makes up a Universal-Divine, an all knowing all powerful deity…or God.
So just because you follow a Modern Day Pagan path that is influenced by Wiccan Teachings, just because what you do in ritual is similar to what a Wiccan does, it does NOT make you a Wiccan. As such you should not call it that. You should call it something else… such as “wiccan-Inspired Paganism.” It’s okay, really.
Another pet peeve of mine is the mixing of two religious ideals. Yes, I admit I am guilty of it, as I said in the opening paragraph. I am a Neo-Pagan with Gnostic and Mystical Christian Influence. I follow a Path of my own devising, but I call it what it is, not something else.
I would like to come to a phenomenon known as “Christian-Wicca” or “Christo-Wicca”…
Now this is a touchy subject for me, as I will admit once upon a time I called myself by this term, because I did not know of any other way to describe it. I followed a heavily Wiccan-Inspired Pagan path mixed with my Christian upbringing and admiration for the teachings of Jesus both of the mainstream Variety and from the Gnostic Teachings.
I do not rule out the possibility of eclecticism, as I said I am an eclectic, though I like to say I’m a “Universalist.” While I have no connection or involvement with the “Unitarian Universalist” movement in any manner whatsoever, I like to classify myself as a Universalist. I enjoy studying all the different world religions and I am able to gain wisdom, and knowledge in my studies.
I am a firm believer that each religion, each spiritual tradition, no matter if it is established or made up from someone’s eclecticism, when being peeled to the core really all have the same basic truths to them. I tend to regard each god and goddess from each religion and spiritual path as being a unique entity unto their self; however, I do believe they are connected, as I believe them to be facets of a Universal-Divine force.
I believe that each philosophy, each worldview, each religion, was a way for this Universal-Divine to reach out to each individual culture in a way that each culture would be able to understand. I believe that the only way to be able to heal our wounds is when we come to this realization and recognize this. When we are all able to awaken to this possibility only then is Unity able to be reached and this world can find some form of solace and peace.
So my problem does not lie in the idea itself, as I firmly think it is possible. My problem lies with the term itself.
I think that the term "Christian-Wicca" is an Oxymoron, as Wicca as its own gods, tenets and set of beliefs and Philosophy. And so does Christianity.
Let me reiterate that I do not think it is impossible to be open minded, and able to have a Universalistic approach to religion and spirituality, to be able to garner wisdom and comfort from studying word religions, and if you feel so inclined, to incorporate aspects of the religions that call to you into you're own brand of spirituality.
But when you do this, you should not call it by a title already in use of another religion. Of course I don't like titles and labels much to begin with but to call something "Christian" or "Wiccan' when it really is neither, is really disingenuous. What you should do is find another title for your beliefs.
Or don't go with a title at all.
I call myself a Pagan because most of my belief is centered on neo-Pagan Philosophy, and when I do ritual it is based on how modern Neo-Pagans might conduct their ritual.
Being a "Pagan" encompasses many things. there are a multitude of religions and spiritual traditions that fall under the term "Paganism"
In modern times "Paganism" typically denotes someone who isn't a Muslim, Christian, or a Jew and who usually almost always follows some type of earth based spirituality.
I think it might be okay to be a Pagan-Christian, as in the practices are Pagan, ritual etc. but you use Christian concepts and names for your deities.
Christians have been practicing ‘paganism’ for years. On Easter, they paint, or hide, or hunt Easter eggs. They send out Valentine’s Day cards. When they celebrate Christmas, they are celebrating not only the birth of Christ (Who if any one has done any bit of study would know that Christ was not born in December, and it was decreed that it would be in DEC. by a Roman Emperor who wanted to incorporate the followers of Mithras into Christianity as it was already a holiday they celebrated.) but they are also celebrating the Winter solstice.
So you know if a Christian can practice Paganism, then I am sure it can go the other way around. Of course the purist from both sides might argue that point, and not be happy about it, but that is what I think.
But I do not think one could be a "Christian-Wiccan" or at least should not call themselves as such. Wicca is a specific religion and spirituality under the umbrella of Paganism, with its own unique tenets, rituals, beliefs, and philosophy. – But I guess you certainly could be a “Wiccan-Inspired” Christian, just like you can be a “Wiccan-Inspired” Pagan. Or try this one on for size, a “Christian-Inspired” Pagan…hmmm?
My ideas of Jesus/ Yeshua are also heavily influenced from Gnosticism, which I readily admit is a different entity all together than mainstream Christianity. In my studies and understanding, Gnosticism takes on a more mystical and hands on approach of self-study, self-realization, and self-achievement, which is why I personally think it meshes so well with Modern Neo-Paganism.
Again, this essay is not an attack on Eclectic Paganism, or those who blend ideas from Pagan paths with those from Gnostic, and Christian doctrine together, but a simple plea to sit and rethink our position and the names we give to our chosen path.
Thank you very much, and I look forward to any feedback, comments, or critiques I may get for writing this. It is always much appreciated, and I always try to come to these discussions with an Open mind, heart, and soul and hope my readers will do the same.
Namaste~
And,
Blessed Be!
First let me start out by saying this is not an attack on your beliefs, I am a firm believer in religious freedom and the ability to express said freedom, and I am of the position that a person’s path will come to them and no matter what that happens to be no one has a right to judge you. I am a bit of an Eclectic myself as I am a neo-Pagan who is influenced by several Pagan religions (ancient and Modern) and am also influenced by the ideas and philosophies found in Gnosticism and I find wisdom and knowledge in the Gnostic teachings of “The Christ” Yeshua.
So obviously I have no problem with eclecticism in and of itself. My problem lies with how some people express their eclecticism. Like I said, I am a firm believer in religious freedom and peoples right to express it how they so choose. I also think that people should be a little smarter about how they present it.
So let’s take for example the most noted modern day Neo-Pagan religion as it has currently flooded our culture, Wicca. When I think of Wicca, I think of Wicca circa 1950’s Gerald Gardner style. While I respect people and their right to practice their eclectic style of Wicca, and follow what ever path and tradition their heart desires -- be it Dianic Wicca, or “Celtic-Tradition” Wicca, or “Egyptian Wicca”….or whatever else is out there that you can come up with -- it is a deviation from what was originally intended.
When I think of Wicca, I think of a modern pagan religion that is influenced by older religions and by occultism and esoteric and mystical magickal orders such as Crowley’s O.T.O, The Golden Dawn, and Free Masonry. Wicca has its own unique tenets, philosophy, rituals, hierarchy, and gods. As far as I know to be a Wiccan you still have to be at least 18 years of age (Or whatever your local laws are governing the age of consent) and you must be initiated by a High Priestess or Priest of a coven with an established lineage.
Now you can follow a Wicca-inspired path… as in you are a Pagan who is influenced by the outer-court Wicca 101 style information that is freely available in the public domain. It’s really okay to be a Wiccan-Inspired Pagan as you can be a multitude of religions, and still be a Pagan.
You can be an Eclectic and still be a Pagan. You can follow a path completely made up by you to suit your personal growth and needs and still be a Pagan. As to my base understanding, to be a Pagan is to follow some type of Earth Centric Path.
The term Pagan is actually an umbrella term that encompasses many different religions, paths, and spiritual traditions, that is typically Earth-Centric. A Pagan path is also typically polytheistic and duothestic, worshipping one or more Gods and/or Goddesses. However a Pagan can be monotheistic as well, choosing to worship only one particular god or goddess from a chosen pantheon or choosing to see each god or goddess and attributes as smaller parts that when combined makes up a Universal-Divine, an all knowing all powerful deity…or God.
So just because you follow a Modern Day Pagan path that is influenced by Wiccan Teachings, just because what you do in ritual is similar to what a Wiccan does, it does NOT make you a Wiccan. As such you should not call it that. You should call it something else… such as “wiccan-Inspired Paganism.” It’s okay, really.
Another pet peeve of mine is the mixing of two religious ideals. Yes, I admit I am guilty of it, as I said in the opening paragraph. I am a Neo-Pagan with Gnostic and Mystical Christian Influence. I follow a Path of my own devising, but I call it what it is, not something else.
I would like to come to a phenomenon known as “Christian-Wicca” or “Christo-Wicca”…
Now this is a touchy subject for me, as I will admit once upon a time I called myself by this term, because I did not know of any other way to describe it. I followed a heavily Wiccan-Inspired Pagan path mixed with my Christian upbringing and admiration for the teachings of Jesus both of the mainstream Variety and from the Gnostic Teachings.
I do not rule out the possibility of eclecticism, as I said I am an eclectic, though I like to say I’m a “Universalist.” While I have no connection or involvement with the “Unitarian Universalist” movement in any manner whatsoever, I like to classify myself as a Universalist. I enjoy studying all the different world religions and I am able to gain wisdom, and knowledge in my studies.
I am a firm believer that each religion, each spiritual tradition, no matter if it is established or made up from someone’s eclecticism, when being peeled to the core really all have the same basic truths to them. I tend to regard each god and goddess from each religion and spiritual path as being a unique entity unto their self; however, I do believe they are connected, as I believe them to be facets of a Universal-Divine force.
I believe that each philosophy, each worldview, each religion, was a way for this Universal-Divine to reach out to each individual culture in a way that each culture would be able to understand. I believe that the only way to be able to heal our wounds is when we come to this realization and recognize this. When we are all able to awaken to this possibility only then is Unity able to be reached and this world can find some form of solace and peace.
So my problem does not lie in the idea itself, as I firmly think it is possible. My problem lies with the term itself.
I think that the term "Christian-Wicca" is an Oxymoron, as Wicca as its own gods, tenets and set of beliefs and Philosophy. And so does Christianity.
Let me reiterate that I do not think it is impossible to be open minded, and able to have a Universalistic approach to religion and spirituality, to be able to garner wisdom and comfort from studying word religions, and if you feel so inclined, to incorporate aspects of the religions that call to you into you're own brand of spirituality.
But when you do this, you should not call it by a title already in use of another religion. Of course I don't like titles and labels much to begin with but to call something "Christian" or "Wiccan' when it really is neither, is really disingenuous. What you should do is find another title for your beliefs.
Or don't go with a title at all.
I call myself a Pagan because most of my belief is centered on neo-Pagan Philosophy, and when I do ritual it is based on how modern Neo-Pagans might conduct their ritual.
Being a "Pagan" encompasses many things. there are a multitude of religions and spiritual traditions that fall under the term "Paganism"
In modern times "Paganism" typically denotes someone who isn't a Muslim, Christian, or a Jew and who usually almost always follows some type of earth based spirituality.
I think it might be okay to be a Pagan-Christian, as in the practices are Pagan, ritual etc. but you use Christian concepts and names for your deities.
Christians have been practicing ‘paganism’ for years. On Easter, they paint, or hide, or hunt Easter eggs. They send out Valentine’s Day cards. When they celebrate Christmas, they are celebrating not only the birth of Christ (Who if any one has done any bit of study would know that Christ was not born in December, and it was decreed that it would be in DEC. by a Roman Emperor who wanted to incorporate the followers of Mithras into Christianity as it was already a holiday they celebrated.) but they are also celebrating the Winter solstice.
So you know if a Christian can practice Paganism, then I am sure it can go the other way around. Of course the purist from both sides might argue that point, and not be happy about it, but that is what I think.
But I do not think one could be a "Christian-Wiccan" or at least should not call themselves as such. Wicca is a specific religion and spirituality under the umbrella of Paganism, with its own unique tenets, rituals, beliefs, and philosophy. – But I guess you certainly could be a “Wiccan-Inspired” Christian, just like you can be a “Wiccan-Inspired” Pagan. Or try this one on for size, a “Christian-Inspired” Pagan…hmmm?
My ideas of Jesus/ Yeshua are also heavily influenced from Gnosticism, which I readily admit is a different entity all together than mainstream Christianity. In my studies and understanding, Gnosticism takes on a more mystical and hands on approach of self-study, self-realization, and self-achievement, which is why I personally think it meshes so well with Modern Neo-Paganism.
Again, this essay is not an attack on Eclectic Paganism, or those who blend ideas from Pagan paths with those from Gnostic, and Christian doctrine together, but a simple plea to sit and rethink our position and the names we give to our chosen path.
Thank you very much, and I look forward to any feedback, comments, or critiques I may get for writing this. It is always much appreciated, and I always try to come to these discussions with an Open mind, heart, and soul and hope my readers will do the same.
Namaste~
And,
Blessed Be!
The Spiral Of Life: In Memory Of My Grandmother Linda (1947 - 11/10/2008)
The Following Article was featured on "The Witches Voice" (Witchvox) website on: November 16th, 2008.
Some think that life is seen as a linear approach. You are born, live for a predetermined time frame, (either the deity of your choice decides or it’s a matter of fate and random chance) you serve your purpose, and then you die. You go into the earth or are cremated (depending on the wishes of your family and the person deceased.) Your friends and Family morn you for a predetermined amount of time, Hours, Days, Months, or even several years. Eventually they get on with their life. Death is a natural process like Birth, love-making, breathing, and eating. Its as inevitable as having to pay taxes. Still, rather it is inevitable or not it hurts a lot when someone you were close to passes on.
Depending on your religious viewpoint, If you are a Christian; when you die, you go to the pearly gates presumably to be judged by the big guy himself. If you are deemed to have lived a righteous and moral life and served Your Lord Jesus Christ well. You will be rewarded paradise in Heaven, a place to rest, to be one with the divine and a chance to catch up with other loved ones long since gone.
If however, you are deemed to have not honored Your God Properly, If you have lived a life that Christians deem “sinful” in anyway and you had not atoned for such acts. Then you will be condemned to the fiery pits of Hell, where you will spend an eternity atoning for your actions and will never get to taste the sweet fruit of basking in the presence of the Divine Creator God of Christianity. Of course we don’t want to think about this unsavory part of the Afterlife, do we? Still other sects hold alternative views, some feel that Hell is only temporary, where you do for a predetermined timeframe until God feels you have paid for your sins and then you will be allowed into Heaven. And still other’s think that after death our souls go into a hibernation of sorts until the Second Coming of Christ. And Then at that time will the souls be judged and allowed into Heaven or not. It just depends on the positions of your Denomination, Church, Pastor, and You and your set of personal beliefs.
Still others of the various religious beliefs hold their own interpretations of the Afterlife.
Some beliefs, such as Wicca believe in the concept of reincarnation, still even among the Wiccans not all believe that. I think even among religious groups it comes down to personal interpretation and belief.
However, it seems we all can agree that the spirit of our loved ones will live on like an eternal candle burning bright in our hearts and memories.
As I stated earlier, some believe that Life is a linear cycle we go from point A to Point B, and that is it. But Others, like The Wiccans I talked about earlier see life as a Cycle, a Cycle of Birth, Life, Death, and Then Rebirth again. We only have to look outside to see these changes. I look outside at the time of this writing and I see the cold depths of Winter set in and take hold of not only our barren land but also our hearts and spirits. However, don’t fret because the promise of Spring time and of sunshine, and flowers, and sweet scents in the air is just around the corner.
Fire may burn and destroy but at the same time it can cleanse and purify. Just look at the explosion of Mt. St. Helen, the volcanic eruption destroyed that natural wildlife and scenery roughly twenty some years ago. But now if you look at that same area it’s as beautiful as ever. Death can be a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s necessary. Just because we know that it is necessary that doesn’t make it any easier. But maybe if we can understand death and understand that the Divine has created it to serve its noble purpose, maybe that understanding can help us to heal our emotional wounds that we may be harboring today.
I readily admit that when it comes to the notion of the afterlife that I am a bit Agnostic, in the fact that I don’t know what happens to a spirit at the time of death. I really don’t think anyone can honestly say for certain what happens to us at the time of death. That is between Us and God, the all knowing divine force. Our best bet is speculation and guess work, and yes Faith. No Matter ones beliefs, they all require a bit of faith.
Don’t get me wrong, I have my own set of personal spiritual beliefs, and though I may not exactly know what happens to my soul at the time of death, I have Faith. Faith that the Divine will take care of me and protect me. Maybe I’ll waltz into Heaven and drink some wine with the big guy himself, or maybe I’ll go to Hell for my transgressions. Maybe I’ll be reincarnated as a quaint little butterfly, or a mighty Lion. Maybe I’ll raise a glass in honor of all the fallen brethren I know in the halls of Vahalla, where The Ancient Norse believed that hero’s and brave soldiers went when they died in glorious battle. Who knows? Only God knows where I will end up. But no matter what I have Faith.
Why am I talking about Death and the afterlife? Well recently I felt the sting of passing. I found out Monday night that my Grandmother passed away at sixty-one years young. I got off work when I heard the news via a telephone call from my mom and later on from my dad. It hurt me, It still hurts me. Mainly because I had to find out second hand and that I could not be there when she took her final breath.
It hurts because I didn’t get to tell her how much I loved her or that I was sorry for not being around much lately because I’ve been too busy working and trying to live my own life and trying to carve out my place and position in life as a man. In fact, it hurts me to think that not only did I not spend enough time with my grandmother, I hardly talk to any of my family, except when I see them at work, or if I need a ride, or if they wanted to find out something from me or whatever the reason may be. It made me come to a realization that all of us, as a whole, the entire human race, in this computer age, of the hussle and bustle, we’re too busy living our own lives, to busy to pick up a phone, or send an e-mail, or a text message to let someone close to us know that we are thinking of them.
It saddens me to think that our culture has de-evolved to such a level that we put family way down on the list of priorities. I’m hoping that by writing this letter/essay/confession whatever you wish to call it. That it may help me to rid my guilt. The guilt I feel for aiding this travesty of not holding the family in high regard, the travesty that we are all guilty of from time to time. I don’t know if they’ll get to read this or not. Or if I’ll ever get to tell them this or not. But I hope one day I can muster up the courage and the strength to let them know that I love them, I’m thinking of them, and that I’m sorry that I’m selfish and am too busy doing my own thing to pick up a phone and call just to catch up.
I especially hope that my grandmother will forgive me for not letting her know how much she meant to me, and for her to know how sorry I was I wasn’t able to visit her as much as maybe I would have liked to…or as much as maybe I should have. Of course I know that my grandmother would not want me to feel guilty, or sad. And that I know that she loved me all the same.
Some of the positive things that have came out of this is that I am able to write this and to air my feelings and say the things I’ve always felt like I should have said, that needed to be said.
And also, I know that my grandma is not suffering any more, she had a long list of health problems. Ranging from Diabetes, Neuropathy, Congestive Heart Failure, Repertory Issues, the general aches and pains of getting old, and most recently had kidney trouble and was on dialysis.
When I mentioned Faith earlier, I must also mention that I have Faith in the fact that I know my Grandma was a self-professed Christian and believed that Jesus Christ was her Lord and Savior, and I have comfort that in knowing that, that she is in Heaven with her parents, My Nanny and Pa-paw, smiling down on us now.
Maybe if the Wiccan beliefs are true, her life-cycle will once again come full circle and she will come back to be with us once again. Only God knows, right?
However, I think that she would want us to remember her in the state she is in now, that she is happy, and without suffering wherever her soul may be. She would want us to not mourn her loss, but celebrate her life. And to remember all the positive memories we’ve had of her. She would want us to cry her a river, but then, to build a bridge and quickly get over it. Though it’s easier said then done, perhaps it is what needs to be done.
We need to be happy and positive and optimistic about all of this. And know that it was her time, that her Lord Jesus called her to be with him and her parents. And to know that she isn’t in pain anymore or suffering from her ailments. I know that it will be hard. It will be. Especially difficult with the holidays just around the corner, now who are we going to have to complain to us that we’ve left wrapping paper all over the living room floor? Or that someone left the turkey in the oven too long? It will be rough, no one said it wouldn’t, and if they did then they are a liar. However, time will soon heal our wounds.
We will Soon step back into the Spiral Dance, and the cycle of life will come full circle. Though we mourn now, soon we will be back to our old selves again, and we will be celebrating this beautiful thing known as life. And you know what? Grandma wouldn’t want it any other way. So let’s stand up, wipe those tears away, stop mourning, and start celebrating.
Thank You.
In Loving memory of my Grandma: Linda Lou Richards (Odle) 1947- 11/10/2008.
Great Mother Goddess, and Great Father God: Please help guide my grandma and protect her while she transitions into the afterlife. and help her prepare for her re-birth in whatever form you deign fit. So Mote It Be! Blessed be!
Some think that life is seen as a linear approach. You are born, live for a predetermined time frame, (either the deity of your choice decides or it’s a matter of fate and random chance) you serve your purpose, and then you die. You go into the earth or are cremated (depending on the wishes of your family and the person deceased.) Your friends and Family morn you for a predetermined amount of time, Hours, Days, Months, or even several years. Eventually they get on with their life. Death is a natural process like Birth, love-making, breathing, and eating. Its as inevitable as having to pay taxes. Still, rather it is inevitable or not it hurts a lot when someone you were close to passes on.
Depending on your religious viewpoint, If you are a Christian; when you die, you go to the pearly gates presumably to be judged by the big guy himself. If you are deemed to have lived a righteous and moral life and served Your Lord Jesus Christ well. You will be rewarded paradise in Heaven, a place to rest, to be one with the divine and a chance to catch up with other loved ones long since gone.
If however, you are deemed to have not honored Your God Properly, If you have lived a life that Christians deem “sinful” in anyway and you had not atoned for such acts. Then you will be condemned to the fiery pits of Hell, where you will spend an eternity atoning for your actions and will never get to taste the sweet fruit of basking in the presence of the Divine Creator God of Christianity. Of course we don’t want to think about this unsavory part of the Afterlife, do we? Still other sects hold alternative views, some feel that Hell is only temporary, where you do for a predetermined timeframe until God feels you have paid for your sins and then you will be allowed into Heaven. And still other’s think that after death our souls go into a hibernation of sorts until the Second Coming of Christ. And Then at that time will the souls be judged and allowed into Heaven or not. It just depends on the positions of your Denomination, Church, Pastor, and You and your set of personal beliefs.
Still others of the various religious beliefs hold their own interpretations of the Afterlife.
Some beliefs, such as Wicca believe in the concept of reincarnation, still even among the Wiccans not all believe that. I think even among religious groups it comes down to personal interpretation and belief.
However, it seems we all can agree that the spirit of our loved ones will live on like an eternal candle burning bright in our hearts and memories.
As I stated earlier, some believe that Life is a linear cycle we go from point A to Point B, and that is it. But Others, like The Wiccans I talked about earlier see life as a Cycle, a Cycle of Birth, Life, Death, and Then Rebirth again. We only have to look outside to see these changes. I look outside at the time of this writing and I see the cold depths of Winter set in and take hold of not only our barren land but also our hearts and spirits. However, don’t fret because the promise of Spring time and of sunshine, and flowers, and sweet scents in the air is just around the corner.
Fire may burn and destroy but at the same time it can cleanse and purify. Just look at the explosion of Mt. St. Helen, the volcanic eruption destroyed that natural wildlife and scenery roughly twenty some years ago. But now if you look at that same area it’s as beautiful as ever. Death can be a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s necessary. Just because we know that it is necessary that doesn’t make it any easier. But maybe if we can understand death and understand that the Divine has created it to serve its noble purpose, maybe that understanding can help us to heal our emotional wounds that we may be harboring today.
I readily admit that when it comes to the notion of the afterlife that I am a bit Agnostic, in the fact that I don’t know what happens to a spirit at the time of death. I really don’t think anyone can honestly say for certain what happens to us at the time of death. That is between Us and God, the all knowing divine force. Our best bet is speculation and guess work, and yes Faith. No Matter ones beliefs, they all require a bit of faith.
Don’t get me wrong, I have my own set of personal spiritual beliefs, and though I may not exactly know what happens to my soul at the time of death, I have Faith. Faith that the Divine will take care of me and protect me. Maybe I’ll waltz into Heaven and drink some wine with the big guy himself, or maybe I’ll go to Hell for my transgressions. Maybe I’ll be reincarnated as a quaint little butterfly, or a mighty Lion. Maybe I’ll raise a glass in honor of all the fallen brethren I know in the halls of Vahalla, where The Ancient Norse believed that hero’s and brave soldiers went when they died in glorious battle. Who knows? Only God knows where I will end up. But no matter what I have Faith.
Why am I talking about Death and the afterlife? Well recently I felt the sting of passing. I found out Monday night that my Grandmother passed away at sixty-one years young. I got off work when I heard the news via a telephone call from my mom and later on from my dad. It hurt me, It still hurts me. Mainly because I had to find out second hand and that I could not be there when she took her final breath.
It hurts because I didn’t get to tell her how much I loved her or that I was sorry for not being around much lately because I’ve been too busy working and trying to live my own life and trying to carve out my place and position in life as a man. In fact, it hurts me to think that not only did I not spend enough time with my grandmother, I hardly talk to any of my family, except when I see them at work, or if I need a ride, or if they wanted to find out something from me or whatever the reason may be. It made me come to a realization that all of us, as a whole, the entire human race, in this computer age, of the hussle and bustle, we’re too busy living our own lives, to busy to pick up a phone, or send an e-mail, or a text message to let someone close to us know that we are thinking of them.
It saddens me to think that our culture has de-evolved to such a level that we put family way down on the list of priorities. I’m hoping that by writing this letter/essay/confession whatever you wish to call it. That it may help me to rid my guilt. The guilt I feel for aiding this travesty of not holding the family in high regard, the travesty that we are all guilty of from time to time. I don’t know if they’ll get to read this or not. Or if I’ll ever get to tell them this or not. But I hope one day I can muster up the courage and the strength to let them know that I love them, I’m thinking of them, and that I’m sorry that I’m selfish and am too busy doing my own thing to pick up a phone and call just to catch up.
I especially hope that my grandmother will forgive me for not letting her know how much she meant to me, and for her to know how sorry I was I wasn’t able to visit her as much as maybe I would have liked to…or as much as maybe I should have. Of course I know that my grandmother would not want me to feel guilty, or sad. And that I know that she loved me all the same.
Some of the positive things that have came out of this is that I am able to write this and to air my feelings and say the things I’ve always felt like I should have said, that needed to be said.
And also, I know that my grandma is not suffering any more, she had a long list of health problems. Ranging from Diabetes, Neuropathy, Congestive Heart Failure, Repertory Issues, the general aches and pains of getting old, and most recently had kidney trouble and was on dialysis.
When I mentioned Faith earlier, I must also mention that I have Faith in the fact that I know my Grandma was a self-professed Christian and believed that Jesus Christ was her Lord and Savior, and I have comfort that in knowing that, that she is in Heaven with her parents, My Nanny and Pa-paw, smiling down on us now.
Maybe if the Wiccan beliefs are true, her life-cycle will once again come full circle and she will come back to be with us once again. Only God knows, right?
However, I think that she would want us to remember her in the state she is in now, that she is happy, and without suffering wherever her soul may be. She would want us to not mourn her loss, but celebrate her life. And to remember all the positive memories we’ve had of her. She would want us to cry her a river, but then, to build a bridge and quickly get over it. Though it’s easier said then done, perhaps it is what needs to be done.
We need to be happy and positive and optimistic about all of this. And know that it was her time, that her Lord Jesus called her to be with him and her parents. And to know that she isn’t in pain anymore or suffering from her ailments. I know that it will be hard. It will be. Especially difficult with the holidays just around the corner, now who are we going to have to complain to us that we’ve left wrapping paper all over the living room floor? Or that someone left the turkey in the oven too long? It will be rough, no one said it wouldn’t, and if they did then they are a liar. However, time will soon heal our wounds.
We will Soon step back into the Spiral Dance, and the cycle of life will come full circle. Though we mourn now, soon we will be back to our old selves again, and we will be celebrating this beautiful thing known as life. And you know what? Grandma wouldn’t want it any other way. So let’s stand up, wipe those tears away, stop mourning, and start celebrating.
Thank You.
In Loving memory of my Grandma: Linda Lou Richards (Odle) 1947- 11/10/2008.
Great Mother Goddess, and Great Father God: Please help guide my grandma and protect her while she transitions into the afterlife. and help her prepare for her re-birth in whatever form you deign fit. So Mote It Be! Blessed be!
Pagans Can be Christ-like Too!
The Following Article was featured on "The Witches Voice" (Witchvox) website on: February 25th, 2007.
You know, I am tired of seeing so-called followers of Christ, "Christians", get the teachings of Jesus --my spiritual teacher all wrong.
I am not trying to Christian bash, so please do not think that.
I am a non-Christian, however I used to be one...but I found the religion too hypocritical for my personal taste so I have moved on to searching out what truly calls to me. I feel that I have found that in Paganism. But I have never forsaken the teachings of the Christ.
I see Jesus as my Spiritual Mentor and I still believe in him. I try to follow the Christ-essence and emulate Christ.... and at the same time worship god and goddess. It is a personal spiritual path that has called to me and has helped me felt more spiritually fulfilled.
But I honestly feel that if Yeshua (Jesus) Christ would come back, he would be disgusted with the hypocritical, bigoted and judgmental, hateful things that spring forth from the church pulpits today.
I do not believe Christ' teachings were meant to be used as people of the more fundamentalist persuasion make them out to be. I do not believe they were meant to be interpreted so that people could be racist, bigots, homophobic, or just hateful and hostile towards anybodies life-style choice/philosophy that they personally disagree with.
Again, please do not think I am trying to Christian bash here because I am not. I have the utmost respect for the Christian religion and I am very sure that not all Christians act this way, I am sure some are very spiritual, devout and great people. These are just the impressions I’ve gotten from Christians I personally have come in contact with in my every day dealings. I am writing this to voice my opinions not to disrespect or offend anyone.
I believe that Jesus' teachings were simple:
Love thy neighbor as thy self.
Love thy enemy.
Do not pass judgment on another.
Give when anyone asks of you.
And just be an all-around helpful, loving, peaceful person.
Many people actually try their best to do these things, but just because they are not a self-proclaimed Christian but rather a Pagan, a Wiccan, a homosexual, a person of race, a Muslim, Jew, Mormon, catholic, disabled or what-have-you, they are put down. And it really upsets me when I see Christians -- or anyone who claims to follow the teachings of Jesus -- put down other people.
It honestly doesn't matter if you are a Christian or not because we are all Children of God...There may be 1, 000, 000, 000, 000 interpretations of God.... some may see not one God but many gods and goddesses.... some may not have had any experiences yet to justify the existence of any god.
But that does not mean that it isn’t there; maybe you are not ready to experience yet. Perhaps you are not meant to be a Theist because, if you were, it might somehow mess up the space-time continuum.
Or you might become a fundamentalist, chalk science up to the work of the “Devil” and then never get around to inventing the cure for cancer.
No matter what it is to you -- or if you are able to perceive it or not -- it is still all the same essence. And if you are not a Christian, you will not go to the fiery pits of hell
Here are some great quotes that I feel help me make my point:
“A religious man is a person who holds God and man in one thought at one time, at all times, who suffers harm done to others, whose greatest passion is compassion, whose greatest strength is love and defiance of despair.” -- Abraham Joshua Heschel
“The problem to be faced is: how to combine loyalty to one's own tradition with reverence for different traditions.” -- Abraham Joshua Heschel
"Having the fewest wants, I am nearest to the gods.” -- Socrates
“Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish.” -- Albert Einstein
“My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.” -- Albert Einstein
“Religion is what an individual does with his solitariness.” -- Alfred North Whitehead
“Why not let people differ about their answers to the great mysteries of the Universe? Let each seek one's own way to the highest, to one's own sense of supreme loyalty in life, one's ideal of life. Let each philosophy, each world-view bring forth its truth and beauty to a larger perspective, that people may grow in vision, stature and dedication.” -- Algernon Black
“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.” -- Anne Frank
“Ethical religion can be real only to those who are engaged in ceaseless efforts at moral improvement. By moving upward we acquire faith in an upward movement, without limit.” -- Felix Adler
“The unique personality, which is the real life in me, I cannot gain unless I search for the real life, the spiritual quality, in others. I am myself spiritually dead unless I reach out to the fine quality dormant in others. For it is only with the god enthroned in the innermost shrine of the other, that the god hidden in me will consent to appear”. -- Felix Adler
“Everybody prays whether [you think] of it as praying or not. The odd silence you fall into when something very beautiful is happening or something very good or very bad. The ah-h-h-h! That sometimes floats up out of you as out of a Fourth of July crowd when the sky-rocket bursts over the water. The stammer of pain at somebody else s pain. The stammer of joy at somebody else's joy. Whatever words or sounds you use for sighing with over your own life. These are all prayers in their way. These are all spoken not just to yourself but to something even more familiar than yourself and even more strange than the world.” -- Frederick Buechner
Finally a bumper sticker I bought the other day said:
"Real Christians Emulate Jesus, Not Idolatrize the Bible."
In conclusion, I believe Pagans can strive to emulate Christ and be Christ-like too! No one religious group can monopolize such spirit.
Be Blessed!
You know, I am tired of seeing so-called followers of Christ, "Christians", get the teachings of Jesus --my spiritual teacher all wrong.
I am not trying to Christian bash, so please do not think that.
I am a non-Christian, however I used to be one...but I found the religion too hypocritical for my personal taste so I have moved on to searching out what truly calls to me. I feel that I have found that in Paganism. But I have never forsaken the teachings of the Christ.
I see Jesus as my Spiritual Mentor and I still believe in him. I try to follow the Christ-essence and emulate Christ.... and at the same time worship god and goddess. It is a personal spiritual path that has called to me and has helped me felt more spiritually fulfilled.
But I honestly feel that if Yeshua (Jesus) Christ would come back, he would be disgusted with the hypocritical, bigoted and judgmental, hateful things that spring forth from the church pulpits today.
I do not believe Christ' teachings were meant to be used as people of the more fundamentalist persuasion make them out to be. I do not believe they were meant to be interpreted so that people could be racist, bigots, homophobic, or just hateful and hostile towards anybodies life-style choice/philosophy that they personally disagree with.
Again, please do not think I am trying to Christian bash here because I am not. I have the utmost respect for the Christian religion and I am very sure that not all Christians act this way, I am sure some are very spiritual, devout and great people. These are just the impressions I’ve gotten from Christians I personally have come in contact with in my every day dealings. I am writing this to voice my opinions not to disrespect or offend anyone.
I believe that Jesus' teachings were simple:
Love thy neighbor as thy self.
Love thy enemy.
Do not pass judgment on another.
Give when anyone asks of you.
And just be an all-around helpful, loving, peaceful person.
Many people actually try their best to do these things, but just because they are not a self-proclaimed Christian but rather a Pagan, a Wiccan, a homosexual, a person of race, a Muslim, Jew, Mormon, catholic, disabled or what-have-you, they are put down. And it really upsets me when I see Christians -- or anyone who claims to follow the teachings of Jesus -- put down other people.
It honestly doesn't matter if you are a Christian or not because we are all Children of God...There may be 1, 000, 000, 000, 000 interpretations of God.... some may see not one God but many gods and goddesses.... some may not have had any experiences yet to justify the existence of any god.
But that does not mean that it isn’t there; maybe you are not ready to experience yet. Perhaps you are not meant to be a Theist because, if you were, it might somehow mess up the space-time continuum.
Or you might become a fundamentalist, chalk science up to the work of the “Devil” and then never get around to inventing the cure for cancer.
No matter what it is to you -- or if you are able to perceive it or not -- it is still all the same essence. And if you are not a Christian, you will not go to the fiery pits of hell
Here are some great quotes that I feel help me make my point:
“A religious man is a person who holds God and man in one thought at one time, at all times, who suffers harm done to others, whose greatest passion is compassion, whose greatest strength is love and defiance of despair.” -- Abraham Joshua Heschel
“The problem to be faced is: how to combine loyalty to one's own tradition with reverence for different traditions.” -- Abraham Joshua Heschel
"Having the fewest wants, I am nearest to the gods.” -- Socrates
“Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish.” -- Albert Einstein
“My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.” -- Albert Einstein
“Religion is what an individual does with his solitariness.” -- Alfred North Whitehead
“Why not let people differ about their answers to the great mysteries of the Universe? Let each seek one's own way to the highest, to one's own sense of supreme loyalty in life, one's ideal of life. Let each philosophy, each world-view bring forth its truth and beauty to a larger perspective, that people may grow in vision, stature and dedication.” -- Algernon Black
“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.” -- Anne Frank
“Ethical religion can be real only to those who are engaged in ceaseless efforts at moral improvement. By moving upward we acquire faith in an upward movement, without limit.” -- Felix Adler
“The unique personality, which is the real life in me, I cannot gain unless I search for the real life, the spiritual quality, in others. I am myself spiritually dead unless I reach out to the fine quality dormant in others. For it is only with the god enthroned in the innermost shrine of the other, that the god hidden in me will consent to appear”. -- Felix Adler
“Everybody prays whether [you think] of it as praying or not. The odd silence you fall into when something very beautiful is happening or something very good or very bad. The ah-h-h-h! That sometimes floats up out of you as out of a Fourth of July crowd when the sky-rocket bursts over the water. The stammer of pain at somebody else s pain. The stammer of joy at somebody else's joy. Whatever words or sounds you use for sighing with over your own life. These are all prayers in their way. These are all spoken not just to yourself but to something even more familiar than yourself and even more strange than the world.” -- Frederick Buechner
Finally a bumper sticker I bought the other day said:
"Real Christians Emulate Jesus, Not Idolatrize the Bible."
In conclusion, I believe Pagans can strive to emulate Christ and be Christ-like too! No one religious group can monopolize such spirit.
Be Blessed!
Christian Witchcraft: What it means to me.
The Following Article is one of the "first" I wrote on the subject of "religion" and "religious seeking" around the time I started down my path of seeking and understanding, it was featured on "The Witches Voice" (Witchvox) website on: April 30th, 2006.
Keep in mind that I am still a seeker, but I believe that I have found a path that speaks to me. Combining my belief in Jesus Christ, and the comforting Holy Spirit (though I see the Holy Spirit in a feminine aspect and as such refer to her as the Mother Holy Spirit, or lady Holy Spirit) , With Pagan ideologies and practices. More specifically I am interested in general Paganism, The Greek Pantheon, The Nordic and Celtic traditions, Wiccan theology, beliefs, and practices, Native American Spirituality/Shamanism, and the art and practice of magick. I am also interested in the Jewish Qabbala and Gnosticism (an unorthodox sect of Christianity that was systematically stamped out by early fundamentalist.)
In essence I am an eclectic since I combine belief systems. I prefer the to label myself as a seeking eclectic Christian Witch, since we as humans have this condition to want to label everything. I grew up in a heavily Christian background, but I questioned a lot of it, and I always felt like other religions and spiritualities have certain truths to them. I am a subscriber to the tree theory which is as follows: The roots of the tree is the unknowable divine energy you cannot see it but you know that it is there. Then there is the tree trunk which manifests to some people as a God or a Goddess or sometimes both...it manifests to me in the form of a God and Goddess. They are two separate entities but they come from the same source - some people will tend to stop there. But if you go on up the tree to the branches that is each individual pantheon (Greek, Roman, Nordic, Celtic, Egyptian, ect.) * I believe other religions can fit on there as well - examples: Christianity, the Jewish faith, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, ect.* and then if you go even farther to each little twig that is each individual god (s) and goddess (s) . They are all separate yet they flow into the one divine energy.
I whole heartedly believe that mainstream Christianity today is not was Jesus Christ envisioned 2,000 + years ago. I do try to read the Bible as often as possible, and I do believe that it contains good examples to try to live by, but I also believe that it has been “translated” way too many times to suit man's political agendas of the times. I believe the early Christians after Christ died on the cross, became corrupt and tried to pervert teachings to suit their needs.
Thoughout the gospels Jesus teaches about friendship, tolerance, love and kindness. Things that I rarely see exhibited by Mainstream Christians today.
I do believe Jesus Christ was a profound teacher and a messiah, but I am also a Goddess worshipper. I worship the Mother right along with the Father. I believe in Magick, and I believe it is another valid way to attune with and interact with the divine. As well Magick is another valid form to help affect changes in my life for the better, I believe it is a gift from the divine and as such it should be utilized. I am also a nature worshipper, because divinity created nature and us, therefore nature as well as us humans contain little sparks of divinity. I am mystical, and my spiritual cup runneth over, in ways it never did wheh I was a practing Baptist Christian. I believe that if Jesus Christ was alive today then he would be the witchiest Christian Witch of them all.
When I started this path I thought Christian Witchcraft was in the minority, but as I continue with my studies and down my spiritual path of choice I find more like minded people like me everyday.
We may never be totally accepted in Pagan circles, because Pagans have been persecuted thoughout the centuries by the right-wing Fundamentalist Christians, so the mere mention of Christian influenced spirituality may send some people the wrong message. And on the reverse side, to the right-wing fundamentalist Christians we are seen as heretics, who are misusing the gospels, and who are perverted and in league with the devil because of our magickal and mystical sides. But we are here, and we follow what our hearts, minds, and spirits tell us to do, we do not care about religious dogma, instead we do what we feel is right in our hearts, we worship the God and Goddess and all of their creations and try to use all the things they have given to us. We also rely on the comforting Mother Holy Spirit in times of great sadness, and we try to strive to live by the teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ, and show everyone, Pagan or Christian, or agnostic, or atheist, or Islamic, or Buddhist – just how Christ like we are.
We are loving, and kind, and gracious, and forgiving, atleast we try to be, we are still human we are still flawed we make mistakes, but We listen to our hearts and try to do what we believe is morally right – and we never tell anyone that they are wrong for any spiritual or religious belief they may have, instead we celebrate the diversity.
This is what being a Christian Witch means to me, and I love every second of being one, I honestly have never felt more spiritually fulfilled.
I am still a seeker, yes. But arn't we all? we should never stop learning.Each day I find something new about myself, my spirituality, and my craft.
Alot of people may not agree with what I have to say, or may not agree with my chosen blend of paths and spiritualities - but this is the blended path that has called to me and I feel this is where I am supposed to be. I do not care about religious dogma, instead I follow my heart and let my spirit and the divine energy ( the Lord and Lady, each individual God and Goddess, Jesus Christ, and the Mother Holy Spirit) Guide me to where they want me to be.
Keep in mind that I am still a seeker, but I believe that I have found a path that speaks to me. Combining my belief in Jesus Christ, and the comforting Holy Spirit (though I see the Holy Spirit in a feminine aspect and as such refer to her as the Mother Holy Spirit, or lady Holy Spirit) , With Pagan ideologies and practices. More specifically I am interested in general Paganism, The Greek Pantheon, The Nordic and Celtic traditions, Wiccan theology, beliefs, and practices, Native American Spirituality/Shamanism, and the art and practice of magick. I am also interested in the Jewish Qabbala and Gnosticism (an unorthodox sect of Christianity that was systematically stamped out by early fundamentalist.)
In essence I am an eclectic since I combine belief systems. I prefer the to label myself as a seeking eclectic Christian Witch, since we as humans have this condition to want to label everything. I grew up in a heavily Christian background, but I questioned a lot of it, and I always felt like other religions and spiritualities have certain truths to them. I am a subscriber to the tree theory which is as follows: The roots of the tree is the unknowable divine energy you cannot see it but you know that it is there. Then there is the tree trunk which manifests to some people as a God or a Goddess or sometimes both...it manifests to me in the form of a God and Goddess. They are two separate entities but they come from the same source - some people will tend to stop there. But if you go on up the tree to the branches that is each individual pantheon (Greek, Roman, Nordic, Celtic, Egyptian, ect.) * I believe other religions can fit on there as well - examples: Christianity, the Jewish faith, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, ect.* and then if you go even farther to each little twig that is each individual god (s) and goddess (s) . They are all separate yet they flow into the one divine energy.
I whole heartedly believe that mainstream Christianity today is not was Jesus Christ envisioned 2,000 + years ago. I do try to read the Bible as often as possible, and I do believe that it contains good examples to try to live by, but I also believe that it has been “translated” way too many times to suit man's political agendas of the times. I believe the early Christians after Christ died on the cross, became corrupt and tried to pervert teachings to suit their needs.
Thoughout the gospels Jesus teaches about friendship, tolerance, love and kindness. Things that I rarely see exhibited by Mainstream Christians today.
I do believe Jesus Christ was a profound teacher and a messiah, but I am also a Goddess worshipper. I worship the Mother right along with the Father. I believe in Magick, and I believe it is another valid way to attune with and interact with the divine. As well Magick is another valid form to help affect changes in my life for the better, I believe it is a gift from the divine and as such it should be utilized. I am also a nature worshipper, because divinity created nature and us, therefore nature as well as us humans contain little sparks of divinity. I am mystical, and my spiritual cup runneth over, in ways it never did wheh I was a practing Baptist Christian. I believe that if Jesus Christ was alive today then he would be the witchiest Christian Witch of them all.
When I started this path I thought Christian Witchcraft was in the minority, but as I continue with my studies and down my spiritual path of choice I find more like minded people like me everyday.
We may never be totally accepted in Pagan circles, because Pagans have been persecuted thoughout the centuries by the right-wing Fundamentalist Christians, so the mere mention of Christian influenced spirituality may send some people the wrong message. And on the reverse side, to the right-wing fundamentalist Christians we are seen as heretics, who are misusing the gospels, and who are perverted and in league with the devil because of our magickal and mystical sides. But we are here, and we follow what our hearts, minds, and spirits tell us to do, we do not care about religious dogma, instead we do what we feel is right in our hearts, we worship the God and Goddess and all of their creations and try to use all the things they have given to us. We also rely on the comforting Mother Holy Spirit in times of great sadness, and we try to strive to live by the teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ, and show everyone, Pagan or Christian, or agnostic, or atheist, or Islamic, or Buddhist – just how Christ like we are.
We are loving, and kind, and gracious, and forgiving, atleast we try to be, we are still human we are still flawed we make mistakes, but We listen to our hearts and try to do what we believe is morally right – and we never tell anyone that they are wrong for any spiritual or religious belief they may have, instead we celebrate the diversity.
This is what being a Christian Witch means to me, and I love every second of being one, I honestly have never felt more spiritually fulfilled.
I am still a seeker, yes. But arn't we all? we should never stop learning.Each day I find something new about myself, my spirituality, and my craft.
Alot of people may not agree with what I have to say, or may not agree with my chosen blend of paths and spiritualities - but this is the blended path that has called to me and I feel this is where I am supposed to be. I do not care about religious dogma, instead I follow my heart and let my spirit and the divine energy ( the Lord and Lady, each individual God and Goddess, Jesus Christ, and the Mother Holy Spirit) Guide me to where they want me to be.
Paul Waxing all Philosophical like..................
Originally Posted On a Myspace Profile Blog -- January 14th, 2009.
The Following is my response.
"All Man-made religions are false and biased!"
So that would mean ALL religions are false and biased right?
Even Christianity.
All of the holy texts of the world have been written, edited, compiled, re-written, re-translated, re-edited, parts lost or omitted, parts added, etc. by men, normal every day men, men with their own bias and agenda's.
The holy text of the world are no different than the books we pick up in our local bookstores today. But because they were written centuries, and a Millennia or two ago, people assume that they must be true.
People claim that these writings are "divine" inspired, but since none of us where there we can't say for sure. so we have to rely on the writers of the book to say it's true. "Oh the (insert holy text of your choice here) is true, because it says it's true!" it's circular logic, And Self Edifying sources.
Realizing this, I am able to take the holy text of the world as they are, a compilation of beautiful writing and poetry, describing the divine though the experiences of specific groups of people, realizing that, to me, means that I can enjoy these texts and don't have to feel as if they are at odds with each other, and I am able to appreciate the messages in a somewhat pure form. and am able to utilize the teachings from various texts which speak to me personally.
God, did not sit up in heaven and write the bible up on a typewriter or Microsoft word, and then send it down on a cloud from the sky to the people of the earth.
It was written and compiled by men, just like all the other holy texts of the world. so take them all for what they are worth, beautiful stories with messages about life and morality, kinda like an Aesop fable.
of course, I'm not saying that one can not be a theist, i'm just saying keep the history of the holy texts of the world in context.
I try to rely more so on my personal experiences.
I.E. My Delusions to some.
but overall, I have a live and let live attitude, I don't care what you believe or don't believe, I just think you shouldn't force it onto other people. and if you do choose to believe: own it, take responsibility for your belief, and attempt to understand where it comes from.
I think we would all get along better, if people would just accept people for who and what they are and stop trying to "Save" them er' whatever.
There was plenty more Philosophising and Pwn'ing on my part, and if you're interested the link to the thread in question can be found here:
All man-made religions are false and biased!
Curious as to other's thoughts, and philosophizing, so comment back.
(All Man-Made Religions are false and biased!, are they? hmmmmm.)
Someone on the R&P, or the Religion and Philosophy Forum to you Heathen non-posters. made a post recently going on a diatribe of anti-religious ranting.The Following is my response.
"All Man-made religions are false and biased!"
So that would mean ALL religions are false and biased right?
Even Christianity.
All of the holy texts of the world have been written, edited, compiled, re-written, re-translated, re-edited, parts lost or omitted, parts added, etc. by men, normal every day men, men with their own bias and agenda's.
The holy text of the world are no different than the books we pick up in our local bookstores today. But because they were written centuries, and a Millennia or two ago, people assume that they must be true.
People claim that these writings are "divine" inspired, but since none of us where there we can't say for sure. so we have to rely on the writers of the book to say it's true. "Oh the (insert holy text of your choice here) is true, because it says it's true!" it's circular logic, And Self Edifying sources.
Realizing this, I am able to take the holy text of the world as they are, a compilation of beautiful writing and poetry, describing the divine though the experiences of specific groups of people, realizing that, to me, means that I can enjoy these texts and don't have to feel as if they are at odds with each other, and I am able to appreciate the messages in a somewhat pure form. and am able to utilize the teachings from various texts which speak to me personally.
God, did not sit up in heaven and write the bible up on a typewriter or Microsoft word, and then send it down on a cloud from the sky to the people of the earth.
It was written and compiled by men, just like all the other holy texts of the world. so take them all for what they are worth, beautiful stories with messages about life and morality, kinda like an Aesop fable.
of course, I'm not saying that one can not be a theist, i'm just saying keep the history of the holy texts of the world in context.
I try to rely more so on my personal experiences.
I.E. My Delusions to some.
but overall, I have a live and let live attitude, I don't care what you believe or don't believe, I just think you shouldn't force it onto other people. and if you do choose to believe: own it, take responsibility for your belief, and attempt to understand where it comes from.
I think we would all get along better, if people would just accept people for who and what they are and stop trying to "Save" them er' whatever.
There was plenty more Philosophising and Pwn'ing on my part, and if you're interested the link to the thread in question can be found here:
All man-made religions are false and biased!
Curious as to other's thoughts, and philosophizing, so comment back.
Let’s Explain my beliefs one more time - Shall we?
Originally Posted On a Myspace Profile Blog -- November 23rd, 2008.
I was once again accosted by a bible believing Christian, in an off myspace website.
it was a discussion about why certain people get offended when you say "Christian Mythology", If you look at the word Mythology the definition is a collection of stories - so a collection of stories in a myth. as Christianity is a collection of stories that makes it myth ala' Christian Mythology.
Now we weren't just picking on Christianity, as we made reference that all religion and all religious ideas are a collection that makes up myth - we have the Greek mythology, the Roman Mythology, etc. and so forth. all of these religions have their own unique tenets that collectively make up it's mythology.
-Well as the conversation continued, and the bible was mentioned I gave my usual speel. and got this in return.
Mark M.Paul, I don't know if you believe in a god, but if you do, he certainly isn't a very big or great one. My God is the Living God and His Word is also alive. He is eternal and so is His Word. . .
He is able to make Himself known (revelation). . .He is able to use fallible men, men who normally err to record for all time an infallible and inerrant scripture (inspiration). . . For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:21
*continued Wall-O Bible Quotes*
______________________________________________________________________
And well, here is my reply once more for all the nay-saying people out there:
Paul R.
Mark, I believe in a god, Lots of gods actually. All of them as a matter of fact. I think that if someone chooses to believe in at least one then that means we can't dismiss the possibilities of the other's existing. that doesn't mean you have to worship all the other ones, you can still worship the one of your choosing or the specific pantheon of your choosing, but you can't dismiss the other ones.
the gods are eternal, a cosmic life force, there are mythologoical stories of the gods that predate Christianity by a millennium. or quite possibly longer.
I do not think any of the gods are at odds with each other, I think they all work together for the betterment of humankind, giving us different lessons, in different language and cultural specific ways. for all of us to be able to comprehend and to learn. Not everyone is going to experience God, The Divine in the same way, its too personal of an experience. its just like dreaming we all dream in a different way, like learning - we all learn in a different way, like holding an opinion - we all have different ones, like comprehending - we all comprehend differently. and I think the many options are out there , the different gods and different religions - to help reach people who dream,learn, experience, comprehend, and hold differing opinions - to help reach them in their own way on their own terms.
If you study comparative religion at all, you would find that the core beliefs are shared among all the faiths, to love God, to Love Ourselves, To Love Of Friends and Family, to Love Strangers, To Love Humankind, to Take care and Provide for the Earth the place in which we live, To do good deeds and use right action and judgment, and have faith and be rewarded on the other side of the veil.
as I said I believe in many gods, but I don't think they are against one another.
Think of a Cosmic Justice League if you will, YAHWEH is Superman, Odin is Batman, Saturn is the Flash, Isis is Wonder Woman..etc. and so forth. all the gods set around a conference room holding meetings on how to better help the earth and those living on it understand that which cannot be understood.
I believe in the plurality of the divine, that it is comprised of masculine energies, and feminine energy. god and goddess - many gods and goddesses, and though these gods are individual and unique they are connected at a universal-divine source, it is something that is beyond our human ability to comprehend. - the Justice League of the gods if you will.
Mostly when I say God, unless I qualify with a name of a specific deity, I am talking about this cosmic universal divine and eternal life giving force. when I pray and worship, I honor the Divine -Universal as a whole, I will call to a specific deity if I feel a need, or have a specific purpose or goal in mind.
However, I am a realist, and I know that any divinely inspired poetic writing we have out there, and bibles that are out there, any holy text from any and all the religions that are out there - they are simply our (mans) interpretation, they come from our pens, and our scribes. Oh, I'll read them because, unless you can tap into the collective unconscious within ourselves and communicate with the divine - these writings are all we have to tell us about the nature of the gods. of course, even though I read it and get inspiration and encouragement from the eclectic holy books of the world - I do not hold one superior to any other. they are all pretty much equal in my eyes.
Mark, I am a "Universalist" - Eclectic Neo-Pagan (Influenced by modern Pagan religions such as Wicca and Asatru, and older ones, from Egyptian, Celtic, Roman, Greek, and Norse Mythology.) A Polytheist who believes in the dual nature of the divine (god and goddess) With influence from the New-Age movement, Western Occultism (Occult = hidden/secret knowledge), Mysticism, and I also have gnostic tendencies. Oh, and Carl Jung and His Archetypal ideas and other psychological prospective's totally rock!
I read and Study the teachings of Christ, but through a gnostic lens, and with a global universal mindset. I get the message, but different then the fundamentalists.
when Christ said I am the way,the truth, and the life. No one gets to the father except by me......well he did say that, but if you study that passage, and know anything about literary endeavors - you can see that Jesus was talking in the third person - in fact Jesus talked in the 3rd person a lot. Why is this? It is my belief that is was not Jesus himself speaking - but the Christ essence...the Spirit of Christ and of the Divine speaking through him.
I think he was saying without the spirit of the divine within you, you won't get to see or feel god (the divine) obviously - just like if you have the lights turned off you can't see the chair your about to run into.
I think that "The Christ" is a spirit that we all possess or can tap into, the Christ is not a person, I think Jesus was a very enlightened teacher who had the "Christ Spirit" and who may or may not have had some sort of divine origin.
"the Christ" to me is the christian version of Enlightenment or the Gnosis.
Without Enlightenment we cannot become better individuals.
but even I think that non-theists can have the spirit of enlightenment, or "The Christ" Spirit within them.
Thank you for your time.
I was once again accosted by a bible believing Christian, in an off myspace website.
it was a discussion about why certain people get offended when you say "Christian Mythology", If you look at the word Mythology the definition is a collection of stories - so a collection of stories in a myth. as Christianity is a collection of stories that makes it myth ala' Christian Mythology.
Now we weren't just picking on Christianity, as we made reference that all religion and all religious ideas are a collection that makes up myth - we have the Greek mythology, the Roman Mythology, etc. and so forth. all of these religions have their own unique tenets that collectively make up it's mythology.
-Well as the conversation continued, and the bible was mentioned I gave my usual speel. and got this in return.
Mark M.Paul, I don't know if you believe in a god, but if you do, he certainly isn't a very big or great one. My God is the Living God and His Word is also alive. He is eternal and so is His Word. . .
He is able to make Himself known (revelation). . .He is able to use fallible men, men who normally err to record for all time an infallible and inerrant scripture (inspiration). . . For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:21
*continued Wall-O Bible Quotes*
______________________________________________________________________
And well, here is my reply once more for all the nay-saying people out there:
Paul R.
Mark, I believe in a god, Lots of gods actually. All of them as a matter of fact. I think that if someone chooses to believe in at least one then that means we can't dismiss the possibilities of the other's existing. that doesn't mean you have to worship all the other ones, you can still worship the one of your choosing or the specific pantheon of your choosing, but you can't dismiss the other ones.
the gods are eternal, a cosmic life force, there are mythologoical stories of the gods that predate Christianity by a millennium. or quite possibly longer.
I do not think any of the gods are at odds with each other, I think they all work together for the betterment of humankind, giving us different lessons, in different language and cultural specific ways. for all of us to be able to comprehend and to learn. Not everyone is going to experience God, The Divine in the same way, its too personal of an experience. its just like dreaming we all dream in a different way, like learning - we all learn in a different way, like holding an opinion - we all have different ones, like comprehending - we all comprehend differently. and I think the many options are out there , the different gods and different religions - to help reach people who dream,learn, experience, comprehend, and hold differing opinions - to help reach them in their own way on their own terms.
If you study comparative religion at all, you would find that the core beliefs are shared among all the faiths, to love God, to Love Ourselves, To Love Of Friends and Family, to Love Strangers, To Love Humankind, to Take care and Provide for the Earth the place in which we live, To do good deeds and use right action and judgment, and have faith and be rewarded on the other side of the veil.
as I said I believe in many gods, but I don't think they are against one another.
Think of a Cosmic Justice League if you will, YAHWEH is Superman, Odin is Batman, Saturn is the Flash, Isis is Wonder Woman..etc. and so forth. all the gods set around a conference room holding meetings on how to better help the earth and those living on it understand that which cannot be understood.
I believe in the plurality of the divine, that it is comprised of masculine energies, and feminine energy. god and goddess - many gods and goddesses, and though these gods are individual and unique they are connected at a universal-divine source, it is something that is beyond our human ability to comprehend. - the Justice League of the gods if you will.
Mostly when I say God, unless I qualify with a name of a specific deity, I am talking about this cosmic universal divine and eternal life giving force. when I pray and worship, I honor the Divine -Universal as a whole, I will call to a specific deity if I feel a need, or have a specific purpose or goal in mind.
However, I am a realist, and I know that any divinely inspired poetic writing we have out there, and bibles that are out there, any holy text from any and all the religions that are out there - they are simply our (mans) interpretation, they come from our pens, and our scribes. Oh, I'll read them because, unless you can tap into the collective unconscious within ourselves and communicate with the divine - these writings are all we have to tell us about the nature of the gods. of course, even though I read it and get inspiration and encouragement from the eclectic holy books of the world - I do not hold one superior to any other. they are all pretty much equal in my eyes.
Mark, I am a "Universalist" - Eclectic Neo-Pagan (Influenced by modern Pagan religions such as Wicca and Asatru, and older ones, from Egyptian, Celtic, Roman, Greek, and Norse Mythology.) A Polytheist who believes in the dual nature of the divine (god and goddess) With influence from the New-Age movement, Western Occultism (Occult = hidden/secret knowledge), Mysticism, and I also have gnostic tendencies. Oh, and Carl Jung and His Archetypal ideas and other psychological prospective's totally rock!
I read and Study the teachings of Christ, but through a gnostic lens, and with a global universal mindset. I get the message, but different then the fundamentalists.
when Christ said I am the way,the truth, and the life. No one gets to the father except by me......well he did say that, but if you study that passage, and know anything about literary endeavors - you can see that Jesus was talking in the third person - in fact Jesus talked in the 3rd person a lot. Why is this? It is my belief that is was not Jesus himself speaking - but the Christ essence...the Spirit of Christ and of the Divine speaking through him.
I think he was saying without the spirit of the divine within you, you won't get to see or feel god (the divine) obviously - just like if you have the lights turned off you can't see the chair your about to run into.
I think that "The Christ" is a spirit that we all possess or can tap into, the Christ is not a person, I think Jesus was a very enlightened teacher who had the "Christ Spirit" and who may or may not have had some sort of divine origin.
"the Christ" to me is the christian version of Enlightenment or the Gnosis.
Without Enlightenment we cannot become better individuals.
but even I think that non-theists can have the spirit of enlightenment, or "The Christ" Spirit within them.
Thank you for your time.
An Open Letter to the Pagan Community.
Originally Posted On a Myspace Profile Blog -- September 2nd, 2008.
And so does Christianity.
My Open Letter to the Eclectic Pagan Community, more notably those who blend Ideas from two or more religions together.
First let me start out by saying this is not an attack on your beliefs, I am a firm believer in religious freedom and the ability to express said freedom, and I am of the position that a person's path will come to them and no matter what that happens to be no one has a right to judge you, I am a bit of an Eclectic myself as I am a neo-Pagan who is influenced by several Pagan religions (ancient and Modern) and am also influenced by the ideas and philosophies found in Gnosticism and I find wisdom and knowledge in the Gnostic teachings of "The Christ" Yeshua.
So obviously I have no problem with eclecticism in and of itself, my problem lies with how some people express their eclecticism. Like I said, I am a firm believer in religious freedom and peoples right to express it how they so choose, I also think that people should be a little smarter about how they present it.
So let's take for example the most noted modern day Neo-Pagan religion, as it has currently flooded our culture, Wicca. When I think of Wicca, I think of Wicca circa 1950's Gerald Gardner style. While I respect people and their right to practice their eclectic style of Wicca, and follow what ever path and tradition their heart desires. Be it Dianic Wicca, or "Celtic-Tradition" Wicca, or "Egyptian Wicca"….or whatever else is out there that you can come up with. It is a deviation from what was originally intended. When I think of Wicca I think of a Modern pagan religion that is influenced by older religions and by occultism and esoteric and mystical magickal orders such as Crowley's O.T.O, The Golden Dawn, and Free Masonry. Wicca has its own unique tenets, philosophy, rituals, hierarchy, and gods. As far as I know to be a Wiccan you still have to be at least 18 years of age (Or whatever your local laws are governing the age of consent) and you must be initiated by a High Priestess or Priest of a coven with an established lineage. Now you can follow a Wicca-inspired path. As in you are a Pagan who is influenced by the outer-court Wicca 101 style information that is freely available in the public domain. It's really okay to be a Wiccan-Inspired Pagan. As you can be a multitude of religions, and still be a Pagan, you can be an Eclectic and still be a Pagan, you can follow a path completely made up by you to suit your personal growth and needs and still be a Pagan. As to my base understanding to be a Pagan is to follow some type of Earth Centric Path. The term Pagan is actually an umbrella term that encompasses many different religions, paths, and spiritual traditions, that is typically Earth-Centric. A Pagan path is also typically polytheistic and duothestic, worshipping one or more Gods and/or Goddesses. However a Pagan can be monotheistic as well, choosing to worship only one particular god or goddess from a chosen pantheon or choosing to see each god or goddess and attributes as smaller parts that when combined makes up a Universal-Divine, an all knowing all powerful deity…or God.
So just because you follow a Modern Day Pagan path that is influenced by Wiccan Teachings, just because what you do in ritual is similar to what a Wiccan does. It does NOT make you a Wiccan. As such you should not call it that. You should call it something else, such as "wiccan-Inspired Paganism" it's okay, really.
Another thing that is a pet peeve of mine is the mixing of two religious ideals, Yes I admit I am guilty of it, as I said in the opening paragraph I am a Neo-Pagan with Gnostic and Mystical Christian Influence. I follow a Path of my own devising, but I call it what it is, not something else.
I would like to come to a phenomenon known as "Christian-Wicca" or "Christo-Wicca"…..
Now this is a touchy subject for me, as I will admit once upon a time I called myself by this term, because I did not know of any other way to describe it, I followed a heavily Wiccan-Inspired Pagan path mixed with my Christian upbringing and admiration for the teachings of Jesus both of the mainstream Variety and from the Gnostic Teachings.
I do not rule out the possibility of eclecticism, as I said I am an eclectic, though I like to say im a "Universalist" though I have no connection or involvement with the "Unitarian Universalist" movement in any manner whatsoever, I like to classify myself as a Universalist. Because I enjoy studying all the different world religions and I am able to gain wisdom, and knowledge in my studies. I am a firm believer that each religion, each spiritual tradition, no matter if it is established or made up from someone's eclecticism, when being peeled to the core really all have the same basic truths to them. I tend to regard each god and goddess from each religion and spiritual path as being a unique entity unto their self; however, I do believe they are connected as I believe them to be facets of a Universal-Divine force. I believe that each philosophy, each world view, each religion, was a way for this Universal-Divine to reach out to each individual culture in a way that each culture would be able to understand. I believe that the only way to be able to heal our wounds is when we come to this realization and recognize this. When we are all able to awaken to this possibility only then is Unity able to be reached and this world can find some form of solace and peace.
So my problem does not lie in the idea itself, as I firmly think it is possible. My problem lies with the term itself.
I think that the term "Christian-Wicca" is an Oxymoron, as Wicca as its own gods, tenets and set of beliefs and Philosophy.
And so does Christianity.
Of course, let me reiterate I do not think it is impossible to be open minded, and able to have a Universalistic approach to religion and spirituality. to be able to garner wisdom and comfort from studying word religions, and if you feel so inclined, to incorporate aspects of the religions that call to you into you're own brand of spirituality.
but when you do this, you should not call it by a title already in use of another religion, (of course I don't like titles and labels much to begin with) but to call something "Christian" or "Wiccan' When it really is neither, is really stupid, what you should do is find another title for your beliefs.
Or don't go with a title at all.
I call myself a Pagan because most of my belief is centered around neo-Pagan Philosophy, and when I do ritual it is based on how modern Neo-Pagans might conduct their ritual.
Being a "Pagan" encompasses many things, there are a multitude of religions and spiritual traditions that fall under the term "Paganism"
in modern times "Paganism" typically denotes someone who isn't a Muslim, Christian, or a Jew and who usually almost always follows some type of earth based spirituality.
I think it might be okay to be a Pagan-Christian, as in the practices are Pagan, ritual etc. but you use Christian concepts and names for your deities.
I mean hell Christians have been practicing paganism for years, on Easter when they paint, or hide, or hunt Easter eggs, when they send out Valentines day cards, when they celebrate Christmas, they are celebrating not only the birth of Christ (Who if any one has done any bit of study would know that Christ was not born in December, and it was decreed that it would be in DEC. by a Roman Emperor who wanted to incorporate the followers of Mithras into Christianity as it was already a holiday they celebrated.) but they are also celebrating the Winter solstice.
So you know if a Christian can practice Paganism, then I am sure it can go the other way around.
Of course the purist from both sides might argue that point, and not be happy about it, but that is what I think.
But I do not think one could be a "Christian-Wiccan" or at least should not call themselves as such. As Wicca is a specific religion and spirituality under the umbrella of Paganism, with its own unique tenets, rituals, beliefs, and philosophy. – but I guess you certainly could be a "Wiccan-Inspired" Christian, just like you can be a "Wiccan-Inspred" Pagan, or try this one on for size, a "Christian-Inspired" Pagan…hmmm?
but when you do this, you should not call it by a title already in use of another religion, (of course I don't like titles and labels much to begin with) but to call something "Christian" or "Wiccan' When it really is neither, is really stupid, what you should do is find another title for your beliefs.
Or don't go with a title at all.
I call myself a Pagan because most of my belief is centered around neo-Pagan Philosophy, and when I do ritual it is based on how modern Neo-Pagans might conduct their ritual.
Being a "Pagan" encompasses many things, there are a multitude of religions and spiritual traditions that fall under the term "Paganism"
in modern times "Paganism" typically denotes someone who isn't a Muslim, Christian, or a Jew and who usually almost always follows some type of earth based spirituality.
I think it might be okay to be a Pagan-Christian, as in the practices are Pagan, ritual etc. but you use Christian concepts and names for your deities.
I mean hell Christians have been practicing paganism for years, on Easter when they paint, or hide, or hunt Easter eggs, when they send out Valentines day cards, when they celebrate Christmas, they are celebrating not only the birth of Christ (Who if any one has done any bit of study would know that Christ was not born in December, and it was decreed that it would be in DEC. by a Roman Emperor who wanted to incorporate the followers of Mithras into Christianity as it was already a holiday they celebrated.) but they are also celebrating the Winter solstice.
So you know if a Christian can practice Paganism, then I am sure it can go the other way around.
Of course the purist from both sides might argue that point, and not be happy about it, but that is what I think.
But I do not think one could be a "Christian-Wiccan" or at least should not call themselves as such. As Wicca is a specific religion and spirituality under the umbrella of Paganism, with its own unique tenets, rituals, beliefs, and philosophy. – but I guess you certainly could be a "Wiccan-Inspired" Christian, just like you can be a "Wiccan-Inspred" Pagan, or try this one on for size, a "Christian-Inspired" Pagan…hmmm?
My ideas of Jesus Yeshua are also heavily influenced from Gnosticism, which I readily admit is a different entity all together than mainstream Christianity, in my studies and Understanding Gnosticism takes on a more mystical and hands on approach of self-study, self-realization, and self-achievement which is why I personally think it meshes so well with Modern Neo-Paganism.
Again, this essay is not an attack on Eclectic Paganism, or those who blend ideas from Pagan paths with those from Gnostic, and Christian doctrine together, but a simple plea to sit and rethink our position and the names we give to our chosen path.
Thank you very much, and I look forward to any feedback, comments, or critiques I may get for writing this. It is always much appreciated, and I always try to come to these discussions with an Open mind, heart, and soul and hope my readers will do the same.
Namaste~
And,
Blessed Be!
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