| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| ChainLightning |
Posted - August 29 2006 : 01:47:05 AM
For a long time, there's been this debate over Eclecticism and traditional (specific) sects of belief.
So here's the idea;
I consider myself to be Eclectic. I even use the term witch on occasion (I do spellwork, but I don't ride a broom  ) but some people may disagree with my *label*.
Now, is *Eclectic* a valid name for one's religion? Especially in light of the fact that it *borrows* from several beliefs, instead of ONE. Would it be presumptuous to use *Heathen* if my eclecticism takes just one little thing from Norse beliefs?
And what about *witch*? I do my work with candles, herbs, incense (and oils) and pure energy. Many people are still suspicious of the word *witch*. It brings to mind TV shows and horror films, if not poseur wannabees that are just trying to grab attention. Is *witch* a bad word?
Then, of course, the umbrella term to beat all umbrella terms... Pagan. It can't really be used to define what a person IS. Nor what they believe. It's more accurate as a description of what the person is NOT or doesn't believe.
Should *Pagan* come with a qualifier? Eclectic Pagan witch? Eclectic Heathen? These still don't convey anything in particular, do they?
Thoughts? |
| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Vainamoinen |
Posted - September 24 2006 : 7:00:25 PM
Christy: I wouldn't worry overmuch about it. Terms are useful to make clear one's statement or argument, but worrying too much about political correctness can bog you down. Sooner or later you'll ruffle someone's feathers: The important thing is to figure out whether it's important or not when it happens.
...dabbling all the way down... |
| Christy |
Posted - September 23 2006 : 10:32:04 PM
I agree with Jade, it is easier to say we are Christian, but with so many so called Christians out their we are just grouping our self's possible with ones we do not want to be associated with. so we all pretty much face the same dilemma.
As far as Pagan terms go I am okay and pretty much understand what ever the title that one chooses, but then again I was Wiccan most my young life and my father is Pagan. I guess that is one reason I can pretty much get along with anyone....lol Broad ends of the spectrum so to speck.
I truly respect another's choice to be what they want to be and called what they want to be called. I know MG does not have a problem being called a Pagan so I use that term when talking to him. So if I ever call someone something they are not or something they do not want to be called please let me know. I do have a habit of calling non-believers that worship other gods Pagan. So feel free to whip my hinny if need be.....lol
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"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."
http://angel2drew.forumco.com |
| Vainamoinen |
Posted - September 01 2006 : 02:38:28 AM
JADE: I absolutely agree. The problems of humanity- especially when it comes to such unavoidable things as intolerance, willful ignorance, and hate- are the problems of all people, in all religions. We are all human together.
...dabbling all the way down... |
| JADE |
Posted - September 01 2006 : 12:26:11 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Vainamoinen
JADE, Alder: I think you're both underestimating each others' religions a little bit. Not to say there AREN'T shallow people on both sides, but there are also numerous thoughtful people.
JADE- no, most Pagans are not in it for the pretty pictures, unless they're 13-year-old kids.
Alder, I can easily see how something could become a symbol of struggle and sacrifice- not unlike how the World Trade Center is becoming an American symbol of sacrifice and unity.
Our world is based on symbols, and for most people, they have at least some depth and meaning, if not quite a lot.
...dabbling all the way down...
Hopefully no one took it that I meant "most" pagans. I did say "some" and I thought I put it fairly clear that it is equal on both sides in so many ways. My whole point was that it seems that in both the Pagans and Christians and many other faiths and beliefs, we have similar problems.
God bless,
JADE
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I question...Therefore I think...I think...Therefore I am...I think? |
| ChainLightning |
Posted - August 31 2006 : 10:41:45 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Vainamoinen
JADE, Alder: I think you're both underestimating each others' religions a little bit. Not to say there AREN'T shallow people on both sides, but there are also numerous thoughtful people.
JADE- no, most Pagans are not in it for the pretty pictures, unless they're 13-year-old kids.
Alder, I can easily see how something could become a symbol of struggle and sacrifice- not unlike how the World Trade Center is becoming an American symbol of sacrifice and unity.
Our world is based on symbols, and for most people, they have at least some depth and meaning, if not quite a lot.
...dabbling all the way down...
Well said, Vain  |
| Vainamoinen |
Posted - August 31 2006 : 10:19:47 PM
JADE, Alder: I think you're both underestimating each others' religions a little bit. Not to say there AREN'T shallow people on both sides, but there are also numerous thoughtful people.
JADE- no, most Pagans are not in it for the pretty pictures, unless they're 13-year-old kids.
Alder, I can easily see how something could become a symbol of struggle and sacrifice- not unlike how the World Trade Center is becoming an American symbol of sacrifice and unity.
Our world is based on symbols, and for most people, they have at least some depth and meaning, if not quite a lot.
...dabbling all the way down... |
| JADE |
Posted - August 31 2006 : 9:03:58 PM
quote:
So you like the cross your god died on? and all those "neat" pics? hmm I was a catholic til I was almost 20 and i thought the cross was something to be feared. like I wouldnt want to be there. but anyways not tryin to start anything just want to know what you find you "like" about it.
First time here hope I am not being rude.
The way you put it, no I don't like the cross Jesus died on. Anymore than a pagan should like a skull that was taken from someones body. Look at the context at which I made that statement. I was only pointing out some folks do like the blingbling from both camps.
As far as fearing the cross, the only folks I know that ever feared the cross was the blacks that were being scared by the idiot KKKs. Otherwise, most Christians I know Love everything about Jesus, even his death. Not because we like death or the death of Jesus, but because his death was his sign of love for us.
Now while I do admire the many beautiful pictures and emblems of Christianity and even many of the Pagans stuff, I don't idolize them or hold them to any sacred position. Even the Bible is just a book, it is the Words withing that are sacred.
No, I'm not offended, I love to discuss things with everyone. And I don't expect that all will agree with me or that I will agree with them, but I do like to make sure we are clear about eachothers views.
God bless,
JADE
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I question...Therefore I think...I think...Therefore I am...I think? |
| alderdrakom |
Posted - August 31 2006 : 6:50:21 PM
[quote][/q think some just like Paganism because they got need pictures of skulls and things. Same as Christians that just like the Cross and many of the neat pictures we have.
uote]
So you like the cross your god died on? and all those "neat" pics? hmm I was a catholic til I was almost 20 and i thought the cross was something to be feared. like I wouldnt want to be there. but anyways not tryin to start anything just want to know what you find you "like" about it.
First time here hope I am not being rude.
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| Vainamoinen |
Posted - August 31 2006 : 12:30:19 AM
Thanks, CoR. You did a much better job of answering that one :)
...dabbling all the way down... |
| middleground |
Posted - August 31 2006 : 12:28:20 AM
quote:
Originally posted by JADE
Sounds more and more like Christians. But that is due to us not understanding the operator manual. Do you guys actually have a "book" that you all look to as we do the Bible?
Nope. Each Path (similar to a denomination) has it's own rules and guidelines and sometimes holy scriptures of their own.
Each Path is technically a religion in it's own right, but we all fall under that extremely large umbrella term, Pagan.
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