Why are pagans and wiccans subjected to being evil?
CherryPOP
2012/02/09 00:11:43
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Before anyone thinks I am against Wicca and paganism I just want to let you know that I am Wiccan, I just want others opinions on the topic, because the word evil and devil seems to be use alot when our religion is brought up as a discussion
Top Opinion
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Josef 2012/02/09 00:17:54Because they are individuals
The Forces of Good™ vs. The Forces of Evil™ dualism dehumanizes the opposition and tends toward identity-based religious or "culture war" (religious war lite). In order for native religions to be usurped by foreign Middle Eastern monotheism (Christianity), both internal and external enemies were identified and targeted and so pagans and anyone or anything 'not Christian enough' were targeted, discouraged, punished. Sometimes they were literally demonized or put to death. Religious identity wars can bring out the worst in people (very dysfunctional).
Orthopraxy (a focus on correct practices) can turn our attention toward behaviors or practices involved in equality, ethics (including reciprocity), accountability, justice, excellence, courage, truth, honor, fidelity, discipline, hospitality, industriousness, self-reliance, perseverance and many functional virtues.
I've learned that behaviors, not what religion a person is, tell us much more about our neighbors and ourselves and so I judge people more by their demonstrable character, behavioral patterns, choice of focus and choice of words rather than by their religious identity, financial status, job, handicap and so on.
It's behavior, and not religious identity, that tells us w...
The Forces of Good™ vs. The Forces of Evil™ dualism dehumanizes the opposition and tends toward identity-based religious or "culture war" (religious war lite). In order for native religions to be usurped by foreign Middle Eastern monotheism (Christianity), both internal and external enemies were identified and targeted and so pagans and anyone or anything 'not Christian enough' were targeted, discouraged, punished. Sometimes they were literally demonized or put to death. Religious identity wars can bring out the worst in people (very dysfunctional).
Orthopraxy (a focus on correct practices) can turn our attention toward behaviors or practices involved in equality, ethics (including reciprocity), accountability, justice, excellence, courage, truth, honor, fidelity, discipline, hospitality, industriousness, self-reliance, perseverance and many functional virtues.
I've learned that behaviors, not what religion a person is, tell us much more about our neighbors and ourselves and so I judge people more by their demonstrable character, behavioral patterns, choice of focus and choice of words rather than by their religious identity, financial status, job, handicap and so on.
It's behavior, and not religious identity, that tells us what power paradigm people are into -- Abuse or Equality. http://sari0009.xanga.com/603...
So those are my thoughts.
Christianity Sees Paganism as Competition and so to Discourage People from Worshipping Pagan Gods / Goddess they Demonized them Said they were Worshipping Evil , Pan, Cerrrunnos, Lilith , Inanna, Ishtar, Horus , and Countless others
Then the Christians Copied Pagan Legends and incorporated them into thier Religion
Much of Christianity was derived from Pagan sources; this includes the sites of many cathedrals, the lives of many Christian saints (who were really recycled pagan Goddesses and Gods), many Christian holy days, and many cultural celebrations. There are many vestiges of Paganism which remain a part of our culture; e.g. Groundhog Day, Christmas, May Day 5, Halloween, the names of the days of the weeks and months of the year, common sayings, numerous traditions associated with holidays, etc.
Since ca 395 AD, with the Codex Theodosius, Pagans have been persecuted by the Roman Catholic Church as it became the dominant religion.
Forced conversions to Christianity, torture and death of resisters, destruction of Pagan property, sacred sites, symbols, wealth, literature, etc. - as well as Christianizations (Christian claiming of Pagan property, symbols, celebrations) -- are some of the perse...
Christianity Sees Paganism as Competition and so to Discourage People from Worshipping Pagan Gods / Goddess they Demonized them Said they were Worshipping Evil , Pan, Cerrrunnos, Lilith , Inanna, Ishtar, Horus , and Countless others
Then the Christians Copied Pagan Legends and incorporated them into thier Religion
Much of Christianity was derived from Pagan sources; this includes the sites of many cathedrals, the lives of many Christian saints (who were really recycled pagan Goddesses and Gods), many Christian holy days, and many cultural celebrations. There are many vestiges of Paganism which remain a part of our culture; e.g. Groundhog Day, Christmas, May Day 5, Halloween, the names of the days of the weeks and months of the year, common sayings, numerous traditions associated with holidays, etc.
Since ca 395 AD, with the Codex Theodosius, Pagans have been persecuted by the Roman Catholic Church as it became the dominant religion.
Forced conversions to Christianity, torture and death of resisters, destruction of Pagan property, sacred sites, symbols, wealth, literature, etc. - as well as Christianizations (Christian claiming of Pagan property, symbols, celebrations) -- are some of the persecutions that Pagans have suffered at the hands of the Church.
I really wonder how many modern Christians know that they've stolen Paganistic holiday rituals
Yeas ago, a friend and I had gotten involved with someone whom we were told could call up the spirits of the dead. Anyway, he took us to a cemetery in Salem at midnight on the eve of Easter. He lit a black candle and we had to stand inside a pentagram for protection. He started calling up the devil by all different names, Satan, Devil, Beelzebub, etc. The wind starting blowing, the candle went out, and I ran for the car. Scared the crap out of me.
And that's why I had the wrong impression of Pagans and Wiccans. I had lumped them in with Satanists, I guess. I couldn't have been farther off.
I think people may think of the devil not nature when they think of Pagans & Wiccans.
Any way, I've gotten to know some really nice Pagans on this site and I'm very interested in their religion and outlook on our lives and how intertwined we are with nature.
Knowledge is the best defense against ignorance.
thats about all we do that and clean up the graveyard Weeding and fixing tombstones if they have fallen over and GAWDS are they heavy
Many people still believe this, and to be honest, you have done very little to convince them, or show them, why they should think otherwise. Just calling yourselves "earth mothers" or claiming you are all about "nature", ain't going to cut it as long as you still claim to possess "powers". Claiming this, AND claiming it as a religion, most definitely NEVER will gain wiccan or pagan acceptance. I've met several "wiccans" who do not impress me at all - in fact, they are some of the most dysfunctional people I've ever met.
Going way back in time to ancient Sumeria, the Cradle of Civilisation, you’ll find carved stone images of humans with wings.
Some 5000 years ago this civilisation had a religion based on many gods, goddesses and spirits and they included the notion that everyone had their own personal ‘ghost’. This ghost is most likely the predecessor to today’s idea of guardian angels. Back in 3000 BCE altars were set up in homes to honour the personal ‘ghosts’.
Semitic tribes conquered Sumeria and began to organise the ‘angels’ into some kind of hierarchy. An idea we still see in the mainstream religions.
It’s not just Sumeria that had winged messengers – they’re all over the world. Just think of Hermes, that Greek messenger of the gods or the Valkyries of the Norse Gods
Angels appear in Pagan history and culture long before hebrews and christianity showed up and theres NO mention of Lucifer no mention of Fallen Angels no mention of Satan.
If you look at the word ‘angel’ you’ll find it comes from the Greek word angelos which simply means messenger. Angels were first described in the Bible without wings and simply as men but then later on they sprouted wings and other differentiating features. It’s interesting in mythology, beings with wings have been around since, well, the days of the gods and goddesses.
Going way back in time to ancient Sumeria, the Cradle of Civilisation, you’ll find carved stone images of humans with wings.
Some 5000 years ago this civilisation had a religion based on many gods, goddesses and spirits and they included the notion that everyone had their own personal ‘ghost’. This ghost is most likely the predecessor to today’s idea of guardian angels. Back in 3000 BCE altars were set up in homes to honour the personal ‘ghosts’.
Semitic tribes conquered Sumeria and began to organise the ‘angels’ into some kind of hierarchy. An idea we still see in the mainstream religions.
It’s not just Sumeria that had winged messengers – they’re all over the world. Just think of Hermes, that Greek messenger of the gods or the Valkyries of the Norse Gods
Angels appear in Pagan history and culture long before hebrews and christianity showed up and theres NO mention of Lucifer no mention of Fallen Angels no mention of Satan.
What does the amount of questions I ask have to do with whether SodaHead asks dumb questions? At least I have a life unlike she does. She probably sits at the computer all day making sure she stays number one on the leaderboard.