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Wicca (IPA: /ˈwɪkə/) is a neopagan, nature-based[1] religion popularised in 1954 by Gerald Gardner, a retired British civil servant, who at the time called it Witchcraft and its adherents "the Wica".[2] He said that the religion, of which he was an initiate, was a modern survival of the witch cult, an old mystery religion that had existed in secret for hundreds of years, originating in the pre-Christian paganism of Europe.[2] The veracity of Gardner's statements cannot be independently proven, however, and it is possible that Wiccan theology began to be compiled no earlier than the 1920s.[3] It has been described as "the only religion that England has ever given the world".
Originally posted by CreeWolf
I'm "sorta" a Christian. My beliefs are a mixture of tradition of my people and Catholicism, leaning towards the ideas of my elders.
In my opinion, I think you are starved for attention and are under some misguided perception that people with your beliefs are "persecuted" in these modern times........
To Each Their Own!
PS: I like ATS points! (cheesecake isn't so bad either!)
[edit on 10-2-2009 by CreeWolf]
Originally posted by Common Good
Dont worry, I have a friend that is the same as you.
Im not christian, so I know that what I say isnot what you are looking for, so instead I will say this.
We still love ya.
You have to remember though, you cant have positive views on religion without negative ones. So there will always be an opposition.
Originally posted by badgerprints
I'm a Christian and pretty much stay out of the religious threads. My beliefs and personal opinions about religion are mine.
I'm happy with who I am.
If you are happy with who you are, then you've got nothing to prove.
Why bother?
Originally posted by justamomma
I am not Christian.. but I certainly do hope you do not mind my answering. If so, just disregard. I used to be Christian and, yes, your views were strongly opposed.
Now, I hold only to the Tanakh (which, the christians call the old testament, though.. I have seen otherwise.. it is very much the now testament). In the views of the Tanakh... witches and such are fables and tales.. allegorical teachings. So, if you, like the christians who also hold to paganistic views, want to believe those things as literal, it is certainly your choice.
It is funny to hear/see Christians arguing paganistic views since that is what they themselves hold to.
Originally posted by justamomma
I am not Christian.. but I certainly do hope you do not mind my answering. If so, just disregard. I used to be Christian and, yes, your views were strongly opposed.
Now, I hold only to the Tanakh (which, the christians call the old testament, though.. I have seen otherwise.. it is very much the now testament). In the views of the Tanakh... witches and such are fables and tales.. allegorical teachings. So, if you, like the christians who also hold to paganistic views, want to believe those things as literal, it is certainly your choice.
It is funny to hear/see Christians arguing paganistic views since that is what they themselves hold to.
Originally posted by CreeWolf
reply to post by Yummy Freelunch
Freedom of religion in the midwest? Look at where I live! I'm in Iowa. I work at an Agricultural Processing Plant with a Jew, an Atheist, and a Protestant. I will not cut my hair because of my "personal beliefs". I know a lot of Missouri truck drivers and not ONE of them has ever seemed "judgemental".
Originally posted by heyo
Originally posted by justamomma
I am not Christian.. but I certainly do hope you do not mind my answering. If so, just disregard. I used to be Christian and, yes, your views were strongly opposed.
Now, I hold only to the Tanakh (which, the christians call the old testament, though.. I have seen otherwise.. it is very much the now testament). In the views of the Tanakh... witches and such are fables and tales.. allegorical teachings. So, if you, like the christians who also hold to paganistic views, want to believe those things as literal, it is certainly your choice.
It is funny to hear/see Christians arguing paganistic views since that is what they themselves hold to.
Am I the only one who thinks that the paganistic teachings of christianity are spiritually inconsequential? OOhhh, christmas....like who the frig would make christmas the cornerstone of their spiritual evolution??? Easter????
"Easter is the key to heaven, I know it"...ya right lol.
THIS IS NOT AN ATTACK
THIS IS NOT AN ATTACK
There is a legend that Saint Boniface started the custom of the Christmas tree in Germany around the eighth century. It is said that Saint Boniface found a group of pagans worshipping an oak tree and became angry; consequently, he proceeded to cut down the Oak tree. Immediately a small fir tree is said to have sprouted from the middle of the oak stump and reached to the sky. Thus, Saint Boniface told the onlookers that this would be their holy tree because it was evergreen, a symbol of everlasting life.
Wiccans and other modern-day Neopagans continue to celebrate the Spring Equinox as one of their 8 yearly Sabbats (holy days of celebration). Near the Mediterranean, this is a time of sprouting of the summer's crop; farther north, it is the time for seeding. Their rituals at the Spring Equinox are related primarily to the fertility of the crops and to the balance of the day and night times. Where Wiccans can safely celebrate the Sabbat out of doors without threat of religious persecution, they often incorporate a bonfire into their rituals, jumping over the dying embers is believed to assure fertility of people and crops.
Originally posted by badgerprints
Originally posted by CreeWolf
reply to post by Yummy Freelunch
Freedom of religion in the midwest? Look at where I live! I'm in Iowa. I work at an Agricultural Processing Plant with a Jew, an Atheist, and a Protestant. I will not cut my hair because of my "personal beliefs". I know a lot of Missouri truck drivers and not ONE of them has ever seemed "judgemental".
He's right in my opinion.
In real life most folks just go their way.
I've never seen as many 'persecuted' people as there seem to be on ATS/BTS.
Usually it is somebody that needs to feed the ego, not defend the faith.