Wow! Harry Potter Might Have Ban Lifted!!

[Smutferret]

I've met many Wiccans over the years and not one has ever tried to convert me or impose their views or beliefs on me. Christianity, on the other hand, seems to make it a common practice.

What really gets me about Christianity is the way it attempts to use fear and guilt to control and suppress it's followers and then, in turn, attempts to use it's followers to control and suppress everyone else.

I'm quite fond of ancient Egyptian culture and symbolism. I have an Ankh right here on my desk. I also have two ebony carvings that were made in Egypt, one of Anubis and one of Bast. My girlfriend bought them for me a couple of years ago from a Wiccan shop downtown. They lived on top of my monitor until last month when my girlfriend bought me a flat screen (she must really love me huh? ) and I haven't picked out their new living space yet.

Sorry, I didn't mean to leave such a long, somewhat of topic, post.

Regards,
SF

[MorganGrayson]

Smutferret...I enjoyed reading your post very much.

Wicca has few rules. The most famous part of the Wiccan Rede is "an it harm none, do what ye will." Far from being a license to do whatever one pleases, that one short phrase puts severe restrictions on a Wiccan's behavior. (Christians may recognize the similiar "do unto others...")
Wiccans basically agree to assist and answer serious questions from those interested in Wicca. That's about it. Wiccans will assist those either already converted or considering converting...but never go door to door with pamphlets.

It's interesting that part of Wicca is respecting all Paths. Part of Wicca is also the first advice given "we advise against telling anyone you're Wiccan." Wiccans are to respect all Paths but not be stupid enough to expect that respect to be returned.

[Toby]

Originally Posted by Smutferret

...What really gets me about Christianity is the way it attempts to use fear and guilt to control and suppress it's followers and then, in turn, attempts to use it's followers to control and suppress everyone else...

Have you read The Davinci Code? While the story itself is fiction, the portrayal of the role the Catholic Church over the centuries is right in line with your "control the masses" idea.

[MindyBlingBucks]

Ohhhhhh. . .It's funny how anything that becomes really popular becomes the focus of severe scrutiny from anything that sees it as a threat.

Funny thing about it is that they're saying that the Harry Potter books are wicked, because of the use of magic. . .what about Merlin from the King Arthur tales? He's been the top wizard since I can remember, and those stories are famous. Everyone knows about Merlin, and he even helped King Arthur search for the Holy Grail, supposedly.

Where's the wickedness there?

[Osiris]

Originally Posted by MindyBlingBucks

Ohhhhhh. . .It's funny how anything that becomes really popular becomes the focus of severe scrutiny from anything that sees it as a threat.

Funny thing about it is that they're saying that the Harry Potter books are wicked, because of the use of magic. . .what about Merlin from the King Arthur tales? He's been the top wizard since I can remember, and those stories are famous. Everyone knows about Merlin, and he even helped King Arthur search for the Holy Grail, supposedly.

Where's the wickedness there?

For a great read on Meryln and his relationship with Arthur you should check out The 21 Lessons Of Merlyn.


Eclectic Pagan here and I was brought into it by my mother...

[MindyBlingBucks]

Originally Posted by Osiris

For a great read on Meryln and his relationship with Arthur you should check out The 21 Lessons Of Merlyn.


Eclectic Pagan here and I was brought into it by my mother...

Hey, thanks for that, I'll have to go check it out!! (After I finish Harry Potter!! I haven't had enough time to yet!)

If you haven't already read it, and if you like some science fiction in your fantasy, check out Merlins Bones. It was an interesting spin on the story.

[MorganGrayson]

I nominate Smutferret for Grand High Ruler of the Universe! |king|

(I embellished! )

[Smutferret]

Originally Posted by MorganGrayson

I nominate Smutferret for Grand High Ruler of the Universe! |king|

Now that has a much nicer ring to it.

Note to self...
Be sure to have Morgan write your acceptance speech.

[MorganGrayson]

Originally Posted by Osiris

For a great read on Meryln and his relationship with Arthur you should check out The 21 Lessons Of Merlyn.


Eclectic Pagan here and I was brought into it by my mother...

That's wonderful, Osiris. I would have loved to have been able to share my spiritual journey with my mother. (I'm eclectic whenever I do anything, so I do Wicca the same way. )