accepting other viewpoints in religion
accepting others
being opened minded instead of closed
different paths of thought
different religions
religion
Just Why Are People So Closed and Narrow Minded When It Comes To...
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
July 27, 2008 11:03pm CST
Religion?
I thank my lucky stars, that I was raised in an environment, where religion wasn't crammed down my throat. You might say I've had a pretty "interesting" upbringing when it came to religion. My mother's side of the family were raised rather strict Catholics, my mother even went to Catholic school. She married my father who was a Methodist. The marriage didn't last long and they got divorced. In many ways my mother, while not completely giving up on her beliefs, choose instead to start attending a Protestant church...I was baptized Catholic, yet confirmed Protestant.
Now even though my mother's side were Catholic, my great-grandmother was ahead of her time and very opened minded. She realized that there were other "schools" of thought as far as religion went and she got involved with Unity and Science of Mind which are non-denominational Christian dogmas...heck she was even into Norman Vincent "Positive Thinking" Peale. So I too, grew up with these ideas.
Later, I studied, out of my own curiosity, the religions of Buddhism, Hinduism, Sufism. I even studied into the esoteric mystery schools like The Rosicrucians.
Then some years ago, about seven, I began reading up on the pagan and wicca paths of life...I felt I came "home" as many of the beliefs brought forth in pagan/wicca were beliefs I've had all my life...and I became initiated into this path after studying it a year and a day...and am still studying it, as it is a lifelong journey and path of life. While some followers might cringe at this, I haven't exactly forsaken or completely abandoned my Christian beliefs..nor some of my studies into Buddhism, or Hinduism...I like to think I'm a well rounded person with a multitude of spiritual paths to believe in.
BUT....
Then I come across people, particularly of the Christian faith, that so firmly believe that only THEIR way of belief is the only true way...that by being a follower of Christ, only THEY seek the glory of God, salvation, redemption, and only THEY will go to heaven.....Like HUH?
Like sorry, but what about the rest of us then? Those of us who are NOT followers of Christ....what about Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Shintos, Muslims, Pagans, Wiccans, or old time aboriginal religions?....are we to be condemned to Hell because we DON'T follow Christ?
I'm sorry, but do people who believe this way realize how narrow and closed minded they are? Since Christ was a Wayshower, Redeemer, a man of peace and taught nothing but love, and we're supposedly all "God's children" (or Creator, or Allah, or God/Goddess) then don't we ALL have the right to go to Heaven and not necessarily by just following his teachings?
I realize that yes, if you are raised in a certain religious dogma, then yes, you'll stick to your beliefs as you know no other...but like yikes, can't people be more opened minded about those of us who don't follow their beliefs? Like I said..I thank God/Goddess I had a very liberal, rather free-thinking upbringing and didn't have religion crammed down my throat that one way was the only way.
Mmm..this should be interesting...
20 people like this
36 responses
@shlooper (309)
• United States
28 Jul 08
I also am in an interesting situation. I grew up in a very strict christian family, however, I could never accept the doctrine myself. I am actually afraid to tell my family that I don't believe in christ/the bible ect. because I know that they will very likely disown me. I also get confused when people say that Christ loves everyone but will only save a few. When I consider how many people in the world are non christian it seems nearly absurd, but I would also like to point out that christians are definitely not the only ones that are guilty of doing this to people. Having an element of exclusiveness adds an element of legitimacy to religion.
If being a Christian was not the only way to be saved, why would people stay who had questions about the bible? Many people are true christians, but I am also inclined to believe that many people, such as myself, stay only because they are afraid of what other people will think of themselves for leaving. If they are not the only people who are right, what incentive do their members have to stay with their congregation sort of thing.
8 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jul 08
Out of curiosity..what do you believe in then since from what I'm gathering here your not too keen on christ or the Bible. Yes I do realize there are other religions who also think of themselves as "exclusive"..when you think of it, it's rather ironic don't you think? Basically we all have a sense of a higher force than ourselves..a Creator of some kind, just under different labels..From what my mother told me about Catholicism (since I wasn't really raised in it) they have a viewpoint that only they will go to heaven...it's not just the fundamentalistic sects of Christianity..so many people do leave one form of Christianity as they AREN'T happy with the beliefs...unfortunately some become a bit more fanatical with their new beliefs and try to "spread the word" to everyone whether the other person wants it or not.
4 people like this
@ishralene09 (2260)
• Philippines
28 Jul 08
Well, if you are afraid then why stay? It's not worth it. If you want to explore things you should have done that, and maybe end up not believing anyone at all. At least you knew you did the right thing. Never put your belief at the expense of what others force you to believe. Because it's not right to encourage yourself in a thing that you are not happy with. In this world no one is right or wrong, because everyone is brought up in a different way. You just have to be firm in what you believe and not give a damn about others might think of you. That is what I believe. That is why Even though I am a Christian I don't push my beliefs on other persons, I'll end up the one being wrong anyways. I just stay firm at what I believe, try to listen to others, and if they gave me a good one, may just have to consider but still not abandon my faith.
4 people like this
@ishralene09 (2260)
• Philippines
28 Jul 08
Yeah, I've realized that too. Sorry there man.
3 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
28 Jul 08
Funny you should mention this. I replied to a discussion and because of my views the person decided I did not believe in God. Didn't ask me why I believed what I believed, just assumed I needed to be saved because I didn't believe exactly like they did.
7 people like this
@craftcatcher (3699)
• United States
29 Jul 08
I saw that show on National Geographic last night. Interesting to say the least. I thought it was very good common courtesy for everyone to bring their own towel to sit on.2 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
29 Jul 08
I noticed that one guy kept his eyes closed the entire time he was talking. I thought that was a bit weird. LOL
2 people like this
@sumofalltears (3988)
• United States
28 Jul 08
To me religion is what is in your heart. I don't need to be baptized or confirmed into a faith in order to have faith. Nor do I need to go to church once a week to demonstrate my faith. I would much rather live my faith and if others can't accept that or consider me nonreligious then so be it. I don't need a preacher or minister or priest to tell me how I feel or how I should feel, my heart does that. I keep my faith within myself and my heart and show my faith on a daily basis not just a weekly basis. I don't think that singing a few hymns and saying a few prayers on Sunday brings anyone any closer to God unless they practice their beliefs everyday.
I personally don't care what a person's religion is, I judge people by their day to day actions it tells me a lot more about that person. Tolerance and respect for other people no matter what religion or race they are is part of every religion and if it isn't then it should be.
6 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jul 08
That's precisely why I lost heart in a way with the whole church thing. People would go to church, sing hymns, profess to love thy neighbor for that one day of the week, then be the biggest smucks going the rest of the week. My beliefs too are an everyday thing, not just once a week.
1 person likes this
@aidenw (632)
• United States
28 Jul 08
wow, you certainly have had quite an interesting spiritual journey. my parents didn't belong to any religion although they said they believed in God. i attended catholic school through high school and i became a christian in college by my own choice because i was always seeking God.
however, one thing about christian teaching that i've always had a hard time accepting is the one you mentioned; that only christians will go to heaven. it doesn't matter if you've never even heard of Christ, like the aboriginies and even little babies that die without knowing Christ will all be cast to hell. yet they teach about a loving and merciful God. they just can't have it both ways. i know it does say in the Bible that Jesus said "I am the truth and the light, no one comes to the father but by me." i don't know the exact verse but this is what most christians use to support their belief.
however because i was not raised a christian since childhood, i have a very liberal and open minded view on religion. i'm also quite familiar with Unity church. their beliefs are more in line with mine. they don't believe that only christians will go to heaven.
i've also been intrigued by and explored paganism. many of their beliefs also agree with mine. one impression i have about wiccans is they know how to enjoy life. they celebrate every day, every month, every season and many natural occurences like the full moon which is wonderful.
there was another discussion a while back on mylot whether or not a christian can also be a witch or wiccan. in my opinion christianity and paganism just don't match. so a spiritual seeker will eventually have to choose one or the other, although during the transitional period it's understandable for one to hold on to both faiths.
i feel like i'm at a crossroad myself at this point. if i decide to remain a christian i'll probably join Unity church. otherwise i might eventually choose paganism.
5 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
28 Jul 08
I started calling it a "Pagan Tree" when all the hoopla about the Holiday tree was going on. I still call it that.
2 people like this
@aidenw (632)
• United States
29 Jul 08
interesting that many pagans think of Christ as one of the greatest witches. i've never heard of that. but yeah, i agree they would have burned him at the stake 'cos even during his time they were already attacking him saying the things he said and did were blasphemous. heck, they finally crucified him.
yes, i know many christian traditions are based on pagan and that's why the christian fundamentalists don't even celebrate christmas and easter.
2 people like this
@ishralene09 (2260)
• Philippines
28 Jul 08
Babies not included. I remember about this lesson in highschool that the age of accountability is 8, meaning by 8 you are already accountable of what you do. And by age 12, you must know how to fight for your beliefs. So I think in the Christian faith, babies are not included. They all go to heaven. And they say that because they are traveling all over the globe sharing God's words. But because Christian doctrines differ in every sect, it's just so hard to know which one is which.
And Christianity and paganism really don't match. Because in the Old Testament of the Bible God does not favor those who worships other gods, hence paganism. So if you believe in the Bible, well you'll resent paganism. And if you're a pagan then for sure you don't put in account what is written in the Bible. Yeah, kind of like that.
2 people like this
@Vladilyich1 (1454)
• Canada
28 Jul 08
My father probably would have crammed it down my throat, but he didn't even though he was high up in the Lutheran church. I was baptized Episcopal, confirmed Lutheran, have attend almost every organized church you can imagine - synagogue, Buddhist, Shinto, Mosque, Pagan, Wiccan, friends, LDS, Russian Orthodox, Roman Catholic. Every one has something to offer. I have two children who are Fundamentalist. I haven't a clue where that happened, because I raised them all with very liberal beliefs.
6 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jul 08
Wow, you've certainly have had a well rounded upbringing and searching of paths, and would like to think this has made you very open-minded to all religious viewpoints. Yup, does sound strange that your children wound up Fundamentalists though...LOL
1 person likes this
@ishralene09 (2260)
• Philippines
28 Jul 08
Well, that's a very interesting argument. And yes, I respect every belief and wouldn't push my ways to those people. And I would also like to study about other beliefs as well.
But I'd say that I'll stick with what the Bible has to offer. Because I think no man or groups of men would ever conspire to try writing that many books and cram them up on a single one that embodies them all, only to misguide the future generation of men. It may have happened. It may have been translated into many forms. But I'll stick with it. I've been brought up in a Christian family, and I'm still a Christian now not because I've been brought up as one, but because I firmly put my faith on Christ alone. Don't get me wrong, I'm still open minded about things, and yes, it's a close-minded thing that people insists on what they believe. But how can you convince other people to join buddhism and Christianity and paganism if they we're like, open minded and not insist on their beliefs? They will be viewed by people as one having no firm belief in their teachings.
I can't go on because I'm still sleepy. But then I throw a question to you, and I hope you answer it, because this is one of the things I would really love to know.
In all of those that you've studied, which offered a way to be saved? Can you put some details on it?
And oh, one thing that I have to say about what is taught in Christianity. I myself don't rely much on religion, because it is not the religion that saves, it is Christ. So will I believe in what the religion dictates? No, I believe in what the Bible has to say. And I put more importance in my relationship to God than viewing it as a religion. For me it is the relation and not the religion that saves.In my honest belief and opinion. And I hope you respect it as well.
6 people like this
@TessWhite (3146)
• United States
28 Jul 08
See this is the part that doesn't make sense to me. You said "In all those that you've studied, which offered a way to be saved?"
Who says we need saving? I myself am not a Christian, but I have no problem with you being one. But since I am not a Christian, I do not feel my God/dess requires that I be saved, unless for some reason I fall off a cliff. Then yes of course I'd love it if they saved me.
2 people like this
@ishralene09 (2260)
• Philippines
28 Jul 08
Then I assume you don't believe in heaven, in the afterlife...hmm...that's what my friend and I are arguing over at friendster. Well, basically the Christian faith revolves around that, that's why people keeps on pushing their beliefs to others, so that they can share the "good news". I think other beliefs says otherwise. Like in Hinduism, the way to reach Nirvana is...well I forgot. But Nirvana is like their heaven, and it's a state of mind. Sorry I don't read that much, the info might be inaccurate.. Many people don't believe in heaven, in the afterlife. And it's really hard to push your beliefs to someone. Nice argument you got there. I'm not in this whole Christianity thing just to be "saved", that's for sure.
2 people like this
@ishralene09 (2260)
• Philippines
29 Jul 08
The thing about Catholicism is featured in National Geographic. They choose to mimic those of the pagan beliefs. Romans did not start Christianity, that's for sure, but they are the ones who "revolutionized" it in some ways I'd rather not bother my mind with.
Hmm...let me think...Just call me closed-minded from now on. I've changed my mind.
2 people like this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
28 Jul 08
I was one of those I suppose that I got it shoved at me I went to church morning and night meetings on Sindays then when little went to primary think that was on Tuesdays after school, then as a young adult they had night meeting for us called Mutual. Had 100% attendance got certs for it and 4 years in a row got took out to great dinners.
I went a few times to MEthodist church with friends .When older got to go to a catholic wedding boy was that not so fun Sat an hour or more listening to it in LAtin then they put it in English for another seemed like hours. but the church and people were dressed very beautiful.
Then about 16 or 17 started noto t go got dissappointed in people that went to my church.
I do not live it now havent for along time .
But my mom says I am spiritul.
Guess is things I say.
I beleive more in what teh NAtive Americans go by as they have a blessing way for every thing.
and no matter what I do or beleive in now I will always beleive I will go to heaven and the nay sayers can go toot thier horn!
and some times dont you beleive that it is hell here on earth?
and that dieing is away of going on to that other place in the sky?
3 people like this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
29 Jul 08
yes the ones on TV really rock and I dont watch them but have caught some of the music! Then I turn it I dont even watch the conference of the church I grew up in on tv when it is on there.
Just not into seeing it dont want to and aint agonna do it for I dont beleive all that they say and I feel like a hypogrite if I did watch!
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (47308)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
28 Jul 08
Yeah, Lakota, I do sometimes think this is hell here on earth. Then other times, I wonder, what if this is actually heaven and we don't know it?
2 people like this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
28 Jul 08
Hi. I am a Christian but I do not believe that my beliefs are the only beliefs that do exist. I believe that there are many possibilities out there. Just because I was raised a Christian, foed not mean that I do not have my own ideas and thoughts about life and the world. Religion ws crammed down my throat also but I have thoughts of my very own as to how the world turns.
5 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jul 08
I'm glad to hear that you're opened minded and know that the beliefs you were raised in weren't or aren't the one and only. When you think of it, the real irony of it all is that basically we really do all basically believe in the same thing...that there is a higher force (Creator)...just under different labels.
4 people like this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
28 Jul 08
You are exactly right. I do trust in my religion to an extent but I am always open minded about other possibilities because I have seen alot of different things in my lifetime that only leaves me to question my faith, which I should not do but cannot help it because of the happenings.
5 people like this
@socrates101 (14)
• United States
28 Jul 08
I was not raised in the most religious of households. My mother sent me to church--Roman Catholic but later on in life I made my own choice. In all the religions that I have studied, I identify with the Jesus of the New Testatment most. I have lots of unanswered questions since I do not partake in church gatherings etc. However, what intrigues me about the Bible is the fact that a book written eons of years ago is so prophetic in predicting world events today. I do not know many scriptures etc. but I clearly remember in reading Biblical prophecies, Israel's independence was predicted years ago in some bible text. Having said all this, I have found it very difficult to accept the ways in which Christian extremists conduct themselves. I cannot stand the better than thou attitude. This is not the way to win souls. If Christians followed the way of Christ, they would not look down on someone of a different belief.
2 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (47308)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
28 Jul 08
Some people who like to quote scripture conveniently forget the part about there being many rooms in my father's house...
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Jul 08
Yes, all too often people will spew out scripture...the thing that got me was the idea of people going to church, profess their love for thy neighbor and be the biggest hypocrites the rest of the week
1 person likes this
@raydene (9871)
• United States
28 Jul 08
Hi Sweets
Like you I search for something that would fit me.
I did research and even took theology classes.
I found the Bahai Faith in 1974 and became a Bahai
in 1980. One of the things that impressed me was that
Bahais are incouraged to search. Some religions want you to
only read their books and study their way..
like they are afraid you may see something
better if you look away for a second!
You can give lip-service to anything but
you only believe what you believe!
xooxoxxoxoxo
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Jul 08
Even though I'm on the pagan/wicca path, I still like the concepts in Unity and Science of Mind...my great-grandmother got us all into that. And truth be told, she may actually have been Wicca herself...she was all into natural healing and remedies..something actually unheard of in her time since most people really relied on doctors for everything..of course in her day, you didn't openly announce to the world you were Wiccan...LOL
1 person likes this
@ellie333 (21016)
•
28 Jul 08
Hi Pyewacket, Biggoted is a word that comes to mind about people who are unaccepting of other thoughts and beliefs. I personally believe that everyone has a right to believe in what ever they want to believe and for me being a Christian love everyone not matter what their belief structure is but many HAVE to have people believe what they believe which is crazy as long as someone is working for the greater good and the light rather than dark that is fine by me. My sister-in-law is from Thailand and she is Buddist, which is about love and peace and that is far more important than a label. Ellie :D
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jul 08
It's a shame too when you think of it, that on the whole Christ's teachings were of love, acceptance and tolerance..but Christianity's history has been anything but...more wars were created under the banner of Christ and has a very bloody history...like during the Crusades, and Inquisition times
@kenzie45230 (3560)
• United States
28 Jul 08
It isn't that Christians are narrow minded or closed minded. We didn't make up the fact that Christ followers are the only ones going to Heaven. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
And in Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
4 people like this
@Springlady (3986)
• United States
28 Jul 08
AMEN kenzie! So very true!
Christ is the only Way to Eternal Life!
God bless you!
1 person likes this
@Springlady (3986)
• United States
29 Jul 08
It is the Word of the living God and it cannot be altered. I have read many different translations and they all say the same thing. It is HIS Word and He will not allow it to be destroyed in anyway. Have faith.
God bless!
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jul 08
Do you know how many times the bible has been translated? With each translation whatever REAL words that were stated could have been misinterpretated. Also during the Council of Nicea much of what was originally written in the Bible was deleted to suit the church's needs to "guide" the flock and much was added. How do we know that Christ really said those words and it wasn't a sort of propaganda thing by the Church to make Christianity the dominating religion of the world at the time...the Crusades, the Inquisition, the burning times of heretics?
No I don't go with the idea that only through Christ one can seek salvation or eternal life...we of other religions believe in a Heaven too and our souls will go there one day...not just Christ followers.
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
28 Jul 08
Hi pye,
What an interesting life leading up to you finding your right path and your free thinking. I was brought up as catholic as my mother was an Italian and went to a covent day scholar, mum was very strict catholic and brought up us as one. When I was growing up we got lessons by nuns and I was always asking questions and each I used to get my knuckle raped with the ruler. Our local priest was not better, he used to shout and howler at us and told us if we don't go to every suday we will go to hell. I stoped going to church altogether and my mother uses to say I was a heathen. I beleive in God but not men in cloaks thinks they are God I told my mum.
Years later I joined the Joveah's Witness and realised that was not for me untill a friend mine introduced to the pagan/wicca path and I have never been happier but those around me very shocked but my sister has excepted me as I am. I have often been told that I am evil for not beleiving in God but they are wrong I do beleive in God and because I was brought up as catholic I still have that side to me just like you pye.
Bright Blessings
Tamara
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Jul 08
LOL--my mother went to catholic school and she told me some rather horror stories about her experiences there as well...which was why she DIDN'T want me to go to a catholic school. In fact I remember one thing my mother said. When her friends would ask her how come she hadn't sent me to catholic school, she would tell them that she would rather break my legs before I stepped inside such a school...that must have shocked the hell out of them..LOL
@aidenw (632)
• United States
29 Jul 08
hi tamara, your post brought back some old memories. when i was in 1st and 2nd grade (catholic school) every monday morning the teacher would go around the class inspecting our finger nails. anyone found with long finger nails would have their fingers whacked with a ruler. i remember my heart almost stopped beating when i forgot to trim my nails over the weekend and only realized it monday morning. it was too late to do anything before the inspection. all i could do was sit there helplessly waiting for my punishment. ouch! anyway, it's interesting that you're a pagan/wiccan (i sent you a pm).
1 person likes this
@MaeTsuen (257)
• Philippines
28 Jul 08
hmmm you can't people... remember each one of us is unique... being narrow minded and open minded makes one defferent from each other. some even they are very christian but are open to suggestion, open to opinions, open minded in short.. and some don't understand or refuses to. what they say and what they believe are always right. it is ok to be annoyed or mad but for just a short period of time let it past. anyway it's them that are narrow minded people like them don't really have much room in this world. It is useless if you would really pay attention to them.. don't go down to their level =)
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Jul 08
Yes, I do happen to know a number of Christians that are very open-minded, and for instance are very accepting of my Pagan/wiccan path....on the other hand I know two neighbors of mine who are very Catholic and now that they know of my path in life think I'm evil and going to rot in hell...strange considering that these two people knew me for a very long time and accepted me...the moment they found out my religious path it was like all of a sudden I grew horns on my head....LOL. I mean I'm STILL the same person they always knew.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
31 Jul 08
I am liberal minded in religion as well but religion is no different that any other believe that a person has, people tend to believe their way is right and project it on others.
I have a big problem with the law of attraction, the biggest fanatics I have seen come from that philosophy, everybody else is wrong, unless you believe the law of attraction, and even when you believe in, if you don't get the results you are seeking then again that belief can not be proven wrong the person trying it has to be wrong, they are doing something wrong, they are not wanting whatever it is they seek enough, they do really belief that what they seek is attainable, they are coming from a feeling of need, or lack, whatever the philosophy will never ever be wrong, only the non believers or the believers that didn't get what they wanted.
There is a serious problem when something can never be proven wrong.
even science can and is proven wrong many times.
1 person likes this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
31 Jul 08
no you are not using the pure principals of the law of attraction meaning your thoughts sent out to the universe attracts whatever you get in life,
what you are doing in positive thinking and the basic premises of psychology. It starts with the positive thoughts there has to be a goal plan and action
all there are important
I could sit here until I am die thinking I am rich, but if I don't have a plan to get money and then carry it out it ain't going to happen.
Yes some people say I had no money and I used the law of attraction and guess what I got a tax refund of S2,000 yippee,
well fool even if you never heard of the law of attraction if you were going to get that tax refund, you would get it. It does not much thought to figure that one out.
1 person likes this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
31 Jul 08
I do both,
but I am a writer, and I also advocate for the poor and downtrodden and the work is very important to me. my first book was about my past, there is no reason to write another one, the second book was also challenging the rights of the poor bringing the issues to the surface etc. My friend Roger Dean Kiser writers about abuse stories in the orphanage where he grew up. He is the only child orphan advocate in the State of Florida so he says. We all have our missions in life, some will call it a calling.
I trained to help people, to take them from a bad place and show them a glimmer of hope. That is pronounced all through my writing.
1 person likes this
@1grnthmb (2055)
• United States
28 Jul 08
Boy, Are you opening a can of worms here. I am very religious. Even worked part time as a preacher. But one thing I have always believed personally was to never force my beliefs on others. There is a verse in the bible were the apostles are very upset because some other people are teaching and they wanted Jesus to reprove them and he responded to just let them be. Does this not show that Jesus accepted all. But yet most believe that they are the only way to salvation. I do not know to much about the Wiccan Religion except that it is based on nature. What is the first thing God created besides the earth. It was nature. So to honer nature are not you honoring God? I will not force others to believe as I believe and am happy for anyone who has his own way of believing. My attitude is that I respect what you believe so respect what I believe and let us live in peace together.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
31 Jul 08
Yup--you never know...you might be a bit of the pagan/wiccan ....as a photographer, it shouldn't be a surprise that I get my greatest joy in photographing nature...I feel like my soul is alive and rejuvenated then
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
29 Jul 08
pye I agree with you that it does not hurt to be open minded when it comes to religion. I feel that our forefathers fought for the right to practice our own religion, so why can't people just let others believe how they believe?
I do not condone devil worship and that is one of the religions that I am against. I do not like cults brain wash people into leaving their families and believing in a certain person is the chosen one.
I think we all have the rights to believe what we want to believe but I also think we need to be safe and not allow someone to come in to my home and tell me how to act in the name of religion.
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@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
30 Jul 08
Kind of an irony though, don't you think? Yes, the early settlers for the most part came to this country most often to escape religious prosecution, yet when they came here they were very intolerant of others, especially the indigenous beliefs of the Native Americans here...they too, wanted to convert them...also, considering that under our constitution we have the freedom of religion, yet this country didn't recognize the Native American Church until maybe 15 or 20 years ago...why? Part of the ritual of that church involves peyote which is illegal, but now the US has recognized the church.
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@littleowl (7157)
•
29 Jul 08
Hi Pye I agree with you..I was born into the baptist faith my mother and father wer baptists but I was dedicated to God/the creator which means I could follow any path until I fpound the one I was comfortable with..yes there were many paths I went down and eventually became part of a Christian Community we travelled with a rock show binging people into our beiefs but then things started going sour when the people i was with were critizing my beliefs the gifts I had and was prayed for that the 'demon' who had given them to me be 'gone'...RUBBISH..all that had happened was a spiritual awakening to another way of living so I left them..eventually I found the pagan beleif which opened my eyes to so many different things that at one time my eyes were closed to and I felt Free' there is no doctrine just our creed which is very similar to the christian way of thinking..also I found that I have the gift of Medimship now I follow this way of living and am happier than what I have been in all the years of finding my way..also now my family accept it and nothing has changed...like you it hasn't taken away all my christian beliefs either..bright blessings littleowl
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@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Jul 08
I know...once someone starts in telling me I need my soul saved they've lost me...my soul is fine thank you...LOL. Of course, some naturally think anyone who follows the pagan/wicca path are devil worshipers...it would be nice if just once people like this would at least sit down and read up on something about Wicca before making those assumptions
@SaviourV (260)
• Malaysia
29 Jul 08
Saviour-V teleports in...
Perhaps we humans are still immature when it comes to understanding one another. As a Muslim, I've leafed through some aspects of history (as of when I come across them), and I've found that it's not the religions that are at fault, but more the people who practice them.
I think Bob Proctor put it best when he said that "nothing is more appealing to the undeveloped mind than the pursuit of power", in "The Secret - Science of Getting Rich".
The trouble with us humans is that we usually seek power to fulfill our own ends. Of course, being able to use that power to provide benefits to all would be great, but oftentimes, we see that those who have obtained the power keep it all to themselves.
As much as anyone can speculate or research, we do not truly know the motives of the Crusaders, the Taliban, the Ku Klux Klan, or any other group that promotes terror for the sake of religion, but what we do know is that it's wrong to force one's belief on another, whether through violence or repeated sermons.
I think the key word is not to convince, but to influence. I mean, to be in harmony with others. If we can treat each other right, there's most certainly no reason not to adopt any particular religion freely, right? Of course, there are things that one believes in / has conviction in, but there's no harm in making friends, I'm sure.
As for me, I've never really heard much about witches and the Wiccan detail, but I think that any religion would teach its followers to do right with the world and others.
Off-topic, right now, my favourite music is "Megalith - Agnus Dei", from Ace Combat 4. I have to admit that although the lyrics of the original Agnus Dei glorify Jesus Christ (alias Prophet Isa, peace be on him) as the Lamb Of God, I can almost imagine a scene of a massive aerial battlefield, while the people on the ground pray for the success of the fighters, and for peace to come.
You don't need to put too much religion to appreciate good music, that's for sure. And that's, in my humble opinion, what really counts. We should all learn to get along.
Saviour-V grins, and teleports out..
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@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
30 Jul 08
Yes, when you read into the basics of religious dogma and principles they all have their own beauty....as you say, it's unfortunate that mankind has in general made a muddle, to put it mildly, of religions all due to mankind's interpretation of them.
If they have a music video of Megalith-Agnus Dei over at Youtube I'll give a listen as I'm not familiar with it.
@dianocuz (115)
• United States
29 Jul 08
pyewacket, I believe your master, gilliam was truly gorgeous!
by the by, does pyewacket refer to you?
here's my question, understanding your beliefs, what do you prophecy for 12/12/2012, other religions say the world will end.
what do you think? what does your religion anticipate?
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Jul 08
Mmm..who is gilliam??? We don't have a "master" in our religion.
Yes pyewacket is my user name but also the name of my black cat.
This really isn't a discussion about the whole 12/12/2012 thing. Since it's only four years away I guess we'll find out first hand, no? But in a nutshell, some think that all heck is going to break loose in a sense and they'll be massive destruction on our planet due to natural forces...others think it might have something to do with the arrival of the 12th planet Nibiru that supposedly makes its path close to our earth every 3,000 years or so and was mapped out first by the Babylonians. Some think that actually that year might just be the beginning of an awakening in mankind of what life really means...an enlightenment of sorts
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
30 Jul 08
LOL...Actually I'm familiar with that movie, Bell, Book and Candle...just forgot what the character's name was that Kim Novak played
As far as my user name...prior to getting my computer, I relied on the computers at a library...anytime I needed a user name I wanted something that I would remember...my cat's name, Pyewacket popped up and use that user name ever since. But in many ways I do consider him my familiar...or at least my Lucky cat..LOL....I have another cat named Kissy
Yup, some also believe that 2012 could be the coming of the second Christ....don't know about that. People have been predicting his second coming for centuries...same with end of the world doom prophecies...guess only time will tell in four years....maybe nothing at all will happen...Remember the hoopla about Y2K? That all these terrible events were going to occur the moment we entered the year 2000? Nothing happend then either.
@dianocuz (115)
• United States
29 Jul 08
I am sorry, in the 1958 movie bell, book and candle staring james stewart and kim novak. novak played the part of gilliam. pyewacket was gilliams familiar spirit. when I asked if the name pyewacket referred to you, I meant whether the name referred to your familiar spirit or were you referring to yourself as a familiar spirit, or if that was the spirit that indwelt you.
Thank you for your answer to the prophecy of 12.12.2012 as a time of enlightening, especially considering that some christians believe that is when christ will return.
www.larrymchugh.com/2012.html
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