"You're doing what? For WHO?"
By wonttakelong
@wonttakelong (3555)
United States
September 2, 2012 8:23am CST
I have been asked those questions alot lately. And honestly its getting rather annoying.
For the last 9 months or so I have been planning a charity fundraiser which most people would agree is a GOOD thing. However some people I know are shocked to find out WHO I am raising money for. You see, I am raising money for a religious organization that is NOT within my own personal religious practices. To explain it simply, I am a practicing WITCH but I am raising money for my local Ministerial Alliance which is made up of all the Chrisitan-based churches (Christian, Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, etc.)
I have been looked down on for my beliefs and many "CHRISTIANS" in the area have shunned me and my children because of what I believe. My kids are bullied in school because of what they believe even though most of my kids go to a Methodist church regularly.
When I started planning this event there were many naysayers! Even some of the town officials tried to cut me down and prevent me from hosting the event. However through hard work and persistance I was able to rise above all that and move forward. 9 months later and 1 week away from the event there are still some that question my motives and my integrity.
You see, I may NOT worship the same "God" as them BUT I DO beleive in what the Ministerial Alliance does for the community. They help less fortunate families and families that have been affected by any type of tragedy/loss. To explain my "motives" simply - you dont have to be "Christian" to want to help your fellow human being. You dont have to be "Christian" to believe in helping others in their times of need.
Would you do a fundraiser for an organization outside your own personal religious beliefs?
How would you feel if someone from another religion wanted to help your religious organization?
4 people like this
6 responses
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
2 Sep 12
Hi wonttakelong, I think what you are doing is terrific and that you are a good person! As for me, I think the golden rule is religion enough for anyone and will help anyone whose motives are for the good of the less fortunate in our communities. I hope your fundraiser is a great success. Blessings.
3 people like this
@liquorice (3887)
•
2 Sep 12
If you believe in what the organisation does, and it sounds like they do a lot of good for people, then there is no reason why you shouldn't help. 
I'm sure they are grateful for your help, whether or not you believe in the same stuff as them. (As long as you're not actively turning people against them, or saying bad things about them or their beliefs - which I'm sure you're not - then why would they turn good help down???)
It's great of you to put the hours in and helping with this fundraiser. There will always be people who disapprove whenever somebody tries to do something "different" from the norm. When they don't understand a thing, these people tend to turn nasty about it. They don't know how else to react, and don't have the strength of character to try to understand it. I say good on you, and hope it goes really well! 
I'm sure they are grateful for your help, whether or not you believe in the same stuff as them. (As long as you're not actively turning people against them, or saying bad things about them or their beliefs - which I'm sure you're not - then why would they turn good help down???)
It's great of you to put the hours in and helping with this fundraiser. There will always be people who disapprove whenever somebody tries to do something "different" from the norm. When they don't understand a thing, these people tend to turn nasty about it. They don't know how else to react, and don't have the strength of character to try to understand it. I say good on you, and hope it goes really well! 2 people like this
@wonttakelong (3555)
• United States
2 Sep 12
all of those who question my motives/integrity dont me very well if at all so they are basically ignorant about what I truly believe
and you are right, they dont have the strength nor courage to try to understand so they lash out against me
2 people like this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
2 Sep 12
Interesting situation, would I help those that have hurt me in the name of helping me? Would I ever set foot though the doorway and over the threshold to a structure that is built by the hands of man to tell me what I should believe and how?
What harm have such organizations brought to our world, look at your trials, see the truth the condition of the human heart is so warped out of shape that Love barely can be seen, as they claim to be helping others look at all the harm brought by their own false beliefs.
What help can I give to such organizations, what should I do, remain quiet and unheard? I am not blind to the truth, for I know what has been shown in the name of Christian love, just how hard it is to get justice and a fair hearing in a nation built upon false foundations.
I tried to post this reply via e-mail maybe the mature content situation forced me to sign in... That is just fine, and after reading the thread, I have to say that I am very proud of you for finding the good in an organization that is helping others...
I on the other hand have been so offended that if I were GOD, I would not waste my time with those who practice barbarism and bring forth such pain to our society, their hypocrisy has reached far and wide...
In my opinion the Christian Church should be abolished!
They are a blight upon the face of the Earth...
GOD is Great, GOD is Good, there is nothing good about preaching Satan and Hell that all people are created sinners that the Earth needs to be made new because of the sin that exists. Nothing is good of any of these teachings so prevalent in the Christian heart and Church...
@wonttakelong (3555)
• United States
2 Sep 12
I understand what you are saying, I really do
I do agree to a point with you.
yes alot of terrible things have happened in the history of this world in the name of "God" , the church or religion
however I cannot hold ALL Christians responsible for the actions of men before them that are no longer around to hold accountable
that would be like the Black Panthers holding me personally responsible for what happened to their colored ancestors, I didnt wrong their ancestors nor did my neighbors ancestors wrong me
Does that make sense?
Also if I add to the hate by hating against others then when does the hate end?
I teach my kids to be tolerant but more importantly I teach them to be ACCEPTING
hopefully I am not alone in the world by teaching the future generations these things.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
12 Sep 12
I might help out but I wouldn't organise it.
Such typical behaviour from those people who are supposed to be tolerant, love their neighbour and all that stuff yet they are so judgemental of anyone who is "different".
I believe you intimidate them because you practice your beliefs instead of going against them (like they do).
Nice to see you too.
@wonttakelong (3555)
• United States
25 Oct 12
There were several other events going on in the area that same day so we didnt get the turn out that I had hoped for however the weather was beautiful, the ride was awesome and everyone had a good time.
We mananged to still raise @$1500 for the Ministerial Alliance (which is more money than they have ever seen)
All in all it was a big success!
1 person likes this
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
2 Sep 12
I rarely post in this interest but your topic inspires me sooo much. It is the essence of what I believe in
I know nothing about witchcraft. I was not even aware that it is a religion. However I do know that what you are doing goes beyond any religion in that we all belong to the same race and then, just as we have different preferences in other sectors, we each choose where to believe, or not to believe at all.
Yes, if the organisation was, in my books, ethical, then I would help out. I believe that anyone should be allowed to help if they feel the desire to do so, regardless of colour, creed or anything else at all.
I know nothing about witchcraft. I was not even aware that it is a religion. However I do know that what you are doing goes beyond any religion in that we all belong to the same race and then, just as we have different preferences in other sectors, we each choose where to believe, or not to believe at all.
Yes, if the organisation was, in my books, ethical, then I would help out. I believe that anyone should be allowed to help if they feel the desire to do so, regardless of colour, creed or anything else at all.1 person likes this
@wonttakelong (3555)
• United States
2 Sep 12
yes! that is the big picture of life
regardless of religion, race, gender, etc. we are all the same
This group does wonderful things and I strongly believe in what they do even though I dont believe in who they worship
3 people like this
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
2 Sep 12
There are many who profess themselves as religious but then scoff at others for something or other that they do, just because it is not what their own religion would practice.
Surely there is nothing religious about thinking that only theirs is the right one?
2 people like this
@wonttakelong (3555)
• United States
2 Sep 12
Right!
Many claim to be religious but dont truly practice what is written in their Holy book
It always amazes me how some can violate even the simplest of their religious "rules"
3 people like this
