wiccan (paradise, souls, myth, Baptists)

[OmegaBaby]

Originally Posted by yayoi

You can have a perfectly fulfilling life being an atheist or an agnostic. Just don't pick a religion because everyone else seems to be doing it.

I agree with this statement.

I might also suggest that if you're looking for a group of people who simply share your ethical beliefs, you might want to check out Unitarian Universalists. They focus on the humanist parts of religion (e.g. golden rule), and not on the dogma (e.g. you're going to hell because of bla bla). And the neat thing is that you'll be part of a religion that included in its ranks...
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Franklin
John Adams
...and many others...
http://www.famousuus.com/

[kaykay]

Originally Posted by kaykay

You said "why not," about Wiccan but I would say, "why?" I recently chatted with someone on this forum who seemed like a nice guy who says he is Wiccan. It seems like a belief system that some are attracted to, but is there any real evidence to support believing in it? As Irishmom posted earlier it does involve a belief in a god and the supernatural. So... Just "liking" a religion doesn't seem a good enough reason to me if you know what I mean. A lot more credible evidence for Christianity me thinks!

Well, I just got a red dot while ago for this post. Guess I offended somebody.
I don't mean to be offensive to anyone who chooses Wiccan, or to be a "know it all" or whatever. Just personally, I am not aware of the evidence that would persuade a person to choose Wicca. That's all I meant by it. From my understanding, Christianity offers more evidence, that's all.
Obviously,....I think that-that's why I'm a Christian. Sorry if I came on too strong and offended someone. I seem to be doing that a lot lately...

[spunky1]

Originally Posted by kaykay

Well, I just got a red dot while ago for this post. Guess I offended somebody.
I don't mean to be offensive to anyone who chooses Wiccan, or to be a "know it all" or whatever. Just personally, I am not aware of the evidence that would persuade a person to choose Wicca. That's all I meant by it. From my understanding, Christianity offers more evidence, that's all.
Obviously,....I think that-that's why I'm a Christian. Sorry if I came on too strong and offended someone. I seem to be doing that a lot lately...

Kay kay, i just gave you 2 positive rep points to make up for the deficit. There was absolutely nothing wrong with your post.

[kaykay]

Originally Posted by spunky1

Kay kay, i just gave you 2 positive rep points to make up for the deficit. There was absolutely nothing wrong with your post.

Thanks, spunk! But I REALLY don't want to come off like a "know it all."

[pirate girl]

A great book for people curious about Wiccan and Paganism is "Wicca, A guide for the Solitary Practitioner" by the late Scott Cunningham.

Wicca has some beautiful and very spiritual beliefs. There are no specific rules beyond the important three referenced above. People are permitted to worship as they see fit, when they desire to do so, and are encouraged to find a style that is comfortable and special to them. Quite a refreshing idea after having been raised catholic!

[dncngrl1964]

well arguy then ummmm wouldn't we have been born jews then???
or should I say unto Jewish parents

[Desdemona123]

Originally Posted by pirate girl

A great book for people curious about Wiccan and Paganism is "Wicca, A guide for the Solitary Practitioner" by the late Scott Cunningham.

Wicca has some beautiful and very spiritual beliefs. There are no specific rules beyond the important three referenced above. People are permitted to worship as they see fit, when they desire to do so, and are encouraged to find a style that is comfortable and special to them. Quite a refreshing idea after having been raised catholic!

That is not quite true either. It really depends on what you are talking about when you say Wicca....British Traditional Wicca....oh yeah, there are rules and rituals...and oathbound material. Per their traditions (that started it all) you can't even be solitary.

The Modern Pagan community has branched out quite a bit...especially since religion found the internet back in the late 80s....and that has lead to eclectic Wicca and a thousand other off-shoots...but we should keep that in mind while making broad statements that Wiccan has no specific rules.....that just isn't always so.

[pirate girl]

Des.... I apologize- all of the reading I've done on Wiccan has been the modern writings, not the British and Celtic of years ago. There have been some references to covens and such that are decended from those sects but I have yet to read anything devoted to the roots and evoloution of the religion.

[Desdemona123]

Originally Posted by pirate girl

Des.... I apologize- all of the reading I've done on Wiccan has been the modern writings, not the British and Celtic of years ago. There have been some references to covens and such that are decended from those sects but I have yet to read anything devoted to the roots and evoloution of the religion.

Years ago was the world of Gerald Gardner starting in the late 30s and published after the UK repealed the Anti-Witchcraft Acts in 1951 (I believe, that is off the top of my head, I've not had to pull that one out in awhile).

Sigh....it's all modern writings. Wicca, while indeed a wonderful religion for many, is not ancient or old. (Witchcraft is...but Wicca and Witchcraft are not the same.)

Have you ever read Truimph of the Moon by Hutton? Very scholarly and accurate work.

[jkmewright]

Several of my friends are wiccan and I have been invited over for various celebrations. These were mostly to thank the mother and earth, which I found to be one and the same (my interpretation). There were candles, wine and chanting involved which I dare say can be called devil worshipping by some of our stauncly religious friends Very calming, relaxing and spiritual events. I also enjoy the Unitariun Univ church as well as the Quakers. These were all a nice fit for me as I prefer a religion which does not judge others and is forward thinking. *ducking the negative points flying my way* lol