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America, the land of freedom, to chose any religion. Church and state are separate, lawfully anyway.
Why are these religions not recognized as religions in stores and Military? Hastings for example listed Wicca as on Occult along with Druidism. The Military "accepts" Wicca as a religion but just recently "allowed" teh family of a Wiccan soldier who died in the war to have a symbol of his faith at his grave.
Does America really recognize "other" religions?

2006-10-01 07:56:10 · 13 answers · asked by elliott 4 in Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality

13 answers

Occult refers to hidden knowledge, mystery. Most of us don't mind. We are somewhat hidden, though less all the time.

And no, the Military didn't allow it, the State of Nevada declared that the VA has no authority over their cemetaries and _they_ allowed it, but the VA's policy still does not allow it. The ACLU has just launched a lawsuit against the VA.

2006-10-02 09:44:11 · answer #1 · answered by kaplah 5 · 1 0

Way more than one question, so I'll go in order.

Occult means Hidden. Since Traditional Wicca is an Initatory system, and the majority of it's rituals are kept a secret.

The Military does recognize Wicca AND Paganism as religions. (I havent asked the Druids, though.

As for the Pentacle headstone debate, the military DID NOT allow anything. The State of Nevada, decided that they had juristiction over State cemetaries, so they went over the Veteran's Administration, and put the Pentacle on Sgt Stewart's grave.

America does recognize other religions, they just aren't happy about it.

2006-10-01 14:55:22 · answer #2 · answered by AmyB 6 · 1 0

The term "occult" simply means "hidden". It became something of a taboo word in the days when Catholicism was a world power. It was a "boogeyman". It still is, in many ways.

Why are pagan religions not widely recognized? Well, Western Civilization was founded as a Christian civilization, wasn't it? You're free to be an Odinist, or a Wiccan, or a Zoroastrian if you want, but you're not going to get invited to the Rotarian meetings or the church picnics, are you?

Does America really "recognize" other religions? You just named an example, didn't you? If Wicca grows in popularity, you could campaign for it to become a major institution in your community, much as Islam has grown.

Christianity is the way to go, imho. ;) Wicca might be interesting and exotic and cool and you'll get attention from the goth chicks at school, but that's all it is. Jesus walked his talk, don'tcha know?

I don't know of any Wiccans who have healed the sick, made the blind see, raised the dead or given anyone an opportunity to really get to know God the Father, have you?

2006-10-01 08:03:25 · answer #3 · answered by roberticvs 4 · 0 1

Occult comes from the Latin occultus (clandestine, hidden, secret). It isn't a negative term. Regarding the official recogniztion of these religions, it probably has more to do with the fact that fewer people follow these religions and government is slow to do anything, especially change.

2006-10-01 08:05:04 · answer #4 · answered by BABY 3 · 0 0

The Spiritual Warrior is taught that society has an irrational fear
of words.
The word OCCULT, is simply the Latin word for the English word HIDDEN. It means "hidden from view or understanding."
As you know words gain meaning after time. Today, people
associate it with the Dark Arts.
The Word however says, "The Spirit searches the DEEP things
of God. Even the HIDDEN wisdom."
It's not knowledge itself that is evil, but what one does with the
knowledge. You can use your spiritual power to kill, or to heal.
Wicked people use knowledge to control others.
Righteous people use knowledge to gain self-control.

2006-10-01 08:05:06 · answer #5 · answered by zenbuddhamaster 4 · 0 0

there is a difference between free will to worship as one pleases and an " accepted " religion. in the U.S. we were basically a Judeo-Christian culture and society which is slowly changing. Personally incorporated several different religious based beliefs into a standard Christian belief system as there were some things in other religions I liked. although having done this to satisfy my own
" free will " and freedom to worship as I please formally I am still considered " Christian "

am guessing that most of the pagan and earth based religions would be considered " outside the box " Christians.

2006-10-01 08:11:30 · answer #6 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 0 1

Why should a country based on the premise of "IN GOD WE TRUST" recognize anything else? Our country started by faithful men now has fallen to the extent that every group in the world wants to demand rights that our forefathers would abhore. The great thing about America is, that if you don't like not being recognized you can always leave.

2006-10-01 08:03:28 · answer #7 · answered by Prophecy+History=TRUTH 4 · 0 2

America is ruled by the newer CONTROLLING types of religions like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, those that don't like any opposition to their narrow views and medieval belief systems. It's a sad fact, but we're under the boots of RELIGIOUS FASCISTS!

2006-10-01 08:07:07 · answer #8 · answered by backinbowl 6 · 0 0

America in a sense has become a occult nation,because pagan religions have more say so than the true faith that we know as Christianity.

2006-10-01 08:03:34 · answer #9 · answered by donangelo 2 · 0 2

The word occult just means hidden. Anyway it is a mystery to me. Invisible realms, including Heaven, magic spells, prayers, the big bang, expanding space(what the hell is expanding space?), dark matter, strings( of the 'string theory' ), amulets ( including the cross ), sacrifice, energies ( in the body ), holistic 'medicine', healing touch, magnetic therapy and money (as an end in itself )......ahhh... people are such dorks. Didn't you get decent answers when you asked your question in the politics sections?

2006-10-01 08:14:44 · answer #10 · answered by eantaelor 4 · 0 1

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