I don't think there has ever been a day where I'm been so ashamed to call myself a "Christian " as today. I was reading the Wikipedia on Wiccans, and my heart just sunk when I saw what " Christians " were doing to Wiccans.
In short, "Christians" where taking legal action to remove a Wiccan's right to worship here in the USA!!!! This is ubsurd! My question is this...
What gives you the right do decide what faiths can be worshiped here in the United States of America? Where the same law that allows you to practice you faith allows them to practice theirs? And if you're so opposed to Freedom of Religion, why are you still here?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicca
2006-10-17 13:11:26 · 21 answers · asked by Odindmar 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Unfortunately Wikipedia is a truely horrible source on information when it comes to Wicca, and unfortunately many people who claim to be Wicca are anti-Christian to the extremes at times with similar ideas in mind – Wicca themselves however are by large respectful given the nature of their belief.
Nothing would ever stop Wicca, they are secretive by nature – Wicca are an oath-bound priesthood, and their beginnings were when witchcraft was still illegal in the UK, those laws probably prevailed for longer in the US, although Wicca didn't make it's way over there until some time later I believe.
Some Christians simply do not like other religions, I don't mind that personally I can hardly judge them as I'd be no different, but when it comes to acts where prejudice controls and effects others this is a little different – although I am thankful as a Pagan, ex-neo-wicca and ex-Wicca Seeker/trainee/trainer that I live in the UK.
Religion in the US seems utterly bizarre to me, such heavy 'Christian' influences, claims of freedom that are far from true, and a war waging – and they are still there because the same arrogant ignorant prejudice that makes them think they are superior to Wicca makes them think they have rights to control their countries people.
2006-10-17 13:45:57 · answer #1 · answered by Kasha 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Thank you. Very very much. It gets worse than that. Much worse.
In my city, the Christians picketed the only Wiccan store in the city and harassed it's customers every time anyone tried to enter the store with "Christian morals and proper Christian teaching". "Save your soul from the devil".
They did it until the store finally closed it's doors when the local Pagans were so intimidated that they stopped going to the store.
There is another store that sells imports and also sells Pagan items. Thing is, most people don't know the store sells Pagan items due to the previous problems.
There's a reason why we're all so generally quiet about our religion. It's because of that kind of behavior.
And worse, many Christians actually seem to think that kind of behavior is ok because "we're saving their souls from the devil".
Yes, I've heard everything I put in quotes just now from different Christians in the area.
So honestly, well and truly thank you. Thank you so much.
2006-10-17 20:24:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, I am glad some Christians see the rude hateful things people do in the name of Christ. This country was founded on freedom of religion and that means all religion, not just a few.
In my city solitaire Wiccans used to meet in a park for public ritual and a Baptist church would go there and pray and sing hymns and tell everyone they were going to hell, but if pagans were to disrupt a public church service in the same park the Christians would yell for blood.
We have schools here that allow religious jewelry to be worn, but specifically states that no pentacles. This is discrimination.
2006-10-17 20:40:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
You are the first christian I've ever seen apologize for that type of behavior on the part of others in your religion. You probably just got a HUGE Wiccan fan club. I can't think of a better way to show what your religion is really about than by acting with love, compassion, grace and kindness. So you also just witnessed to them in a way.
Now, if only we could get some of the racists out there to apologize for using the sacred symbols of Asatru, we'd all be on the right track.
~Morg~
2006-10-17 20:25:14 · answer #4 · answered by morgorond 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes, these things still happen. It's sad. I once worked in a company where the owner grilled me on my religion (I kept my answers vague) then he posted a horrible article in the mens restroom degrading neo-pagan religions (he knew that since I am a female I would never see it there). He eventually fired me because "he didn't think I was happy there" (my work, attendance and relationships with my co-workers were excellent and he couldn't come up with a better reason).
What usually gets my goat is after "Christians" do something like this, they will complain about being "persecuted" because they can't have their specific religious rules and specific prayers sanctioned by public schools! Heck, we'd be happy to be able to practice our beliefs privately in peace!
Your post warmed my heart. I wish there were more like you.
2006-10-18 05:30:46 · answer #5 · answered by Witchy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I completely agree - freedom OF religion means freedom FROM religion. I have a lot of Wiccan friends, and some Christians say terrible things to them (and me too, as I'm an Atheist).
2006-10-17 20:15:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
my husband say the bible teaches us that it is not our place to judge others..as a wiccan yes, the christians have given us a very bad name. They have borrowed many of our traditions and adapted them for themselves and then made them seem like they were brand new traditions that they started. Take Yule for example (Christmas) it was long ago thought of by us witches (not all witches are wicccan, and not all wiccans are witches) and then the christians reinvented it..never giving us our due credit....Nobody can take away anyones religion or the right to practice their said religion, they can try but we do live in a free nation
2006-10-17 21:10:18 · answer #7 · answered by Dark Goddess 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Your kind words touched my heart as well as the heart of my Christian sister.
Many religions have been persecuted from time to time. If all would follow the basic tenants of their religions the world would be a happier place.Most religious teach patience, love, compassion, and tolerance.
I have always believed that a Christian was someone who lived their life in a manner becoming to Jesus the Christ. In my humble opinion, you do much service to the title of Christian.
Blessings )O(
2006-10-17 20:46:03 · answer #8 · answered by Epona Willow 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Thank you. But obviously they are insecure in their own faith since they feel they must fight against other religions.
they can't complain about not being able to have Lead Christian Prayer in school or how mean the Atheists are to them, etc... when they are doing stuff like that.
2006-10-17 21:03:29 · answer #9 · answered by Kithy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
America was founded by people escaping from people who would not let them practise their religion. Where do Americans go who other Americans won't let practise their religion...?
Perhaps we could offer all Fundie Christians the moon to go and live on. They'd be that bit nearer to heaven, too, and the rest of us could be left in peace.
2006-10-17 20:14:57 · answer #10 · answered by Bad Liberal 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋