Wiccans want the star symbol on the headstone of Wiccan solders buried at Arlington. Should it be allowed?

Question

My apologies if this seems a harsh question to any Wiccans, I don't mean it to, just want to know people's thoughts. My oldest daughter is a Wiccan.

http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061114/NEWS/611140400

They di have an aprroved symbol for Atheists. I wonder if there is one for Satanists?

Answer 1

The US military recognizes Wicca as a religion. I see no reason for the US military to treat Wiccans any different than the members of all of the other religions that they recognize. One would think that it would be a simple solution---unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case........

Answer 2

According to this nation's Constitution, the Congress CANNOT make any laws respecting the establishment of a given religion as state-approved. That means that anything which calls itself a religion is, ipso facto, a religion and just as legit in the eyes of the state as any other religion.

That being said, there is no valid reason for not symbolizing ANY religion on the headstone of a fallen military hero. And anyone who tries to prevent same is, in fact, in direct contravention of the Constitution and may be sued for violation of civil rights as guaranteed by that same Constitution.

Answer 3

If the federal govt is going to allow any religious symbols on the headstones of fallen soldiers, they must allow for all religions to be represented. To do otherwise is a blatant prejudice against certain faiths, and a violation of the Separation of Church and State.

Answer 4

Typical blinkered American thinking. They need to follow the UK Forces way of thinking - The UK forces recently ruled that a Satanist should be allowed to practice his "religion" as to stop him would be discrimination. And as for the stupid answer above that Wiccans have only been around for 50 years .... the basic tenets of the wiccan faith predate christianity, and in fact many of those tenets have been absorbed into christinaity.

Answer 5

I don't see why not. The Christians get a cross, the Jews get their star. There should be no reason why they don't get honored with the sign of their religion - is a Wiccan soldier not as special or honorable as a Christian? They're all soldiers, period, they should not be dishonored by disallowing their religious symbol to be on their grave.

Answer 6

Of course it should be allowed! If a Christian soldier is given a Cross, why can't a Wiccan soldier be given a Pentacle?

That's a no-brainer, and I really have no idea how they can justify excluding Pentacles from religious symbols. The belief that it's 'Satan's Sign' is completely outdated.

Answer 7

Its a good question. Personally I know that wicca is against God, so I am against wicca...but I have to say I really don't care what symbol is on a head stone, because as harsh as this sounds...the person is dead it is just a comfort to the living to have the symbol. No matter where their soul ended up they don't know the happenings of their family members now.

Answer 8

Absolutely! We have freedom of religion in this country. Jews get the Star of David. Why shouldn't they have the mark of their coven (if they are part of a coven). I don't agree with their beliefs, but I do respect their right to believe and worship as they choose.

Answer 9

If other religious symbols are allowed, then I don't know how they can justify excluding Wiccan symbols.

Answer 10

Of course it should be allowed, just as much as any other religious symbol relating to the deceased beliefs.