I am AMAZED at the diversity of answers. Think about it....the answers ran the spectrum from Catholicism to Paganism.
The religion I am thinking of is, of course, Voodoo. Funny how similar to other religions, huh?
Isn't this one more reason that we should all be opening our minds and exploring the other beliefs that are out there? With so much the same, why do people see Voodooists or Pagans or Wiccans as so different? I would take a gander and say FEAR.
2007-08-28 08:25:13 · 10 answers · asked by nottashygirl 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Exactly---Comparative religious studies should be a must before anyone labels them self for life with the religion of their parents or culture.
2007-08-28 08:32:43 · answer #1 · answered by huffyb 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've always wondered that too - why, when so many religions are so similar, that we are so prejudiced against each other and some individuals always go out their way to prove they are "right" and our belief is "wrong".
Voodoo has such a bad press and image because of how some people choose to use it that when you described for my question what gave you comfort from it, i was suprised and intrigued and would like to know a bit more about your version of voodoo, if you don't mind?
I have my own beliefs but i do like to learn a bit more about others'.
2007-08-28 08:36:34 · answer #2 · answered by Stacey-Marie J 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dear Friend,
You may have been thinking of Voodoo, but Christianity is not the same as Voodoo, Paganism, or Wicca. There are strong distinctions that make us very different. I will tell the most basic of distinctions. I may disagree with me and is surely your right. Yet, if you claim to have an open mind, then you will read this answer and meditate on it and not discard it because just because you disagree.
I do know of Voodoo (I was in Haiti for four months), I do know of Wicca (a friend of mine is so), and I do know of Neo-paganism because I spoke with a few on the streets. My answer is not prejudicial and therefore does not stem from fear.
The basic difference between Christianity and Voodoo et. al is their use. In Christianity we do not manipulate God in our worship nor is this God in the shape of our image or liking. He is God no matter what we say of Him. Our worship only articulates what God has revealed of Himself and His plan for mankind. That is all. In our worship we are shaped by God and we do not shape a god to our liking or image.
In my discussions with Voodooists, Wiccans, and Neo-Pagans their belief of a supreme power is exactly according to their liking, hence why they join. And so, each does create a god according to their own image. In each it is truly their notion of God who is manipulated and shaped rather than the faithful of each being shaped by the god (s) they believe in. And that is the most basic difference between Christianity and Voodoo, Paganism, and Wicca.
So, one cannot claim all religions are all the same. What makes them distinct is not so much their rituals, but the use and intention of those rituals. May the Lord bless and keep you. May the light of His face shine upon you.
God's and your beast of burden
Fr. john
2007-08-28 09:11:59 · answer #3 · answered by som 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A religion is not just a preference. People choose a religion because they believe that it is true. While some religions may be similar, they don't all lead to the same place.
If a religion is based on a belief system that has eternal results, one better be reasonably sure that it is true. Otherwise, they are just being foolish.
2007-08-28 08:35:12 · answer #4 · answered by Cheryl Durham, Ph.D. 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Christianity teaches that worship of the creation rather than worship of the One who created it all is idolatry and witchcraft and is forbidden. I don't see the three...voodooist, pagans and wiccans as so different from each other....but very different from genuine Christianity..!! Fear is not the problem here at all! The problem here is ignorance! They do not know God, have never really read His book the Bible, and they do what makes them feel good for the moment, forgetting that there is a realm beyond this moment in time, a God greater than human imagination, who LOVES His creation and chooses to rule, not by fear, but by love. Those Christians who do not walk in love, are not genuine Christians... He loves those who are entagled in sin, in voodoo, in paganism and in wicca. He died for them all.
2007-08-28 08:36:06 · answer #5 · answered by rejoiceinthelord 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm a Catholic. Vodoun is a syncretic religion that sometimes uses elements of Catholic imagery. Same for Candomblé, Santeria and many other religions. It's not exactly a secret. I've always been quite friendly to practitioners of other religions, including all the ones you've named here. If I were so afraid of other religions, then I would also have to be afraid of my own friends who practice those religions, and I'm not.
2007-08-28 08:42:34 · answer #6 · answered by solarius 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The difference is Who is worshipped. And it's a big difference to some of us. I don't want to play with fire just because it's the same color as my beach ball. If The One True God isn't being worshipped, then it's an imposter because no one else deserves His honors.
2007-08-28 08:34:10 · answer #7 · answered by carmel 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
No, I just obey what God says...
2 John 1:
10. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11. For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
2007-08-28 08:33:40 · answer #8 · answered by See the Light 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
WOW! FASCINATING! (rolls eyes)
Religion can be explored in a mythology class. I really don't think it's worth so much inspection.
2007-08-28 08:32:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Cool. Very interesting indeed.
2007-08-28 08:28:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋