Witches Pagans And Bears Oh My

famous quotes

"No, I don't know that atheists should be considered
as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots.
This is one nation under God."
--George Herbert Walker Bush, Former U. S. President, 1988.

Our culture is superior. Our culture is superior because
our religion is Christianity and that is the truth that
makes men free.
--Pat Buchanan

__________________________________________

Paganism is not "Devil worship". "One of the saddest
things to me are the misunderstandings that people
have of us, and that breeds intolerance," Amber
Silvermoon, Arma, coordinator of the Pagan Pride
Celebration said.

She continues, "We just want the same rights that
other people take for granted. We love our children,
we love our communities, we're just like everybody
else... Christianity has many different denominations,
and pagans also have many traditions"

One of the biggest misconceptions, according to Skip Tarrant,
Joplin, is the notion that pagans are devil worshippers
"We do not acknowledge a god of evil," Tarrant said.
"We believe that bad things do happen to people,
and sometimes it's hard to understand why. But we
also believe in reincarnation, so the meaning may have
to do with the growth and development of the individual.
The things that happen that are inexplicable to us do have
a reasonand may even make sacrifices to Satan
"In those 30 years, I have not heard of anyone being
abused, much less a child," Tarrant said, pausing a
moment to open a bottle of fruit juice for his young
grandson. "I've also heard rumors that pagans have orgies,
but I haven't seen one of those in 30 years, either."
During the elders panel, Silvermoon discussed how pagans should deal with those who protest or who try to convert them to Christianity.

"If they want to pray for you, let them do it," she
advised her fellow pagans. "We can all use any prayers we can get, in any religion. A prayer is a prayer."

info can be found at this link:

http://morningsun.net/stories/092803/loc_20030928046.shtml

TV shows like Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer have contributed much to making paganism seem less frightening and are acceptable to the mainstream, but they've also continued to support misinformation and superstitions that have plagued pagans throughout modern times. Shows like Sabrina, or even the old favorite Bewitched, leave nonpagan viewers with the impression that witchcraft is all fantasy and special effects, and anyone who believes in such things might have a screw or two loose. Really, do you know anyone who has a talking cat or has developed a working teleport spell?

Many Americans think of the pointed black hat as the key identifier of a witch. These folks are often the most surprised when they meet a real, modern witch wearing jeans and a T-shirt. But where did the
stereotype of this pointy hat come from? Our media has popularized the view of witches with pointy hats as well as green skin, warts and brooms. I suspect the Wizard of Oz movie released at the dawning of the media age has more to do with the current stereotype of the "wicked witch" than does historical evidence!



	famous quotes "No, I don't know that atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots. This is one nation under God." --George Herbert Walker Bush, Former U. S. President, 1988. Our culture is superior. Our culture is superior because our religion is Christianity and that is the truth that makes men free. --Pat Buchanan __________________________________________ Paganism is not "Devil worship". "One of the saddest things to me are the misunderstandings that people have of us, and that breeds intolerance," Amber Silvermoon, Arma, coordinator of the Pagan Pride Celebration said. She continues, "We just want the same rights that other people take for granted. We love our children, we love our communities, we're just like everybody else... Christianity has many different denominations, and pagans also have many traditions" One of the biggest misconceptions, according to Skip Tarrant, Joplin, is the notion that pagans are devil worshippers "We do not acknowledge a god of evil," Tarrant said. "We believe that bad things do happen to people, and sometimes it's hard to understand why. But we also believe in reincarnation, so the meaning may have to do with the growth and development of the individual. The things that happen that are inexplicable to us do have a reasonand may even make sacrifices to Satan "In those 30 years, I have not heard of anyone being abused, much less a child," Tarrant said, pausing a moment to open a bottle of fruit juice for his young grandson. "I've also heard rumors that pagans have orgies, but I haven't seen one of those in 30 years, either." During the elders panel, Silvermoon discussed how pagans should deal with those who protest or who try to convert them to Christianity. "If they want to pray for you, let them do it," she advised her fellow pagans. "We can all use any prayers we can get, in any religion. A prayer is a prayer." info can be found at this link: http://morningsun.net/stories/092803/loc_20030928046.shtml TV shows like Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer have contributed much to making paganism seem less frightening and are acceptable to the mainstream, but they've also continued to support misinformation and superstitions that have plagued pagans throughout modern times. Shows like Sabrina, or even the old favorite Bewitched, leave nonpagan viewers with the impression that witchcraft is all fantasy and special effects, and anyone who believes in such things might have a screw or two loose. Really, do you know anyone who has a talking cat or has developed a working teleport spell? Many Americans think of the pointed black hat as the key identifier of a witch. These folks are often the most surprised when they meet a real, modern witch wearing jeans and a T-shirt. But where did the stereotype of this pointy hat come from? Our media has popularized the view of witches with pointy hats as well as green skin, warts and brooms. I suspect the Wizard of Oz movie released at the dawning of the media age has more to do with the current stereotype of the "wicked witch" than does historical evidence!