Hello Everyone:
I want to thank Michelle Wickstrom for her post last week. I found it very insightful and interesting. I hope everyone has had the chance to read it.
We have a brand new post! Please welcome Salman.
Salman is a Muslim and I know you will enjoy his post!
Here is Salman's Introduction:
I am a 35 year old truck driver. I am a Kitchener resident and if someone likes to know.... I am originally from Karachi, the biggest city in Pakistan. I left my country of birth at an early age in search of a better future and have been kicking around here in North America for a while. Life so far is good and being an immigrant in this country, I gotta admit Canada is the best country in the whole world! Thanks.
1) What religion do you practice?
I was born in a Muslim family and I call myself a Muslim though I do not practice it. If I have to practice any religion, I will practice Islam in my own way on a moderate level.
2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I was born Muslim, and I like to die as Muslim when my time comes.
3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
I am very moderate when it comes to religion. I believe everyone has their own faith and they have full right to believe and practice their faith as long as those beliefs are non violent against other beliefs.
4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
What makes me moderate is to have tolerance and respect toward all other faiths which are different than mine. Being conservative in my opinion is to say "mine is right" and I do not buy it! Period!
5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
Again, What makes someone conservative is the strong belief that "mine is right.... no exceptions!" And what makes moderate is to have belief in your faith and still open and respectful to other beliefs.
6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
Heaven is a fantasy world! I believe it exists. And it does exist for all human kind regardless of their worldly faith as they lived it. It's not reserved strictly only for Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs or other believers. It is reserved only for a fine human being who lives his/her life in this mortal world and it's only in God's hand to decide who qualifies to enter into Heaven.
7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
Again, Heaven is not reserved only for Christians, Jews, Muslims, or people of other faiths. I believe not everyone will make it to heaven. There will be some of us (human kind) who will not make it. I personally definitely want to make it like everybody else. It depends on two factors. How they spent their lives in this mortal world and if they get lucky enough to get God's mercy to enter Heaven. It's entirely in God's hand. HE is the final authority to grant Heaven to who HE thinks qualifies. It's not in my hand or yours. Period.
8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
My religion makes a good fit for me in a sense that I have great tolerance for other religions. I respect and love human kind regardless of their beliefs and that's what my religion and my human instinct teaches me. Remember, Islam and Muslim is same as Christianity and Christians. Today, it is very much misrepresented. Islam is good as a religion but it's followers, Muslims, are not good and they vastly misrepresent Islam by the act of intolerance and violence against people of other faiths. But all Muslims are not that way. There are many muslims like myself, who respect people of other faiths. I hope I answered this difficult question.
9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
My Holy days basically follow in the month of Ramadaan, when one is
a Muslim, one has to pray and practice more and ask God for forgiveness, and it takes time and effort. Unfortunately, I am pretty much swallowed in making money and I do not care much about those holy days. I just try to work and earn mighty $$$ regardless of holy days. To give you a straight answer, EID is one of the most recognizable Islamic holy day that follows the end of the month of Ramadaan.
10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Certainly. I have more friends of other religions and faith than my own faith and religion. I work with them, I deal with them on a daily basis and it makes me feel good to have a good relationship with people of different faiths and race other than mine. I gotta admit, they respect me the same way like I respect them. Its good feeling!
11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
I am not Christian, but I celebrate Christmas. I have been to Church every time I was invited and evertime I enjoyed it. It's a very good feeling to be there at the time of their celebration and be a part of it. Would I ever join to celebrate their holy days? That was your question. My answer is I have celebrated their holy days with them and I will continue to do so. Thats what I am.
12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
My thoughts about Burka and Shariah law is very relaxed. I believe Burka is a woman's right. It can not be enforced. If a woman wants to take Burka, it's up to her. To make it simple, let me put it this way. If I have a wife, I certainly won't like her to go out in public and show her skin. But I won't like to have a wife who hides herself in Burka. She's gotta be moderate. Just a simple woman who dresses decently. About Shariah law, let me say, some of Shariah laws are very harsh, and I do not support them. There is definitely no room for Shariah laws in Canada or any place in the Western world.
13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
I love women and I respect them down to earth. I believe if a woman wants to be a priest she has a 100% right to be a priest as long as she qualifies the requirement to be a priest. I did not know that women are not allowed to become priests.
14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
Being a Muslim, my place of worship is a Mosque that I have not attended for a long time. I belive mosques are not limited only to Muslims. Its open to people of any faith like I believe Churches are open to all people regardless of any beliefs. I positively do not believe mosques are the places to segregate. They are open to any one of any religious belief. But you gotta respect their regulations. Like one cannot enter the mosque in a bikini or with their shoes on. Its very simple.
15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
My religion does not affect me at all on my daily life. It's because I have made myself a very open minded person to people of other beliefs and religion. The best policy is to not discuss religion on your daily life and continue respecting people of other beliefs and religion. Now how much thought would I give making a decision? My answer is I will marry a woman other of my thoughts and beliefs as long as I love her and she also respects and loves me regardless of my religious thoughts and upbringing. Abortion and gay marriage is a different issue. When you talk about abortion, you are making a decision about life and death. Its up to a person who makes the decision to keep life or abort it. This is something I cannot correctly answer. The person who is making decision to keep life or abort it better be prepared to answer God for their action. About gay marriage.... my views are very relaxed. If someone is gay and they want to get married as a gay couple, they should be allowed to practice it. But I also believe a marriage is between a man and a woman. I do not have a woman in my life. At the same time, I am not gay. I love women. Whenever I am ready to have a life partner, I will choose a woman over a man, because I believe it's natural.
16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
I do not have a kid. If I had one I would certainly not be against him/her to marry a person of another religion as long as I know they are truly sincere with each other.
17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
Like Heaven, I believe in Hell too. But criteria to go to Heaven or Hell is not in my hand or yours or anyones. It's entirely in the hands of God. HE is the one to decide who is going to Heaven and who is going to Hell. A muslim murderer is well qualified to go to hell than a christian priest. It all depends how we spend our life in this mortal world. We all have to die one day and we will either be sent to Heaven or Hell. I definitey like to go to Heaven because its a good place compared to Hell. I wish all of us make it to Heaven and none of us goes to Hell.
18) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
Practicing or non practicing? Its all up to you and I. If it comes to take a pick, I rather be practicing, but its not easy to be practicing. It's definitely an easier life being non practicing than practicing regardless of religious beliefs. In my religion it's Imam and in Christianity, it's the Priest. I do not think Imam or Priest has a right to speak on your behalf. You do what you gotta do as long as you are not hurting other people.
19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
Being an immigrant and a person of different beliefs as compared to the majority of other people's beliefs in Canada, I have not so far experienced any hate crime against me. But some times I am questioned to answer some stupid questions like this chap asked me not too long ago, Will I get a thousand virgins when I go to Heaven? I don't know what to answer nonsense questions like this.
20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
I truly sometimes feel that religion devalues me but I do not blame it on to my religion. I am good with my religous beliefs. It's the ignorant people who make it feel like you are devalued.
21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Yes. My religion definitely gives me peace of mind. It does not bother me at all. I am a moderate Muslim, I respect people of other beliefs as my religion teaches me and I certainly want to die as a Muslim whenever my time comes.
22) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
I do not believe in reincarnation. Why? Because my faith tells me there is no such thing as reincarnation, but there is a life after death. And that life is not in this world. It's in the form of Heaven and Hell, and nobody has ever come back after death to tell the world what happens after someone dies? It's all faith and you can't really prove it. You just gotta believe it.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Michelle Wickstrom
Hello Everyone,
I want to start by giving Kim M. a big thank you for her post last weekend! If you haven't done so, I urge you to read Kim's post. Kim is a Wiccan, and her answers were both fascinating and very informative, and I hope will dispel any misunderstandings people may have had regarding this religion.
Next up we have our third post- Michelle Wickstrom, who is an Atheist. I found Michelle's answers very interesting and makes one wonder whether you really do need a religion afterall?
Here is Michelle Wickstrom's Introduction:
There's not alot to tell you with regard to me. Blue-collar worker, lifelong underachiever :) and couch philosopher. I am fascinated by all religions but am put off by any type of commercialism tied to it or wars waged in the name of it. Discussing religion can be explosive. The folks at SoulPancake.com have attempted an open Q&A format with the opportunity for intelligent discussion, but as with any public internet forum---opinions turn into verbal missiles, heated discussions turn ugly, misunderstandings galore. Good luck :)
1) What religion do you practice?
None
2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
My father is a non-practicing Catholic, my mother had no religion.
3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
Other.
4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
Non-believer.
---------do you consider yourself an atheist or do you believe there is a god or 'higher being' but just don't practice a certain religion?
I guess if I have to pigeon-hole myself, I would be an atheist. No, I don't believe in god or a higher power/spirit/creator--but I don't dismiss other people's beliefs. It's part of who they are.
5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
Need more clarification.
------some people believe a moderate would be someone who practices a certain religion but not nearly as closely as a conservative would. As an example, say someone is Jewish- they might consider themself moderate because they may not attend a synagogue or follow the diet requirements as someone who may consider themselves conservative would. Let me know if that helps!
Ok, I understand. Using your explanation, that would mean that conservatives are rigid in their beliefs and moderates are more flexible. I guess I would be a moderately conservative atheist :)
6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
Warm, sunny beach.
7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
Everyone has a place in their own heaven/paradise.
8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
There is room to ask questions without fear of persecution.
9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
No holy days. All days are free to experience life, faith, prayer, hope.
10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Absolutely. I have a non-denominational friend clause :)
11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
If they felt comfortable enough to let me join them, yes. It would be interesting to see how they celebrate and why.
12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
The burka is just a unit of clothing, not unlike a uniform. I have nothing against people who wear them. Shariah Law--RIDICULOUS> shuns women and gays.
13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
I think women can do anything they want to do.
14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
I don't really have a "place of worship". My maternal grandfather always maintained that you didn't need a church to pray. I do like the community-based aspect of church---just not the religious part.
15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
My non-religious lifestyle allows me to keep an open mind about social issues.
16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
If it made him happy, then I would have no issue at all.
17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
I don't believe in hell, so no.
18) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
I guess the closest to my beliefs would be Richard Dawkins. I agree with him on everything.
19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
No.
20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
Never.
21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Absolutely.
--- Since you are of no particular faith, have you ever been the target of someone who is of a certain religion, ie has anyone tried to persuade you to join their religion? If yes, please explain.
I have been approached by Jehovah's Witnesses, LDS and Scientology people. The people I have encountered have always been pleasant, and usually take NO for an answer when I have absorbed enough information. I guess once they realize I am a heathen--they just let me go as a lost cause :)
22) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
No. I think once we're dead, that's it. It's a pretty thought to believe that our souls are out there looking after the ones who have gone before and the ones who are still living, but I don't believe that your spirit (or soul or whatever) inhabits another body. I do joke about it though (as in....I must have been a bastard in a previous life to be subjected to all this misery in this one). I do realize now that what I get in life is what I put out there in the first place. Karma is something I can get on board with.
I want to start by giving Kim M. a big thank you for her post last weekend! If you haven't done so, I urge you to read Kim's post. Kim is a Wiccan, and her answers were both fascinating and very informative, and I hope will dispel any misunderstandings people may have had regarding this religion.
Next up we have our third post- Michelle Wickstrom, who is an Atheist. I found Michelle's answers very interesting and makes one wonder whether you really do need a religion afterall?
Here is Michelle Wickstrom's Introduction:
There's not alot to tell you with regard to me. Blue-collar worker, lifelong underachiever :) and couch philosopher. I am fascinated by all religions but am put off by any type of commercialism tied to it or wars waged in the name of it. Discussing religion can be explosive. The folks at SoulPancake.com have attempted an open Q&A format with the opportunity for intelligent discussion, but as with any public internet forum---opinions turn into verbal missiles, heated discussions turn ugly, misunderstandings galore. Good luck :)
1) What religion do you practice?
None
2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
My father is a non-practicing Catholic, my mother had no religion.
3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
Other.
4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
Non-believer.
---------do you consider yourself an atheist or do you believe there is a god or 'higher being' but just don't practice a certain religion?
I guess if I have to pigeon-hole myself, I would be an atheist. No, I don't believe in god or a higher power/spirit/creator--but I don't dismiss other people's beliefs. It's part of who they are.
5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
Need more clarification.
------some people believe a moderate would be someone who practices a certain religion but not nearly as closely as a conservative would. As an example, say someone is Jewish- they might consider themself moderate because they may not attend a synagogue or follow the diet requirements as someone who may consider themselves conservative would. Let me know if that helps!
Ok, I understand. Using your explanation, that would mean that conservatives are rigid in their beliefs and moderates are more flexible. I guess I would be a moderately conservative atheist :)
6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
Warm, sunny beach.
7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
Everyone has a place in their own heaven/paradise.
8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
There is room to ask questions without fear of persecution.
9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
No holy days. All days are free to experience life, faith, prayer, hope.
10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Absolutely. I have a non-denominational friend clause :)
11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
If they felt comfortable enough to let me join them, yes. It would be interesting to see how they celebrate and why.
12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
The burka is just a unit of clothing, not unlike a uniform. I have nothing against people who wear them. Shariah Law--RIDICULOUS> shuns women and gays.
13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
I think women can do anything they want to do.
14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
I don't really have a "place of worship". My maternal grandfather always maintained that you didn't need a church to pray. I do like the community-based aspect of church---just not the religious part.
15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
My non-religious lifestyle allows me to keep an open mind about social issues.
16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
If it made him happy, then I would have no issue at all.
17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
I don't believe in hell, so no.
18) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
I guess the closest to my beliefs would be Richard Dawkins. I agree with him on everything.
19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
No.
20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
Never.
21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Absolutely.
--- Since you are of no particular faith, have you ever been the target of someone who is of a certain religion, ie has anyone tried to persuade you to join their religion? If yes, please explain.
I have been approached by Jehovah's Witnesses, LDS and Scientology people. The people I have encountered have always been pleasant, and usually take NO for an answer when I have absorbed enough information. I guess once they realize I am a heathen--they just let me go as a lost cause :)
22) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
No. I think once we're dead, that's it. It's a pretty thought to believe that our souls are out there looking after the ones who have gone before and the ones who are still living, but I don't believe that your spirit (or soul or whatever) inhabits another body. I do joke about it though (as in....I must have been a bastard in a previous life to be subjected to all this misery in this one). I do realize now that what I get in life is what I put out there in the first place. Karma is something I can get on board with.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Kim
Hello Again Everyone,
I apologize for the lateness of this post, but was having computer troubles. Anyway, we're back on track and have our second participant! Her name is Kim and she is a practicing Wiccan. I knew very little regarding this religion so I asked Kim a couple extra questions. I hope Kim's post will help alleviate some of the myths and misunderstandings that surround the Wicca religion.
Here is Kim M.'s Introduction:
I am a 41 year old married lady that has two beautiful sons that have blessed my life. I currently work in Municipal Government as an administrative assistant but am working my way up to be a Development Officer after a little bit more studies at university, and some local government programs. I also am a spiritual reader with a gift that has been passed down through the years. I am a very content and happy person who feels that my greatest riches in life is my famiy and my friends.
1) What religion do you practice?
Wiccan
-------------what is your journey, how did you discover Wicca and when did you realize it worked for you?
I feel that I was initially interested in Wicca even though I did not know what that was as
a teenager, I Remember going to the library and reading about witches and mystical studies. I truly was introduced to it when I was around 27 years old. I realized immediately by talking to the people that were interested in it and practicing that it just suited me because it made me feel like I was at home.
2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
Converted, Read a lot of books and practiced some of the rituals with it.
--------------could you share what books you read and what the rituals were/entailed that you practised?
I started by reading "To Ride a Silver Broomstick" By RavenWolf as well as "Bucklands Complete Book of Witchcraft" as well as other books in libraries and bookstores as I was drawn to them. The rituals that I practiced were honoring the Gods/Goddesses and to be kind to the Earth as well as other rituals that were for prosperity and health. On the full moons, I especially did a ritual to bring forth good things to my life.
3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
moderate
4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
I do not follow as closely as I should.
5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
Moderate is someone that does not follow the religion to the full extent. Conservative I believe is someone that follows their religion to the utmost in practice but is not one to put it down someone elses' throat
----------would you consider someone who 'puts their religion down someone elses' throat' to be fanatical?
I am not sure that I would say that they are fanatical as much as devoted to their
religion that calls for that, but in some ways I do think that it is a form of "fanatical". But more so I think that it is being so devout that they can not see any other way, and I think that some
people become fanatical with it because they can not bear to think that someone would not want or need the same belief as they have been taught.
6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
Summerland is like a wide open field where I will meet up with my loved ones, and it will be warm and sunny.
---------------is Summerland a Wiccan's name for Heaven/Paradise?
It is referenced as that.
7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
I do believe that everyone has the opportunity to make it into this paradise/heaven. I believe that as long as we try to be a good person then we will find absolution in things.
8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
It is hard to explain but it just fits, I like that I am still allowed to have my beliefs in Jesus (from my Catholic upbringing) should I wish,
there is a lot that just makes sense to me with it because it is very earth based and it is more of a spirituality life than a religion.
-------------could you explain a little more on why it's considered Earth based and more a spirituality than a religion?
I do believe that it is a religion, I feel that I have adopted more of a spirituality
with it than a religion because I do not practice and am consistent with it as I should be. Wiccan comes from the old Paganism beliefs. My interpretation of it is that it is earth based because
it is a lot about caring for the earth and honoring the earth, skies, animals etc that belong on Earth. I do believe though that Wicca is becoming more and more known and people are becoming
less and less afraid to come out of the broom closet, so to speak, and so I do believe that I have heard that it is now known as a religious group.
9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
there are many in the wiccan religion that parallel the Christian holidays, and I celebrate them all along with
Christmas, or the Yule Solstice. I celebrate them by giving thanks to the Gods and Goddesses and by lighting my candles and performing some sort of a blessing ritual.
--------------how many Gods and Goddesses are there and do you light the candles and perform a ritual blessing only at Christmas time or at other times during the year as well?
There are too many Gods and Goddesses to list. There is a God or Goddess that almost covers everything, and because I am more into the spirituality I have recently begun to do some work with the angels and Archangels, so that just increases the number of deities that can be called upon. I light candles and perform a ritual blessing on almost every full moon, as well at New Years, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween (Our New Years), as well as the changing of the seasons. But really when I do any kind of ritual or spellcasting than I always give thanks and blessings beforehand.
10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Of course
11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Yes, religion interests me and I think that it is honoring the person to
participate in their celebration of a holy day.
12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I don't know anything about them.
13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
I think this is unfair, I think that all of God's disciples have been put here to do the Lord's work
and that it is unfair that a woman can not lead a congregation, to me it feels like they are being not kept equal to the man.
14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
not at all.
15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
I practice my religion every day in some shape or form, I think that it affects me a lot when I am making a decision, because every decision that we make effects us and others and
it will come back to us threefold a powerful thing if you are thinking about doing something that is not moral or decent. I think that it makes me more open to others decisions on abortion, gay marriage, etc. I think
we are all entitled to our freedom for these decisions.
16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
I would be fine with that as both my children were baptised Catholic, but we have not practiced
as I feel that in some forms they should be able to make some decisions about the faith they would like to follow.
17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
Absolutely, not. Though I think it is a good idea for everyone to have a belief/faith of some sort.
18) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
I am unsure.
------------are there any Wiccan 'ministers/imams/rabbis', is there no one who 'leads the masses/groups'? Is there anyone to turn to for advice?
It depends if you are a part of a coven or if you are
a solitary practicioner, I myself am a solitary so most of my advice comes from books, websites, and the friends that I have that practice Wicca, because there are so many branches of it
you really have to search sometimes for the answer, but I also believe that the answers are given to you if you ask aloud to the Gods and Goddesses and listen to your intuition that you are
shown to the answers you need. In a coven there is a high priestess that would perform the rituals and you would go to for advice.
19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
Not myself personally no. but I do keep it quiet. I found that when I was wearing my pentagram ring, that I was
often judged unfairly. One time at work, a man told a coworker that I was a devil worshiper because of my ring.
------------how did that make you feel?
Initially, it made me angry that someone could be so close-minded that they would instantly jump to that conclusion, just by a symbol. I still shake my head
about it from time to time. It also made me feel like I had to hide my "symbol" because it was not accepted, where if a cross is worn and I do wear those as well because I think they are a beautiful
symbol of love, than that is ok, and so that is a very judgemental thing, and that is I guess in a nutshell, is how I felt, was very judged.
-----and what does the pentagram ring signify for you?
For me the pentagram signifies protection. The five points of the pentagram signify The Four Elements and Spirit (Earth, Air, Water, Fire and
Spirit or God if you will) Also when you are doing a ritual you would call upon the four corners which is symbolized by the Four Elements and than of course your Spirit/God/Goddess of your
choosing
20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
not at all.
21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Very much so.
22) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
I do believe in reincarnation. I believe that our souls come back to learn lessons or to pay for karmic actions that we committed in previous lifetimes. I believe that our soul will reincarnate until we have learnt the lessons that we were meant to. I also believe that we plan some of our lessons before we come back to Earth. That to me is déjà vu is almost like a check in point with our souls to know we are along the right path.
I apologize for the lateness of this post, but was having computer troubles. Anyway, we're back on track and have our second participant! Her name is Kim and she is a practicing Wiccan. I knew very little regarding this religion so I asked Kim a couple extra questions. I hope Kim's post will help alleviate some of the myths and misunderstandings that surround the Wicca religion.
Here is Kim M.'s Introduction:
I am a 41 year old married lady that has two beautiful sons that have blessed my life. I currently work in Municipal Government as an administrative assistant but am working my way up to be a Development Officer after a little bit more studies at university, and some local government programs. I also am a spiritual reader with a gift that has been passed down through the years. I am a very content and happy person who feels that my greatest riches in life is my famiy and my friends.
1) What religion do you practice?
Wiccan
-------------what is your journey, how did you discover Wicca and when did you realize it worked for you?
I feel that I was initially interested in Wicca even though I did not know what that was as
a teenager, I Remember going to the library and reading about witches and mystical studies. I truly was introduced to it when I was around 27 years old. I realized immediately by talking to the people that were interested in it and practicing that it just suited me because it made me feel like I was at home.
2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
Converted, Read a lot of books and practiced some of the rituals with it.
--------------could you share what books you read and what the rituals were/entailed that you practised?
I started by reading "To Ride a Silver Broomstick" By RavenWolf as well as "Bucklands Complete Book of Witchcraft" as well as other books in libraries and bookstores as I was drawn to them. The rituals that I practiced were honoring the Gods/Goddesses and to be kind to the Earth as well as other rituals that were for prosperity and health. On the full moons, I especially did a ritual to bring forth good things to my life.
3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
moderate
4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
I do not follow as closely as I should.
5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
Moderate is someone that does not follow the religion to the full extent. Conservative I believe is someone that follows their religion to the utmost in practice but is not one to put it down someone elses' throat
----------would you consider someone who 'puts their religion down someone elses' throat' to be fanatical?
I am not sure that I would say that they are fanatical as much as devoted to their
religion that calls for that, but in some ways I do think that it is a form of "fanatical". But more so I think that it is being so devout that they can not see any other way, and I think that some
people become fanatical with it because they can not bear to think that someone would not want or need the same belief as they have been taught.
6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
Summerland is like a wide open field where I will meet up with my loved ones, and it will be warm and sunny.
---------------is Summerland a Wiccan's name for Heaven/Paradise?
It is referenced as that.
7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
I do believe that everyone has the opportunity to make it into this paradise/heaven. I believe that as long as we try to be a good person then we will find absolution in things.
8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
It is hard to explain but it just fits, I like that I am still allowed to have my beliefs in Jesus (from my Catholic upbringing) should I wish,
there is a lot that just makes sense to me with it because it is very earth based and it is more of a spirituality life than a religion.
-------------could you explain a little more on why it's considered Earth based and more a spirituality than a religion?
I do believe that it is a religion, I feel that I have adopted more of a spirituality
with it than a religion because I do not practice and am consistent with it as I should be. Wiccan comes from the old Paganism beliefs. My interpretation of it is that it is earth based because
it is a lot about caring for the earth and honoring the earth, skies, animals etc that belong on Earth. I do believe though that Wicca is becoming more and more known and people are becoming
less and less afraid to come out of the broom closet, so to speak, and so I do believe that I have heard that it is now known as a religious group.
9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
there are many in the wiccan religion that parallel the Christian holidays, and I celebrate them all along with
Christmas, or the Yule Solstice. I celebrate them by giving thanks to the Gods and Goddesses and by lighting my candles and performing some sort of a blessing ritual.
--------------how many Gods and Goddesses are there and do you light the candles and perform a ritual blessing only at Christmas time or at other times during the year as well?
There are too many Gods and Goddesses to list. There is a God or Goddess that almost covers everything, and because I am more into the spirituality I have recently begun to do some work with the angels and Archangels, so that just increases the number of deities that can be called upon. I light candles and perform a ritual blessing on almost every full moon, as well at New Years, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween (Our New Years), as well as the changing of the seasons. But really when I do any kind of ritual or spellcasting than I always give thanks and blessings beforehand.
10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Of course
11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Yes, religion interests me and I think that it is honoring the person to
participate in their celebration of a holy day.
12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I don't know anything about them.
13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
I think this is unfair, I think that all of God's disciples have been put here to do the Lord's work
and that it is unfair that a woman can not lead a congregation, to me it feels like they are being not kept equal to the man.
14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
not at all.
15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
I practice my religion every day in some shape or form, I think that it affects me a lot when I am making a decision, because every decision that we make effects us and others and
it will come back to us threefold a powerful thing if you are thinking about doing something that is not moral or decent. I think that it makes me more open to others decisions on abortion, gay marriage, etc. I think
we are all entitled to our freedom for these decisions.
16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
I would be fine with that as both my children were baptised Catholic, but we have not practiced
as I feel that in some forms they should be able to make some decisions about the faith they would like to follow.
17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
Absolutely, not. Though I think it is a good idea for everyone to have a belief/faith of some sort.
18) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
I am unsure.
------------are there any Wiccan 'ministers/imams/rabbis', is there no one who 'leads the masses/groups'? Is there anyone to turn to for advice?
It depends if you are a part of a coven or if you are
a solitary practicioner, I myself am a solitary so most of my advice comes from books, websites, and the friends that I have that practice Wicca, because there are so many branches of it
you really have to search sometimes for the answer, but I also believe that the answers are given to you if you ask aloud to the Gods and Goddesses and listen to your intuition that you are
shown to the answers you need. In a coven there is a high priestess that would perform the rituals and you would go to for advice.
19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
Not myself personally no. but I do keep it quiet. I found that when I was wearing my pentagram ring, that I was
often judged unfairly. One time at work, a man told a coworker that I was a devil worshiper because of my ring.
------------how did that make you feel?
Initially, it made me angry that someone could be so close-minded that they would instantly jump to that conclusion, just by a symbol. I still shake my head
about it from time to time. It also made me feel like I had to hide my "symbol" because it was not accepted, where if a cross is worn and I do wear those as well because I think they are a beautiful
symbol of love, than that is ok, and so that is a very judgemental thing, and that is I guess in a nutshell, is how I felt, was very judged.
-----and what does the pentagram ring signify for you?
For me the pentagram signifies protection. The five points of the pentagram signify The Four Elements and Spirit (Earth, Air, Water, Fire and
Spirit or God if you will) Also when you are doing a ritual you would call upon the four corners which is symbolized by the Four Elements and than of course your Spirit/God/Goddess of your
choosing
20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
not at all.
21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Very much so.
22) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
I do believe in reincarnation. I believe that our souls come back to learn lessons or to pay for karmic actions that we committed in previous lifetimes. I believe that our soul will reincarnate until we have learnt the lessons that we were meant to. I also believe that we plan some of our lessons before we come back to Earth. That to me is déjà vu is almost like a check in point with our souls to know we are along the right path.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
First up, I want to thank Andrew for being so open and for sharing his perspective/voice with us!
Please check back this weekend, as our next participant is a Wiccan. I'm sure you will find her answers quite interesting!
As well, over the next month we will hear from an Atheist and a Muslim.
So be sure to check back!
Please check back this weekend, as our next participant is a Wiccan. I'm sure you will find her answers quite interesting!
As well, over the next month we will hear from an Atheist and a Muslim.
So be sure to check back!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Andrew Joseph
Happy New Year To Everyone!
We have our very first 'You, Me & Religion' Participant!
Our good friend Andrew Joseph.
Here is Andrew's Introduction:
Andrew was born in London, UK, raised in Toronto, Canada, and cavorted in Ohtawara, Japan for three years. He is 45, and has been married to his beautiful wife, Colette, since 2001. Their son Hudson was born in late 2005 and is a constantly evolving joy to behold. He has a chocolate lab named Buster, a cat named Spek and tropical fish and a few frogs. He collects comic books and aviation-related tobacco cards.Writer of Evil Scientist Quarterly #1 comic/magazine with artist friend Steve. It's a hit. He is the writer of the upcoming 2010 Free Comic Book Day giveaway of Gumby Comics. He has more money than brains - which is unfortunate because he doesn't have a lot of money. He is greatly interested in things that can make him laugh. He is happy and content. He also publishes a blog on his time in Japan: It's a Wonderful Rife at www.wonderfulrife.blogspot.com.
1) What religion do you practice?
I don't practice any religion at the moment. I was raised a Roman Catholic, but after the death of my mother 16 years ago, I haven't given it too much thought. I tend to believe in God when it suits me, but feel that religion is the cause of too many wars for me to want to be part of any one in particular.
2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion?
If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I was RAISED into this religion. You'll forgive my wording, but until one is Baptized, they aren't a part of the Catholic religion
.3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
Very much a moderate.
4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
Even while growing up, I didn't agree 100 per cent with the dictum put out by the Pope. The stand against homosexuality or against birth control may have been fine in their day, but were NOT going to work in our current society. I felt that I liked being able to stay within the parameters of being a good Christian (following the 10 Commandments) without being tied down with all of the rules and regulations that the Church created - rather than God.
5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
I think (and I repeat the word THINK) that a conservative is more apt to follow the letter of the Catholic laws, do the whole tithing thing, and go to Church religiously every week. As a Moderate, I've always thought it silly that one needs to go to Church to be with God. Isn't God all around us? Can't I pray to God where and when I choose? That's my problem with the Church. It's not necessarily what the Church has done, it's just that I can do it myself.
6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
Never thought about it too much. Okay, that's a lie. I like to think there are a limited number of souls, and they get recycled/reincarnated into bodies throughout time. Heaven... the concept of living in the clouds is laughable to ME... it's like when you die, why do people visit the grave site... do they think the spirit is hanging out there? No... they'd be somewhere else. If you think they are waiting around and watching over you, then you certainly don't need to go to a graveyard/crypt to communicate... the spirit would be free to move about. I would hope that paradise is exactly what one wants it to be... an ideal time or place where one was the happiest... or maybe it's somewhere in the Universe IE, you get to travel to see what is beyond the mortal coil. Interesting question.... I certainly hope it's not angels and harps and having to bow to God all the time, because that would be boring. Every once in a while - fine.
7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
The Roman Catholic religion makes it pretty easy for people to get in to Heaven - as long as you follow the Commandments - BUT, even if you sin, you can recant it all during confession or on your death bed! Seems silly, but apparently those options are out there.
8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
No one comes around door-to-door to bother me."Love and do as you will." That's what Saint Augustine once said. That to me is one of the best ways to live your life. In my version of religion, I try to do what he said... it's actually quite easy to do, and if everyone did it the world would be a lot better.
9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
Christmas, Lent... are the big Holy days in Christianity. I celebrate them like most capitalists... presents and chocolate bunnies. I no longer go to Church, but I do think about God.
10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
I have NO problem in having friends of different faiths... it's not even an issue. I don't make friends based on anything but them being nice.Agnostic, Atheist, Buddhist (philosophy not a religion), Muslim, Jew, Christian... whatever. Religion is a matter of opinion... of faith. Everyone is allowed to have a different opinion, and I respect that. One of my best friends is a Protestant and goes to Church every week... I was engaged to a Buddhist in Japan, married an Atheist, have parents who were Catholic and Protestant and had a Jewish grandmother; down the mother-in-law's side, we have Mennonite. All with me being a visible minority, I'd be very hypocritical to have a prejudice.
11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Sure. Explain why? See answer #10.
12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I don't think about it too much. It's someones religion. If they choose to follow that religion as a conservative, then that's their prerogative. I'll be honest, I know very little about Shariah Law.
13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
Seems old-fashioned - but then that's what religion is. If you want to start changing a religion to keep up with the times, then it's time for a new religion. You can't have things both ways. So... NO, in the Catholic religion women should not be priest, because that's the way it's always been.
14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
No segregation at Our Lady of Peace Church. I do think it's silly that women and men are not allowed to worship at the same time in the same place... BUT that's religion for you... if there was one good one for everyone, we'd all be doing it.
15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
Daily life? No. It does not affect me at all. Decisions about gay rights or abortion? I dislike the fact that religion takes a stand in Gay rights... why should sexual preference preclude whether or not someone is a good person. Abortion... if the Church was going to fully look after every child and mother that did not go through with an abortion, that's one thing... but it doesn't. I believe that in today's day and age, the ability to choose for oneself is the greatest thing we have going for us. Religion is all around us. We like to think that the Middle East is all screwed up because they let religion talk politics for them. But we have religion all around us. On our money, saying bless you... whether it's meant, we say oh god, or Jesus Christ all the time. In vain or not, God is around us.
16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
Go for it. Diversity is good. Being brown and having a white wife, or kid is a healthy beige. See #10... my family is already pretty diverse religiously.
17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
Nope. If there is a Heaven, it really depends on which religion was right at the end of the day. I think God is too busy to care about things like formalities (like what Religion/Church has created) or if a child was Baptized before dying.
18) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
The Pope is supposed to speak for Catholics everywhere... but honestly, I haven't heard him say much.
19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
Hate - only racial prejudice. Taunting, name calling, fights.
20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
No. I feel that religion is there for anyone who wants or needs it. I don't feel that religion is for everyone, but before we are old enough to know anybetter, we are indoctrinated into it... it's why they get us young (Christian Soldiers, marching as to war). After getting older, and being able to make one's own decision, a lot of people might not choose a religion at all... or maybe they would. It's a choice to have faith.
21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
My version of my religion has me at ease with the Universe, yes.
We have our very first 'You, Me & Religion' Participant!
Our good friend Andrew Joseph.
Here is Andrew's Introduction:
Andrew was born in London, UK, raised in Toronto, Canada, and cavorted in Ohtawara, Japan for three years. He is 45, and has been married to his beautiful wife, Colette, since 2001. Their son Hudson was born in late 2005 and is a constantly evolving joy to behold. He has a chocolate lab named Buster, a cat named Spek and tropical fish and a few frogs. He collects comic books and aviation-related tobacco cards.Writer of Evil Scientist Quarterly #1 comic/magazine with artist friend Steve. It's a hit. He is the writer of the upcoming 2010 Free Comic Book Day giveaway of Gumby Comics. He has more money than brains - which is unfortunate because he doesn't have a lot of money. He is greatly interested in things that can make him laugh. He is happy and content. He also publishes a blog on his time in Japan: It's a Wonderful Rife at www.wonderfulrife.blogspot.com.
1) What religion do you practice?
I don't practice any religion at the moment. I was raised a Roman Catholic, but after the death of my mother 16 years ago, I haven't given it too much thought. I tend to believe in God when it suits me, but feel that religion is the cause of too many wars for me to want to be part of any one in particular.
2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion?
If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I was RAISED into this religion. You'll forgive my wording, but until one is Baptized, they aren't a part of the Catholic religion
.3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
Very much a moderate.
4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
Even while growing up, I didn't agree 100 per cent with the dictum put out by the Pope. The stand against homosexuality or against birth control may have been fine in their day, but were NOT going to work in our current society. I felt that I liked being able to stay within the parameters of being a good Christian (following the 10 Commandments) without being tied down with all of the rules and regulations that the Church created - rather than God.
5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
I think (and I repeat the word THINK) that a conservative is more apt to follow the letter of the Catholic laws, do the whole tithing thing, and go to Church religiously every week. As a Moderate, I've always thought it silly that one needs to go to Church to be with God. Isn't God all around us? Can't I pray to God where and when I choose? That's my problem with the Church. It's not necessarily what the Church has done, it's just that I can do it myself.
6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
Never thought about it too much. Okay, that's a lie. I like to think there are a limited number of souls, and they get recycled/reincarnated into bodies throughout time. Heaven... the concept of living in the clouds is laughable to ME... it's like when you die, why do people visit the grave site... do they think the spirit is hanging out there? No... they'd be somewhere else. If you think they are waiting around and watching over you, then you certainly don't need to go to a graveyard/crypt to communicate... the spirit would be free to move about. I would hope that paradise is exactly what one wants it to be... an ideal time or place where one was the happiest... or maybe it's somewhere in the Universe IE, you get to travel to see what is beyond the mortal coil. Interesting question.... I certainly hope it's not angels and harps and having to bow to God all the time, because that would be boring. Every once in a while - fine.
7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
The Roman Catholic religion makes it pretty easy for people to get in to Heaven - as long as you follow the Commandments - BUT, even if you sin, you can recant it all during confession or on your death bed! Seems silly, but apparently those options are out there.
8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
No one comes around door-to-door to bother me."Love and do as you will." That's what Saint Augustine once said. That to me is one of the best ways to live your life. In my version of religion, I try to do what he said... it's actually quite easy to do, and if everyone did it the world would be a lot better.
9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
Christmas, Lent... are the big Holy days in Christianity. I celebrate them like most capitalists... presents and chocolate bunnies. I no longer go to Church, but I do think about God.
10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
I have NO problem in having friends of different faiths... it's not even an issue. I don't make friends based on anything but them being nice.Agnostic, Atheist, Buddhist (philosophy not a religion), Muslim, Jew, Christian... whatever. Religion is a matter of opinion... of faith. Everyone is allowed to have a different opinion, and I respect that. One of my best friends is a Protestant and goes to Church every week... I was engaged to a Buddhist in Japan, married an Atheist, have parents who were Catholic and Protestant and had a Jewish grandmother; down the mother-in-law's side, we have Mennonite. All with me being a visible minority, I'd be very hypocritical to have a prejudice.
11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Sure. Explain why? See answer #10.
12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I don't think about it too much. It's someones religion. If they choose to follow that religion as a conservative, then that's their prerogative. I'll be honest, I know very little about Shariah Law.
13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
Seems old-fashioned - but then that's what religion is. If you want to start changing a religion to keep up with the times, then it's time for a new religion. You can't have things both ways. So... NO, in the Catholic religion women should not be priest, because that's the way it's always been.
14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
No segregation at Our Lady of Peace Church. I do think it's silly that women and men are not allowed to worship at the same time in the same place... BUT that's religion for you... if there was one good one for everyone, we'd all be doing it.
15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
Daily life? No. It does not affect me at all. Decisions about gay rights or abortion? I dislike the fact that religion takes a stand in Gay rights... why should sexual preference preclude whether or not someone is a good person. Abortion... if the Church was going to fully look after every child and mother that did not go through with an abortion, that's one thing... but it doesn't. I believe that in today's day and age, the ability to choose for oneself is the greatest thing we have going for us. Religion is all around us. We like to think that the Middle East is all screwed up because they let religion talk politics for them. But we have religion all around us. On our money, saying bless you... whether it's meant, we say oh god, or Jesus Christ all the time. In vain or not, God is around us.
16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
Go for it. Diversity is good. Being brown and having a white wife, or kid is a healthy beige. See #10... my family is already pretty diverse religiously.
17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
Nope. If there is a Heaven, it really depends on which religion was right at the end of the day. I think God is too busy to care about things like formalities (like what Religion/Church has created) or if a child was Baptized before dying.
18) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
The Pope is supposed to speak for Catholics everywhere... but honestly, I haven't heard him say much.
19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
Hate - only racial prejudice. Taunting, name calling, fights.
20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
No. I feel that religion is there for anyone who wants or needs it. I don't feel that religion is for everyone, but before we are old enough to know anybetter, we are indoctrinated into it... it's why they get us young (Christian Soldiers, marching as to war). After getting older, and being able to make one's own decision, a lot of people might not choose a religion at all... or maybe they would. It's a choice to have faith.
21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
My version of my religion has me at ease with the Universe, yes.
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