The problem with magic? etc.

[Jimmeh]

Well, I have chosen to be atheist for now. Mainly I dont want my parent's religon to effect my own. So, I will choose a religon once I have moved out.

But, I need a perspective on the issue: why does Christianity frown agaist magic, wicca, rituals etc. I mean, catholics do the same thing with the blood and flesh of christ right?

I mean, many people believe that magic and rituals can help people, so shouldn't helping people be encouraged? My aunt is a pagan, not saying that its a good or bad thing, but she really believes that chanting, spells etc. can help with illness, stress, etc. I just think this sort of thinking should be encouraged, it can be quite powering.

Also, how does Harry Potter teach satanic beliefs? its a book, and the hero defeats evil.

I don't want to offend anyone, and sorry if I have. I am just one of those people who want to know what others are thinking. ^^: just wondering.

[DesignerGal]

There are so many threads here about the differences in religion. We have a resident Scientologist, as well as Catholics, Protestants, Methodist, Baptists and even a couple of fundamentalists. Im sure you will find every answer to every question you could possible imagine. We might have one Wiccan, or something close to that if Im not mistaken.

[Jimmeh]

Originally Posted by DesignerGal

There are so many threads here about the differences in religion. We have a resident Scientologist, as well as Catholics, Protestants, Methodist, Baptists and even a couple of fundamentalists. Im sure you will find every answer to every question you could possible imagine. We might have one Wiccan, or something close to that if Im not mistaken.

I'll go read some. thanks. ^^; your very helpfull
thanks for the advice earlier as well.

I've been a pagan for the best part of ten years, and yes, it is very empowering, and teaches good ethics and morals through personal experience.
Most organised religions don't like this kind of thing, as it goes against their way of trying to convert people to the 'one' true path..which one is the true one? You can only decide that for yourself.
As for Harry Potter being satanic - again, pagans don't believe in the devil, as he is purely christian in origin.
We do have a god of nature, who has animal attributes such as horns and furry legs, but this is to show or personify the masculine principle's link with the natural world. Sadly, he was 'turned' into the image of satan when christianity came along.

[Jimmeh]

Originally Posted by Pinky

I've been a pagan for the best part of ten years, and yes, it is very empowering, and teaches good ethics and morals through personal experience.
Most organised religions don't like this kind of thing, as it goes against their way of trying to convert people to the 'one' true path..which one is the true one? You can only decide that for yourself.
As for Harry Potter being satanic - again, pagans don't believe in the devil, as he is purely christian in origin.
We do have a god of nature, who has animal attributes such as horns and furry legs, but this is to show or personify the masculine principle's link with the natural world. Sadly, he was 'turned' into the image of satan when christianity came along.

wow. thats pretty cool. I have always believed in something more than just meets the eye. Do you have any good reads on your religon? I'd like to look into it.

[chonsigirl]

Originally Posted by Jimmeh

Well, I have chosen to be atheist for now. Mainly I dont want my parent's religon to effect my own. So, I will choose a religon once I have moved out.

But, I need a perspective on the issue: why does Christianity frown agaist magic, wicca, rituals etc. I mean, catholics do the same thing with the blood and flesh of christ right?

I mean, many people believe that magic and rituals can help people, so shouldn't helping people be encouraged? My aunt is a pagan, not saying that its a good or bad thing, but she really believes that chanting, spells etc. can help with illness, stress, etc. I just think this sort of thinking should be encouraged, it can be quite powering.

Also, how does Harry Potter teach satanic beliefs? its a book, and the hero defeats evil.

I don't want to offend anyone, and sorry if I have. I am just one of those people who want to know what others are thinking. ^^: just wondering.

No Jim, the belief systems are different. Christianity "frowns" against magic, wicca, etc being forms of religion not based on the Bible. Catholics and the ritual of Holy Communion is something remembered in the Bible, and told to believers to particpate in.

Harry Potter-it is a novel. But most evangelical Christians do not let their children read it, because it does promote wizards, magic, etc. It goes against their belief system.

As for the other, I will let those more experienced to comment.

I sure do! 'Wicca' by Scott Cunningham is a good book as a starter, so is 'Hedgewitch' by Rae Beth.
Anything by Marian Green is worth a read too. These are all good for getting to grips with the basics, and the ethics of it. I'd have a go at some of the things outlined in any of these before trying any complicated practical stuff.

[Bez]

Originally Posted by Jimmeh

Well, I have chosen to be atheist for now. Mainly I dont want my parent's religon to effect my own. So, I will choose a religon once I have moved out.

But, I need a perspective on the issue: why does Christianity frown agaist magic, wicca, rituals etc. I mean, catholics do the same thing with the blood and flesh of christ right?

I mean, many people believe that magic and rituals can help people, so shouldn't helping people be encouraged? My aunt is a pagan, not saying that its a good or bad thing, but she really believes that chanting, spells etc. can help with illness, stress, etc. I just think this sort of thinking should be encouraged, it can be quite powering.

Also, how does Harry Potter teach satanic beliefs? its a book, and the hero defeats evil.

I don't want to offend anyone, and sorry if I have. I am just one of those people who want to know what others are thinking. ^^: just wondering.

You might like to take a look at Buddhism. There are millions of Buddhists in the US.

http://www.sgi-usa.org/thesgiusa/

http://www.sgi-usa.org/cgi-bin/locat...?STATE=Florida

Welcome to FG by the way

[Jimmeh]

Originally Posted by chonsigirl

No Jim, the belief systems are different. Christianity "frowns" against magic, wicca, etc being forms of religion not based on the Bible. Catholics and the ritual of Holy Communion is something remembered in the Bible, and told to believers to particpate in.

Harry Potter-it is a novel. But most evangelical Christians do not let their children read it, because it does promote wizards, magic, etc. It goes against their belief system.

As for the other, I will let those more experienced to comment.

I see, so the bible is seen as the truth. Now, let me ask you or someone else:

Does each person interpret the bible individually? Or does a pastor do it? I mean anything could be interpretted into something entirely different, such as Hitler's excuses.

Again, I dont mean to offend, I just like to learn about different theories/relgions. And I thought of this question while watching charmed nonetheless.

Nice one Bez!
I agree, Buddism is a lovely way to live.