From: karl@ddsw1.mcs.com (Karl Denninger)
Subject: Re: >suggestion< ( Ugh ! )
Summary: Summer solstice and more commentary on suggestions
Organization: Macro Computer Solutions, Inc., Chicago, IL
Date: Sun, 26 Jul 1992 22:36:18 GMT
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In article <1992Jul18.013530.2709@lmt.mn.org> ciaran@county.lmt.mn.org (Ciaran Benson) writes:
>Dear Br'anArthur;
>
>  You wrote;
>
>"Christianity is *one* religion.  It is a very broad religion, but so is Wicca
>(my other religion).  Monotheism is a *category* of religions, as is paganism.
>Pagan is a convenient word to lump together a numver of religions which seem
>to have some similarities, it is not the name of any religion."

I don't know if I agree with this in totality, but I do in principle.

Christianity is a religion, or a group of religion, which revolves around
the worship and deification of a person/God called "Christ Jesus", yes?  

Now, how many ways can one worship a deity?  Many, I would think.  Even
under many names, one can find that with some analysis many are worshipping
the same essence of divinity, albiet under differing monikers.  History is
full of examples of peoples worshipping one aspect of divinity or another;
many of these are close "relatives" in terms of the particular aspects of
the divine that are being related to.

>  Might I suggest that we all call it a draw before this gets dogmatic and
>allow each other to *BE WRONG* in each other's eyes?

Well said.

>  I'm certainly not going to stop capitalizing Pagan or considering it
>a "non-" religion, because that's my choice, and I've got stacks and stacks
>of documentation that says I'm probably right.

You also are entitled to your opinion, to express it, and more importantly
(and more germane to this group) to work with the divine in a way >which 
works for you<.  I believe that the guiding principle of many of these Pagan 
religions is refusal to be dogmatic about "mine is bigger/better/more right 
than yours".

>word Pagan in a specific way.  So do I.  Let's stop fighting about who's
>religious framework is "right".  Not to be nice, but just because its getting
>boring, tedious, and personal.

Not only that, but it is completely irrelavent.  Whether someone believes
they are right is not at issue really.  The point is, does what you believe
in and work with have a positive impact on your spiritual life?  If so, then
what are you complaining about?  If not, then don't complain, do something
to change it!

I welcome discussion of what one's personal spiritual and philosophical
beliefs are -- not in a derogatory or condescending fashion, but as a
statement.  It is not necessary to poke fun at others, or denigate their
experience, to express one's own.

>  So hopefully we can get back to bickering about the *real* meaning of 
>the Summer Solstice and whether or not CoG (insert controversy here).

The meaning of the Summer Solstice?  Hmmm.... Eshin-Fun, care to take a crack 
at this? :-)

--
Karl Denninger (karl@ddsw1.MCS.COM, <well-connected>!ddsw1!karl)
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