Christianity QA

Question:

Maybe someone can explain…..why all the threats and talk of casting death spells on eachother?  Is this what this newsgroup is really all about?

1saglvn,  This ng is about more then tearing each other down.  I have been an on looker, a mere hider in the shadows.  I find it a bit funny how a few come in and rile the rest.  You have RBB (Raven BlackBane) better known as the ng idiot and spam central.  There are a few others.  You can learn alot if you sit back and watch.  Read the threads that interest you, and discard the rest.  It is the same as life, you will make decisions the same way.  Post a thread if you like, but remember everyone has their own opinion.  Don’t take it too personally.  And also, remember, if you attack anyone personally be ready! There are some very sensitive people on this ng.  They will just ignore your threads if they feel you are just being ignorant or just do not like your opinion.  Then there are some that will encourage you and you can learn alot from them. Willow

Response:

as to sit back and watch you guys destroy yourselves. not a terribly smart thing to say considering the state of the christian church its many schisms and its loss of worshipers, in fact in Britain, a now almost secular country their are more churches closed than open, and those that are open have fewer and fewer worshipers. before you decide to call others names, it would be a good idea to look at your own problems Names? You have deceived yourself already.

how have I deceived myself you mean I dont pretend that the faith I belong to is all powerfull in the face of all the evidence to the contrary, That I research and study other religions, that I use the brain I was given to think both logically, I have no doubt their is a divinity, but all gods are simply a facet of that divinity for me. for you you look at one facet, and want to destroy all the others, not relising that if you succeded, the whole would be destroyed. Christianity is neither the oldest nor the greatest religion in this world, the . the buddists Islam itself have far more worshipers than christianity. and jewish and buddist religions are far older, as is Ancestor worship, christianity in their eyes is still young, and not a threat. People in glass houses should not throw stones My house is a fortress, not made from mortal hands.  It is not a stone that I bear, but a sharp two-edged sword.

Funny place to live, but each to their own. no doubt the sword cuts you now and again, but then those who live by the sword….die by the sword according to your scriptures at least. — NOTICE:  This e-mail address is being spoofed on USENET.  Obvious trolls and needlessly incendiary remarks should be ignored.  All authentic messages from this address will bear this disclaimer, although spoofed messages may as well. The ‘Old Craft’ lady               http://www.oldcity.demon.co.uk/

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – not a terribly smart thing to say considering the state of the christian church its many schisms and its loss of worshipers, in fact in Britain, a now almost secular country their are more churches closed than open, and those that are open have fewer and fewer worshipers. before you decide to call others names, it would be a good idea to look at your own problems good thing, not a problem.

it is for the christian church, they hold no sway in this country, the younger generation turn their backs on it. because it has nothing to offer them but rigid rules, ideas that are outdated, hate, guilt, and nothing that is loving , beautifull or giving. it seems my dear, the wheat is blowing away with the chaff, to plant itself in new pastures. — NOTICE:  This e-mail address is being spoofed on USENET.  Obvious trolls and needlessly incendiary remarks should be ignored.  All authentic messages from this address will bear this disclaimer, although spoofed messages may as well. The ‘Old Craft’ lady               http://www.oldcity.demon.co.uk/

Response:

Maybe someone can explain…..why all the threats and talk of casting death spells on eachother?  Is this what this newsgroup is really all about?  

I think the important thing to remember is that Wicca has a wide cross section of people just like every other large group.  Not all are wise sages who discuss abstract beliefs.  In my many years I’ve seen my fair share of extreme egotists, immature wanna be’s, and scores of people who are more interested in standing against Christianity than standing for something positive.  Throw in a bunch of trolls who live for starting flame wars and you’ve got the chaotic mass you see before you. Just remember that in everything you have to seperate the wheat from the chaff. Mark Hayes http://www.dimensional.com/~mhayes Three candles that illuminate darkness: Truth,      Nature,            Knowledge

Response:

Hey England, did you know that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand?  God Almighty doesn’t even have to intervene with Wicca, He just has to sit back and watch you guys destroy yourselves.

not a terribly smart thing to say considering the state of the christian church its many schisms and its loss of worshipers, in fact in Britain, a now almost secular country their are more churches closed than open, and those that are open have fewer and fewer worshipers. before you decide to call others names, it would be a good idea to look at your own problems People in glass houses should not throw stones I am full of sorrow at what I hear.  The triumphant, all-powerful wiccan community has once again become entangled in a thing called "life" and

– NOTICE:  This e-mail address is being spoofed on USENET.  Obvious trolls and needlessly incendiary remarks should be ignored.  All authentic messages from this address will bear this disclaimer, although spoofed messages may as well. The ‘Old Craft’ lady               http://www.oldcity.demon.co.uk/

Response:

Thank you for reading this

 It’s good to get a professional opinion.

Response:

Greetings and Blessed Be! Don’t pay attention to those.  There are several good threads that are being discussed.  Please don’t leave because a few are intimidating the many.  Join in and let’s share. Remember that when people debate that sometimes tempers flare and things are said that are not meant. That and the fact that in this medium, people forget to be polite.  Irreguardless, don’t let it get to you.  If you are the subject of a flame war, ask yourself, "Does it really hurt *me* or my feelings.  These are just words, and words can never hurt you. I have been alive for many many years.  Many people have challenged me, threatened me and otherwise.  But no one has really hurt me.  They might hurt my feelings, but not me. We Witch’s are much more tougher than that By the way, if you would like to join in the debates, do a keyword search in your newsreader for rebel (you are sure to find me somewhere!).  That or check Dejanews (www.dejanews.com) by all means please do!  I am excited about this medium even though I am not very adept at conveying thought and idea into written word. Yours in service to our Lord and Lady, Blessed Be ! ReBeL – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Maybe someone can explain…..why all the threats and talk of casting death spells on eachother?  Is this what this newsgroup is really all about?  If so I think its time for me to go, even though I haven’t been lurking about long, this is just not the kind of energy I expected here or care to be exposed to.  It makes me sad to think that this is what those who come to learn, many for the first time researching Wicca see.  No wonder so many have such a negative view of Wicca and Paganism in general, I’m not surprised, I’m just confused and concerned by what I see going on here. Blessed Be

Response:

Maybe someone can explain…..why all the threats and talk of casting death spells on eachother?  Is this what this newsgroup is really all about?  If so I think its time for me to go, even though I haven’t been lurking about long, this is just not the kind of energy I expected here or care to be exposed to.  It makes me sad to think that this is what those who come to learn, many for the first time researching Wicca see.  No wonder so many have such a negative view of Wicca and Paganism in general, I’m not surprised, I’m just confused and concerned by what I see going on here. Blessed Be

Actually, that’s not what the NG is about. However, we have the misfortne of being subjected to a few trolls here that like to do such things. This makes other, more learned people sensitive (or perhaps even overly-sensitive) to statements that are or can be construed as inflammatory or attacks to their own beliefs and/or well being. If one can avoid the spam, flames, and trolls (oh my!), this NG can actually be quite informative. May you find here that which you seek, though mayhap it will not be what you are looking for. — FireFlash http://www.netrax.net/~fireflash/ "The Way that can be perceived is not the true Way."

Response:

I am full of sorrow at what I hear.  The triumphant, all-powerful wiccan community has once again become entangled in a thing called "life" and "reality".  They can cruise the astral plane, and cast spells with the best of them, but when it comes to one finally meeting another and their beliefs do not coincide they begin a deadly conflict of hexes, spells, and assorted mischeif.  Quite frankly, its a little pitiful.  The real witches do not fight and have ways to combat ignorance and troll-dom outside taking the antagonist’s life and family.  Perhaps one day, the wiccan community will relize that they too have flaws (like the Christians, Jews, and Moslems) and will actually strive to better themselves instead of making excuses like "there is no sin or guilt so why must I feel I need to improve?" (yes, actual quote). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Maybe someone can explain…..why all the threats and talk of casting death spells on eachother?  Is this what this newsgroup is really all about? If so I think its time for me to go, even though I haven’t been lurking about long, this is just not the kind of energy I expected here or care to be exposed to.  It makes me sad to think that this is what those who come to learn, many for the first time researching Wicca see.  No wonder so many have such a negative view of Wicca and Paganism in general, I’m not surprised, I’m just confused and concerned by what I see going on here. Blessed Be

Response:

Hail All!    I would encourage those of you who are searching and dismayed to find unpleasnatries exchanged to look hard for those who exchange their ideas in a somewhat respectful form.  I think that one of the arts that is hardest to master and truly mastered by few is the art of conversation.  More specifically, the art of conversant debate.  For myself, I find it to be a constant challenge to express myself in a manner that includes insight and wit.    There are a few people I have seen on this board who carry out this art well enough to be envied.  ReBel  (probably got the caps wrong)  has an enviable grasp on wit and expresses himself in a very clear manner.  Eran(inmpls) I know well and respect.  I like to fancy myself amongst those able to debate and express well, but compared to these two, I am a bumbling novice at best. Ishtar I also have some praise for as her posts seem to be full of care and respect for the Craft.     If I have left anyone out, it may be intentional, but most likely it is due to the fact I have only been on this board a short while.  In my browsing I have managed to run across these folks which, for me, outweighs the bunk spewed forth by some.  It takes a whole mountain of B.S. to disuade me if there is even the smallest iota of beneficial content to be had.  Even manure manages to fertilize the seeds that grow into the food we eat!               Blessed Be!                                                                          T rynovar/Azhatar               I post under either name ;}

Response:

Hey England, did you know that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand?  God Almighty doesn’t even have to intervene with Wicca, He just has to sit back and watch you guys destroy yourselves. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am full of sorrow at what I hear.  The triumphant, all-powerful wiccan community has once again become entangled in a thing called "life" and "reality".  They can cruise the astral plane, and cast spells with the best of them, but when it comes to one finally meeting another and their beliefs do not coincide they begin a deadly conflict of hexes, spells, and assorted mischeif.  Quite frankly, its a little pitiful.  The real witches do not fight and have ways to combat ignorance and troll-dom outside taking the antagonist’s life and family.  Perhaps one day, the wiccan community will relize that they too have flaws (like the Christians, Jews, and Moslems) and will actually strive to better themselves instead of making excuses like "there is no sin or guilt so why must I feel I need to improve?" (yes, actual quote). Maybe someone can explain…..why all the threats and talk of casting death spells on eachother?  Is this what this newsgroup is really all about? If so I think its time for me to go, even though I haven’t been lurking about long, this is just not the kind of energy I expected here or care to be exposed to.  It makes me sad to think that this is what those who come to learn, many for the first time researching Wicca see.  No wonder so many have such a negative view of Wicca and Paganism in general, I’m not surprised, I’m just confused and concerned by what I see going on here. Blessed Be

Response:

Hey England, did you know that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand?  God Almighty doesn’t even have to intervene with Wicca, He just has to sit back and watch you guys destroy yourselves.

Hmmm, as Ishtar says. Let’s see, Christianity tried for a very long time to destroy the old religion didn’t it, not too successful was it. Let’s see, are we confusing conflict with destructive conflict, with suppression? I would refer you to Blake & Mouton’s research in 1964, later supplemented by others, resulting in (no, not the managerial grid 9,1 stuff) styles of conflict. In effect, repression and avoidance, smoothing, and domination are doomed to cause backlashes. I see two types of conflict on this group, neither of which worries me. My full time job is conflict in organizations. The first are the humorous attacks by RBB, and others. Let’s face it, they are humorous, and when I am bored I read them, when I am short of time or not bored, I skip them. So they don’t count as anything other than optional humor. The second is the infighting. It is through disagreement that a product improves, it is through obliging silence, avoiding silence, smoothing silence, that a product declines. By product I mean an entity or organization. Of that second type, some is highly constructive, some is, yes, destructive. Looking at the destructive flames, I see usually frustration and a need for education. As an example of that, there is one individual contributor to this group who is now a very thought provoking individual and has asked many questions that have done a lot to turn this NG around. Yet, that individual began with "dumb" questions, followed by "ravings". When the messages were replied to with good information, that "destructive flamer" became a contributor. I like conflict, conflict is energy, and only energy can build and solve. It is a lot better than apathy, a lack of energy, which can only absorb and eventually defeat. Christianity has allowed apathy to fester, and has directed conflict to anything but itself. As a result, look at the number of priests charged with molestation. Look at the evangelists caught with ladies of the night. (Notice it was the Christian world that was indignant there, not the pagans). Look at how the Christian church has now mostly only a veneer. Church goers who do not seem to live Christian ways during the rest of the week. Yes, there are exceptions. But, Christianity is now mostly glitz and blitz and glamor, attend once a week and you will be saved, as long as you tithe or send in money. Wicca has grown, and has grown over the last 40 years in amazing ways. I welcome the arguments, it creates energy, forces us to study. Would I like less offensive language? Probably, but I welcome the expression of frustrated views, rather than the puritanical alternative of suppression and oppression. Thank you for reading this

Response:

Throw in a bunch of trolls who live for starting flame wars and you’ve got the chaotic mass you see before you.

Oh, I like that statement. Chaotic Mass!

Response:

Oh what a tangled web we weave when we practise to deceive. Hey England, did you know that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand?  God Almighty doesn’t even have to intervene with Wicca, He just has to sit back and watch you guys destroy yourselves. not a terribly smart thing to say considering the state of the christian church its many schisms and its loss of worshipers, in fact in Britain, a now almost secular country their are more churches closed than open, and those that are open have fewer and fewer worshipers. before you decide to call others names, it would be a good idea to look at your own problems

Names? You have deceived yourself already. People in glass houses should not throw stones

My house is a fortress, not made from mortal hands.  It is not a stone that I bear, but a sharp two-edged sword. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am full of sorrow at what I hear.  The triumphant, all-powerful wiccan community has once again become entangled in a thing called "life" and — NOTICE:  This e-mail address is being spoofed on USENET.  Obvious trolls and needlessly incendiary remarks should be ignored.  All authentic messages from this address will bear this disclaimer, although spoofed messages may as well. The ‘Old Craft’ lady               http://www.oldcity.demon.co.uk/

Response:

not a terribly smart thing to say considering the state of the christian church its many schisms and its loss of worshipers, in fact in Britain, a now almost secular country their are more churches closed than open, and those that are open have fewer and fewer worshipers. before you decide to call others names, it would be a good idea to look at your own problems

good thing, not a problem. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The ‘Old Craft’ lady               http://www.oldcity.demon.co.uk/

Response:

Hey England, did you know that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand?  God Almighty doesn’t even have to intervene with Wicca, He just has to sit back and watch you guys destroy yourselves.

Ummm…*looking around*…don’t see any destroying around me…personal life, check.  Real life connections with Wiccans, check.  Internet connections with Wiccans, check.  IRC Channel, check.   House, check.  Dog, injured paw, but otherwise check.  Family, check. alt.religion.wicca…aside from the hubbub which I tend to ignore usually, check. All systems appear to be go.                                              "…for behold, all acts of love        I http://www.cs.niu.edu/~z956832/       – The Charge of the Goddess

Response:

Hey England, did you know that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand?  God Almighty doesn’t even have to intervene with Wicca, He just has to sit back and watch you guys destroy yourselves.

Child of God~     You said a kingdom divided cannot stand, and yet i ask you this:  Is not the kingdom of christianity divided, and does it still stand?  If you say it’s not divided, then why are there so many sects, denominations and all that? ~Lee   I can only be what you told me to be~ ~when i creep up the back, got tricks up my sleeve~ ~24/7 double best friend, makes no difference~  ~it’s all same in the end.~~

Response:

Being confused and concerned is very good. For if we are not confused then how can we ever hope to clarify. Everything is muddy in this world and requires clairification. Therefore, if you are not confused, then you are fooling yourself and must likely be full of shit. Being concerned is also good because it means that you give a rat’s-ass about staying here and teaching what you know and learning what you can. Rather than waste your oh so very precious time complaining about the lack of content, why don’t you post something valuable? That’s why we hate Michael Smith, which seems to be the only pink bastard left on this newsgroup in 1998. Forget the rest, they’ve all but stopped posting, praise the Lord! Michael Smith never has anything valuable to post. He has nothing to teach. All he knows how to do is complain, bitch, gripe about that which he has no control over. Well, I don’t worry about things I can’t control. Do you? Blessed be, and C, and also D.

Response:

Maybe someone can explain…..why all the threats and talk of casting death spells on eachother?  Is this what this newsgroup is really all about?  If so I think its time for me to go, even though I haven’t been lurking about long, this is just not the kind of energy I expected here or care to be exposed to.  It makes me sad to think that this is what those who come to learn, many for the first time researching Wicca see.  No wonder so many have such a negative view of Wicca and Paganism in general, I’m not surprised, I’m just confused and concerned by what I see going on here. Blessed Be

Response:

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