Thanks Jerome,

Now I realize how he ended up on my site. Jerome you are always welcome to give your view.

Stuart,

Good stuff.

“For example, that the Source’s (i.e. God’s) Love is universal and meant for all, and that truth transcends religious doctrine (i.e. no single religion has a monopoly on truth). These teachings reaffirmed what I already believed – that all organized religions, though built on a foundation of spirituality (or “the direct experience of God”), often toss out spirituality in favor of man-made doctrine and politics.”

I totally agree. Maybe this is the problem with organized religion?

On a different note, you say that the religion is largely unorganized. Do you like it like that?

Thanks everyone for making me feel so welcome.

Jacki, good questions. Very generally speaking, I think human imperfection has a good chance of causing groups of like-minded individuals to stray from their ideals, especially when power and money are involved. None are completely immune in my opinion – we see evidence of this in all religions, government, and maybe even your local Parent/Teacher Organization. I’m not sure what the answer is, but your question is one that many have asked themselves and is perhaps central to why Christianity is hemorrhaging adherents.

Regarding whether I like that Wicca is largely unorganized, I’m undecided. A big “pro” is the freedom to experience the Divine more intimately (without feeling like I’m required to go through a religious leader and/or like I’m just another face among the masses). A big “con” is the lack of generally accepted doctrine among followers. Though I’m not a fan of doctrine to begin with, I recognize that not having it results in poor education and mass misconception, both among Wiccans/Neo-Pagans and the public at large.

Hope that wasn’t too long winded.

Stuart: great idea. I’m loving this! Thanks for your answer, Jerome.

”It’s really funny. I share most of your discontent with Christianity as a religion (i.e. what we’ve made of it as opposed to what God meant for it). We’re not so different man. Thanks again for posting.”
i agree with stuart about jerome’s bullet points.
I noticed the words; comfortable and fits me and disenfranchised. Its a matter of perpective and picking a ‘religion’ or faith that one is comfortable with. [See my post about brad pitt.]
And I’m not saying that negatively, Jerome.
Thanks for posting that, love to read other peoples point of view!
Kristina

Definitely interesting!!! I have had the desire to learn about other religious beliefs but when I ask questions people tend to get very defensive and it cheats people from learning.

Being a Wiccan wasn’t what I expected but I now how a better understanding.

Jerome :Thanks for sharing Jerome
Stuart: thanks for being open

krislinatin, thanks for being open to hearing it. (Being here and seeing the example Stuart and you all have set reminds me how important it is to remain open-minded myself.)

April, through self-observation more than anything else, I’ve learned that people who get defensive when their beliefs are questioned probably aren’t really confident in what they believe to begin with. And I’m grateful (and happy!) to share my perspective.

Very interesting post here. Jerome thanks for sharing and Stuart, thanks for allowing it. It is interesting though that the main reasons Jerome felt alienated from Christianity were the man made things thrown into the Christian mix.

For anyone interested in Wicca further, and Jerome I seriously recommend you listen to this as you are in the thick of it man, head off to The Resurgence website and have a listen to a guy who has counseled heaps of people who dabbled with Wicca.

Here are the direct links to the message: http://theresurgence.com/node/702

I’m not trying to knock your views Jerome. But I do want you to be fully aware of where your path will lead you.

Jerome,
I do have a question for you. I have read your post several times and I’m confused about Personal responsibility is paramount statement. In essence, do you concider yourself your own God?

April, good question. No, I don’t consider myself my own God.

What I meant by saying that “personal responsibility is paramount” was simply that I claim responsibility for what I believe. I strive to avoid digesting any information from any source (religious leaders, mass media, big business, my next door neighbor, etc.) without subjecting it to the following questions:

1. Is it empowering, not just to me, but to all? (As a middle-class white male, there are many things that may empower me that don’t empower others. Because injustice toward any is injustice toward all, knowing the answer to this is vitally important to me.)
2. If #1 is unclear, I then ask “what does the source of the information stand to gain by recruiting me as a believer?”

A challenge facing all religions is the tendency of adherents to accept doctrine without asking questions. Perhaps until recently, most Abrahmic religions taught (either directly or by implying it) that questioning authority (especially religious authority) was a sin. I don’t buy into this way of thinking, which is another reason I’ve chosen my current path.

With respect LayGuy, though I appreciate your concern for myself and “anyone interested in Wicca further,” I am not a “dabbler.” Your comment has a tone of moral superiority that is not in line with the intent of this post, which (as I understand it) is to aid Stuart in his ministry while creating and Interfaith bridge. Your beliefs about where my path will lead me are your own – I do not share them.

I’ll fight tooth and nail for anyone to believe as they choose, even if I don’t agree with them (as long as those beliefs aren’t being used to hurt anyone). Integral to this is being confident in what I believe while respecting those with differing beliefs. Defining other views as “wrong” based on my view of “right” lacks this respect.

Stuart and Jerome,

Thanks for the open dialogue about the Wiccan religion and especially your views Jerome. It gives me a better understanding of what you believe. Having worked with students who have professed to be Wiccan, I have a better perspective of the spiritual hunger there is among youth. I can relate to your discontent with organized religion and the hypocrisy that is within the church. As a teen I experienced those same feelings until I had a personal encounter with Christ. I believe in the end just as you said Jerome that we have a personal responsibility to be accountable to whatever spiritual light we have been given. Thanks again for your openness to share Jerome and Stuart.

Bronco

Bronco Huge,

I appreciate your comments.

Stuart,

Thank you for asking me to do this. I hope it’s helped you – I know it’s helped me. It’s reminded me that my “beef” with Christianity has never been about Jesus, it’s always been about some of those who profess to follow him – all present company excluded. I wish you the absolute best with your ministry, and to reiterate something I mentioned previously, those kids are blessed to have someone in their lives who teaches from a foundation of compassion rather than judgment.

Everyone else,

Thanks again for making me feel so welcome!

PSIONICS Gateway to Powerful Healing, Prosperity & Love and much more!

Nice post. I\’ll return.w

test
test
google
google

sIWeId hi! hice site!

yqo7lJ Hello!,