Statement of Belief

[bluecat]

I know that we all have general beliefs that are similar, but as to our individual beliefs, what "you" believe personally is important. This does not have to be complete from the beginning and your beliefs may evolve over time. I am not suggesting the "Flavor-of-the-Month" type I am speaking towards refinement of what you believe over time after you have learned new things and have possibly had revelations of epiphanies either through teachings or life experiences. We should always keep learning because that is an important ingredient and it's my opinion, as well as many other folks, that you should never stop learning. But on your journey of learning remember that understanding is part of the process.

Now as for my beliefs:

BlueCat's Statement of Belief





I have often been asked about what I believe or if I believe in any Gods or Goddesses. This is an effort to answer such questions. If you have any comments you may respond to bluecat@zianet.com .

Before I begin, I would like to say and thank someone who I have come to value as a friend. Without the inspiration by her statement I would not have done this. The friend knows who she is and I believe that is what counts between us.

Some people would say that to put one's statement on such a forum is foolish, but I argue that it is not because should I ever change anything I will have to explain why I changed and what caused me to change. So, you see such a thing is not foolish at all, but rather healthy. While I value flexibility I believe that such a thing as this is important enough to put into words for all to see. There are some who know me who may not recognize some of the words and think that I have made some changes from what they thought I believed, but I would ask them what they believe and how long did it take them to be able to put those beliefs into such a form for anyone to be able to read.

With that said, let's get to my basic statement which I have on the main page of my site at http://bluecatsden.com/bluecat1.html , right there beginning with big red letters:

We are here to love, teach and respect one another.

I recognize we fall short of this at times, after all we are human and that comes with many frailties. We are not perfect, and if we were wouldn't it be boring.

On from there I would say that I do not believe in any sort of God or Goddess, but rather a Supreme Entity; The Universe itself. It is my belief that the Universe is a living being and that we are integral and important parts of it and that there are many more and different kinds of people, beings and creatures spread throughout the Universe. We should not fear what we do not understand, but instead perhaps learn something about people around us.

I also hold dear that it is up to each and everyone to find what they believe and try to hold to it, whether they be Wiccan, Druid, Christian, Islam, Buddhist, Hindu or whatever beliefs they may hold dear. The important ingredient in my thoughts of a personal free agency are hinged upon the idea that we should not try to force our own beliefs upon another person or group. Should they be introduced to or discover a belief or and choose not to follow it, So Be It, it is their choice and should be respected and I ask them to respect my beliefs in return.

I don't think there is much more to say without saying too much. I know this sounds simplistic and short, but it is not as simple as it sounds when given examination. Good Day to you.

http://www.bluecatsden.com/Beliefs.html

BlueCat

[Lorelei]

Excellent statement!

I too believe in the likes of a Supreme Entity,the Universal Consciousness,if you will.Seems we may have more in common than the labels would imply.
Looking forward to getting to know you!!

BB!
Lorelei

[rantnraven]

I, too, believe in a supreme entity - one that cannot be named or explained. One too powerful to fathom. The Gods and Goddesses we choose are focal points in my opinion. That has been the way through history. I may choose Pan and Isis whereas, Christianity has Jesus and Mary. Most every religion has a common ground - the Entity - but, a common factor is that a majority of those religions break It down into Male and Female.

The God and Goddess, in my belief, are focal points for the BIG picture.

I guess that would be my statement

RnR

[Lorelei]

I can see your point.I guess the way I want to say this is... I have moved beyond needing "male and female".

From experience,I know that putting things such as hopes,requests,dreams out there as it were,into the Collective Consciousness brings results.

Not to say that I'm "better" or "further along" on any path! Merely this is what works for me and it's simplicity worries some.
Working with teenagers,one learns quickly to get to the essence first,then the details if you have their attention.It seems to work with strangers of any sort :)

BB!
Lorelei

[Carmelo]

Here's what I believe.

I believe that there is one God, the Father Almighty. But, I also believe that He comes in many forms. After all, He did create the Universe. The thing that I always keep in mind is that different religions have a different name for the Great I Am. So who would I be to try to force my belief on anybody?

I think that it is out of complete arrogance for any one person to believe that their God is better than yours. That would be doing what He said not to do...judge. I will always try not to judge any man or woman until I have walked the proverbial mile in their shoes. I do not have that right.

[Lorelei]

Following that reasoning,it would seem many Pagans have no problem judging others.They must forget their own tenent of "do as you will as it harms none"
BB!
Lorelei

[Dextra]

Originally posted by Carmelo
I will always try not to judge any man or woman until I have walked the proverbial mile in their shoes.

Hey, I say that if you're going to criticize someone, first you need to walk a mile in their shoes. That way you're a mile away and you have their shoes! :p

[rantnraven]

Originally posted by Lorelei
Following that reasoning,it would seem many Pagans have no problem judging others.They must forget their own tenent of "do as you will as it harms none"
BB!
Lorelei

Not to be a critique but you seem to be making reference to the Wiccan Reede: An it harm none, Do as thou wilt. And that is fine, however, this is not a general Pagan Reede and does not apply to all here. For example, this reede might not apply to the Druid or Shaman members of the community unless they apply it themselves.

Just a thought.

RnR

[bluecat]

Originally posted by rantnraven


Not to be a critique but you seem to be making reference to the Wiccan Reede: An it harm none, Do as thou wilt. And that is fine, however, this is not a general Pagan Reede and does not apply to all here. For example, this reede might not apply to the Druid or Shaman members of the community unless they apply it themselves.

Just a thought.

RnR

Hmmm ... interesting. I don't believe Lorelei was being critical, she was simply pointing out that if someone was being judgemental of another they should suspend their own beliefs about Karma. It seemed to me that she was using the "Wiccan Rede" as an example because it is something that we are all familiar with, even though we may not follow it.

We all have a basic tenet of Karma and realizing that what goes around comes around. I have seen much of the judgemental actions she has spoken about among all folks who follow along in these paths. While the judgement may not be intentional it is still a judgement and it goes back to the old Christian tenet of "Judge not, lest Ye Be Judged." In reality that is much older than Christianity, but was put into written form by them and so many people have problems with it because it is seen as Christian..

As I have often said, Christianity is not a problem, some of the Christians however ... well, they seem to do what they please and use what amounts to "sound bytes" from their scripture to jsutify their actions. Many of themn are also abysmally in the dark over the history of their own faith as well as their scripture. There seem to be more versions of the "Holy Bible" than you can shake a stick at. And even with all of these differences they will all form an alliance when they are threatened as a whole. We could learn something from that.

BlueCat

[rantnraven]

Point well taken.

However, I don't think I was passing any judgment myself. I was simply trying to point out that the Wiccan Reede may not apply to all that are here.

Have re-read the text, I see the point.

Thank you, Blue.

RnR

[Lorelei]

Sorry for applying a Wiccan saying to all Pagans,meant no offense to any one.

Excellent thought about "they will form an alliance when they are threatened as a whole."

We can and should learn from them if what I hear from other boards is true and "pagans/witches etc." are being targeted by the American government.I can no more consider myself safe because I am a "Christain" than can someone who is a member of"Golden Dawn".

If this is true,what will constitute a "witch"? A pentgram? A cresent moon? Many colored candles and hand-made incense in the home?Observance of the full moons and Sabbats?Lack of proof that one "belongs" to a mainstream,approved church?Will our friends be rewarded for turning us in?Does any of this ring a bell from the not so distant past???Not the Burning times,no not so far away as that.
BB!
Lorelei

[rantnraven]

No need for apologies. I may have been out of line because I didn't realy follow the text. No harm, No foul.

Thought you might be interested in this. It is the US Army Chaplians Guide to Wicca. I thought it to be very interesting.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_usbk.htm

RnR

In fact, the whole site is pretty cool. I could spend days there and, I most likely have.

Enjoy ;-)

[bluecat]

I have a link to the whole thing on my site. http://www.bluecatsden.com/bluecat1.html then click on "A Handbook for Chaplains" which will take you to ...
http://www-cgsc.army.mil/chap/relpractice/index.htm :cool: I have had that for a long time.

[rantnraven]

Good reads. That site is pretty awsome, if you ask me.

More lemonade please.

RnR

[Lorelei]

Thanks! I have been looking for this for weeks!

How about a tall glass of lemonade?

BB!
Lorelei

[bluecat]

Originally posted by Lorelei
Thanks! I have been looking for this for weeks!

How about a tall glass of lemonade?

BB!
Lorelei

Dont mind if I do! :cool: :) There's a fresh pitcher ... come and join me on the porch.

[rantnraven]

Take two tall glasses and a comfy chair. Lean back a little and I'll rub your shoulders. Watch the sun as it sets.

*sip*

Isn't life grand?

RnR

[Lorelei]

Oh yes!!!!
Lemonade,a comfy chair, a porch,the sun setting AND a shoulder rub!!! I am there!

BB!
Lorelei

[rantnraven]

You're just too cute.

*smiles*

RnR

[Lorelei]

Two replies come to mind:

Why do ya' think I'm called Lorelei?
and
That's a Gemini for ya'!

From one gem to another


BB!
Lorelei

[rantnraven]

Originally posted by Lorelei
Two replies come to mind:

Why do ya' think I'm called Lorelei?
and
That's a Gemini for ya'!

From one gem to another


BB!
Lorelei

From one Gemini to another, we needed more air signs in here. Helps fan the fire of all the Earth sign within.

Do you cry at supermarket opening too?

Blessings,
Thoma

[Lorelei]

Supermarket openings? Probably not...

But when my kitten climbed into my lap and purred for the first time,I cried like a silly witchy woman from the love I felt from him and for him.

All Together Now.....aaawwwwwwwwwwwww

BB!
Lorelei

[bluecat]

Hey, Gemini Fest!!!

I am a Sagi and a fire sign and I need air to burn! :)

I sometimes cry at moves and yes, a kitten can do things to my spirit that no other critter can!

Steve

[Lorelei]

Burn, baby, burn ... disco inferno!

Ooooh,dating meself there!

Nothing is more special than the love of a kitten.I remember the first day he recognized his name and ran up to me,hopping on his back feet to be picked up.Course it was only 2 months ago! LOL

BB!
Lorelei

[rantnraven]

I have a very loving "mutt" Calico. She loves to jump up in my lap when I am on the Net. She buries her head in my arm pit and purr's up a storm.

Don't even think about going into the kitchen. There she just talks and talks and talks.

Her name is Butter Kup but I call her Bear.

She's the bery, bery, bery, bery bestsest kitty in the world.

RnR

[Lorelei]

My kitten is Asa Amos,but mostly I call him "asa-pasa"and he is my baby,the joy of my life since my kids are grown and out of the house.

He and his mom are what's known as Tuxedo cats,black and white with pink noses

Some nights this winter all 3,Asa,Princess and "uncle" Phantom have curled up on my bed with me.Most people would say it's for the warmth,but you'll not convince me.

LOL! What was the subject?

BB!
Lorelei

OH! Princess taught Phantom to talk when he moved in with us 10 years ago :)

[rantnraven]

One of my favorite books is The Opossums Guide to Practical Cats. It's the basis for the Play "Cats". Great play.

RnR

[Carmelo]

Originally posted by bluecat




There seem to be more versions of the "Holy Bible" than you can shake a stick at.

BlueCat

I find it very interesting that they would forget that the language of the Bible has changed so much throughout the years.

They are all trying to say the same thing, but over time, they have to change the wording a little in order for some of us to understand it(those of us that would read it anyway, though I have not been reading mine). I was told by a True Christian, meaning he did not use it to suit his needs, he applied it to his life, that a Bible from, say, forty years ago would mean the same thing but there would be more words to it. His thought was that the more advanced our way of thinking became, the more condensed our faiths became, hence the same thing would happen to the Bible.

There is a lesson in that...

Let's not condense our faith just because it has to be easier.

[bluecat]

Originally posted by Lorelei

LOL! What was the subject?

BB!
Lorelei

OH! Princess taught Phantom to talk when he moved in with us 10 years ago :)

Heh ... Evolution in action!

:)

[rantnraven]

The Bible is a great book of philosophy. If you have a chance, by all means, read it. And remember that man can only expand. There is no condensing - that is only perception. The world is huge, the Internet seems to have made it smaller but that is perception and the world is still the same size. No condensing! We can either expand or stay where we are at.

Blessed Be Brother,
RnR

[bluecat]

You are not going to believe this, it's getting kinda weird. I have a link for an online Bible search engine on my site; just go to http://www.bluecatsden.com/bluecat1.html and click on "An Online Bible (A Great Tool)" which will take you too http://bible.gospelcom.net/ ... go figure!

BlueCat :cool: