Why do you come here? (Honest question, not a slam)

[Calli]

I hope this is the right place to post this question. I'm honestly curious as to why those of you who practice a Biblical path would be interested in a site like this. If you feel comfortable, would you mind sharing what you get from it? It seems to me that you would have so very many places to meet like-minded people. It just made me curious as to why a place like this?

[Sekushi Cho]

Are you talking about people who follow all the Abrahamic traditions or just Christians, specifically? Also, are you talking to the ones (the few, from what I've seen) who come here to mock the pagan faiths, or those who come because they have a general/genuine interest in learning more about the paths we follow?

[Incendia]

At this point, boredom.

[Darth Brooks]

My own path seems to be very different from anyone else's path here, yet I would much rather converse with the people here than with other forums more specifically tailored to my own culture of faith, simply because the environment here is much more to my liking. I don't have to be afraid to say that I like Christians and Jews and Muslims on this website, but the same luxury is not available in some other places. I imagine it is similar for the Abrahamic believers who come here; they don't have to be afraid to say they like pagans here, whereas they most likely do not have the same luxury in most forums devoted to their own traditions.

Furthermore the website is identified not only as a pagan community but also as a spiritual sanctuary, which implies that it is a sanctuary for everyone. I for one am happy that non-pagans take advantage of this and become members. Then again I am partial in my own way because I do not believe there is really a definitive barrier between the pagan and Abrahamic religions anyway. Any pagan who uses Cabala or who celebrates something they call a "Sabbat" is drawing from Abrahamic traditions. Any Christian who takes communion or celebrates Easter is drawing from pagan traditions. Things are much more blurred than many people would like to think.

I mean hell, I'm a pagan because I worship the Egyptian God Set; but since Set was very clearly identified with YHWH by both His detractors and His own worshipers (and since He also bears a passing resemblance to Satan), is it really correct to say that I am not also Abrahamic in some way? Shades of grey, shades of grey.

[Calli]

I guess I meant all the Abrahamic traditions. I'm not entirely sure what all that encompasses. But I definitely meant Christianity and Judiasm, at least.

If I implied in any way that I didn't welcome you all here, I'm sorry. I welcome anyone who treats others with respect.

This is odd. Has anyone noticed on the smiley board here when you post----->
that the bouncy guy is bouncing right above the crown? Eeeek! No wonder he's bouncing! That's gotta hurt! :hahugh:

[Nesta]

I hope this is the right place to post this question. I'm honestly curious as to why those of you who practice a Biblical path would be interested in a site like this. If you feel comfortable, would you mind sharing what you get from it? It seems to me that you would have so very many places to meet like-minded people. It just made me curious as to why a place like this?

I really wanted to ask this so I'm glad you did Calli :thumbsup:

[LacyRoze]

Although I am a Christian, I am not mainstream. I believe there are other Gods and paths just as valid as my own. I enjoy learning about them and seeing things through their eyes. I think that in order to understand the world around us we have to understand the beliefs of others and this is a wonderful place to do so. Because of my belief that Christianity is not the only way and because I dare to question I am not welcome on most Christian forums. Here I can follow my own path but also learn about the beliefs of others. I can seek out the similarities and no one minds. I can freely state the things within my own path that I disagree with and acknowledge things from other paths that call to me. I am free to be me, to explore and learn and hopefully grow along the way. This is part of the reason I call MW home..

[Calli]

Glad to be of service, Nesta! :)

Thanks for your answer, LacyRoze. That makes a lot of sense. I remember times when I was Christian, and I didn't agree with something, I didn't find people to be very receptive. I can truly understand your feelings on that. I didn't have places like this. I didn't have the Internet at all. It was back in the Stone Age, as my kids will tell you.

[Bix]

I first found this site many years ago when I was a full swing pagan. I took a long hiatus from it because paganism didn't really click with me. I came back because I really like a lot of the people here and I love the discussions.

I think like LacyRoze said, we're probably not the most mainline in our thinking when it comes to Christianity. I'm honestly still trying to get past my skepticism of -any- religion. I'm probably borderline between Christianity and agnosticism. Getting different perspectives from people really helps me feel okay that I can have faith in a supreme being.

I also hope, in a slightly egotistical way, that if I do come to this board and do play nice, that I can show people that Christians aren't the enemy and really can be nice people. There's a lot of anger directed towards how pagans have had to put up with the BS that Christians threw at them. Hopefully we can form some understanding so as to at least tolerate each other's beliefs better.

[Cloaked Raven]

Although I am a Christian, I am not mainstream. I believe there are other Gods and paths just as valid as my own. I enjoy learning about them and seeing things through their eyes. I think that in order to understand the world around us we have to understand the beliefs of others and this is a wonderful place to do so. Because of my belief that Christianity is not the only way and because I dare to question I am not welcome on most Christian forums. Here I can follow my own path but also learn about the beliefs of others. I can seek out the similarities and no one minds. I can freely state the things within my own path that I disagree with and acknowledge things from other paths that call to me. I am free to be me, to explore and learn and hopefully grow along the way. This is part of the reason I call MW home..
LacyRoze says it perfectly.

I was also told that MW is the best of the best out of the Pagan sites that allows Christians to be members. The person who told me that was RIGHT, I've made so many friends here and have learned so much in the past year.

I consider myself and others like me very fortunate to be members, MW is a wonderful place to be. :)

[Whitewolf]

I was raised Jewish but I consider myself Pagan now. I come here because I feel like it is home to me.

[KC Destroyer of Worlds]

I've noticed that regardless of faith, (Abrahan or Pagan) when the rubber meets the road people are willing to talk rather than fling poo. Don't get me wrong, there is some poo flinging to be had, but for the most part it is recognized for what it is, and serious discussions are allowed to take place. Unlike a lot of other forums I don't feel stifled here. I feel like this is a place to learn, both for my self and from other people.

[Shanti]

Just wanted to share. :toofless:

I am very glad people of all the different walks of life come here and I am also glad that this forum for Abrahamic Faiths was created!!
I am the one who is learning from the followers of those faiths!!!!:uhhuhuh:

We all learn from one another, thats the beauty of MW.

[Calli]

We all learn from one another, thats the beauty of MW.

Truer words were never spoken!

I guess I'm trying to resolve some feelings, still. I thought I was over that, but I confess, I'm still struggling to accept Christianity as a valid religion, rather than a great source of personal pain and struggle. I think I'm there, and then I'm not again. You all are really helping me resolve this. Many, many thanks! :thumbsup:

Another thing you're really helping with. I need to know, deep down, that not all Christians are like my sister. (My blood sister, not to be confused with the sister I often talk about, who is a sister of my spirit, but not of blood.) She hurt me deeply when she rejected me because I wouldn't come back to Christianity. Nothing she said worked, so she gave up on me, not just on the conversion. At first, I blamed the religion that "took her away" from our family, even though I know it's her, and not the religion at all that's responsible. She and I never saw life the same way, even before she found Jesus. She was the obedient child, I was the rebellious one. I have the loving heart, that reaches out to others, she is pretty judgmental and her world revolves around her husband and kids, and pretty much stops there. Those are the two biggest differences. Anyway, you're showing me that not all people who value the Bible, and the gods discussed in it, are like her. Thanks!

[David19]

My own path seems to be very different from anyone else's path here, yet I would much rather converse with the people here than with other forums more specifically tailored to my own culture of faith, simply because the environment here is much more to my liking. I don't have to be afraid to say that I like Christians and Jews and Muslims on this website, but the same luxury is not available in some other places. I imagine it is similar for the Abrahamic believers who come here; they don't have to be afraid to say they like pagans here, whereas they most likely do not have the same luxury in most forums devoted to their own traditions.

Furthermore the website is identified not only as a pagan community but also as a spiritual sanctuary, which implies that it is a sanctuary for everyone. I for one am happy that non-pagans take advantage of this and become members. Then again I am partial in my own way because I do not believe there is really a definitive barrier between the pagan and Abrahamic religions anyway. Any pagan who uses Cabala or who celebrates something they call a "Sabbat" is drawing from Abrahamic traditions. Any Christian who takes communion or celebrates Easter is drawing from pagan traditions. Things are much more blurred than many people would like to think.

I mean hell, I'm a pagan because I worship the Egyptian God Set; but since Set was very clearly identified with YHWH by both His detractors and His own worshipers (and since He also bears a passing resemblance to Satan), is it really correct to say that I am not also Abrahamic in some way? Shades of grey, shades of grey.

Great post, Darth, and I agree, a lot of people seem to think things are cut and dry, "black and white", etc when it simply isn't so, there are pagan elements in Christianity, there are Christian elements in Paganism, if you take them out, you'll have very bland, boring paths, IMO. Any Pagan, like you said, who has anything at all to do with a Sabbat is taking part in something Abrahamic (Sabbath - Jewish Holy day), any Pagan who draws a circle is taking part in something Abrahamic, any Pagan who practices Solomonic or Ceremonial magic is taking part in something Abrahamic (I've seen some people try and say it's more related to Iamblichus and his system of Theurgy, which may or may not be true, but, they seem to want to downplay the Jewish and Christian elements, like, it's so "evil" and "bad" to admit the existence and influence of Judaism and Christianity, 2 very amazing and sophisticated paths~), etc.

Also, I think the Christians, and other Abrahamic followers, come here 'cause MW is open to all, it's a Pagan and Spiritual forum, so, anyone who is Spiritual, and, also, they, probably, want to learn more about Paganism, and want a friendly place to do it, unlike some forums who are just completely anti-Christian (you remember that forum I showed you, Darth?).

[Cunae]

I agree with the other Christians who've said why they come here. Learning from pagans, sharing Christianity in a way that is positive not proselytizing, discussing everything under the sun... from silly to deeply spiritual or scientific. I love the discussions and the personalities here!

What more can I say? MW is beautiful and I feel blessed to be here.

[Cloaked Raven]

I also forgot to say that I don't really fit in on some of the other boards. Being a follower of a blended path like Christian Witchcraft isn't always accepted in other forums like it is here in MW.

[angle kitsune]

i'm here because i was here before i was a jehovah's witness.
sooo would anyone like some magazines?

nah lol . as far as i know i am the only witness on this site though there are a few former witnesses that lurk around here. i know the reason i am pretty much alone on here is because i really shoulden't be here, but im not baptized so im not required to give up outside. i'm here because i can still learn from everyone here and because i am not welcomed many other places, we are pretty well disliked even by fallowers of christ.

i am here because if i give a opinion and show my reasoning with the bible people know its my opinion and leave it as that rather than screaming that i am trying to convert them. i am here because if someone has a question about what i believe i know they will come forword and if they want ot learn they will come forword and i can take a break from trying to find the people who want to learn. im here because its nice to be seen by the people who know or remember what i am as a person rather then the door knocker.

im here because here people understand that knocking on doors is part of my faith and don't hate me for it.

and cuz theres some funny people here and im here cuz i can be.

[Calli]

Thanks for sharing that, angle kitsune.

[Toki Wartooth]

I guess I meant all the Abrahamic traditions. I'm not entirely sure what all that encompasses. But I definitely meant Christianity and Judiasm, at least.

Calli, you can see what's often considered "Abrahamic" here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abrahamic). But, as some have pointed out, various paths certainly have Abrahamic elements, too.


I also hope, in a slightly egotistical way, that if I do come to this board and do play nice, that I can show people that Christians aren't the enemy and really can be nice people. There's a lot of anger directed towards how pagans have had to put up with the BS that Christians threw at them. Hopefully we can form some understanding so as to at least tolerate each other's beliefs better.

I think you're doing a fine job, Bix. :thumbsup:

[Calli]

Thanks, Toki. I never would have thought of Islam as Abrahamic. Although my question definitely would apply to them. I would be curious as to why someone who believes in Islam would want to be here, as well.

I've worked through the emotional stuff that led me to the question, now I'm using just plain curiosity.

[Darth Brooks]

I wish we had a Muslim on this board, I think it would be nice.

[Invidosa]

I wish we had a Muslim on this board, I think it would be nice.

agreed, it would be good to get some perspective from that angle as well.

[David19]

I wish we had a Muslim on this board, I think it would be nice.


agreed, it would be good to get some perspective from that angle as well.

Very true, I'd like to learn more about Islam, out of general interest, especially Sufism.

[Agaliha]

I wish we had a Muslim on this board, I think it would be nice.

Hm. I was debating if I should say something or not. I've keep this private for a long time... though a few members here and people on my Facebook would probably know this already. :giggle: So might as well come out here, I guess.

I'm not sure if I'd count as I'm not technically a Muslim, I've not said the Shahadah or anything.

(No one noticed the Bismillah (http://wahiduddin.net/words/bismillah.htm) symbol in my banner? :lol: )

I've been looking into Islam as a personal path for over a year, off and on. And interested in Sufism way before that. There's been ups and downs and times when I just said to hell with it all, but something keeps bringing me back. I believe I keep coming back to Islam for a reason, though at this time I don't know what it is! I believe in Allah and because of that, I'm willing to learn about the faith. I'm reading the Qur'an right now and I have tons of print outs of information (like 100s & 100s of pages) that I've collected over this year or so, some of which are read and many are waiting to be. I know more than some people, but not more than seasoned Muslims, that's for sure! I can provide input on various things, but not all as I'm still learning myself ;) I don't know if in the end, I'll convert...but it's a possiblity, anything is... I'm just focusing on learning and understanding right now. If the time comes when I feel comfortable in the beliefs to say the Shahadah, I will...what happened last time (and why I took a break) was I was putting too much pressure on myself, which lead to frustration and burnout...so going slow this time.

But that said... I rather not be the token member that must represent the faith, though I don't mind helping people out in trying to understand. :) I can provide links and explain what I can. I am not into debating anything regarding Islam, though.

Also, we have a member that is Muslim. We're friends. She doesn't come to MW anymore though. :)

[Toki Wartooth]

Thanks, Toki. I never would have thought of Islam as Abrahamic. Although my question definitely would apply to them. I would be curious as to why someone who believes in Islam would want to be here, as well.

I've worked through the emotional stuff that led me to the question, now I'm using just plain curiosity.

Oh, of course it is. It considers Abraham -- among other figures in the Bible -- as one of many prophets in a line, with Muhammad essentially being the last true great prophet. (Well, okay, there could be various other things said, but I'm not hijacking this thread to discuss Islam in any detail, lol.)

I was actually going to ask: do people consider those that follow a path with a lot of Enochian or Goetic influence Abrahamic? I'm fairly sure Gnosticism is...but I don't know that all those necessarily overlap. (And, if at least one or two of those do "count," I could theoretically say why I'm here. :p)

P.S. I'm a bit surprised that Islam isn't too represented here by members. I mean, there is Sufism, the mystical sect. Beyond that, Islam originated in the land of djinn and other such beings.

[Bix]

Hm. I was debating if I should say something or not. I've keep this private for a long time... though a few members here and people on my Facebook would probably know this already. :giggle: So might as well come out here, I guess.

I'm not sure if I'd count as I'm not technically a Muslim, I've not said the Shahadah or anything.

(No one noticed the Bismillah (http://wahiduddin.net/words/bismillah.htm) symbol in my banner? :lol: )

I've been looking into Islam as a personal path for over a year, off and on. And interested in Sufism way before that. There's been ups and downs and times when I just said to hell with it all, but something keeps bringing me back. I believe I keep coming back to Islam for a reason, though at this time I don't know what it is! I believe in Allah and because of that, I'm willing to learn about the faith. I'm reading the Qur'an right now and I have tons of print outs of information (like 100s & 100s of pages) that I've collected over this year or so, some of which are read and many are waiting to be. I know more than some people, but not more than seasoned Muslims, that's for sure! I can provide input on various things, but not all as I'm still learning myself ;) I don't know if in the end, I'll convert...but it's a possiblity, anything is... I'm just focusing on learning and understanding right now. If the time comes when I feel comfortable in the beliefs to say the Shahadah, I will...what happened last time (and why I took a break) was I was putting too much pressure on myself, which lead to frustration and burnout...so going slow this time.

But that said... I rather not be the token member that must represent the faith, though I don't mind helping people out in trying to understand. :) I can provide links and explain what I can. I am not into debating anything regarding Islam, though.

Also, we have a member that is Muslim. We're friends. She doesn't come to MW anymore though. :)

I recently bought a translation of the Qur'an myself. Maybe we can have a discussion on it after the Psalms discussion. :)

[Agaliha]

I recently bought a translation of the Qur'an myself. Maybe we can have a discussion on it after the Psalms discussion. :)

Which one?
I have Yusuf Ali with the annotations/commentary. :)
The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an (http://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Holy-Quran-Abdullah-Yusuf/dp/0915957329/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242094170&sr=8-2) by Abdullah Yusuf Ali



If there is a discussion, I think focusing on Al-Fatihah would be best. It's short, but it's packed with symbolism, meaning and everything else. There are books with commentary on that Surah alone! It's also said in all prayers. Here's one site that touches on some of its meaning: http://wahiduddin.net/quran/fatiha.htm ....The other Surahs, though important in Islam, might not be the best for discussion.

[MoonBreath]

Agaliha: I've been wanting to read the Qur'an for a long time now, but there are so many translations out there, i don't know which would be the best to start out with! :) Do you think the one you mentioned is good for a beginner to read?

[Bix]

I also got the Yusef Ali translation. :)

[Agaliha]

Agaliha: I've been wanting to read the Qur'an for a long time now, but there are so many translations out there, i don't know which would be the best to start out with! :) Do you think the one you mentioned is good for a beginner to read?

I think the Yusuf Ali one is best and I believe it's the #1 English translation:
The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an (http://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Holy-Quran-Abdullah-Yusuf/dp/0915957329/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242094170&sr=8-2) by Abdullah Yusuf Ali
I got mine as hardback, but they have paperback and pocket sizes too. I'm going to read through this one after I read through the other translation of mine...

The only thing is it (Yusuf Ali) has a lot of commentary and annotations (which is a good thing, it really helps!), when I started to read it before I got distracted by them (just a personal problem of mine, not everyone has this problem). So now when I decided to read the Qur'an in full this time (because I never went past Surah 4 last time), I thought going for a straight English text with no annotations/commentary might help me focus. I'm reading this one right now (got it from the public library): The Holy Koran: An Interpretive Translation from Classical Arabic into Contemporary English (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/098146291X?ie=UTF8&tag=facebookshelf-20) by Mohamed K. Jasser. It's okay, rather confusing in some parts, though!

You can also find the whole Qur'an online on Sacred-Texts. I've heard that Pickthall is good. http://sacred-texts.com/isl/htq/index.htm
I'm adding that one to the MW Library now...
The Yusuf Ali one is on Sacred-Texts.com too, but without the commentary.

You might want to check your local libraries to see if they have various translations and give some a try for your first read-through. Though, if thinking if buying, I think Yusuf Ali would be the best as it as everything. The commentary/annotations do shed light on meaning, context and everything, all helpful for beginners.

:)

[Darth Brooks]

Hm. I was debating if I should say something or not. I've keep this private for a long time... though a few members here and people on my Facebook would probably know this already. :giggle: So might as well come out here, I guess.

I'm not sure if I'd count as I'm not technically a Muslim, I've not said the Shahadah or anything.

(No one noticed the Bismillah (http://wahiduddin.net/words/bismillah.htm) symbol in my banner? :lol: )

LOL, I have to admit I didn't! :lol:


I've been looking into Islam as a personal path for over a year, off and on. And interested in Sufism way before that. There's been ups and downs and times when I just said to hell with it all, but something keeps bringing me back. I believe I keep coming back to Islam for a reason, though at this time I don't know what it is! I believe in Allah and because of that, I'm willing to learn about the faith. I'm reading the Qur'an right now and I have tons of print outs of information (like 100s & 100s of pages) that I've collected over this year or so, some of which are read and many are waiting to be. I know more than some people, but not more than seasoned Muslims, that's for sure! I can provide input on various things, but not all as I'm still learning myself ;) I don't know if in the end, I'll convert...but it's a possiblity, anything is... I'm just focusing on learning and understanding right now. If the time comes when I feel comfortable in the beliefs to say the Shahadah, I will...what happened last time (and why I took a break) was I was putting too much pressure on myself, which lead to frustration and burnout...so going slow this time.

But that said... I rather not be the token member that must represent the faith, though I don't mind helping people out in trying to understand. :) I can provide links and explain what I can. I am not into debating anything regarding Islam, though.

Also, we have a member that is Muslim. We're friends. She doesn't come to MW anymore though. :)Well that is very neat! Even if you eventually decide not to convert, I really support your exploration of Islam. Whether you choose to become a Muslim or not, I wish you nothing but the best in your search. :)


I recently bought a translation of the Qur'an myself. Maybe we can have a discussion on it after the Psalms discussion. :)

I would really love to read a discussion like that, though I have to admit I would be unable to really contribute, myself. But it would be cool to read! :thumbsup:

[Agaliha]

LOL, I have to admit I didn't! :lol:

:giggle:


Well that is very neat! Even if you eventually decide not to convert, I really support your exploration of Islam. Whether you choose to become a Muslim or not, I wish you nothing but the best in your search. :)Thank you very much! :smile:


ETA:
As for why I'm here (re: original question), well I love the community, the people, the atmosphere. I'm an Admin and I love helping out. I was Pagan when I first came here and I'm not going to leave just because things changed. Though sometimes it is difficult being here, surrounded by things that aren't compatible with what I'm pursuing, but that's life...MW is open to everyone, all faiths and I like that. It's good to learn and understand each other and all of that :)

[Nicholas]

I suppose I'll throw in, as an Athiest I come here mainly because of Sacredsin. She introduced me to the forum and for a long time I hated it. Then I went through the spirituality phase but it was short lived during this time I spoke to many good people from this forum privately who helped me with a lot of information. Now that I realize that spiritualism is something I just can't do because I'll slip quickly back into disbelief I've returned to just being here for SS and the good friends I've met here.

Aside from people the forum keeps me entertained with debate, drama, and a good deal of good reading. I learn lots about my favorite topics and about other people culturally around the globe.

I guess you're stuck with me. :mmm:

[MoonBreath]

Agaliha: thanks for the advice! i was originally looking at translations that were the cheapest. One i saw was only one cent and i was drawn to it like a moth to a flame! lol! :smile: I read some pages from The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an on amazon.com, and i like the way it's set up. I think i might be buying it in the near future! :)

[Calli]

Hm. I was debating if I should say something or not. I've keep this private for a long time... though a few members here and people on my Facebook would probably know this already. :giggle: So might as well come out here, I guess.

I'm not sure if I'd count as I'm not technically a Muslim, I've not said the Shahadah or anything.

(No one noticed the Bismillah (http://wahiduddin.net/words/bismillah.htm) symbol in my banner? :lol: )

I've been looking into Islam as a personal path for over a year, off and on. And interested in Sufism way before that. There's been ups and downs and times when I just said to hell with it all, but something keeps bringing me back. I believe I keep coming back to Islam for a reason, though at this time I don't know what it is! I believe in Allah and because of that, I'm willing to learn about the faith. I'm reading the Qur'an right now and I have tons of print outs of information (like 100s & 100s of pages) that I've collected over this year or so, some of which are read and many are waiting to be. I know more than some people, but not more than seasoned Muslims, that's for sure! I can provide input on various things, but not all as I'm still learning myself ;) I don't know if in the end, I'll convert...but it's a possiblity, anything is... I'm just focusing on learning and understanding right now. If the time comes when I feel comfortable in the beliefs to say the Shahadah, I will...what happened last time (and why I took a break) was I was putting too much pressure on myself, which lead to frustration and burnout...so going slow this time.

But that said... I rather not be the token member that must represent the faith, though I don't mind helping people out in trying to understand. :) I can provide links and explain what I can. I am not into debating anything regarding Islam, though.

Also, we have a member that is Muslim. We're friends. She doesn't come to MW anymore though. :)

You used a lot of terminology and concepts that those of us who know nothing don't understand. Would you like to explain on a more basic level, like 101? I'd be interested to know more.


Oh, of course it is. It considers Abraham -- among other figures in the Bible -- as one of many prophets in a line, with Muhammad essentially being the last true great prophet. (Well, okay, there could be various other things said, but I'm not hijacking this thread to discuss Islam in any detail, lol.)

I was actually going to ask: do people consider those that follow a path with a lot of Enochian or Goetic influence Abrahamic? I'm fairly sure Gnosticism is...but I don't know that all those necessarily overlap. (And, if at least one or two of those do "count," I could theoretically say why I'm here. :p)

P.S. I'm a bit surprised that Islam isn't too represented here by members. I mean, there is Sufism, the mystical sect. Beyond that, Islam originated in the land of djinn and other such beings.

You know, I took a World Religions class in college, but it didn't even touch on so many paths. I'm learning way more here. I don't know what any of those paths you mentioned are, unfortunately.

Regardless, please do share why you're here. This thread isn't limited to just a select few.

I'm really thrilled with the direction this thread has gone in. Keep it comin'.

[Agaliha]

You used a lot of terminology and concepts that those of us who know nothing don't understand. Would you like to explain on a more basic level, like 101? I'd be interested to know more.


Sure :)

Bismillah is the name one of the most important phrases, "In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, Most Merciful." It's in the Qur'an, before all Surahs, but one. I'll post it in Arabic text and the transliteration:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
bismi-llāhi ar-raḥmāni ar-raḥīmi (or Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim)
For more about the phrase, its meaning and significance:
http://wahiduddin.net/words/bismillah.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basmala

ar-Rahman and ar-Rahim are one of the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah and you can read their meanings here:
http://wahiduddin.net/words/99_pages/rahman_1.htm
http://wahiduddin.net/words/99_pages/rahim_2.htm
You can also read about all the other Beautiful Names there.

The Bismillah is said beore tons of occasions and it's said in prayers.


Sura(h) just means chapter. So Surah 2, is the 2nd chapter of the Qur'an.


Shahadah is the testimony of faith, it's what one says to become a Muslim. It is: Lā ilaha illa al-Lāh, Muhammadun rasūlu l-Lāh -- “There is no god but God, Muhammad is the Messenger of God"

There are 7 conditions one must meet to make it valid, such as knowledge of its meaning, senserity, etc.
See here for more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shahadah



...I think that convers it? If there are any more that I missed, just let me know! Or if you'd like to know what something means, etc. :)

[Thunder]

I guess I meant all the Abrahamic traditions. I'm not entirely sure what all that encompasses. But I definitely meant Christianity and Judiasm, at least.

If I implied in any way that I didn't welcome you all here, I'm sorry. I welcome anyone who treats others with respect.

This is odd. Has anyone noticed on the smiley board here when you post----->
that the bouncy guy is bouncing right above the crown? Eeeek! No wonder he's bouncing! That's gotta hurt! :hahugh:Actually, you were quite careful not to offend.

[Toki Wartooth]

World religions classes often leave much to be desired, even if you don't realize it until later in life. Having suffered through my recent Mythology (Honors) class, and the very, very limited (and somewhat outdated!) teaching on Hinduism...I've come to realize just how little some things are taught or studied. Granted, classes are also following schedules, so it often can't be helped, but IMO, there should be a greater diversity of classes. Ah, well.

Anyway, here are links on the traditions, paths, belief systems, &c. I mentioned:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enochian

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goetia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnosticism

I suppose all of them may be considered Abrahamic, even if partially, or at least closely related. I was asking because I've had a few years' interest in a certain angel/demon ("fallen" angel in that case)/deity/being that can fit into such categories. He's included in various lists of such traditions, and I know one story off the top of my head where he talks with Sophia, a female manifestation of God in Gnosticism (or at least, that's what was said in the angel book I was reading). He's Samael, by the way, for the curious.

Anyway, I honestly cannot remember how I found this place...which is bizarre. I imagine it was a link from another web site, or someone mentioned or linked it, or it was seemingly (since it may not have been) randomly picked up by a search engine for some reason. I joined after exploring it for a bit, thinking it couldn't hurt, and I've been into all kinds of spiritual paths, so why not.

I occasionally disappear from here, when my spiritual side seems to wane, and when things get hectic in my life. But, I always seem to come back at some point because I miss it or have returned to spirituality, or whatever. I enjoy the sharing of information, and I enjoy connecting to people with unique views I rarely get to come across in my offline life.

[Agaliha]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enochian
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goetia
I suppose all of them may be considered Abrahamic, even if partially, or at least closely related....


Actually, they wouldn't be considered Abrahmaic unless they worship the god of Abraham (YHVH, God (Almightly, etc), Allah). As well as believe in the prophets, sacred text (Torah, Bible, Qur'an, etc) and things of that sort. They basically link their faith to the covenant of Abraham with God. I don't think Goetia and Enochian fall into that category and from the stand point of the Abrahmaic faiths, they're not recognized in the slightest. I don't think combining aspects of those faiths (angels, demons, etc) is enough for them to be labeled "Abrahamic." ;)

ETA: I stuck a thread I made that went into definitions:
Abrahamic, a definition (http://mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=214721)

[Toki Wartooth]

Actually, they wouldn't be considered Abrahmaic unless they worship the god of Abraham (YHVH, God (Almightly, etc), Allah). As well as believe in the prophets, sacred text (Torah, Bible, Qur'an, etc) and things of that sort. They basically link their faith to the covenant of Abraham with God. I don't think Goetia and Enochian fall into that category and from the stand point of the Abrahmaic faiths, they're not recognized in the slightest. I don't think combining aspects of those faiths (angels, demons, etc) is enough for them to be labeled "Abrahamic." ;)

ETA: I stuck a thread I made that went into definitions:
Abrahamic, a definition (http://mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=214721)

I can see your point, though I imagine the confusion lies with The Lesser Key of Solomon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lesser_Key_of_Solomon). Although it's ... hardly by Solomon, it's framed on the idea that, "like" Solomon, a practitioner can control demons in the name of and with the power of God behind him. So, that whole area may not have been around for the old, normally-considered-Abrahamic religions, but that path (if it may be called one) seems quite enmeshed in Abrahamic concepts, beliefs, &c. Some things are undoubtedly quite new, as Wikipedia will point out, but from what I have read of the texts, it's very much founded on Christian beliefs and ideas, even if it seems to contradict with or otherwise goes "against" most Christian teachings or beliefs.

P.S. Forgot to mention, even though the Wiki page does, that came from the Goetic system.

[Calli]

Wow! There's a lot there to learn! I'll have to follow some of those links. Thanks. Right now, I'm pretty confused....

Agaliha, you did a very nice job explaining. Thanks.

And, Thunder, my new friend, I appreciate the support.

[Xander67]

I come here for the friendship and connecting with other people all over the world, religion is not as big of a deal. I like being able to talk about anything and everything with people of all different backgrounds.. so yeah, paths, religions and all are not that big of a deal for me.

[PrincessKLS]

I've always found this place interesting, I've came here for years under different screennames but honestly anymore, I come here out of boredom. LOL, I find few sites interesting.

[PrincessKLS]

I also forgot to say that I don't really fit in on some of the other boards. Being a follower of a blended path like Christian Witchcraft isn't always accepted in other forums like it is here in MW.


Very true, I've been to other pagan forums, after declaring myself a Christian witch and many of them laughed at me. Even if I mention it on secular websites in their religion sections, people are like, what?

But this isn't the worst thing ever in my life I've dealt with. My religion gives me joy.

[Agaliha]

Agaliha, you did a very nice job explaining. Thanks.

You're welcome :smile:
Feel free to ask anything else about words, concepts, etc. I don't mind helping out like this :) And if I can't personally answer something, I'll try to post links that do...

[Calli]

All I wanted was an overview, and you did that beautifully.

Since joining MW, I've been exposed to so many new ideas. (I'm secure in my path. I just like to learn stuff.) I've got a couple of paths I'm delving into, research-wise, at the moment, and can't really add another right now. Although this isn't the first time I've heard the term Gnostic, and eventually, I'll want to know what exactly it is. I think the overview is all I need for Islam for now.

[Toki Wartooth]

Wow! There's a lot there to learn! I'll have to follow some of those links. Thanks. Right now, I'm pretty confused....

Agaliha, you did a very nice job explaining. Thanks.

And, Thunder, my new friend, I appreciate the support.

Confused? From all of the information? I can relate to that. :lol: There is a lot to know, and even my knowledge on those aforementioned belief systems is very limited.

Some Enochian texts (http://sacred-texts.com/eso/enoch/index.htm)
Grimoires including the Goetia/Key of Solomon the King and Lesser Key of Solomon (http://sacred-texts.com/grim/index.htm)
Gnostic texts (http://sacred-texts.com/gno/index.htm)