Bashing?

[bluecat]

What's with all of the gender bashing and religion bashing? Don't we have enough issues to deal with without this? Being frustrated is one thing and posting about other's intolerance to us as a means of alerting what is happening is okay, but to bash someone because of their beliefs or insist that you are the only authority is taking it a bit far, don't you think?

Come one folks, let's not go where we accuse others of going, it's their problem if they are intolerant, let it not be ours!

Blue

[Catey]

Good Morning Blue :-)

Not sure what this is all about since I have not had the time to read all the threads yet. But one of the things I have alway's taught is ALL PATHS ARE SACRED. My path is 100% right and better then ANY other path BUT ONLY FOR ME..................I think it is something we all should try and remember.

May the Lord and Lady always smile on you
Catey

[Yvonne Belisle]

You have said a mouthfull! Thank-you.

[Mairwen]

AMEN!!! Preach it, bro!!! :D

[Amethyst Rose]

Originally posted by bluecat
but to bash someone because of their beliefs or insist that you are the only authority is taking it a bit far, don't you think?


YES!! Thank you Blue, that is exactly what I've been thinking lately.
You rock!! :D

[ruthie]

<puts frying pan back where it belongs - on the cooker>

Sorry if I have offended. :)

[bluecat]

Originally posted by ruthie
<puts frying pan back where it belongs - on the cooker>

Sorry if I have offended. :)

It's not a case of being offensive. It is a question of tolerance and intolerance. :)

That old saying about vinegar and honey works pretty good. I know that when I apply too much vinegar to something it takes a WHOLE LOTTA honey to fix it, and even an occasional plate of cold Crow. But that's just me. ;)

Blue

[eaglewolf]

What alot of people seem to forget... all are welcome here, believe it or not.

You have to consider your threads and posts before you hit the submit button. What if this is the first thread/post a guest reads while visiting our site? Will this run them off or make them feel unwelcome? Some will not even take the time to read the countless other positive entries our site has to offer.

This has become a real issue over the past couple of months. Though we tend to keep our mouths shut, refrain from editing, and try to allow everyone to voice their opinion, this type of behavior is not necessary.

I am not here to point fingers, merely to remind everyone of the diversity of this community, including members to come. Males and females of varying race and religion, ideals and values...

...please keep this in mind, however difficult it may be.

Diversification not segregation.

Live true, but wise.

~ew

[waterangel]

There are so many people just ready to jump at the chance to put someone else down, whether it be for their religion, or their race, or their sex. I have enjoyed so far being around a group that mostly does not bash anyone, but simply states their own opinion, giving others another view to look at if it is not the same as someone else.
With so many religions out there, ethnics and such, there will bound be a time when we each do not agree with another about what is being said, but what breaks us apart from the others is our ability to say, I can see your point, and leave it at that, not agreeing or disagreeing, and both parties able to walk off with a smile on their faces.
Each of us have to live our lives to make us happy, but what we don't need is the criticism of others, even though some believe that it makes us stronger. Let those outside criticize all they want, but let us, try to be one very happy diversified family, and prove to the world, that just becuase one does not believe as the other, we can still get along!!

To us!! The Mystic wicks group!!!

[Hestia]

Well said! *stands up and cheers*
There's that commercial going around right now for the credit card (I think it's Discover) that uses the tag line "For the slightly smarter consumer". I like to think of this forum as such. Our members' ability to allow each other the freedom to add their voice, no matter how trivial or controversial the subject might be is what sets us apart from all the other alternative-faith communities on the net. For many of us it's the only real haven we have for meeting other like minded folks. Anyway, I just wanted to add in my 2 cents....
MysticWicks -- for the slightly more enlightened human!

[Yvonne Belisle]

Here here! Clapping and standing to all the great comments that have been made!

[moonmagick4]

An' ye harm none,do what ye will!!!!That is HARM NONE!!!!

[Mairwen]

Originally posted by eaglewolf
Diversification not segregation. [/B]
AMEN!!! Preach it, bro!!!

[Mairwen]

Originally posted by Hestia
MysticWicks -- for the slightly more enlightened human!

8O 8O What do you have in your wallet?8O 8O

[Hestia]

:D 8O ;)

[gunner]

we do need a reminder now and again, one of the reasons i walked away from christianity was the "only one true path" thing and the path i have found feels right for me though i know it's not the one for everybody, or even very many. so i go my way and leave others free to follow their path. you've heard my blessing a few times, "mithras guide and guard". he can and will what ever path you follow. he's a soldier's god and he protects who needs it, no questions asked. we've got a community growing here, a good one, and mutual respect and courtesty will keep it alive and growing for a long time. hopefully it will outlast us that began it.

[Mairwen]

Hey, I have had fellow Pagans tell me I'm not a "true" Pagan because I (and those other members in our Tradition) don't follow the Wiccan Rede or the 3fold Law. :confused: Scuze me? I mean, like, I'm not Wiccan, dude. 8O So what's the point?! I mean, where do other Pagans get off telling other Pagans that they're not "true Pagans"? Who died and left any one of use Judge and Jury? :mad: It's just not right. I would never, never tells someone his path wasn't valid! Who am I to say such a thing? :(

[Apotheosis]

Actually, Douglas Adams just died, but before he died he made me judge and jury. Really. Honest.

Seriously...

I'm brand spanking new here, but I'm not naive about systems such as this. While I'm certain there are cases where people are just being pricks, I have to strongly disagree with another poster who suggested we try to avoid criticism.

We all choose to walk our own path, but many people I've found don't fully explore that path. When I encounter a though or idea or belief or action I feel is incorrect - now, this is incorrect by MY beliefs - I'm going to tell you. I'm going to criticise you. I'm going to make you look at what I feel is an inconsistency, and make you show me how it is consistent. If you can't do that, then I really suggest you re-evaluate why you believe something. If you won't, or are upset at my criticism, well thats fine, but I'm not about to be quiet for the sake of your ego.

The end goal is that we all learn something. I learn about you, you learn about me. I think its the best way, it encourages so much diveristy and growth.

Apotheos.

[eaglewolf]

Welcome to the community...

I would like to point out one thing in terms of criticism. There is healthy debate, and there is critical judgement. I feel what you are speaking of is healthy debate...

...what many in this thread are speaking of is critical judgement.

One is welcome, the other is not.

I hope you are able to learn as much from us as we will from you, and again, welcome.

~ew

[Apotheosis]

I can see where you draw your distinction.

However, I feel that a lot of people take "Healthy Debate" as "Critical Judgement" simply because it is not in their favour.

I mean, just because someone is 100% wrong on some subject or another, doesn't mean I don't love them. But a lot of people have a hard time with that...

[eaglewolf]

I agree with you...

You seem to be one of the lucky few who can make that distinction, some however, can not.

I do not discourage criticism which will help others and is discriminitory to no one, in fact, I encourage it as many others here do.

I do not personally discourage criticism of any nature, but I am not the only person in this community. Not all are as thick skinned, and this must be taken into consideration.

When "bashing" occurs in which the bashed have no real recourse for defense, this is not debate, nor meant to be constructive, and is what we are trying to address.

Outright prejudice, name calling, insults and the like are not welcome here. This, I am afraid, has been happening and is what prompted the thread in the first place.

Again, welcome. Your insightful posts have been encouraging to read. I hope you find a place here among us...

~ew

[eaglewolf]

...sorry, but while I am thinking about it, I just have to ask.

Apotheosis for a name : Is this self perception, or do you just like the sound of it?

:p

~ew

[bluecat]

:cool: Welcome, Apotheosis :cool:

Pull up a comfy seat and have some lemonade.

In the spirit of what eaglewolf has previously mentioned we have had some folks who took great exception at being disagreed with or having any criticism at all go there way. Unfortunately this kind of thing happens when you get a lot of different folks in such an arena as this, however we know that we can work through it.

Criticism is a double edged sword and many folks only see one edge and that is a dynamic that is part of human nature. We also have folks who love to wave the sword around and try to force their own personal beliefs and views down the throats of others. That is what we are trying to avoid. I do believe though that for many it is a matter of pure semantics.

It sort of reminds me of the lines, "I know what you are saying that I mean, but it is not what I mean at all and I don't understand why your saying it;" and "If you would just agree with me, then there would be no confusion at all."

Those bits of confusion say so much about communication or the lack of it in the world. I don't believe we can blame it on today's world either because it seems apparent throughout history. It's really difficult to tell someone they are 100% wrong without their becoming defensive, for that matter it is even difficult to tell some folks that they are even 10% wrong (or less). Some people just won't agree to disagree.

Well, that is enough for now.

And again, welcome, Apotheosis, enjoy your stay!

Blue :cool:

[Catey]

Mairwen

As I have stated before...........All paths are sacred...............I believe mine is 100% right....................BUT only for me. Ignore what others have to say if they are being all high and mighty lololol. If you have confidence in what you do and the path you follow what they say really is not very important. Some only can feel good about themselves by putting others down. I find that the older I get and I am pretty old LOL the more I laugh. I can match degrees and liniage etc etc with the very best of them but why bother? I know who and what I am and so does the Lord and Lady. That is really what is important. Stick to your path and do not get mixed up in silliness. You know who and what you are.
That is all that is important.

May the Lord and Lady ALWAYS smile on you :-)
Catey

PS sorry for any typos etc LOLOLOLOLOL

[bluecat]

:cool: Good Point, Catey! :cool:

What is 100% right for one person is not the same for everyone else. We need to heed that advice and not try to push our 100% on others. :)

Now as far as being High and Mighty ... Well, I do think I have the best lemonade recipe there ever was. ;) :D

Blue :cool:

[ruthie]

Catey - I was thinking the same thing myself, and wondering how to put it into words, when up popped your post. Some very good points there.

And blue I have to agree with you too. You have got the best lemonade in town.

:D

[Xois]

Its funny, but the ONLY people who have given me guff about my chosen path (eclectic pagan) are "real pagans" !!!

I am not a real pagan becuase I mix pantheons or have none, becuase I am solitary, becuase I was never initiated by a "real" preist..etc and so on! ITs crazy! People of other religions have NEVER EVER said anything!

I have found, from my experience only, that pagans are the most intolerant people I know---present members of mystic wicks exlcuded of course...and this is limited to my life experience and I a make no generalizations, expressed or implied that ALL pagans are intolerent...

:D

Xois

[Mairwen]

Originally posted by Catey
[/B]

Thanks Catey! I needed that!!

[Tigerwallah]

I don't take offense at very much. Heck, I'm offended by almost nothing. If someone disagrees with me, it doesn't upset me that they disagree. I like to get into deep arguments because that is where true knowledge arises. I think that there are a lot of people here who are very sensitive and take something as bashing when it was not the intention. It stands to reason that with a community this diverse, someone in the crowd will be offended every time. If we pussy foot around every subject this thread will not be the great learning resource that it has become. Instead, it will be all nicey nice and fluff. Which isn't such a bad thing, but you can only spend so much time living in Disney World.

[Tigerwallah]

Originally posted by Xois
Its funny, but the ONLY people who have given me guff about my chosen path (eclectic pagan) are "real pagans" !!!

I am not a real pagan becuase I mix pantheons or have none, becuase I am solitary, becuase I was never initiated by a "real" preist..etc and so on! ITs crazy! People of other religions have NEVER EVER said anything!

I have found, from my experience only, that pagans are the most intolerant people I know---present members of mystic wicks exlcuded of course...and this is limited to my life experience and I a make no generalizations, expressed or implied that ALL pagans are intolerent...

:D

Xois

Hey Xois, what's a real pagan? Do they come with papers?

[Xois]

Hey Xois, what's a real pagan? Do they come with papers?

I guess they do!

Sure do wish I was a card carrying pagan! *awe shucks!*

[Kaylara]

You are now an authorized Pope!
(Tee hee)

[Mairwen]

*digs around in pockets*

Shew!:apirate:

Gots my POPE Card right here!! :crazy:

[Kaylara]

Was trying to post a pope card for her...
:(

Kaylara
It wouldn't let me!

[Xois]

*WAAAAAA*

I want my POPE CARD! :eek:

[Kaylara]

If you go to my page you can take a copy of the Pope card off there!

Kaylara

http://whichwitchiswhich.tripod.com

[Yvonne Belisle]

I like that!!! :D

[gunner]

thank you kaylara, does this card mean i can ride the subway for free?

[Wyrdsister]

Originally posted by Mairwen
Hey, I have had fellow Pagans tell me I'm not a "true" Pagan

Hmmm, goes to show us that intolerence is everywhere.

A kid from my church had the minister from another church tell her that her church wasn't really Christian and therefore she hadn't really been saved by Jesus yet. She was at a youth group to have fun with her best friend. Instead she came home traumatised and wondering if God didn't love her. What a sick thing to do to a child. :( 8O

Wyrdsister

[Celtic_Angel]

Originally posted by Apotheosis
Actually, Douglas Adams just died, but before he died he made me judge and jury. Really. Honest.

I heard about the Hitchhiker! :( I thought I was gonna cry. :( Did you get a new towel with your new position? How about his autograph?

Anyways,

I think everyone here has said it all for me, so there's not much else for me to say. Other than...*sniff*...:heartthro I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! :heartthro Most of the pagans I have met in real life have often excluded me, because of my religion and members of my own religion did the same, because I associated with pagans. :rolleyes: But here I have found a true spiritual family :) and it's good to see that you guys are doing your best to keep it a warm, fuzzy place!!! *sniff* Will someone pass me the kleenex? It's not often that I get so emotional...must be the whole pregnancy thing. :p Keep up the good work!

*sniff*
C_A

[Tigerwallah]

Originally posted by Kaylara
If you go to my page you can take a copy of the Pope card off there!

Kaylara

http://whichwitchiswhich.tripod.com

Now that I'm a Pope, where do I sign up for the Pope Mobile, and the big, Mitre hat?

Celtic Angel, I didn't know you were pregnant. How wonderful!!!! Congratulations. We do all love you here!!!

[Tigerwallah]

Originally posted by EasternPriest
....A light goes on in a dimly lit world......Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Greetings Eastern Priest!!! Merry meet, and welcome to our community. May I be the first to offer you some lemonade on the porch. Sit in one of Kaylara's comfy chair thingies and stay a while. I hope you like it here.

[gunner]

Originally posted by Wyrdsister


Hmmm, goes to show us that intolerence is everywhere.

A kid from my church had the minister from another church tell her that her church wasn't really Christian and therefore she hadn't really been saved by Jesus yet. She was at a youth group to have fun with her best friend. Instead she came home traumatised and wondering if God didn't love her. What a sick thing to do to a child. :( 8O

Wyrdsister

that's all too common in some varieties of "christian" church, usually the little fundamentalist sort, if you're not their sort of christian you're dammed. there are christians that take a more open view in the "mainstream" churches though even there you'll see fanatics. as i remember the song from my own baptist childhood "jesus loves the little children/ all the children of the world", that "minister" needs perhaps to be locked in a room for a week with that song playing on an endless loop tape. you just don't kick a child's faith apart like that for any reason.
"gunner"

and welcome eastern priest

[bluecat]

I think that he minister's problems are what many people are lashing out at when they bash other religions and beliefs. Unfortunately the bashing often spills over to everyone of that belief.

Gunner, that was a great idea, and a great point that it IS the individuals we are having issue with, it's just that some of these individuals are in charge :(

Blue :rolleyes:

[Tigerwallah]

Originally posted by gunner


that's all too common in some varieties of "christian" church, usually the little fundamentalist sort, if you're not their sort of christian you're dammed. there are christians that take a more open view in the "mainstream" churches though even there you'll see fanatics. as i remember the song from my own baptist childhood "jesus loves the little children/ all the children of the world", that "minister" needs perhaps to be locked in a room for a week with that song playing on an endless loop tape. you just don't kick a child's faith apart like that for any reason.
"gunner"

and welcome eastern priest

Hey, that reminds me of last weeks episode of South Park, where only the Mormons were right and everyone else went to Hell, which seemed like a party town. Satan, as punishment, sends his ex, Saddam Hussain to Heaven.

[bluecat]

Welcome Eastern Priest :cool:

Enjoy the comfy seating and the lemonade, but be vewy, vewy, ;) careful of the SPAM ... I think I saw it move earlier today! :eek:

Blue :D :cool:

Post an intro of yourself on one of the boards and get the full welcome treatment, it's cool. :cool: I think you will find us a good bunch, as a whole.

Blue :cool:

[Apotheosis]

Originally posted by eaglewolf
Apotheosis for a name : Is this self perception, or do you just like the sound of it?

How astute of you. Most people don't catch it.

It is self perception, but only when you consider that my email address is inverse_apotheosis@yahoo.com

Apotheos

[eaglewolf]

LoL! Well, that explains it... thanks.

~ew

[Apotheosis]

Originally posted by Celtic_Angel
I heard about the Hitchhiker! :( I thought I was gonna cry. :( Did you get a new towel with your new position? How about his autograph?


Yes, a nice new towel. One of the sheet types.

I've also recieved instruction on how to hang in the air the exact same way that bricks don't.

Sniff. Poor bastard. I request that everyone go out and purchase a copy of the Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy.

Oh my, this is woefully off topic...

[lynx]

I've said it several times and heard it several times through out my life. For one to be, one is. Simple yet hard. In other words, if you believe with all you know and hold true, well then you are. Now this does have other meanings. It is up to you to decide. I am still new to all of this, however, no one here can tell me that I am wrong for what I think. One solid piece of proof would be that of religion. Look at the budist, the catholic, and the jew. They see one almighty being. Others below this one almighty. and the followers, which are us. They may not agree on all things, but look closely for they are relatively holding the same ideas or thoughts. And I do mean thoughts.

I could tell you that the goddess met with me last night and told me that I was to lead. You could say, 'What was it you were drinking or eating?' or 'Maybe you need some more sleep at nights.' Or you might even choose to totally believe me. However, what I might have meant when I said lead was, be the first to arrive at work. Or maybe even be the last person to finish what I started. Or just to be different. We both have different views on the matter. So does religion. Religion is the thought of what you and others see as truths.

Lynx

[Celtic_Angel]

:sunny: A full welcome to you EasternPriest!!! ;) I am so glad you have joined us here at MW. I'm sure your contributions here will be most appreciated and welcome! ;) As Douglas Adams would say, this place is MOSTLY HARMLESS. Listen to what Bluecat says, avoid the spam. It thinks it's a chameleon and change colors when ever it wishes too. :sick:

Apotheosis, I just started to re-read the series in his memory. *sniff* Did you really learn how to hang in the air the exact way that bricks don't? That's cool. I sure hope the poor bugger can find a decent cup of tea where ever he's at. :)

C_A

[EasternPriest]

thank you Blue Cat and Celtic Angel for your words of welcome and wisdom.......

[SeekerSandy]

Don't let Bluecat scare you, Eastern Priest, the spam hasn't grown any teeth yet and is housebroken; not unlike some hellfire and damnation xians.
Anyone who believes their's to be the only 'true' faith should be fed to the lions.
Or was it the rotarians?:crazy:

--------------
Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you!

[Mairwen]

Originally posted by SeekerSandy
the spam hasn't grown any teeth yet and is housebroken

8O 8O 8O 8O 8O 8O 8O 8O 8O 8O 8O 8O 8O 8O

[IsisMoon]

Funny you should mention that Xois - about "getting guff."

I got quite a nasty letter from someone who said I wasn't initiated (by a particular group) and therefore wasn't truly a witch because only a high-priestess (ie this person) could initiate you as one.

I got quite a giggle out of some of the things she said because it sounded so mainstream!

I didn't take offence and simply thanked her for taking the time to write and that I would consider what she said. I didn't tell her that I considered it intolerant and somewhat nasty though! :-)

Anyway, to each their own. So long as they let me be my own too!

Blessings

IsisMoon

[Tigerwallah]

Ewwwwww!!!!!!!!!! That is so tacky. By the way, to be a real Priestess of Isis, send me $100 and a self addressed envelope. I'll send you your very own certification in the mail. This is a limited time offer, so hurry! :D

[Armitage]

My reaction to those kinds of people:
"Who died and made you God(dess)? Because last I checked *they* were in charge"

[Mairwen]

Just who are THEY anyway?

[eaglewolf]

Originally posted by Mairwen
Just who are THEY anyway?

You know... THEM.

[Mairwen]

Oooooohhhhhhh! THEM! :rolleyes:

[SeekerSandy]

Oh, THEM....
Well, as long as it isn't THOSE and only THEM, I guess we're sorta safe.
Maybe not nice to say but as a solitary who is fed up after enduring 40+ years of disorganized religion; those who seek titles and power (HIGH priestess indeed), should be locked up in a catholic church for 30 days of never-ending liturgy and ritual (including investitures and exorcisms), then for an additional 30 days of the mormon version.
:elf:

[gunner]

"I got quite a nasty letter from someone who said I wasn't initiated (by a particular group) and therefore wasn't truly a witch because only a high-priestess (ie this person) could initiate you as one. "

sounds like a bad case of "figjam" there, as i've noticed "strine" has several choice ways to tell someone to bugger off. shall we practise on the high priestess.

[Twig]

My Dear Friends.
I've been watching the threads you speak of and I think I have a simple solution when threads start to go the way of intolerance, bashing,etc. Let's look at what I call "A Thread gone awry"

As humans, when we see something we don't like, our first reaction is to "correct" the person or subject, as we see it contrary to the way "we" should think. [By WE, I mean MW, pagans, society, etc, etc. depending on the subject]

As Pagans, we learn that if you adknowledge something you release it's inherent "Power". In essence you bring this thing into being. And we all learn words have Power. ;) ;)

So the way to end a thread gone awry quickly is DON'T REPLY! Don't add fuel to the fire! Where do you think the cyber-word "Flaming" came from? 8O If enough people do this, the flame quickly dies.

This is one of the things I've learned on my path, the Path of Peace. It is a hard thing, to walk away from a conflict. But choose your conflicts carefully and don't waste your time on the smaller things, say I.

Peace,
Twig
:elf:

[SeekerSandy]

Friend Twig: I have seen considerable tongue-in-cheek in response to the original difficulty posted here. Also see some serious information exchanged as well as an opportunity for many to 'vent.' Human nature being what it is, venting appears to be a less than harmful way of cleansing the system of negative feelings which are often justified.
While most of us walk a path which hopefully leads to ultimate enlightenment and other lofty goals, perhaps even perfection; we are what we are and need to understand and appreciate our differences and limitations.:confused:
The impact of the words posted here come no where near the serious bashing which I have read in other forums.
Lest we take ourselves entirely too seriously,
peace and bright blessings.

[Apotheosis]

Discussion breeds disagreement.
Disagreement breeds discussion.

I love message boards. I've been using them for over a decade. Having a thread get hijacked is a natural part of the process, and its half the fun, and reflect the natural flow of a conversation.

My biggest concern is highlighted in the thread "Christian Wiccans?". For the most part, I felt the highly controversial topic has been handled with great courtesy. There are some HUGE disagreements in philosophy, but everyone is playing well. I really quite liked that thread.

But Mol recently posted about how the thread is the bane of his existence, and that it is close to being shut down. I'm at a loss over this, and seriously question the sort of person that would run off to Mol the moment a thread contains opinions they find in dispute with your personal beliefs. That is not bashing, my friends. THAT is my concern here.

As I posted there, we're not going to learn anything if we're all conciliatory all the time.

Or is there something I'm not understanding about the nature of these boards?

[Celtic_Angel]

In defense of Mol, I have to say that he has had quite a problem with the Christian Wiccan thread and been forced to deal with it in the best way that he could. One of the things that is expected on MysticWicks is that everyone consider that there are many paths on this site and to speak accordingly. Not everyone participating felt that the Christian Wiccan thread was being handle with great courtesy by all participants.

Those that went "running off to Mol" were not doing so because their personal beliefs were being disputed. They went to Mol, because they felt that some of the posts argued that their particular way of thinking was the only right way, not just for themselves, but for everyone.

The diversity of paths and the acceptance of this diversity is what makes MysticWicks such a great place to be. I thank Mol for doing what he felt was necessary to do in order to keep this site the way that it is meant to be. He doesn't have an easy task!

[MystyPines]

Wow! I feel bad that I even started this thread. I didn't know it would cause so many problems. I just wanted to know what a Christian Witch was. I didn't give any opinions whatsoever. I guess maybe I will just be an observer of Mysticwicks and will not post....So sorry all! :( (sniffle sniffle)

[Semele]

Originally posted by MystyPines
Wow! I feel bad that I even started this thread. I didn't know it would cause so many problems. I just wanted to know what a Christian Witch was. I didn't give any opinions whatsoever. I guess maybe I will just be an observer of Mysticwicks and will not post....So sorry all! :( (sniffle sniffle)

Not at all!!! Please continue to post. The situation was handled and everything is getting back to normal. It is great for us to talk and vent to each other. For sometimes ruffled feathers are the prelude to real learning and growing. It was/is a great topic. I think if anything we have all learned, through this thread, that we can survive someone who is forcefull with their views.

Semele

[Tigerwallah]

Originally posted by MystyPines
Wow! I feel bad that I even started this thread. I didn't know it would cause so many problems. I just wanted to know what a Christian Witch was. I didn't give any opinions whatsoever. I guess maybe I will just be an observer of Mysticwicks and will not post....So sorry all! :( (sniffle sniffle)

NO!!!!!!!!!! Misty, this was a great topic. You should never feel bad or apprehensive about posting. Mol just means that we have to learn to play nicely together. If you didn't bring this up, someone would have brought this, or something far more contraversial.

[Amethyst Rose]

<giving a little smack on the wrist> Misty Pines, you will NOT just be an observer. :D (((hugs)))
Just be cause you started a thread that went a little crazy doesn't mean you should stop posting all together. Truely, I think you should be proud that you started something that got everyone thinking and debating, even if it did get out of hand. I'm always happy to see that a thread that I"ve started has made people interested enough to keep posting on it.
You have wonderful ideas and the posts that you make have often been thought provoking and a joy to read. Please!! Keep it up! We'd all miss you, otherwise.....

[Celtic_Angel]

MystyPines, don't do that!!!!! :( I love the fact that you have brought up such awesome topics!!!! Never feel bad about asking questions!!!! Please continue to post. You have the nerve to bring up subjects that I don't, for that I commend you!!!!! The question wasn't the problem!!! It was how some people responded and how others responded to those responses that was the problem. :( *sigh* Never stop asking questions. That's part of the problem with this world, not enough people asking questions. You can not be responsible to how people answer. *hugs* I am sorry if I made you feel to blame MystyPines. I didn't mean to make anyone feel like I was pointing fingers at specific people. In fact I probably went out od bounds even saying anything!*hugs* Please don't stop posting. Please?

[MystyPines]

When I read Mol's thread "Everyone READ", didn't know it was my Christian Wiccan thread, and I kept running through all the threads trying to figure out where the problem was. Only found out when it was mentioned specifically above. And, for the record, I find "all paths" fascinating to learn about. I was raised Christian and now Wiccan, and maybe next week I will be Jehovah with a dash of Mormon, he he he. Bright Blessings All!

[Celtic_Angel]

Does this mean you will keep posting?! *big sad kitty eyes* :D

[Apotheosis]

Someones going to stop posting? Awww. Nuts.

Although I consume topics with the appetite of a voracious pidgeon, I don't mean to scare people off. I was just a little dismayed that some people took it so ... seriously.

I'm sorry.

[MystyPines]

.....in that case, Of course I will keep posting. :) I think I am running out of ideas, let's see I did the "Christian Wiccan", the "Hell, Satan, Sin" (which at a glance some people thought it said "Hail Satan," he he he), "coven/solitary," hmmm what about sex, that is always interesting, he he he. :)

[Celtic_Angel]

Yeah!!!!! *hugs* Sex? That is always interesting. :D Maybe something along the line of using sex in rituals? Just an idea. I have no idea if it's been done before or not.

[Kaylara]

Check in the old posts... I think that it has been talked about

Kaylara

[Tigerwallah]

Originally posted by MystyPines
When I read Mol's thread "Everyone READ", didn't know it was my Christian Wiccan thread, and I kept running through all the threads trying to figure out where the problem was. Only found out when it was mentioned specifically above. And, for the record, I find "all paths" fascinating to learn about. I was raised Christian and now Wiccan, and maybe next week I will be Jehovah with a dash of Mormon, he he he. Bright Blessings All!

Don't worry. I'm certain that the Christian Wiccan thread was not the only example of what Mol is talking about. It was just that what he asked us all not to do started to happen again on that thread. Personally, I look at everything analytically, and often don't notice this, even when doing it myself. My feelings are impossible to hurt, and I tend to think that, like me, if someone doesn't agree with my statements, they will tell me so. I, personally, have no problem apologizing for a statement made in error, and am happy to have learned something in the process.
I forget that I am the exception to the rule, and most people are not as thick skinned.

[Amethyst Rose]

Originally posted by Tigerwallah

Personally, I look at everything analytically, and often don't notice this, even when doing it myself. My feelings are impossible to hurt, and I tend to think that, like me, if someone doesn't agree with my statements, they will tell me so. I, personally, have no problem apologizing for a statement made in error, and am happy to have learned something in the process.
I forget that I am the exception to the rule, and most people are not as thick skinned.

Ditto. :D It's nice to know there's someone out there who thinks a bit like me....

[Tigerwallah]

Originally posted by Amethyst Rose


Ditto. :D It's nice to know there's someone out there who thinks a bit like me....
:D

[SeekerSandy]

MystyPines, I am so glad you decided to keep posting. As long as thinking people like Tigerwallah and Rose throw their two cents worth in and don't take anything personal, we exchange ideas and learn something new, even if we don't like it. Twig too.
Isn't this what the peaceful path is about?
As said some time ago, I may disagree with what you say, but I will fight to the death for your right to say it.
Right, Gunner?
Blessed Be....:heartthro

[bluecat]

I am glad you have decided to keep posting. It was a good thread, even though it brought out the best and worst in some of us, yours truly included.

Blue

[Tigerwallah]

Originally posted by SeekerSandy
MystyPines, I am so glad you decided to keep posting. As long as thinking people like Tigerwallah and Rose throw their two cents worth in and don't take anything personal, we exchange ideas and learn something new, even if we don't like it. Twig too.
Isn't this what the peaceful path is about?
As said some time ago, I may disagree with what you say, but I will fight to the death for your right to say it.
Right, Gunner?
Blessed Be....:heartthro

I think that was Voltaire. Words to live by!!! :sunny:

[gunner]

i think it was voltaire, whether it was or not it's still worth repeating. the problem was that people were letting tempers get in the way of ideas. hopefully that's behind us and we can come back to listening and learning from each other.

and yes mystypines, keep posting please

[Jesse]

Sorry to hear there has been bashings here, but I tend to get it from both the Wiccan and Christian communites, so I have learned to just ignore it and move on. What is right for me may not be right for someone else, but you dont have to tear apart what I believe to make yourself feel important, at least thats my point of view :) ok enough said LOL.

[MistOfTheSea86]

You all have made very Valid points in this here thread. And I am somewhat shamed to admit that I am one of those who misinterperets a bit. I am not going to lie... This is one of those flaws I have had my entire life... It spawns from being the youngest of 3 older brothers. You get nothing but words of ridicule, so now I take it sometimes as that. But as I steadily grow as a pagan, and a person. I learn to balance out what is good and what is bad. I just ask that you don't give up on me, I Will eventually get all my confidence back...:)