My Jesus Challenge

[awitch]

Let's just say some people take loving plants to a new low.

You'll be pleased to learn that's not characteristic Paganism.
Ew.

 

[AV1611VET]

You'll be pleased to learn that's not characteristic Paganism.
Ew.

Do you guys have bacchanalia parties?

(I assume that's depicted in awitch's avatar.)

 

[awitch]

Do you guys have bacchanalia parties?

If I had to bet, I'd say most Neopagans are solitary practitioners, but even when I was in a group, there wasn't more than half a glass of mead per participant and we all stayed fully clothed. After any celebratory ritual, we just ordered takeout.

(I assume that's depicted in awitch's avatar.)

That's Plucky Duck from Tiny Toon Adventures. He's a bit of an antihero so I thought it's cool to see him depicted as he likes to imagine himself.

 

[AV1611VET]

That's Plucky Duck from Tiny Toon Adventures. He's a bit of an antihero so I thought it's cool to see him depicted as he likes to imagine himself.

Sorry about that! My mistake!

 

[Zoness]

Whereas my avatar is basically a Wiccan pentacle (versus a pentagram which has it's fifth point oriented down) with the five "elements" filled in the spaces between it. Then it's just surrounded by a bunch of somewhat random but Western occult symbolism, such as Greek astrological systems, moon phases. The phrasing on the outermost wheel symbolizes the wheel of the year with the Sabbats and Esbats written around each phase of the circle.

 

[awitch]

Sorry about that! My mistake!

It's OK. His cartoon is almost 30 years old now and is probably the only franchise in the history of the Universe that hasn't gotten a reboot or new toy or other new collectible yet.

Not that I'm bitter about that

 

[AV1611VET]

Whereas my avatar is basically a Wiccan pentacle (versus a pentagram which has it's fifth point oriented down) with the five "elements" filled in the spaces between it. Then it's just surrounded by a bunch of somewhat random but Western occult symbolism, such as Greek astrological systems, moon phases. The phrasing on the outermost wheel symbolizes the wheel of the year with the Sabbats and Esbats written around each phase of the circle.

Thanks for the info. I was wondering about it?

Is that an oracle in the foreground?

 

[AV1611VET]

It's OK. His cartoon is almost 30 years old now and is probably the only franchise in the history of the Universe that hasn't gotten a reboot or new toy or other new collectible yet.

Not that I'm bitter about that

What is your take on Bob Larson?

(I know I'm asking a lot of personal questions, so if I go too far, just put me in my place; and I'll even leave the thread.)

 

[awitch]

What is your take on Bob Larson?

Personally I find the idea of demons and exorcisms comical.
Sounds like he's doing OK financially by exploiting Christianity for cash, though.

(I know I'm asking a lot of personal questions, so if I go too far, just put me in my place; and I'll even leave the thread.)

I don't mind at all. Happy to answer any I can.

 

[AV1611VET]

I don't mind at all. Happy to answer any I can.

That's it for now -- thanks!

 

[AV1611VET]

 

[the iconoclast]

Hi there, I am a Neopagan. What that means for me personally has evolved a lot over the last ten years and this year has been going through a big transformation.

Hey hey thanks for the reply.

What is this big transformation you speak of?

 

[Jane_the_Bane]

I would not mind practicing "skyclad", if I ever had the inclination to engage in some kind of ritual.
What better symbolism is there than to take of all the masks, the symbols of status, fashion, and lifestyle, and practice spirituality only as yourself? I also think it's a good antidote against the body negativity and the conflation of nudity and sexuality that plagues traditionally patriarchal cultures and the religions they produced.

Oh, and sexuality not only has its place in spirituality, I'd say it's got the potential to be the single most spiritual practice human beings are capable of.

 

[AV1611VET]

I would not mind practicing "skyclad", if I ever had the inclination to engage in some kind of ritual.
What better symbolism is there than to take of all the masks, the symbols of status, fashion, and lifestyle, and practice spirituality only as yourself?

All that's needed is a golden calf, eh?

 

[Jane_the_Bane]

All that's needed is a golden calf, eh?

One of the weirdest tales in the Bible. YHVH orders three thousand people killed because he doesn't like being portrayed as a calf. Like a father beating his kid for drawing him as a stick figure.

If you were hinting at the metaphorical usage that''s commonly used to condemn consumerism and greed: there is definitely more of that at play in traditional church goers donning their best clothes while attending services, so everyone can see their status and wealth.

 

[AV1611VET]

One of the weirdest tales in the Bible. YHVH orders three thousand people killed because he doesn't like being portrayed as a calf. Like a father beating his kid for drawing him as a stick figure.

If you were hinting at the metaphorical usage that''s commonly used to condemn consumerism and greed: there is definitely more of that at play in traditional church goers donning their best clothes while attending services, so everyone can see their status and wealth.

Or coloring their hair and taking a picture of themselves in a mirror; then wondering later why it's falling out?

 

[Zoness]

Thanks for the info. I was wondering about it?

Is that an oracle in the foreground?

Yes, in the sense of the symbols applied. Before even becoming a pagan, I've had a long fascination with the occult because of its threads throughout world religions. I enjoy symbolism and I enjoy the psychology of watching humans see patterns and connections, even (especially?) where none exist otherwise. It's a testament to personal creativity. I've always liked symbols.

Hey hey thanks for the reply.

What is this big transformation you speak of?

In the ten years that I have been a Neopagan I've went from a Christian-esque (per my upbringing) dualist view of the divine, to something akin to actual hard polytheism, to soft polytheism and now I am starting to recognize that my view of the divine might actually be drifting towards pantheism now. My idea of the divine is moving away from something decidedly less human in its imagery. I'm toying with Panpsychism as well, which meshes nicely with Pantheism.

In years of study and research I'm finding that Baruch Spinoza is one of the philosophical minds I really connect with. It's exciting to feel this invigorated.

Neopagans run all stripes of belief, some believe in many gods, one god, no gods, so even with my shifting view of the divine I still comfortably fall under the banner of Neopagan, which is a wide and welcoming banner.

 

[the iconoclast]

I've went from a Christian-esque (per my upbringing) dualist view of the divine

Hey hey and thanks for the reply.

Is christianity dualist?

something akin to actual hard polytheism, to soft polytheism and now I am starting to recognize that my view of the divine might actually be drifting towards pantheism now. My idea of the divine is moving away from something decidedly less human in its imagery. I'm toying with Panpsychism as well, which meshes nicely with Pantheism.

Do you think you will ever stay with one belief or will you keep searching?

What are you looking for?

Cheers

 

[the iconoclast]

If that happened

Hey hey ananda my dear


It has happened to me through the Holy Spirit. It was like an intuition.

Why shouldnt the communication be personal and done His way/or through what God deems the correct method?

Cheers

 

[the iconoclast]

One of the weirdest tales in the Bible. YHVH orders three thousand people killed because he doesn't like being portrayed as a calf. Like a father beating his kid for drawing him as a stick figure.

Hello jane.

What scripture do you quote here?

Cheers