Religion

The reason the topic of religion is a social taboo is because it is all bullshit.

If you're warm and happy in a pile of bullshit, then great for you.

But, as soon as you start talking about how great and warm and comfortable your pile of bullshit is, then expect others are going to point out that it is still just a pile of bullshit (and most will try to convince you that their pile of bullshit is way more warm and comfortable than your pile of bullshit).

It all comes down to placebo effect and confirmation bias. You will feel exactly whatever it is you expect to feel, and any little hint of evidence for your belief will override the mountains of evidence against your belief.

Yes we are all judgmental bastages. I always enjoyed the phrase "you can't judge me '. Well duh! I just did!
Especially fun to point out when the job involves handcuffs.

SLOtowner I apologize! I do. I thank you for the new name (Lizard) however. I'll put it right up there with the rest of my names given to me on this site. Dang man! I really didn't mean to hurt your itty bitty feelings. I just wanted you to know that what rabbit/scamp stated was correct, that's all. Here, take my handkerchief. Oops! Must have lost it; here, take my shorts instead. There There, feeling better?

Once in a while I agree with something Andrew says.

Everyone is judgemental. We just tend to only call people "judgmental" when they make a judgement we don't like hearing.

Oh, Oh!! Lizard! ... Another stale, self-professed expert wafting through, like a foul breeze......smarmying up to little scampi, and its expert Googler.

GO BACK AND READ THE EXCHANGE.

SLOtowner. As a study of religions, ancient religions, cults, geology, topographic and ancient histories of various peoples, I have to tell you that rabbit and scamp are correct and have their facts in one basket. Believe them.

AndrewRobin Aww rightly! Preach on, Preach on. Straight down the alley, right between the eyes!

"Or are we judged for our beliefs by others?"

Everything you say, do, believe, etc. etc. is judged by others.

Everyone judges everything and everyone. It's ridiculous for anyone to say they are non-judgemental because people wouldn't survive an average day without using their JUDGEMENT over and over again in ways large and small.

"I think swingers are sinning and destined for hell." That's a judgement.

"I think ethical non-monogamy is a perfectly acceptable thing for adults to engage in." THAT'S ALSO A JUDGEMENT.

"I like Pepsi better than Coke." Judgement.

"Maybe I should wait for the traffic to pass before I cross the street." Judgement

"Christians are idiots and religion is bullshit." Judgement

"Democrats are wrong and will wreck the country." Judgement

"Republicans are wrong and will wreck the country." Judgement

'Gay people are disgusting." Judgement

"It should be illegal to discriminate against gay people." Judgement

Everything is a fucking judgement and there's no such thing as a non-judgemental person. The only difference between people is the criteria a given individual uses to make their judgements.

Rabbit,
I did not and do not claim to be an expert, but obviously you either are an expert, perhaps even a practicing witch, or you've browsed the Web to prepare yourself with information for your reply; I don't care either way, really. So, I will assume you do know more about these religions, at the very least academically, than I do, so let's leave it at that. Good.

I do associate with two who are white witches and have witnessed some of their efforts and results. Quite convincing, really. While I don't routinely involve myself with their craft, I find it fascinating.

SLO, if you are going to act like an expert then you should know at least a little bit about the subject.

Pagan religions that are based in Europe and parts of Asia don’t have Christianity woven into them. Quite the opposite. They are far older than Christianity and Christianity wove pagan practices into their more modern religion as a way to get pagans to convert and feel comfortable.

The only pagan religions that actually wove Christianity into them selves is Vodou, Santeria, Palo, Ifa and the like, as a means of hiding their practices from their slave masters and to add power.

In most of these religions the religious and magic elements are mostly separate. For example; the Vodou religion and ceremonies have no connection with Vodou (or Voodoo) rootwork and conjuring.

~rabbit~

I cconsider "Wicca," Pagans an witches to follow a religion. Often, elements of Christianity are woven into these religions. Like Santaria.

I really don't want to get into a religious debate. However, I see followers of all these "fringe groups," to have a great deal in common (at least conceptually) with the large organized religions.

Gee, Virginia Beach, why are you even reading this? Your reply sounds like a general criticism of religion. So, what I see as smug, "progressive" (make that Left wing, socialist/communism), condimnation of religion, in MY view, ain't welcome. Save it.

Are you asking about religion, or about wicca??

You can believe in whatever religious ballyhoo you wish. Maybe some will be interested.

Thank you Daryl Van Horne, your expertise on the subject is enlightening.

How do Athiest fit in with the subjects?

Don't ask non-believers to comment on wiccans And pagans and witchcraft. Most are clueless about it and certainly aren't familiar with casting and how effective spells can be and how quickly they can work. They've never seen a wind come up quickly and wildlife show up, leading the way to..... they wouldn't believe it anyway.

My second wife was wiccan, and the only marriage of the 3 that was a monogamous relationship.

Yes, we are touching on a taboo subject. But pagans/Wiccans are good purveyors of sex magic and not all but most are polyamorous or open.
We started a pagan/Wiccan group on SLS but how many actually understand what kind of magic sex magic is? Or are we judged for our beliefs by others?