Religion seems to be a hot topic with schools lately. While I don't advocate teaching religion in public schools, they weren't teaching, they only made the books available. They didn't press them on the students, according to the article. And in my opinion, the Pagan mom was in error when she brought in "spell books". If that is what she actually brought in, and it wasn't misconstrued by the media, then she should have re-thought her donations, and brought in beginner Wicca/Pagan books. I don't think spellcraft is for beginners, and besides, spell books are not religious texts. Wicca is a religion, spells don't have to be part of the religion. I don't know if this woman is Wicca, or just a witch, though, because the article just said she practiced witchcraft. Alternately, school libraries could just keep an assortment of religious reference books for students to have available to them. I'm of course talking about high shcools, not elementary. I think it's ok for students to have choices, as long as it doesn't interfere with their school work. But I know that's not the common thought among parents.
Again, just my thoughts.
—
Always take a moment to enjoy Nature's beauty - Lavender Silvercat
While I'm all for people standing up for and exercising their rights, my first reaction was to think of the black eye that the mother gave the Pagan/Wiccan/Witch community. My thinking hasn't changed much since then. If she is in fact Wiccan, did she harm none? No matter what you think of Christians, I'm quite sure the Gideons and quite a few parents aren't happy with the situation. And look at the bad press from a PR standpoint. "There goes those 'Satan Worshipers' again." Even if we shouldn't worship at the altar of other religions, shouldn't we at least respect them? IMO, let them do what they may.
Having developed a rather low opinion of the press over the years, I'm fairly confident that they wouldn't hesitate to call something like Harry Potter books 'spell books.' That said, Wicca isn't a proselytizing religion. Again, assuming that she is Wiccan, and that word is used further down the article, delivering books to a school to be handed out seems a bit much.
Now if I'm off base on some of the things I said, please let me know! I'm still in the shallow end of the Pagan/Wiccan pool...
Thanks again!
Vino Rojo
—
"When a true genius appears, you can know him by this sign: that all the dunces are in a confederacy against him." -- Jonathan Swift
Ok... here we go. First, I think the pagan mom over reacted. Just who had rights being infringed? Now, there are some pdf documents that can be downloaded and printed, the Correllian Tradition has some really good ones, but to foist them upon others in the name of "equal rights?" There seems to be some personal agenda here (like hating Christendom.) It's a good thing we don't proselytize, because things like this sure wouldn't help the cause.
I also think that this incident could've/should've been used as a lesson of sorts. I've got grandchildren (being raised by pagan parents) who are not only allowed, but also encouraged to attend church and Sunday school with their friends and school chums. It gives them the opportunity to ask questions about both sides. The fact that the other kids' parents won't let them participate in our ceremonies only adds to educational opportunity.
Good points! In trying to find out just what the 'spell books' were, I ended up on the mother's Facebook page. I'm not going to paste a link to it, but it is an open page that anyone can find and read if they are interested. She states that they are 'Appalachian Witches' and not Wiccans, and the (paraphrased) 'spell books' weren't anything of the kind. I never did find out exactly what the books were, but she is the 'key contact' and 'Leading Priestesses' of the Appalachian Pagan Alliance and they have a page on Witchvox. From Witchvox: 'We Are a politically active, vocal, loud, and proud group, who work to promote the awareness and acceptance of Paganism as the ancient and honorable religion that it indeed is and has been for over a million years." To each their own, I guess!
Vino Rojo
—
"When a true genius appears, you can know him by this sign: that all the dunces are in a confederacy against him." -- Jonathan Swift
i watched the link... they didn't realy allow her to say much at all did they?
I dont think she overreacted at all, i feel she bought to light something that needed to be put there.
she, like the bible bringers bought her books to the office and was refused. simply its unfiar and she demonstrated it
very well. of course the media is going to make fun of and or fear what is not mainstream,or known to them in this case paganism or witchcraft etc..end result = snigger at the weirdo. i take my hat off to her even if she is one, for making people stop and think about what is right in todays modern lifestyle and schools.
many kids today attend many schools over their school years due to parents moving for work or other reasons.
we no longer belong to the little house on prarie days where a small group of local families pretty much believe the same thing and educate a small group of locals. kids have the right to choice yet many families and religions dont see it that way for their own children. I feel strongly the governments need to take a step back from their efforts of control and enforcement and realise they cant win here, they have to admit that religion, spiritual teachings and choice are for the home and family and individual and not for government institution.
My thoughts: Religion seems
My thoughts:
Religion seems to be a hot topic with schools lately. While I don't advocate teaching religion in public schools, they weren't teaching, they only made the books available. They didn't press them on the students, according to the article. And in my opinion, the Pagan mom was in error when she brought in "spell books". If that is what she actually brought in, and it wasn't misconstrued by the media, then she should have re-thought her donations, and brought in beginner Wicca/Pagan books. I don't think spellcraft is for beginners, and besides, spell books are not religious texts. Wicca is a religion, spells don't have to be part of the religion. I don't know if this woman is Wicca, or just a witch, though, because the article just said she practiced witchcraft. Alternately, school libraries could just keep an assortment of religious reference books for students to have available to them. I'm of course talking about high shcools, not elementary. I think it's ok for students to have choices, as long as it doesn't interfere with their school work. But I know that's not the common thought among parents.
Again, just my thoughts.
agree
Merry meet Catmom,
Very well said. I agree 100%. Just hope that the news article was slanted as usual.
BB
Jamie
Thanks for the well thought
Thanks for the well thought out response, Catmom!
While I'm all for people standing up for and exercising their rights, my first reaction was to think of the black eye that the mother gave the Pagan/Wiccan/Witch community. My thinking hasn't changed much since then. If she is in fact Wiccan, did she harm none? No matter what you think of Christians, I'm quite sure the Gideons and quite a few parents aren't happy with the situation. And look at the bad press from a PR standpoint. "There goes those 'Satan Worshipers' again." Even if we shouldn't worship at the altar of other religions, shouldn't we at least respect them? IMO, let them do what they may.
Having developed a rather low opinion of the press over the years, I'm fairly confident that they wouldn't hesitate to call something like Harry Potter books 'spell books.' That said, Wicca isn't a proselytizing religion. Again, assuming that she is Wiccan, and that word is used further down the article, delivering books to a school to be handed out seems a bit much.
Now if I'm off base on some of the things I said, please let me know! I'm still in the shallow end of the Pagan/Wiccan pool...
Thanks again!
Vino Rojo
Ok... here we go. First, I
Ok... here we go. First, I think the pagan mom over reacted. Just who had rights being infringed? Now, there are some pdf documents that can be downloaded and printed, the Correllian Tradition has some really good ones, but to foist them upon others in the name of "equal rights?" There seems to be some personal agenda here (like hating Christendom.) It's a good thing we don't proselytize, because things like this sure wouldn't help the cause.
I also think that this incident could've/should've been used as a lesson of sorts. I've got grandchildren (being raised by pagan parents) who are not only allowed, but also encouraged to attend church and Sunday school with their friends and school chums. It gives them the opportunity to ask questions about both sides. The fact that the other kids' parents won't let them participate in our ceremonies only adds to educational opportunity.
/|\
Good points! In trying to
Good points! In trying to find out just what the 'spell books' were, I ended up on the mother's Facebook page. I'm not going to paste a link to it, but it is an open page that anyone can find and read if they are interested. She states that they are 'Appalachian Witches' and not Wiccans, and the (paraphrased) 'spell books' weren't anything of the kind. I never did find out exactly what the books were, but she is the 'key contact' and 'Leading Priestesses' of the Appalachian Pagan Alliance and they have a page on Witchvox. From Witchvox: 'We Are a politically active, vocal, loud, and proud group, who work to promote the awareness and acceptance of Paganism as the ancient and honorable religion that it indeed is and has been for over a million years." To each their own, I guess!
Vino Rojo
I was reading this morning
I was reading this morning that she has now received a death threat.
/|\
Goodness!
Oh dear! That's taking it too far!
From someone who has also received a death threat for my faith, I have empathy.
Smiles, Amethyst
With smiles and blessings,
Amethyst
Oak and Mistletoe Founder, Elder and Chair
i watched the link... they
i watched the link... they didn't realy allow her to say much at all did they?
I dont think she overreacted at all, i feel she bought to light something that needed to be put there.
she, like the bible bringers bought her books to the office and was refused. simply its unfiar and she demonstrated it
very well. of course the media is going to make fun of and or fear what is not mainstream,or known to them in this case paganism or witchcraft etc..end result = snigger at the weirdo. i take my hat off to her even if she is one, for making people stop and think about what is right in todays modern lifestyle and schools.
many kids today attend many schools over their school years due to parents moving for work or other reasons.
we no longer belong to the little house on prarie days where a small group of local families pretty much believe the same thing and educate a small group of locals. kids have the right to choice yet many families and religions dont see it that way for their own children. I feel strongly the governments need to take a step back from their efforts of control and enforcement and realise they cant win here, they have to admit that religion, spiritual teachings and choice are for the home and family and individual and not for government institution.
Here's a link to new events
Here's a link to new events on this subject.
http://thepaganmomblog.com/2012/02/02/fear-anger-takes-control/
/|\
I'm happy that the comments
I'm happy that the comments are a broad range of opinions and critical thinking has been employed.
I think this is the wrong fight to be honest. Gideons are hardly the evil overlords.