Discrimination knows only imaginary boundaries!
All forms of discrimination, whether anyone wants to believe so or not, run rampant in the Mid-south. Any time there is a law passed to prevent this ugliness in any of its forms, there was first a reason for that law to be created. The recent anti-discrimination ordinance is just one such example. So, a question of those with an interest begs to be asked and answered: What effect has this had on our religious diversity?
Discrimination has long been a reason for people to change religious practices. From the known split of Christianity from Judaism to the Reformation to the founding of COGIC and Dianic Wicca, people have long sought the freedom to believe as they choose about whom they choose. Most religions that fall under the blanket term of "New Age" would not have become so fashionable so quickly if not for the Feminist movement, for example. If no one who practices witchcraft was tired of being called a "devil-worshiper", "voodoo practicer" (no offense meant to those who do study either of these), "freak", "weirdo", etc., most especially in this grand southern reach of the country where you cannot throw a rock without breaking out some flavor of Christian church's window, then churches like the Southern Delta Church of Wicca and Summerland Grove would probably have never had the impetus they needed to fight for a charter.
Most of the New Age religions share one major message that is actively practices rather than just preached: acceptance of all. Granted, there are always people in any group who will ruin this image by simply being judgmental people but on the whole, that is one of the biggest appeals to joining a religion that didn't start out with excluding any particular group.
Discrimination is a child of ignorance and hate. Religious diversity is created by those who choose to take a stand against hate and educate ignorance. If nothing else, we can thank those who continue to breed these horrid standards for pushing more people to strive against them. If not for them, our diversity could not exist. There can be no appreciation of light with no darkness for it to eliminate.
Comments
Wicca is evil and sin according to the Bible. This article is asking Christians to accept evil. That is not tolerance but sin. It is obvious the author of this Blog has not read the bible nor studied the words of Jesus Christ. In John 3:18 it clearly says wiccans are condemned but in Jesus Christ they are saved. Please read the Bible before posting these blogs and thus embarrassing yourself in front of millions. - Shockawenow.com
As a matter of fact, I went to Macon Road Baptist School for 6 years, Leaclair Baptist Church for 5, was the head of my church's youth council and was the first of that council to serve a 2-year term. I had every intention of becoming a missionary until further study when I realized that there were questions I had that there were no biblical answers for or at least no answers that I as an educated individual could accept. I have done extensive research on MANY different beliefs, including the christian bible. Snap judgments only embarrass the person who makes them.
Wicca is a relatively new religion and neither it or Wiccans are mentioned in the Bible, FWIW.
Please forgive me if this reads as if I am being sarcastic. Thank you very much for rescuing me from having to be the one to point that out and further embarrass this foolish person. I am quite grateful to you.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!