T

I was accused of doing what I claim to Hate, a Dbl Standard. How come I didn't "rag" on Wicca like I did Mormonism and Scientology, since all three are modern religions(actually, the direct quote was, "made-up religions"). Thing is, it's not the "made-up" part(though that is why I left Wicca in the early 80's when it was even obvious to those of us in "The Sticks" that "The Old Religion" wasn't as old as some of my furniture...). It's the manipulating of those outside their religion(though some Wiccans try, but the poor dears just aren't mean-spirited enough;>)and sanctimoniousness. I've know folks who are honestly using Tolkein's 'Sillmarillion' as a Holy Book. Personally, I'd rather deal with them than a "Big C" Christian. They're more Honorable....
It's not that a beleif-system is new(and for a Heathen new means under a millenium) or that it's material has no basis in "Consensual Reality", it's when those religions force their made-up crap on us and get Pissed when "called" on it. The Mormons or Scientologists can quote their materials to discriminate against me but if I point out the Truth that theirs has no basis in History...I'm the Villian.
I'll take Tlingon, Quenya/Sidarin/Elvar, Darkovan, etc Wicca any day over the Polyesters or the Soupcan Brigade....
Cheers,
PAt