That mix of joy, vigilance, and receipts feels exactly right for this moment. Celebrating progress without pretending the work is done is the kind of grown-up optimism we don’t see enough of. Also, the dad joke absolutely stuck the landing.
Qasim, have you seen this? THE DREY DOSSIER: "Trump isn't Building a Ballroom" Dec. 15. Now who would profit from having a massive data center under the White House? One that they had a backdoor to?
I want to thank you for your covering Mayor Mamdani's inauguration. I also want to thank you having a link to a free version of the Qur'an. Since I have been watching and listening to Wajahat Ali, I have wanted to explore the Qur'an. With the free version I downloaded, I can now study it and learn more about its contents and how it connects to my view of the world. I am neither Christian, Jewish, or atheist. I am pagan by a long family tradition. Thank you again for this chance to learn more about your Faith.
This reminds me of something I wondered. What do non-religious people swear upon? Or perhaps in your case Linda, is there any book that is meaningful to you that you would use?
I can only speak for myself about my Faith. I hesitate to call it a religion as being Pagan means something different to many people. Traditionally Paganism was any person who worshiped any religion other than Christianity, Judaism, or Muslim. Paganism is almost aways Earth Based rituals. It has been condemned as witchcraft, demon/devil worship, barbarians, and so many other untrue and unflattering terms. Many Native Nations around the world worship the Mother Earth and her fruitfulness and most of our rituals revolve around the seasons.
I am a solo practitioner, which means I do not belong to a 'coven' or other group of worshipers. I believe in a Goddess. I do not name My Goddess as for me that would be disrespectful to Her. She is the Mother of All Things and the Barer of All Creatures. She is my Protector, my Guide/Mentor, my reason for being in this place at this time. She sits just above but at the side of Her Consort. He is the Father of All Things and Creatures. I celebrate the Spring Equinox, the Summer Solstice, the Autunm Equinox, and the Winter Solstice. I celebrate a version of Hallow'en or All Hallows Eve. This is the time when the veil between this plane and the 'next realm' is weakest. This makes it easiest to bring forth 'spirits' and commune with them. Also, many Earth Based religions are based on the sanctity of Women and their ability to bring forth life. This is condemned by most 'Patriarchal' religions as they raise man above women and consider women as property and not worthy of notice. In ancient times it was the Women of the tribe/clan/family who were the healers and wise people.
I have ridden my Faith most of my life because of the bigotry and persecution that has followed paganism from ancient times. I will swear on any Holy Book in public but in my mind, I swear to My Goddess. I am not sure if I answered your question, but it is the best I can come up with for you.
Thank you! I view myself as agnostic because I don't know if there is a God(dess) or not. But I am willing to state that there might be (therefore not an atheist). Many years in another location, I had some friends that also shared similar to your beliefs. I attended an autumnal solstice celebration with them and had a great time. I have difficulty with the misogyny of some religions so I guess I would be closer to your beliefs. But I also have never understood the 'need' to identify 'higher powers' as sexual. I guess my main belief are that humans are not any 'higher' than any other form of life. So being vegan and partial to animal rights groups is more my identification. If I were 'forced' to choose a religion, it would be much like yours I think. Thank you all your information in your reply. I do not know what I would do if I were a political figure and had to swear in on something (which is why I asked). Perhaps I would choose one of Peter Singer's books (but I think also differ somewhat with his ideas too).
I asked my sisters what they would do if asked to swear an oath (as in a court of law), they said they would just say 'I swear to tell the truth as I know it to the best of my ability'. They would not put their hand on any book or other written material. I hope this helps you.
I am afraid of what was done by my country in Venezuela. Do Americans even understand what this action can lead to. This is Hitler invading Poland. This is Putin invading Ukraine. All hell will break loose. People WILL die, assassination or attack. trump has proven he will use whatever is necessary and every country knows for a fact he IS a despotic dictator who will do what he pleases.
That mix of joy, vigilance, and receipts feels exactly right for this moment. Celebrating progress without pretending the work is done is the kind of grown-up optimism we don’t see enough of. Also, the dad joke absolutely stuck the landing.
Qasim, have you seen this? THE DREY DOSSIER: "Trump isn't Building a Ballroom" Dec. 15. Now who would profit from having a massive data center under the White House? One that they had a backdoor to?
Have not seen it but will check out.
I want to thank you for your covering Mayor Mamdani's inauguration. I also want to thank you having a link to a free version of the Qur'an. Since I have been watching and listening to Wajahat Ali, I have wanted to explore the Qur'an. With the free version I downloaded, I can now study it and learn more about its contents and how it connects to my view of the world. I am neither Christian, Jewish, or atheist. I am pagan by a long family tradition. Thank you again for this chance to learn more about your Faith.
You're most welcome, Linda! I hope you find it an enlightening read.
This reminds me of something I wondered. What do non-religious people swear upon? Or perhaps in your case Linda, is there any book that is meaningful to you that you would use?
A strong contender is "Ethics: Including the Improvement of the Understanding," by Benedict de Spinoza.
I've never read Spinoza. Thanks for the suggestion.
Spinoza's essays address foundation of Faith in civil society.
I can only speak for myself about my Faith. I hesitate to call it a religion as being Pagan means something different to many people. Traditionally Paganism was any person who worshiped any religion other than Christianity, Judaism, or Muslim. Paganism is almost aways Earth Based rituals. It has been condemned as witchcraft, demon/devil worship, barbarians, and so many other untrue and unflattering terms. Many Native Nations around the world worship the Mother Earth and her fruitfulness and most of our rituals revolve around the seasons.
I am a solo practitioner, which means I do not belong to a 'coven' or other group of worshipers. I believe in a Goddess. I do not name My Goddess as for me that would be disrespectful to Her. She is the Mother of All Things and the Barer of All Creatures. She is my Protector, my Guide/Mentor, my reason for being in this place at this time. She sits just above but at the side of Her Consort. He is the Father of All Things and Creatures. I celebrate the Spring Equinox, the Summer Solstice, the Autunm Equinox, and the Winter Solstice. I celebrate a version of Hallow'en or All Hallows Eve. This is the time when the veil between this plane and the 'next realm' is weakest. This makes it easiest to bring forth 'spirits' and commune with them. Also, many Earth Based religions are based on the sanctity of Women and their ability to bring forth life. This is condemned by most 'Patriarchal' religions as they raise man above women and consider women as property and not worthy of notice. In ancient times it was the Women of the tribe/clan/family who were the healers and wise people.
I have ridden my Faith most of my life because of the bigotry and persecution that has followed paganism from ancient times. I will swear on any Holy Book in public but in my mind, I swear to My Goddess. I am not sure if I answered your question, but it is the best I can come up with for you.
Thank you! I view myself as agnostic because I don't know if there is a God(dess) or not. But I am willing to state that there might be (therefore not an atheist). Many years in another location, I had some friends that also shared similar to your beliefs. I attended an autumnal solstice celebration with them and had a great time. I have difficulty with the misogyny of some religions so I guess I would be closer to your beliefs. But I also have never understood the 'need' to identify 'higher powers' as sexual. I guess my main belief are that humans are not any 'higher' than any other form of life. So being vegan and partial to animal rights groups is more my identification. If I were 'forced' to choose a religion, it would be much like yours I think. Thank you all your information in your reply. I do not know what I would do if I were a political figure and had to swear in on something (which is why I asked). Perhaps I would choose one of Peter Singer's books (but I think also differ somewhat with his ideas too).
I asked my sisters what they would do if asked to swear an oath (as in a court of law), they said they would just say 'I swear to tell the truth as I know it to the best of my ability'. They would not put their hand on any book or other written material. I hope this helps you.
I really like this idea. It would be totally true and not have to be based on anything else.
At least I can laugh at the Dad Joke today.
I am afraid of what was done by my country in Venezuela. Do Americans even understand what this action can lead to. This is Hitler invading Poland. This is Putin invading Ukraine. All hell will break loose. People WILL die, assassination or attack. trump has proven he will use whatever is necessary and every country knows for a fact he IS a despotic dictator who will do what he pleases.
Add the bombing of Nigeria and Iran and a pattern is forming.
I saw your interview yesterday with Waj .... excellent and thank you!
Thanks Aneesah!
Thank you!