I’m sad to see people withdrawing because of religious discussion/an energy they feel they are bringing/inviting here.
I’ve always loved this thread for many reasons- one being it’s supportive open energy where differing views and experiences are valued and honoured without the argumentative/hectoring/‘I’m right and you’re wrong’ kind of vibe that is present elsewhere on MN.
We’re a mixed bunch of witches with different belief systems. I’ve loved it that this was a place of respect and support for these differences. I think there’s a lot of learning to be done when listening to each other’s ideas and views and supporting each other through challenges without judgement.
Reflecting on this, I think that the culture of communication we’ve created here has been very respectful. We’ve encouraged each other to share, haven’t invalidated another’s experience or made judgements on an individual. I think this communication style is one of our key magic ingredients here. It would be a shame to lose that. And I think if people are feeling the need to bow out of the thread for a while then we need to check that. Like many others here I really value this space and feel protective of it.
Christianity, with it’s various denominations and approaches will come up from time to time when we’re talking about our own belief systems and practices. For some of us it’s more than an ideological debate, it’s something that impacts on our day to day lives and the way we choose to live them. I agree, not all Christians are closed minded or scathing of pagans/witchcraft (I personally haven’t met any but I’m willing to accept they exist). However, Christianity as an institution and the dominant religion in the uk has historically (and IMO still does) oppressed women (and therefore belief systems/practices that focus on women’s empowerment) and labelled non Christian belief systems/practices anywhere on a scale from deluded to dangerous.
I think that if we’re going to support each other in our spiritual/magical/witchy journeys then we need to be able to share our experiences of that here without feeling we shouldn’t be bringing it to the discussion. My guess is that Christians who are accepting and inclusive of other’s beliefs/practices would have some empathy for those of us who have felt the impact of more dogmatic christianity in our lives. Those who haven’t, I would presume would have no interest in taking part here (unless to prove us all wrong, in which case there’s only so far that conversation can go)
IMO, Christianity as an institution has the power (being the dominant ideology) to oppress those who are part of minority groups. I feel that us witches, whatever our belief systems, fit in the later category.
I think another reason for the success of this thread (and the previous 3) is that it provides what feels like a safe haven of acceptance. I hope we can keep it that way. It’s a rare and beautiful thing we’ve created here, I’m willing to check myself with view to ensuring I’m not making anyone feel like what they’re bringing here is wrong If I strongly disagree with another’s viewpoint (unless I think it’s harmful) then I’ll bow out of that particular discussion for the greater goal of practicing respect and honouring another’s experience as valid. To me, this feels important to protect our precious space here. I’m very grateful to speakout for stepping into the unknown to create it for us and to everyone who contributes their time, knowledge and support of others to make it the magical place it is.
As usual, I’m rambling! Hope what I’m trying to say makes sense.
Hope to see both speakout and Hills here again soon 