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 Posted: Fri May 30, 2014 10:55 pm
Mention you're a witch to some people and they will automatically think you're a Satanist. I find this frustrating but not offensive, though some Satanists may find it offensive that someone would think a solitary eclectic such as myself would be synonymous with their religion.
I realize that Satanism itself has a few different meanings.
1. Psychotic, gothic, evil person who likes to hurt others and possibly themselves.
2. A person who worships the literal Lucifer.
3. A person who follows the idea of what Lucifer stands for in a modern society.
Sure, there are more but these seem to be the main three. Now, most don't think of the third one sadly enough. I have yet to meet a member of this religion; however, my research has led me to believe that most of them are just like any other human being. They have families, jobs, problems, goals, etc. They don't kill people or anything like that. If I were to be confused with them I'd be just that, confused. How would anyone even know?
Number 2 is a common one. Now, personally, I don't believe in the concept of Lucifer as the devil, evil incarnate, ruler of all that is bad, bringer of temptations, Lord of Hell. I acknowledge him as a spiritual being that may be based off of the mythos of older religions or even as his own spiritual being (possibly that of rebellion or even striving for perfection, I still have a lot of research to do for him). Still, I'm sure there are those who do. Since I do not, I think that his followers might be offended. I don't acknowledge his existence in the way they do. I certainty don't believe magic comes from him, I've made no ill deal with him. I haven't sold my soul. That's just strange.
The first one usual is accompanied by the phrase "black" or "dark" magic and stirs up images of pentagrams made of blood and cults with sacrifices. I try correcting these misconceptions. Magic is a tool like a hammer, it can do good things like build a house or it can do bad things and kill someone. The intent is in the person not the tool. It seems like a most of this type of person is an outcast kid or someone with a mental illness, maybe someone who thinks it seems cool or is going for a creep factor. I'm definitely not one of them.
Calling me a Satanist doe not offend me. I try to figure out what form of Satanist people are talking about so that I can better inform them of what I am in the context of what they think. I also like to care of the misconceptions. People fear what they do not know. Personally, if I'm going to be afraid of something, I'd rather it be because I know exactly what it is, what it can do, how powerful it is, etc. not because I couldn't be bothered to find out facts.
Has anyone else been confused for a Satanist or any other religion?
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Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 1:09 pm
I honestly don't talk religion with anyone IRL.
Never ends well. If you're not part of the main Abrahamic triad, most people tend to label you a weirdo. Or a psycho. Or both.
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Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 6:48 pm
It's really sad that it happens. sad I mean, I generally like people and discussions...I just don't like arguments, especially when it comes to the "right or wrong" ones
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Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2014 1:47 am
I tend to have a really odd cases. I love the to discuss topics that should be "banned." Religion is one of my favorites. I was on a spiritual journey in school, so I became a nomad. I would go to Baptist, Catholic, Episcopal, some Mormon (I couldn't stop laughing, but hey I tried to understand it), There have been several times I would strike up conversations with random strangers, or even regular customers coming in for coffee. And somehow get to the "so what religion are you?" point. I hold my breathe I know what's going to come. I answer. "I'm Pagan."
"I'm...sorry?"
"I follow Osir. (Osiris) My good Shepard."
Here is where it gets fun...
Answers: "I'll pray for you", "So... I won't see you in Heaven then", "You serious? What's pagan is that like Satan worshiping?"
It had gotten so bad, I felt like I was the only one out here. But then there was that one person I'll never forget.
"To know you're own beliefs, you have to learn others to defend and to question. Question not to criticize, but to understand. I know of Christianity, but also know the acknowledgement of others. I'm here on a mission and you have yours as well, it seems."
We met on a grey hound bus, and talked all night. He turned out to be a Baptist preacher, traveling to see his son.
90% of the time, you will have those close minded jerk faces that don't understand and don't want to, 9% smile nod, and walk away slowly and call you a psycho. but if you don't openly discuss it you'll never find that 1% that is just awesome.
(Results May Vary)
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