Official Pagan Thread!

[ebwy]

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they took away the ritual weapons the iron age celts used in their worship...
I don't like the romans!

The Romans were a mixture of good and bad practices. I am not going to say that I either dislike or like them. The Romans could be very violent and cruel toward those who stood against them. For the most part, when it came to religion, they were willing to live and let live. Many foreign pantheons were worshiped openly in Rome by Romans. No one blinked an eye at that. They didn't proselytize and they didn't consider anyone an apostate for following a different religion.

I am not doubting that they didn't take the ritual tools of the Celts but that was probably based on political reasons more then religious ones. That doesn't make it a good action of course.

The Romans destroyed the Jewish Temple also but that occured after a Jewish revolt.

it was political. But I dislike against any nation who thinks empire building is good...
probably because I'm from a subject nation. (I'm Welsh)

 

[feathersnuggles]

Any group of people subjected to cultural extinction carries pain from that loss for generations. I am sorry it happened to the ancient peoples of Wales. (I'm a mixed up mutt, with a large percent Scottish)

The book is primarily focused on how the religious themes of monotheism and polytheism arose in antiquity, and how they interacted and, alternately gathered and lost strength during that crucial Imperial Roman era during which, eventually, monotheism conquered polytheism. But it didn't happen in a cut-and-dry way. The author tells how the Romans added the conquered peoples' gods to the growing numbers of gods in their Pantheon, and paid their respects to them. Rome had much more tolerance and love for the foreign gods than for the foreign peoples. The conquered gods could be bribed with Roman prayers, homage, and adoration to work on behalf of the Empire, while the conquered peoples were harder to convince and control. Which is probably why the Celts lost religious weapons but their holy days were adopted and embraced.

 

[ebwy]

we still have our language and culture, it's just diluted a bit.

 

[deb1]

The book is fascinating and you don't have to like the Romans to read it.

The author is very honest about the fact that Romans could be very cruel.

feathersnuggle gave a pretty good synopsis of the book.

 

[farmerlor]

I'm going in for yet another surgery (doctor thinks this will finally correct the problems I've had since the FIRST surgery back in December) on Monday. Actually, my daughter is scheduled for that morning too. So if y'all could send up a little energy our way I'd sure appreciate it.
Thanks so much

 

[feathersnuggles]

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I'm thinking of you, Lor, and am sending positive & healing thoughts to you and your daughter.

 

[CoopCrazy]

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Great Goddess and Gracious God, I call upon you to touch Lori and her daughter as they each go into surgery.. Steady the Doctors hands and keep their minds on the task at hand ohh blessed ones , I ask that you surround Lori and her daughter in your Holy light.. Great Archangel Micheal Protector of the sick, Gaurdian of the health of others, envelope Lori and her daughter in your wings and carry them safely through the trial that is before them.. Great Ones of old and by the many names we call upon thee, we cast a circle of strentgh and healing around Lori and her daughter, be with them Gracious Ones and show them your mighty power..
With Harm To None and With Free Will to All, Amen and Blessed Be...

 

[farmerlor]

Thank you so much! I woke up this morning with almost no pain for the first time since December 20th thanks to your loving thoughts. I know this bodes well for the surgery.

 

[deb1]

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That is wonderful!

 

[Ladyhawke1]

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Godfrey">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaine_Pagels



Godfrey of Ibelin:

” Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. That is your oath.” – Kingdom Of Heaven –(2005)