Randy Cassingham's Blog

Many of these people becoming Witches have done so after leaving Christianity. Why? Because people like the Monsignor drive them away. The act of "hating in Jesus' name" is the foremost reason why Paganism gains a million or so converts every year. I myself believe that most Christians love their neighbors and don't mind us Pagans being around, but I wish those good Christians would be a bit more vocal in denouncing the hypocrites among them.

If your readers are suggesting you are anti-Christian, then I suggest you follow the bible and support the creationists in all their wisdom. Be more Christian than they are by not picking and choosing what verses of the bible to accept as truth, but demand total following of the Word. That includes teaching the earth is flat, the sky is a dome held up by 4 pillars at the 4 corners of the earth, life begins at first breath not conception, women are lesser creatures than men and that children under a year old are not worth anything.

Kind of destroys the old "women and children first" philosophy in a rescue. There are many more "facts" in the bible but these ought to get the bible thumpers stammering.

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Yeah, I did a similar exercise in this section of my "anti-Christian" rant in response to such silliness. It was a lot of fun. -rc

I'm also proud to be a "godless goon"!

Here I am, driving on a highway with a 60 mph speed limit. (What does this have to do with the article? Read on...) Now, the speed limit is 60 but I'm doing 70. And I've got traffic passing ME! What do I do? Complain how this lawlessness has GOT to stop? (Notice I'm also speeding, just not as 'bad' as the others.) Why should I get upset that they might be getting away with something? The cops will issue tickets to them before me because they'll hit the speed traps faster.

I think that's why some vocal church groups are so upset about the actions of others. It deflects attention from their OWN deficiencies.

Let me get this straight. Peter Elliot gets upset over what he sees as a "mishmash of superstition and fraud" while he adheres to a religion based on human sacrifice and ritualized cannibalism that's stolen it's most coveted holy days from, by Pete's own admission, a cult based on a "mishmash of superstition and fraud"?

Is there a doctor in the house? This man is suffering from a severe case of intellectual vertigo.

The Monsignor is WAY out of line in calling the pot black, as he has apprenticed himself to a cult of the worst kind and one with one of the bloodiest histories on record. His faith is based on ignorance, guilt, denial, violence, and great wealth. It's no wonder there are so many apostates.

Why is it there is always enough religion to make people hate each other, but never enough to make them love one another?

A group of Catholic Priests has written a book: "No Child's Behind Will Be Left."

I am a Christian and have been for most of my life. I did, however, "stray" for a while and got into Witchcraft for about a year. I had had a lot of misconceptions about it.

I decided it wasn't for me, but I did learn that Wicca is NOT devil worship. Actually, I felt it was very similar to Christianity. They cast spells and perform rituals to invoke the blessings of the god they choose to worship. It was actually very much like prayer. While I do not agree with Wicca, I also do not think they should be burned at the stake. As I recall, one of their catch phrases was 'Do as you will, but harm none'. I am glad I took the time to learn a little about Wicca. Everyone I met was "good people" and seeking the truth just like everyone else. While I am more at home with Christianity, I no longer fear Wiccans as being evil and worshiping Satan. I feel there is more common ground than most people realize.

Time for an Episcopalian to speak up, while I'm still considered to be an Anglican. I'm borrowing from Robin Williams "top ten list." We allow people to bring their brains to church and to use them there. We have all of the pageantry and none of the guilt. We indulge in pew aerobics and teach the fine art of book juggling. AND for good measure, we don't consider ourselves to have the same beliefs as Roman Catholics. I am delighted to be a goon who believes in God. Thanks Randy. Wish I'd read this saga a couple of months ago.

In response to Randy's comments 'a Catholic was quoted being incredibly nasty to people who have done him no harm.' I don't think a fundamental disagreement with the tenants of Wiccan religion is 'incredibly nasty' or intolerant. Maybe he's right about the superstition and fraud. Perhaps he has a library of data and documentation to back up his claims. In any case he should be able to express his opinions all he wants without being labeled as intolerant or hypocritical. Perhaps he could have been a little more tactful in the way he expressed himself. However, reactionary arguments never seem to help the discussion, as 'True' has repeatedly argued for in the past.

Likewise, I don't think it's wrong to hold the Monsignor to his own standards by suggesting some practices of Catholicism are based on superstition or fraud as long as it can be backed up with some citation. BTW, I'd like to see Zach's reference for 'a religion based on human sacrifice and ritualized cannibalism.' That's stretching the scripture a little far.

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"I think it reflects the collapse of values and sanity in our society that this mishmash of superstition and fraud is to be recognized." I find that pretty nasty -- as did several Christians when I suggested that's what Wiccans thought of them. Your opinion may differ. -rc

I am Christian (and a former Roman Catholic who went to parochial school). Yet I include among my friends a Wiccan, a Pagan couple, and more than a few Buddhists. They all have one thing in common. They are all "good people".

A word to Monsignor Elliot: Those who live in glass houses (especially stained glass houses) should not throw stones.