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| Home > News Archive > Cauldron News Old: February 2005 | Search |
| Cauldron News Old: February 2005 |
| Deity Love Without Limits? Posted Sunday, February 27, 2005 by Randall |
I recently ran into a website that claimed: "The love of the Pagan gods and goddesses is without limits". Do you agree with this statement? From your experience with various deities - is it true? Do you feel that the gods you work with have unconditional love to you? Will they love you no matter what you do?
| Fluff Bunnies as Laity? Posted Sunday, February 27, 2005 by Randall |
This idea first came up a couple of weeks ago in another online community I frequent. At first I thought it was silly, but reading through the "Ranting Witches" thread, I've given it some more thought.
Could it be that the proliferation of fluff-bunnies indicates the formation of a Neo-Pagan/Wiccanesque laity? Granted, I'm not talking about people who base their practice on *false* information, but rather on people who don't wish to go any deeper, serve as priests, or do much research about the subtleties of ritual and the origin of myths?
Are we painting all "fluffs" with a broad brush? Should we distinguish between those who refuse to learn or acknowledge false information and those who simply wish to stay with the basics because it's enough to satisfy their spiritual needs?
| Review: Wicca Demystified Posted Saturday, February 26, 2005 by Randall |
No, this is not a "Wicca 101" book, although it shares certain characteristics with that type of book. It covers a lot of the basics of what Wicca is, and is not. However, this book is aimed at the outsider; the one whose family member, best friend, lover, co-worker, etc. has just dropped the bombshell by saying "I'm learning Wicca," or "I am Wiccan."
| Review: Witch Child Posted Saturday, February 26, 2005 by Randall |
What must it have been like to have lived in the mid-1600s? This novel addresses that question and adds a few more variables for good measure. Imagine yourself female, parents unknown, grandmother (who raised you) accused of (and executed for) being a witch. Then, just to further complicate matters, imagine yourself being sent from the only home you have ever known (a small English village), to be sent across the ocean to America - to live with a group of Puritans. Oh, and did I forget to mention that you are a Witch? Just a minor complication, I am sure.
| Review: A Witch's Notebook Posted Saturday, February 26, 2005 by Randall |
This time around Silver has not attempted to put together a "Wicca 101" class book. She has made no attempt to provide an entire year's worth of work. Instead she has provided five lessons which should be well learned in about one month per lesson. The lessons are useable by anyone from the rawest new-comer to the most jaded, overworked elder.
| Review: Faery Healing Posted Saturday, February 26, 2005 by Randall |
You won't find lots of cute little fairy illustrations in this book (although the cover is one of the most striking I have seen in quite a while). You won't find "fairy tales," although you will find tales dealing with the faery folk. You won't find a bunch of incantations, although you will find a few invocations.
What you will find are sections dealing with both the medicinal and magical uses of herbs and stones; background on some of the Celtic deities; and instructions for working in the faery realms, empowering yourself to heal, "yesterday's healing," and how to heal in today's world.
| Review: Magic of the Celtic Gods and Goddesses Posted Saturday, February 26, 2005 by Randall |
This book isn't filled with rituals (there isn't much really known about Celtic rituals); nor is it filled with correspondences and/or attributes (there are lots of other sources available for that); and it does not pretend to be a scholarly work. It is filled with stories of some of the Celtic deities (over 400 have been catalogued by the scholars and less than 10% of them are represented in this book). It is written with the intent of giving the reader a "feel" fore the deities and their relationship to the world we inhabit.
| Tarot Talisman Posted Friday, February 25, 2005 by Randall |
This post is the result of a long, almost heated discussion with three friends about their favorite Major Arcana card. It started when I found a process in which I can get highly detailed images regardless of size. I am considering putting Rider Waite images on wooden pocket mirrors for my five hard working Renn boothies as the End of Faire gift.
I asked my good buddies what was their favorite and the results were as varied as they are (not surprising really). I could really use some more input, if anyone would like to respond. Oh, my workers are all women BTW, ages 16 to 60. So the actual question is (did I mention how much I can ramble?):
What Major Arcana card would you want to have with you all the time and why?
I would have Strength. The woman and lion mix is a very powerful image for me, I am happiest when nature and myself are positively connected.
| Wiccan/Pagan Authors to Avoid? Posted Wednesday, February 23, 2005 by Randall |
My question here is: What authors or books should people avoid due to misinformation, poor credibility, and general fluffiness? I know, for example, Silver RavenWolf is a no-no to quote as an authority on anything, but I was really surprised that DJ Conway had a bad reputation as well. I'm personally interested in finding out about authors I already own, Ted Andrews, Sirona Knight, DJ Conway (I'd like to hear more about Conway), Amber K, Raymond Buckland, Francesca De Grandis, Scott Cunningham, Caitlin and John Matthews, and Vivianne Crowley.
| Planning New Path-Related Purchases? Posted Wednesday, February 23, 2005 by Randall |
The year is still kinda new, and I was just wondering if any of you have made plans to buy something new for your home, altar, yourself that is related to your path? (Uhmmmmmm, lets leave off books, though...We know that ALL of us are probably going to be buying those, heh!)
I am sewing up some tunics and other clothing for my boyfriend and myself, he is buying a mead horn (gorgeous hand-made one) in a couple weeks and I am planning on buying a new cauldron this year as soon as I find the one I want/need. (Mine are not just for looks, I use them for practical purposes as well.)
So... got you eye on something?
| Honoring Ancestors? Posted Tuesday, February 22, 2005 by Randall |
After reading the "What's on your altar" thread, I have a question.
Many folks mentioned honoring their ancestors on their altars or on other shrines. I have a hard time coming around to this idea as I have this feeling that most of my ancestors would roll over in their graves if they knew I was no longer Catholic. I can just picture the look on either of my grandma's faces (both recently passed).
So what does honoring your ancestors mean to you and why do you do it?
| Pagan Related Movies Posted Tuesday, February 22, 2005 by Randall |
Do you know any movies related to Paganism and/or magic? Which did you like? Which you didn't? What would you recommend?
I watched "The Craft", "Practical Magic" and "The Witches of Eastwick" and pretty much liked all three, although "The Craft" is a tad juvenile. I heard about "The Wickerman" but haven't had the chance to see it yet. I would love to hear opinions if any of you guys caught it.
| Review: The Lost Colony of the Templars Posted Sunday, February 20, 2005 by Randall |
Once again, Steven Sora returns to the connections between the Knights Templar, the Sinclair family of Scotland, and pre-Columbian explorations of North America. He began exploring these topics in The Lost Treasure of the Knights Templar (see my earlier review). This book, however, looks at the attempt in 1542 (i.e., a mere 50 years after the "official" discovery of America) to contact the colony planted by Henry Sinclair (in 1398 C.E.).
| Review: The Burning Pendulum Posted Sunday, February 20, 2005 by Randall |
This is the seventh book in the "Fortune Teller's Club" series by Dotti Enderle (aimed at the 8 to 12 age group). Juniper, Gena and Anne once again find themselves in a bind (actually, this time it is almost all on Juniper). This misadventure starts out so innocently. The middle school is looking for donations for their library and Juniper wants to donate her favorite series of books. The series deals with a group of psychic teenagers who solve mysteries (gee, I wonder where that idea came from?). In the course of giving a book report on the series, she demonstrates how to use a pendulum.
| Review: 2005 Wicca Almanac Posted Sunday, February 20, 2005 by Randall |
Once again there are more than two dozen articles in sections ranging from "Lifestyles of the Witch and Famous" to the Wicca Wide Web, as well as "eye of Toad, Ear of Newt" (a consumer guide). The range of topics is par for the course with this annual publication. The authors are not all well-known, which is one of the things I really like about this publication. One of the real strengths of this almanac is the diversity of topics. You can never tell what you are likely to encounter until you open the cover. This year you can find everything from teaching your children to how to handle divorce; from Pagan erotic to yoga; and from traveling the world to traveling the world-wide web. You can pick and choose what to read and when to read it.
| Review: Baqca Posted Sunday, February 20, 2005 by Randall |
Before I finished this book I knew I was going to be disappointed - that it is only the first third of a trilogy. Sure there is conflict; sure there are unexpected twists; and the characters come alive. There simply isn't enough of it. At 254 pages, it is short enough to be read fairly quickly. It could easily have been 400 pages or so and would still leave the reader wanting more.
| Matching Personalities: Deity and Worshiper? Posted Friday, February 18, 2005 by Randall |
Here's something I've been wondering about for some time now; do you find, those of you who work with deities/saints/angels/etc., that the ones you work with most are more in tune with your own personality?
To clarify my question: if you, yourself, are a strong, independent person, is the deity you feel most drawn to of the some quality?
If this is the case, should a person work harder on making a connection with a deity who represents the opposite of themself, just to have a more well-rounded experience, or should you just stick with what feels comfortable? Would that stifle spiritual growth, or nurture it along at an easier, less daunting pace?
| Your Daily Religious Practice? Posted Friday, February 18, 2005 by Randall |
Is there some religious act or ritual or exercise that you do on a daily basis? And if so, would you care to share?
I start my morning with centering, grounding and a few simple breathing exercises (goes well with my morning coffee). I then go outside and say a short hymn to my goddess while watering the flowers that I planted in the garden for her. If it's a rainy day, I say the hymn indoors, on a lit candle. Also every day before bedtime, I center ground and shield again.
How about you?
| Your Favorite Religious Object? Posted Thursday, February 17, 2005 by Randall |
Do you have a favorite religious object or a religion-related item that you particularly like (tool, statue, clothing, piece of jewelry, etc.)?
My favorite is a miniature silver box in which I keep a pendulum. It is shaped an antique treasure box and lined in blue velvet from the inside. I also very much like a ritual dagger that I bought several months ago, after years of looking for the right thing.
| Is Witchcraft Dangerous? Posted Thursday, February 17, 2005 by Randall |
Some people say that magic, witchcraft or various occult practices are "dangerous". Such statements aren't only made by people who misunderstand magic, but can also be found in various witchcraft 101 books. Do you agree? Is there danger in practicing magic? Which aspects of practicing magic could be dangerous?
| The Board Was Down (But Is Back Now) Posted Thursday, February 17, 2005 by Randall |
The message board went down about 8am CST this morning, but our Server Admin had it back up again within the hour. Thanks, Bob!
| Why Am I Doing This to Myself? Posted Wednesday, February 16, 2005 by Randall |
I have officially declared myself pagan for about 5 years now. I started off with a bunch of books on Wicca, joined the PF, left, tried Egyptian stuff, heathen, eclectic and still I feel nothing. I have friends who can do tarot, runes, healing, know their mythology inside out, make stuff etc and I just feel useless. Perhaps this isn't the right thing for me after all. I've considered virtually every religion in my life time from the fluffiest witchcraft to the most rabid fundamentalism. I hate the fact I was brought up as an atheist. It means that I can't even begin to have any faith in anything. After all this time I think I'm just going to admit defeat. I'm just useless basically.
Well that's how I feel at the moment if anyone has any ideas on what I should do or people think I should just quit I'd be interested to know.
| Big Fat Religious Copouts Posted Wednesday, February 16, 2005 by Randall |
I thought it would be fun for folks to post their favorite religious copouts. What I'm talking about here is when people justify their theological positions or behaviors that don't match the tenets of their faith with lame responses.
Some examples:
Q: If Christianity says "Thou Shalt Not Kill", then how do you explain the Crusades?
A: Oh, those people weren't really Christians. Real Christians wouldn't do that sort of thing. (I've actually heard this exchange, believe it or not.)
or
Q: If Wicca is really an ancient religion, then why his there no evidence of it before this century.
A: Oh, all those ancient people worshipped One Goddess and One God, they just didn't know it. That, and they used herbs, so they must have been Wiccan.
| Wicca and Homosexuality Posted Monday, February 14, 2005 by Randall |
Someone recently asked me a question that I was not 100% sure on how to answer, and since this is a rather diverse group here, I'd thought I run it by you all and get your thoughts, opinions, suggestions, etc.
The question was about Paganism (or rather Wicca) and homosexuality. The person asking wanted to know how a belief system so focused on balance between God and Goddess, masculine and feminine, male and female could be so accepting of same-sex unions and the GLBT community in general.
The answer I was able to come up with was about how each of us has both God and Goddess, masculine and feminine, male and female within us and our outward, physical gender (aka "plumbing") is not as important. Love the person for who s/he is, not weather or not s/he stands up to pee or not. (Y'know what I mean.)
Does this make sense? Do you, any of you agree with this statement of mine? Would you have answered it differently? Please let me know. I'm eager to read your opinions.
| Politics/Spirituality -- Where Do You Draw the Line? Posted Monday, February 14, 2005 by Randall |
While I don't believe in mixing politics and religion, I do believe that many (if not all) of our political values are based on our religious/spiritual beliefs. How much does your spirituality inform your political views?
I'm asking this specifically because I have noticed some traditions really focus on the connection between earth-bases religion and earth politics. I for one have never been comfortable with politics in general, but as I'm being very strongly drawn by other aspects of some of these trads, I wonder if that's something I'm just going to have to get over in order to develop spiritually.
| Literalism in Mythology Posted Thursday, February 10, 2005 by Randall |
I guess most of you consider the God(dess)(e)s you worship real. On the other hand, there are the stories coming with the Gods, from the tradition you follow. There are some elements in them which - for the Western, modernized mind - very difficult to believe, similarly to, for example, Christian stories in the Bible, which cause difficulties even some of the most devout to accept it as literal truth.
How does this happen in the different Pagan religions? Do you consider the stories of your Gods and Goddesses literal truth? (For example, if you are a Greek Recon - do you believe that there were/are centaurs on the Earth? Do you believe in the flood? Do you believe that thunders are thrown by Zeus?) Or are these stories just symbols, parables - or even traces of the lack of knowledge in the ancient times?
| Opinions on Alternative Medicine? Posted Wednesday, February 09, 2005 by Randall |
Alternative medicine has in the recent few years become the rage across the planet. Virtually every patient I meet if you start to thoroughly go across their medical history would confess to trying a form of alternative therapy or the other in the past. Some are actively on it, while some come in with end stage disease after avoiding medicine and going for the alternative and at the last minute practically come limping to the hospital for treatment.
Question, given that this forum is frequented by Wiccans, Asatruars, Druids, Kemetics, etc.. and that given a lot of this "alternative" therapies seem to be rather popular among NeoPagans of all walks, I would like to hear what Pagans here believe about alternative therapy, its role in medicine and society, regulation of alternative practises and what is real, what may be real and what is complete nonsense.
| How Will Our Descendents See Us? Posted Wednesday, February 09, 2005 by Randall |
Presuming that we the world hasn't been blown to pieces or that we've all baked or drowned by then (it's a cold wet English February night and I have a right to be pessimistic), how do people feel that our descendants -- both Pagan and non-Pagan -- will see us?
What will they make of Paganism in the 20th and 21st century and will future generations of Pagans develop reconstructucted religions based on what they find on the Internet?
| Unbelievable Occult Claims Posted Tuesday, February 08, 2005 by Randall |
In the 6 years I have been studying Wicca and magick, I've met people who have claimed some strange things. For example, that I was one of a special group of 6 people that reincarnated every life with the task to stop some great evil from taking over the world. (Of course, this special group included the claimant as well) One of my friends knew a girl in high school who claimed to have a wind demon for a boyfriend. I've known people online who claimed they were really shape shifters. Not in the metaphysical "I took on the body of my animal totem in trance" sense, but in the real, "I become a bird and fly around" sense.
So the question is: What is the most unbelievable occult thing anyone has ever claimed to you?
| Pantheons - Pros and Cons Posted Tuesday, February 08, 2005 by Randall |
This is to all experienced practitioners: How do you feel about keeping to one pantheon of Gods (i.e., all Greek, all Celtic, etc.) in your practice? I have heard from some sources that it is essential to do this, but have heard from others that they have Gods and Goddesses they deal with that come from various cultures and societies.
What do you think, and what works for you? Also, can you "pick" them instead of waiting for them to "pick" you?
| Different Ways of Cleansing Tools Posted Monday, February 07, 2005 by Randall |
I am interested to learn different ways some of you may have of consecrating, dedicating, anointing, or cleansing your tools or space. Are there some methods you think work better that others?
I am mostly interested in the cleansing aspect. I just leave my things that I want cleansed outside in the sunshine. Or if they can withstand getting wet, I put them out when it rains. I haven't read these things anywhere, but they work well enough for me.
Always looking for new and interesting ways of doing things.
| Feelings about the Rider-Waite Deck Posted Monday, February 07, 2005 by Randall |
In another thread, Seasons said: "My first tarot teacher, D'Juna of Philadelphia, insisted we all use and learn the Rider-Waite deck for the duration of her six-week course. I hate that deck - and I hated the discipline this otherwise easy-going woman used in her class."
I happen to like the Rider-Waite deck (perhaps because it was the first deck I had and the only deck I had for many years), but I know this deck is one that people either love or hate -- few are in the middle of the road.
What do you think of the Rider-Waite deck -- and why do you feel the way you do?
| Walking Away From Others Over Religion? Posted Sunday, February 06, 2005 by Randall |
The other morning I was listening to the radio and the djs did a 5 minute Hollywood gossip. They brought up a story about Madonna and how she is now cutting friends and family members out of her life if they do no follow the Kabbalah as she, herself, does.
First I rolled my eyes, but then I began to wonder if there are others who, while maybe not taking it to as drastic extremes as she seems to be, have considered backing away from relationships with others who do not hold the same spiritual beliefs as they do.
If someone you are close with, a sibling or life long friend, brings up the fact that what you believe and practice are total opposites of their own belief system, would you feel that it was a big enough difference to walk away from them unless they agree to reform to your way of thinking?
| Astrology Help Needed Posted Sunday, February 06, 2005 by Randall |
Admittedly, I know nothing about astrology. So, I'm reading along in my book, and fixed signs are mentioned.
What the futz is a fixed sign? Fixed as compared to what? Are the other signs somehow more movable? I know which signs are fixed, because he says so (Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio for the astrology impaired)... but what makes them fixed and why is that special?
Book in question has little to do with astrology. I'm reading The Meaning of Witchcraft by Gerald Gardner and it's mentioned in conjunction with the greater sabbats.
| Review: Silver is for Secrets Posted Saturday, February 05, 2005 by Randall |
The third book in this series (intended for ages 12 and up) finds the heroine (Stacey) recently graduated and looking forward to spending the summer at the beach. Oceans, new boyfriend, and lazy summer days should be a recipe for happiness. Oh, did I forget to mention nightmares, nosebleeds, and a dire sense of foreboding? Silly me. Once again Stacey's dreams begin to shift to nightmares. Who is the girl in her dreams, and why is she targeted for death? Can she be helped? Should she be helped?
| Review: A Wiccan Formulary and Herbal Posted Saturday, February 05, 2005 by Randall |
This is one of those books which should be in the library of every Witch/Wiccan/Pagan healer out there. In fact, you don't need to be a healer to include this book in your reading. A.J.'s approach to the subject of herbalism and related topics is common-sense based. He explains why he recommends specific actions, herbs, etc. You don't have to agree with him (but I suspect most readers will find lots of reasons to do just that). He explains the difference between gender (masculine/feminine) and sex (male/female) in a way which attempts to be non-offensive. He will still offend some people, he realizes, but makes the effort because it needs to be done.
| Review: Book of Druidry Posted Saturday, February 05, 2005 by Randall |
This book has one major advantage over many of those other books. It has been written by a Chosen Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD). While he acknowledges the lack of historical data from the earliest times ("...the gaps are larger than the area covered by what is known."), he has the advantage of access to what records do exist. He makes no claim to an uninterrupted lineage. In the past two hundred plus years, there have been numerous manifestations of the Druidic movement - from the OBOD, the Ancient Druid Order, the Secular Order of Druids, the Glastonbury Order of Druids, to the ADF started in the US by Isaac Bonewits. There have been, and continue to be, differences in emphasis
| Review: Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa Posted Saturday, February 05, 2005 by Randall |
The book is divided into three sections: Basic teachings of the metaphysical underpinnings of the tradition; the ancestors and how to build a relationship with the spirits; and an overview of the tradition's structure. This is one individual's relationship to the religion and will not be universally accepted by all the followers of traditions which encompass the worship of Orisa. This is not a book of ceremonies, oracles, and/or magic. It is a book about bringing our life into alignment. Alignment with what, you ask? Good question. There isn't a single answer to that question.
| Magic(k), Miracle...What Would Make You Believe? Posted Friday, February 04, 2005 by Randall |
In one current thread, there is this post from Jay, I quote: "If the same god was to turn up in front of 500 strangers and act in a way that defied logic - ie floating or turning into an animal and it could be genuinely proved that this wasn't faked then it would be of staggering importance to science."
This got me to thinking.... What would you have to see/experience that would make you say: "YES! That is MAGIC(k)." Have you ever seen/experienced anything you would regard as miraculous? Something beyond the "mother picked up truck off of child" things we all have seen in the paper.
Ever seen someone do magic(k) or done it yourself. Levitation perhaps, or something that without a doubt was a physically/scientifically impossible action?
| Divination Methods and Divinity Posted Friday, February 04, 2005 by Randall |
What methods of divination do people here use regularly? (i.e. Tarot, Runes, I-Ching, pendulum, tea leaves etc) Second - if you divination method has a particular religious/ethnic slant (runes, I - Ching), does that mesh with the divinity you connect to? Do you think it's bad to mix and match these things? (i.e., I'm a Buddhist Wiccan who uses Runes for divination)
To answer my own questions:
I use the Tarot and I just got a set of Runes. I have also used improvised pendulums. I'm Wiccan and I usually use the Norse pantheon due to my German heritage. I also sometimes don't invoke a specific God/Goddess, just the general Maiden/Mother/Crone, Horned One archetypes. I think that while it doesn't necessarily hurt to mix and match, it does help to use methods that are harmonious to your practice.
Okay, what do you guys and gals think?
| New Folder: Teen Refuge Posted Tuesday, February 01, 2005 by Randall |
We have another new folder: Teen Refuge.
Teens -- and teen Pagans in particular -- often have a lot of issues to discuss that are different from those of adults. The Teen Refuge folder a place for The Cauldron's teen members to discuss teen issues with their peers -- and with some positive input from those of our adult members who still remember what it is like to be a teen. Teens certainly are not required to confine themselves to this folder, but it is provided as a spot that is definitely friendly to teen issues.
While we usually do not have moderators assigned to particular folders, Teen Refuge is an exception. Sine is our Teen Refuge folder moderator.
This folder has special rules in additional to our normal rules, these special rules can be found via the link below:
| New Folder: New to Pagan Religions? Posted Tuesday, February 01, 2005 by Randall |
We have a new folder: New to Pagan Religions?
Our message board often has discussions and debate on the various Pagan religions at a fairly advanced level and members tend to assume in these discussions that those participating are at least fairly knowledgeable in the basics. This can be fairly intimidating for those who do just starting out and do not yet have that basic knowledge or who realize after reading this message board for a few days or weeks than much of what they have learned from some of the "101" books they have read simply may be incorrect. The New to Pagan Religions folder will to provide a place where people asking questions are assumed to be beginners (instead of assumed to be knowledgeable).
This folder has special rules in additional to our normal rules. They can be viewed via the link below
| Matriarchal Monotheism vs Polytheism Posted Tuesday, February 01, 2005 by Randall |
I am rereading one of my favorite books: Pagan Meditations by Ginette Paris.
It has a definite feminist slant...sorta, although she stresses the importance of the male god archetypes to balance the female. A feminist friend of mine bought the book on my recommendation and when we discussed her *take* on it, she was enraged by the following statement Ms. Paris makes toward the close of the book:
"Moreover, if the Great Mother were the equivalent of our Almighty Father, have we any advantage in bringing back today this monotheism of the Mother to replace patriarchal monotheism? Since it is not only the Father that is exhausted but monotheism as well."
Ms. Paris is directing this comment towards the pagan faiths (particularly the feminist ones) that speak of "a single Great Mother with many faces".
My friend feels this is an attack on Dianic Wiccan groups and other feminist based groups that have this matriarchal monotheism central to their belief path. She also feels that if you discard the JCI belief in an Almighty Father and replace this figure with a pantheon of female deities (rather than one Great Mother) you are somehow trivializing the feminine. To her it is like saying "Yup, took 6 goddesses to do what one god did."
To those that walk such paths, is it central to the discarding of the patriarchal Almighty Father that he be replaced with the Great Mother?
As a Hellenic for many years, and now as an Asatru, I never felt this to be much of an issue. I have a pantheon of deities to follow/ignore/venerate/piss off/whatever. To me, polytheism makes much more sense than monotheism, regardless of the gender of the deity.
Just thought I would throw this out for discussion. With all the folks of many different paths here, I think it would be interesting to see different views on this...
| Religion as a Group Worship Experience? Posted Tuesday, February 01, 2005 by Randall |
Do you view religion as something of a "group experience?" If so, why? Does that desire to worship with like minded people act as validation for your beliefs? How do you feel about your worship if you feel group worship is important and you're only able to worship alone?