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Similarities between Wicca and Christianity
by Sophia Fortune
Since I began the study of Wicca four years ago I have been asked many questions about the similarities and differences between Wicca and Christianity. Since I am by no means an expert on any religion I first turned to the Oxford American Dictionary for simple definitions of Christianity and Wicca, this is a pagan religion.
I first looked up Christianity, the definition being "the religion based on the belief that Christ was the incarnate Son of God and on his teachings." Ok no big surprise there. I then proceeded to look up paganism and found this definition, "a heathen". Now being a child of public schooling I was not all too clear on exactly what heathen meant so I then proceeded to look up heathen and was somewhat shocked at what I found. Heathen, a person who is not a believer in any of the worlds chief religions especially one who is neither Christian, Jewish, nor Muslim. An unenlightened person lacking culture and moral principals. I have to say it was the lack of moral principals that made me want to go and smack the Oxford Dictionary people. However after I repressed that urge I decided the best way to tell you about Wicca and Christianity was to answer some frequently asked questions about the two. I called upon many Christian and Wiccan friends and these are the top 10 questions most asked by either religion.
Tell me about Christianity
1.) Who are the main deities in Christianity? The main deities in Christianity are the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
2.) How does a Christian worship God? Christians worship God in many ways. By going to church on Sundays, taking Holy Communion, confession, prayer, and Hymns are just a few.
3.) Do Christian services use forms of Initiation? Yes in many of the Christian churches you must be baptized, take Holy Communion classes as well as Confirmation classes, and adult bible classes.
4.) Do Christians believe in Angels? Yes they do believe in the messengers that are angels specifically the angel who told the Virgin Mary she was carrying the Lord.
5.) What is a Christian's most important holiday? Christmas the birthday of Jesus Christ, the day in which Jesus was said to have been born in a manger in Bethlehem.
6.) Do Christians believe in hell? Yes Christians believe in hell and in Satan. Satan is often represented as a serpent as is the case in the story of Adam and Eve.
7.) Do Christians believe in reincarnation? No, Christians believe in one life and only one life.
8.) What is the Christian attitude towards Paganism? Many consider it to be sinful and evil however the attitude depends on the person. Many Christians believe their religion is the only way while others believe that there are many ways to God.
9.) Do Christians believe in a Goddess? This is considered in much controversy. Some Christians will say that there is one Supreme Being the God. Others say that in Christianity mainly Catholicism the Virgin Mary is worshipped as a Goddess.
10.) What is the Christian stance on the after life? Christians believe that to do good in ones heart your soul will go to heaven and remain there until judgement day. To do evil in ones heart without repentance is a pathway straight to hell.
Tell me about Wicca
1.) How does a Wiccan worship the Gods? Wiccans worship the God and the Goddess in many ways through spells, ritual, prayer, songs, poetry, and meditation.
2.) Do Wiccans believe in Angels? Wiccans believe in not only angels but also spirit guides. Wiccans believe that we are all put on this earth with many guardians. Angels and spirit guides are always with us and are just one way to reach the God and Goddess.
3.) What is a Wiccans most important holiday? A Wiccans most important holiday is Samhain or Halloween. Not only is Samhain the end of autumn; it is also, more importantly, the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. The eve of Halloween, the night of October 31st, is considered the most magical night of the year. The veil between worlds is thinnest and great magick can be tapped into on this night.
4.) Do Wiccans believe in Hell? No, Wiccans do not believe in Hell or Satan. Wiccans believe that we alone are responsible for our actions and that we can not blame our misfortunes on a fallen angel.
5.) Do Wiccans fly on brooms? No but I would imagine it would be a neat thing to do! Many believe that the myth that witches could ride on brooms was started in a reference to astral projection.
6.) Why is there a Goddess and a God in Wicca? Wiccans believe that the God and the Goddess are two equals parts each completing one another. The God is usually representative of the Sun and the Heavens where as the Goddess is usually represented as the Moon, Earth, and Nature.
7.) What is the Pagan attitude toward Christianity? Many pagans believe that all religions are equal and that all spiritual paths lead to god. Pagans will not preach nor will they try to convert any one of another path to Paganism.
8.) What are altars? Wiccans use altars as their sacred space to meditate and to commune with the Gods. The altar can consist of many things candles, incense, representation of the deities, a pentacle, chalice, and holy water.
9.) What is a Pentacle? A pentacle is a star used to represent the directions and the elements. A Wiccan wears the pentacle like a Christian wears a crucifix. As a symbol of your faith.
10.) What does it take to be called a Witch? To be able to call yourself a witch is a long and difficult process. One must study all aspects of the craft and have dedication to the God and the Goddess. I have studied for 4 years and still do not feel that I know enough to call myself a witch. You do not have to come from a line of witches to be a witch and is you are honestly interested in the craft there are many ways to find information.
Oliver Wendell Holmes called it "The Hub of the Universe." It has also been deemed "The Athens of America." To many it is known as "Beantown." Whatever name you choose, Boston is a unique city that has played a major role in the American experience.
Boston is a city of history, of neighborhoods, of education. Our nation's oldest major city, Boston is a city of industry and finance, and a city of firsts. Boston is the city where we "pahk the caah" and love our "chowdah." World famous for its medical centers, Boston is also a city of seasons, where every spring is a time of hope eternal for the beloved Red Sox, until reality sets in with the chill of autumn and the call becomes "wait until next year."
The streets of this old city are winding and narrow, and many of them are one-way, which adds to the charm of the city. It also makes driving in Boston a memorable experience. If you miss a turn and plan to circle the block to get back, you may see why it is rumored that the expression "You can't get there from here" originated in Boston. The parallel block you are expecting to find may not exist. Add the Big Dig project to the mix and mastering the roads of "The Hub." can be a feat of distinction. Boston has the oldest subway and bus system in America, the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority). A ride on the MBTA or to the locals "The T," is an adventure visitors to Boston should try. There is also numerous taxi and limousine services as well as several bus tours and duck tours.
To get a sense of the history and the neighborhoods of Boston, follow the red line on the sidewalk of the Freedom Trail. Starting at the Boston Common Visitor Center on Tremont Street, the 2.5 mile walking path takes you on a journey back to the birthplace of the American Revolution. The trail connects 16 historical sites winding through Beacon Hill, The North End and Charlestown. Able-bodied people of all ages can easily do the walk on their own, or take a guided tour hosted by costumed characters like James Otis or Abigail Adams. You can also enjoy the Freedom Trail on a trolley tour or travel between the landmarks on the MBTA.
The Boston area offers a wide scope of business opportunities. International corporations as diverse as Gillette, Fidelity Investments, and Polaroid make their corporate homes in Boston. From biotech to healthcare, from education to hospitality, or from finance to technology, the city and state have many programs to help create a friendly atmosphere for doing business in Boston.
For new or existing businesses needing assistance or support, the city's Office of Business Development provides resources to help them succeed. The Office of Business Development also supports Boston Main Streets, a program working to help revitalize commercial districts in the neighborhoods. The small businessman can access city resources through the Boston Empowerment Center. The city also has partnerships with lending institutions, and state and federal agencies through the City of Boston Technical Assistance Partners.
More than 250,000 students attend college in Boston and Cambridge. Thousands more attend the colleges in the surrounding suburbs. Many of these students choose to settle in Boston which gives employers a tremendous talent pool. There are many employment resources available to those hiring and for those seeking employment in Boston. The leading fields of employment in Boston are life sciences, health care, biotech, commercial construction, and banking. There are private employment agencies focused for specific industries, and many agencies for general employment. There are also government agencies such as the Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training which provides unemployment insurance, job training, and assistance in job searches. The Boston Job Bank and Bostonhire.com are samples of the many on-line sites for job seekers.
The founding of Harvard University, the first college in America in 1636, and the first public school, Boston Latin a year earlier, planted the seeds for the Boston area to develop into a world renowned center for higher education. Along with high profile universities such as Boston College, Boston University, MIT, and Northeastern University, there is a school for everyone in Boston. There are art, music, and architecture schools, as well as medical and research institutions. There are two year colleges, technical schools, UMASS Boston and the state community college system, and many others.
What separates Boston from other college towns is its intimacy. Each college has its own identity, but each is also a part of a huge energized college community. With the beaches and mountains of New England close by, students have access to great getaways, as well as living in a world class cosmopolitan city.
Boston has been called the biggest small town in America. More than 600,000 people, plus the student population reside in Boston's twenty neighborhoods. From South Boston to East Boston (Southie and Eastie to locals), from Roslindale to the Back Bay, each neighborhood is a distinct, individual community. The neighborhoods are diverse in their ethnic make up and income levels, but they all share from the benefits of city services, parks, hospitals, and the MBTA. Although Boston can be provincial, the variety of its neighborhoods enriches the experience and culture of the city. An understanding of Boston's neighborhoods is valuable knowledge for those who are finding a place to live.
The Boston Globe and The Boston Herald real estate sections are good resources for finding a place to live. The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) which operates 64 developments, is good place to begin, for those of low or moderate income. Of the many internet resources, bostonrealestate.com is a full purpose site with links for virtually every aspect of the industry. There are listings for homes, apartments, and brokers, as well financing and legal information for residential and commercial properties.
There is sports and then there is Boston sports. The city is rich in tradition, and high in passions regarding its professional sports teams. The storied Boston Red Sox in quest for their first World Series Championship since 1918, won the first ever World Series in 1903. Since 1912, the Red Sox have played in historic Fenway Park. The Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League were the first American based professional hockey team. In the Bruins rich history some of the greatest names in hockey have worn their black and gold. The Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association have won the most World Championships (16) in league history. The Celtics revolutionized the game of professional basketball in the 1950's. The youngest of the four Boston major sport teams, The New England Patriots of the NFL played in the first game of the old AFL. The Patriots reached the apex when they stunned the football world by upsetting the St. Louis Rams in the 2002 Superbowl. The future appears bright for the Patriots with the opening of beautiful Gillette Stadium in Foxboro in 2002. Gillette Stadium also is the home of the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer.
Of course, when talking about a Boston sports tradition, the Boston Marathon needs mention. The nations oldest, and most coveted marathon, it has been a Patriots Day tradition for more than a century. Boston has college sports at every level, highlighted with the Beanpot Hockey Tournament, and in the fall, thousands of rowers visit Boston for the Head of the Charles Regatta.
For patrons of the arts, the Boston area has a large and varied selection of museums. There is also Symphony Hall, the home of the incomparable Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops. Boston is home to theater, dance, and the opera. The Boston Public Library is the nations first.
Whether you live in Boston, or are student, or a tourist, it is an exciting and stimulating city. It is linked to its history, but moving ahead to the future. It is provincial, yet it is a place with a rich tradition of international commerce and immigrants. It is a city of passion and a city of intellect. There is something for everyone in Boston. Experience it.
The first English immigrant to settle in Boston was the Reverend William Blackstone. He came by himself in 1629, to a peninsula by a stream, called by the local Algonquin inhabitants, Shawmet. A year later, John Winthrop and his Puritan settlers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, arrived to the north in Salem. Finding Salem less than desirable for a settlement, Blackstone invited Winthrop to visit Shawmut.
On September 17, 1630, Winthrop decided to make Shawmut a permanent settlement and renamed it Boston, after his hometown in Lincolnshire England. Winthrop and his followers left England to escape religious persecution and to establish a pious Puritan state. Ironically, Blackstone shortly left the colony due the harsh, intolerant society that the Puritans had created.
Citizenship in Massachusetts was restricted to church members until 1664. Dissidents like Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams were banished. Despite these facts and the hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, the colony was developing representative institutions which would help form a future democratic nation.
Over the next two centuries Boston developed as a center for Puritan life. Early on, Boston began to emerge as an intellectual and educational center with the arrival of noted theologians and statesmen, and the founding of Boston Latin School and Harvard University. The first printing press in the colonies was built in Cambridge by Stephen Daye in 1639. With its excellent harbor, Boston became the leading commercial center in the colonies. Colonial Boston was a world leader in shipbuilding and the primary port of North America.
The growth of the Boston area continued in the 18th century. As settlements grew into towns around the city, overseas trade increased, and mills were built along the rivers for logging, the forging of iron, and processing wool. Fishermen and farmers prospered as well.
Separated by a great geographical distance, the American colonies were still loyal British subjects. This began to change in the 1730's when the Crown increased taxes on the colonists to help replenish the treasury. Boston became a leading center of colonial resistance as a great philosophical distance began to grow between the Colonies and Britain. The seeds of revolution were planted.
The Stamp Act of 1765, the Townshend Acts of 1767, led to the Boston Massacre in 1770. The Tea Act of 1773 resulted with The Boston Tea Party. The British responded to the defiant acts by closing the ports and bringing in more troops to contain the dissidents. On the evening of April 18, 1775, the British dispatched troops to the towns of Lexington and Concord to arrest Samuel Adams and John Hancock, and to seize arms which the colonists were storing. Paul Revere and William Dawes rode through the night to warn the colonists of the approaching soldiers. The next morning, on Lexington Green, "the shot heard round the world" was fired, and the American Revolution began. Two months later after the Battle of Bunker Hill, George Washington was summoned to Boston to take command of the rebel army.
Massachusetts prospered in the early 19th century with improved roads, new canals, and the construction of railways, linking cities and towns. Laborers were recruited locally, but by the 1840's there were not enough locals to fill the work force. The answer came with the arrival of the first non-English immigrants, from Ireland. The Civil War was a profitable time for Boston manufacturers, with the production of weapons, shoes, blankets, and other materials for the troops. Boston also played a role as a leading voice of the abolitionist movement. The late 19th century was Boston's greatest industrial era. As millions of immigrants from around the world came to America, Boston continued as a leading manufacturer of a wide variety of goods and products.
Boston's manufacturing went into a state of decline during the first decade of the 20th century. The once thriving factories and mills had become old and obsolete. The tenements were aging and decaying. Many businesses closed and relocated to the south. Prosperity continued in the Hub however with the development of service industries, banking and finance, and retailing and wholesaling.
Boston suffered with the rest of the nation during the Great Depression. With the outbreak of War II, factories were retooled for the war effort, and people went back to work on the production lines. Again Boston was a major arms manufacturer during wartime.
By the 1950's, fishing and farming were in decline in Massachusetts, but the Boston area emerged as a leader in the fledgling computer and high-tech industries. Many of these new business were created and staffed by graduates of MIT and the other colleges in the Boston area. The financial and service industries continued to expand. Today, the Boston skyline is brimming with skyscrapers and office towers; a testament to Boston's achievements and its vitality.
Boston continues to evolve in the new millennium. A new convention center, an addition to the Museum of Fine Arts, the 2004 Democratic National Convention are some of the development plans for the Boston of tomorrow. In March of 2003, the new Freedom Tunnel and the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge were completed and opened, as part of the Big Dig Project.
Boston is a city with a rich past, but it is also a city looking ahead to tomorrow.
it is illegal to give beer to hospital patients.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
every thing u ever need to know about me is right here
i'm just a sweet guy who wants to have fun and be loved at the same tim
i'm a lil shy i have a hard time asking girls out don't ask why i just am
i'm not the best looking guy but i have a great heart
i have brown hair brown eyes 5'5 145 lbs
i have 2 tattoos a rottrialer and a scorpion
i live in massachusetts/bellingham
i like to cuddle and wake up next to a girl if sex is involved cool if not thats fine i love cuddling
i'm addicted to sex i can go w/o but love sex lol
i love to drink also a pot head
loves storms tornados,thunder lightening hurricanes
wants to have a family id quit everything if i had a family and sum 1 to actually talk to
wants to get married and have 2 kids
loves spring sumer and fall i hate winter
i was born 10/31/1981 at 5am
steak potatoes pizza spagetti tuna fish lagsania green peas apples oranges banannas ect ect alr my fav foods
mt dew is my fav soda
csi burn notice wwe are sum of my fav shows
watches the news
love the boston red sox
loves to play ps3
graduated high school in 2001
