Shamans, Moravians--and how the Universe Connects It All Together

Do you ever feel like things suddenly fit together perfectly, like Lego blocks? I don't always feel that way, but there are some things going on right now in my life that seem to be connected in rather unexpected ways.

So I met earlier today with the local student who wants me to serve as a mentor for her high school graduation project on shamanism. We talked over what she could research, what she would like to learn and so on. Ultimately, she has to make the decision, but hopefully, I've helped guide her in a direction that will be exciting and beneficial.

I met the girl's mother and older sister, too. Very nice folks--and very open-minded, too. I'm sure it isn't every day your child comes home and says they want to do a project on shamanism! But during the conversation, I discover the family is Moravian. Now, what are Moravians, you ask? Some weird pagan cult? Actually, they're the oldest Protestant Christian denomination (predating Martin Luther)--and my mother's family is Moravian!

Most people, even Christians, have never heard of Moravians. Which is a shame because this group paved the way for so many. But they're not big proselytizers, and there's only 1 local Moravian church where I live. So to meet other Moravians is rather rare and interesting all by itself. However, the other week I felt compelled to do some research into Moravians, and at the time, I really couldn't explain why. But earlier today, my research paid off and it entered my conversation with this family as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Instantly, I had a special bond with these folks--and if it did nothing more than put the student's family at ease, well, that's good enough for me. But then the older sister--who's just returned from a Moravian missionary stint in Costa Rica--tells me of a Moravian minister she knows who has a particular interest in shamanism, and she acts as if it's the most normal thing in the world! Hmmm, maybe there's more I need to learn about this ancestral religion of mine. And it certainly pays to listen to spirit.

The Illuminati Connection! 

Ok, now this is totally tongue-in-cheek--but Moravians may even have an Illuminati connection! It seems one Illuminati group sprang up in the Bavarian region of Germany back in the 1700s. Well, guess where my mother's family is from! Her great-great-great (add several more) grandfather came from Bavaria 'round about this time, and he was Moravian--OMG! Come on, think about it: A little-known Protestant sect survives by going underground for centuries, was once called the "Czech Brethren," re-emerges to come to the New World, and although few people have heard of Moravians, their symbols--Christmas stars (see below), cookies and Lovefeasts--are widely known.

I even think the Rosicrucians have roots in Germany, too. Wow, so what is it about Germany and secret societies?

Shamans, Moravians--and how the Universe Connects It All Together

Do you ever feel like things suddenly fit together perfectly, like Lego blocks? I don't always feel that way, but there are some things going on right now in my life that seem to be connected in rather unexpected ways.

So I met earlier today with the local student who wants me to serve as a mentor for her high school graduation project on shamanism. We talked over what she could research, what she would like to learn and so on. Ultimately, she has to make the decision, but hopefully, I've helped guide her in a direction that will be exciting and beneficial.

I met the girl's mother and older sister, too. Very nice folks--and very open-minded, too. I'm sure it isn't every day your child comes home and says they want to do a project on shamanism! But during the conversation, I discover the family is Moravian. Now, what are Moravians, you ask? Some weird pagan cult? Actually, they're the oldest Protestant Christian denomination (predating Martin Luther)--and my mother's family is Moravian!

Most people, even Christians, have never heard of Moravians. Which is a shame because this group paved the way for so many. But they're not big proselytizers, and there's only 1 local Moravian church where I live. So to meet other Moravians is rather rare and interesting all by itself. However, the other week I felt compelled to do some research into Moravians, and at the time, I really couldn't explain why. But earlier today, my research paid off and it entered my conversation with this family as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Instantly, I had a special bond with these folks--and if it did nothing more than put the student's family at ease, well, that's good enough for me. But then the older sister--who's just returned from a Moravian missionary stint in Costa Rica--tells me of a Moravian minister she knows who has a particular interest in shamanism, and she acts as if it's the most normal thing in the world! Hmmm, maybe there's more I need to learn about this ancestral religion of mine. And it certainly pays to listen to spirit.

The Illuminati Connection! 

Ok, now this is totally tongue-in-cheek--but Moravians may even have an Illuminati connection! It seems one Illuminati group sprang up in the Bavarian region of Germany back in the 1700s. Well, guess where my mother's family is from! Her great-great-great (add several more) grandfather came from Bavaria 'round about this time, and he was Moravian--OMG! Come on, think about it: A little-known Protestant sect survives by going underground for centuries, was once called the "Czech Brethren," re-emerges to come to the New World, and although few people have heard of Moravians, their symbols--Christmas stars (see below), cookies and Lovefeasts--are widely known.

I even think the Rosicrucians have roots in Germany, too. Wow, so what is it about Germany and secret societies?

God Silent on Polygamy: It's In the Bible!

I'm so over Christians such as Rick Warren being so smug about their historical "knowledge" of marriage. In defending his opposition to gay marriage, he added this (from Wayne Besen): "I'm opposed to having one guy having multiple wives and calling that marriage."

Personally, I don't care if you have multiple wives or husbands. My beef is his ignorance of the Bible's relative silence on polygamy. Christians like Warren aren't giving you the entire story. His recent interview with NBC's Ann Curry was full of historical ignorance (watch here, about 1 minute into the video).

There are instances of polygamy in the Bible--and God is either silent on the issue or oddly complicit in the unions. But today's Christians act just horrified over such an arrangement and yet Jehovah himself seemed not to mind so much. He was so nonchalant, in fact, that the very founders of Israel were polygamists! More on that in a sec.

Sure, in the New Testament there's something about holy men of God having one wife. Fine. But what happened? Did God change his mind. Isn't sin ALWAYS sin? Does God make exceptions, and isn't that a slippery slope? I thought God never changed and moral truths were absolute!

So, on polygamy and even--gasp!--incest, riddle me this:

If God did create Adam and Eve, then their sons and daughters had sex with each other, plain and simple. And for whatever reason, God offers no comment. If you have some righteous explanation for why this was ok, I'd like to hear it.

And how were these folks married? Were there priests or justices of the peace? By what law were they married? There is a strange mention of a "Land of Nod" where Adam's son Cain apparently went to live and found a wife! Ok, who was she? I mean, if Adam and Eve were the only people, she still had to be a daughter of Adam and Cain's sister. Unless, of course, there were other people around--but then that screws the whole Christian story of Adam and Eve siring the entire human race.

Just a few chapters later in Genesis 4, Cain's descendant Lamech is the first recorded man to take 2 wives--and God offers no comment! Nothing. No retribution, no preaching, nothing.

Two chapters afterwards, there's the strange passage about the "Nephilim" (whatever they are) and the "sons of God" having sex with "the daughters of men." Some say these were angels or demons--seriously. But regardless of what you believe or whether this even happened--God says nothing. In fact, what is said is that these offspring were "heroes and men of reknown." Impressive. Sounds like God blessed them, right?

Then we have Noah's grandchildren, after the flood receeded. Since everyone died in the flood, Those grandchildren (cousins) were having sex with each other! So God essentially created a situation where first cousins had no choice but to have sex with each other. I guess God was ok with it. And who married them? Noah? God? According to the Bible, there wasn't any synagogue, church, or justice of the peace. Was it legal in the "state of Noah?"

A bit later we have Abraham, patriarch of Israel (and some say, Islam). His grandson Jacob sired the 12 tribes of Israel. Jacob also had 2 wives, Leah and Rebekah--and God said nothing! In fact, both families were ecstatic about it because they were all related! It's a polygamy family party!

But that's not all. At various times, neither wife could get pregnant, so they would give Jacob their female servants to sleep with, since it seems those children were considered children of the master. Nice. Which means that 6 tribes of the "holy" nation of Israel were sired by bastard children. And God? No comment!

Hmmm, I think following such wanton people of questionable morals wouldn't be the "Christian" thing to do--don't you?

Marriage is and always has been redefined by various people. Which is fine. Each culture sets its own rules. But Christians are full of hypocrisy, and they defend positions that their own God seems not all that worried about.

God Silent on Polygamy: It's In the Bible!

I'm so over Christians such as Rick Warren being so smug about their historical "knowledge" of marriage. In defending his opposition to gay marriage, he added this (from Wayne Besen): "I'm opposed to having one guy having multiple wives and calling that marriage."

Personally, I don't care if you have multiple wives or husbands. My beef is his ignorance of the Bible's relative silence on polygamy. Christians like Warren aren't giving you the entire story. His recent interview with NBC's Ann Curry was full of historical ignorance (watch here, about 1 minute into the video).

There are instances of polygamy in the Bible--and God is either silent on the issue or oddly complicit in the unions. But today's Christians act just horrified over such an arrangement and yet Jehovah himself seemed not to mind so much. He was so nonchalant, in fact, that the very founders of Israel were polygamists! More on that in a sec.

Sure, in the New Testament there's something about holy men of God having one wife. Fine. But what happened? Did God change his mind. Isn't sin ALWAYS sin? Does God make exceptions, and isn't that a slippery slope? I thought God never changed and moral truths were absolute!

So, on polygamy and even--gasp!--incest, riddle me this:

If God did create Adam and Eve, then their sons and daughters had sex with each other, plain and simple. And for whatever reason, God offers no comment. If you have some righteous explanation for why this was ok, I'd like to hear it.

And how were these folks married? Were there priests or justices of the peace? By what law were they married? There is a strange mention of a "Land of Nod" where Adam's son Cain apparently went to live and found a wife! Ok, who was she? I mean, if Adam and Eve were the only people, she still had to be a daughter of Adam and Cain's sister. Unless, of course, there were other people around--but then that screws the whole Christian story of Adam and Eve siring the entire human race.

Just a few chapters later in Genesis 4, Cain's descendant Lamech is the first recorded man to take 2 wives--and God offers no comment! Nothing. No retribution, no preaching, nothing.

Two chapters afterwards, there's the strange passage about the "Nephilim" (whatever they are) and the "sons of God" having sex with "the daughters of men." Some say these were angels or demons--seriously. But regardless of what you believe or whether this even happened--God says nothing. In fact, what is said is that these offspring were "heroes and men of reknown." Impressive. Sounds like God blessed them, right?

Then we have Noah's grandchildren, after the flood receeded. Since everyone died in the flood, Those grandchildren (cousins) were having sex with each other! So God essentially created a situation where first cousins had no choice but to have sex with each other. I guess God was ok with it. And who married them? Noah? God? According to the Bible, there wasn't any synagogue, church, or justice of the peace. Was it legal in the "state of Noah?"

A bit later we have Abraham, patriarch of Israel (and some say, Islam). His grandson Jacob sired the 12 tribes of Israel. Jacob also had 2 wives, Leah and Rebekah--and God said nothing! In fact, both families were ecstatic about it because they were all related! It's a polygamy family party!

But that's not all. At various times, neither wife could get pregnant, so they would give Jacob their female servants to sleep with, since it seems those children were considered children of the master. Nice. Which means that 6 tribes of the "holy" nation of Israel were sired by bastard children. And God? No comment!

Hmmm, I think following such wanton people of questionable morals wouldn't be the "Christian" thing to do--don't you?

Marriage is and always has been redefined by various people. Which is fine. Each culture sets its own rules. But Christians are full of hypocrisy, and they defend positions that their own God seems not all that worried about.

A Celebration of Christmas Contradictions

Is it wrong or hypocritical for a professed pagan/non-theist to actually have fun with Christmas? My over-analytical self began to ask that very question yesterday, and it went something like this:

"You don't believe in Jesus anymore as the traditional God incarnate, so aren't you being hypocritical by celebrating his birth? Aren't you succumbing to the secularism that some say has infiltrated Christmas? If you were a good pagan, you'd be talking about Yule, Saturnalia or some other celebration! And if you really don't believe in any god at all, then why would you encourage the continued worship of anything?"

Guess I'm just a mess of contradictions, but I actually think it all makes sense. I'm a child of my time and culture, a middle-class WASP who grew up in the heavily religious American South in the mid- to late-20th century. So a big part of my life was Santa, Christmas trees and carols, angels announcing baby Jesus' birth in a manger and all that. Seeing as I still live here, it's hard to escape.

And I don't know that I want to escape completely. Regardless of whether I'm a Christian or not, regardless of whether I believe in any god or goddess or religion, there is a two-fold appeal for this holiday. One is all the wonderful memories in generates for me. I was fortunate to have a good childhood, and Christmas was part of that. I was never forced into Christianity but willingly embraced it, so the holiday is always a great indulgence in nostalgia.

Second, Christmas is fun! Holiday cookies and dinners, parties, presents, singing and decorations--what's not to love? And I don't think you have to be a Christian to appreciate that. There is joy simply in coming together with other people, in celebrating and even in spending lavishly simply for the opportunity to give. At this time of year, there is more of an emphasis on what we have in common and in helping those less fortunate.

So I don't have any gripe against the manger scene in the town square or the obligatory office holiday parties. I don't even care if my pagan beliefs or affinities are recognized. This is Christmas! And today, Christmas is really more of a secular holiday anyhow. Sure, it can be as religious as you want, and we can all argue all day about the pagan roots of Christmas and its traditions and which came first. But all that doesn't really matter. It is what it is. But you can celebrate Christmas without ever stepping inside a church or setting up a manger scene or singing "Oh Holy Night." Shopping, decorations, parties and such isn't specifically Christian, and yet even the overtly religious symbols have been absorbed into the mainstream culture. Devout Christians may have a point that this isn't very authentic or sincere, but there you have it. It's part of who we are as Americans.

Which, when you think about it, is a non-theistic approach. Maybe even a little pagan. And what's more pagan than the ability to simply enjoy a good party!? So, Merry Christmas, ya'll!

A Celebration of Christmas Contradictions

Is it wrong or hypocritical for a professed pagan/non-theist to actually have fun with Christmas? My over-analytical self began to ask that very question yesterday, and it went something like this:

"You don't believe in Jesus anymore as the traditional God incarnate, so aren't you being hypocritical by celebrating his birth? Aren't you succumbing to the secularism that some say has infiltrated Christmas? If you were a good pagan, you'd be talking about Yule, Saturnalia or some other celebration! And if you really don't believe in any god at all, then why would you encourage the continued worship of anything?"

Guess I'm just a mess of contradictions, but I actually think it all makes sense. I'm a child of my time and culture, a middle-class WASP who grew up in the heavily religious American South in the mid- to late-20th century. So a big part of my life was Santa, Christmas trees and carols, angels announcing baby Jesus' birth in a manger and all that. Seeing as I still live here, it's hard to escape.

And I don't know that I want to escape completely. Regardless of whether I'm a Christian or not, regardless of whether I believe in any god or goddess or religion, there is a two-fold appeal for this holiday. One is all the wonderful memories in generates for me. I was fortunate to have a good childhood, and Christmas was part of that. I was never forced into Christianity but willingly embraced it, so the holiday is always a great indulgence in nostalgia.

Second, Christmas is fun! Holiday cookies and dinners, parties, presents, singing and decorations--what's not to love? And I don't think you have to be a Christian to appreciate that. There is joy simply in coming together with other people, in celebrating and even in spending lavishly simply for the opportunity to give. At this time of year, there is more of an emphasis on what we have in common and in helping those less fortunate.

So I don't have any gripe against the manger scene in the town square or the obligatory office holiday parties. I don't even care if my pagan beliefs or affinities are recognized. This is Christmas! And today, Christmas is really more of a secular holiday anyhow. Sure, it can be as religious as you want, and we can all argue all day about the pagan roots of Christmas and its traditions and which came first. But all that doesn't really matter. It is what it is. But you can celebrate Christmas without ever stepping inside a church or setting up a manger scene or singing "Oh Holy Night." Shopping, decorations, parties and such isn't specifically Christian, and yet even the overtly religious symbols have been absorbed into the mainstream culture. Devout Christians may have a point that this isn't very authentic or sincere, but there you have it. It's part of who we are as Americans.

Which, when you think about it, is a non-theistic approach. Maybe even a little pagan. And what's more pagan than the ability to simply enjoy a good party!? So, Merry Christmas, ya'll!

My "Dear John" Letter to the Church

I finally did it--after much thought, I've left the Christian Church. The other week I wrote a letter to my pastor explaining my decision. It wasn't easy--the church of which I was a member is a great congregation. It's a place where you can ask questions and find many ways to serve and grow. Well, if it was so great, you ask, why leave?

Since setting off on this new path, I really hadn't attended much. That's a big deal--I was someone who grew up in the church, attended Christian school, was part of the college campus ministry as a student and was a summer missionary for the Florida State Baptists. I've attended church regularly since age 16, with only a few breaks here and there. I've served on missions committees, worship committees, organized prayer services and communion, and even served 3 years as a deacon.

But as my faith grew, I began to explore difficult questions about Christianity and religious faith in general. It would take a really long post to explain it all, but basically I have come to the conclusion that I can no longer believe in the concept of God. Religion can be a great thing, and many religious people are wonderful people. However, I can no longer be a part of an institution or belief system with which I disagree.

So I wrote a letter to my pastor, thanking him and the congregation for everything. Lots of tears were shed while writing this because it was a difficult decision. But I'm in a different place now, and I need to be honest with myself and with my church about who I am and what I believe--or don't.

For a while, I thought I would remain a member in order to support the local church, to help it spread its particularly welcoming brand of Christianity. That's certainly needed when so many other churches are exclusionary and legalistic. But I realized that my heart, or my spirit if you will, had moved on. I could no longer sit in the pew and pray to Jesus or God with any sincerity. I could no longer sing the hymns with any conviction or participate in worship with any integrity.

So what do I believe now? In short, I don't believe in any god or gods or even anything divine. That may seem depressing to some but I think otherwise. For me, looking at reality straight in the face is quite liberating. So much unnecessary crap just falls aside, giving us the opportunity to focus on what we feel is most important. Ironically, isn't that what religion is supposed to do? All too often, however, religion fails.

It seems we humans have evolved on this tiny planet in space, but I don't think our position at the top of the food chain necessarily means we have eternal souls or that some deity is directing our lives. I think that when we die, that's it, just like every other creature on Earth. There isn't any future reward or special heavenly mansions--it's all right here, right now. So get busy!

All that said, we humans are uniquely "spiritual" creatures. We love to believe in stuff--whether it's Jesus, fairies, Santa Claus or alien abductions. That's what I want to explore now. I wonder, what is this "spirit" exactly? Why is it so important to us? Essentially, that's what any religious person asks, but I "believe" we must go beyond what our current religious offerings provide.

If you happen to read this and you're a Christian, don't feel sorry for me. I'm quite excited about what's next. I don't want any labels such as agnostic or atheist--that's what I'm trying to get away from. I'm just looking for truth, whatever that is and if it even exists. I like to think that if there is a God or that if Christianity is True, well, then it'll become obvious one day. I'm hardly anti-religion, either. Christianity brought some wonderful things into my life--and it was also a great source of pain--self-inflicted pain.

So I would say, yes, believe in whatever you like. Most importantly, however, don't take it too seriously, and remember that everyone who believes differently from you is just as sincere and devout as you are. And none of us can prove who's "right" and who's not. In fact, I think we are all "right" and, at the same time, none of us are. Ah yes--paradox. I think that's the difficult truth we all need to discover.

My "Dear John" Letter to the Church

I finally did it--after much thought, I've left the Christian Church. The other week I wrote a letter to my pastor explaining my decision. It wasn't easy--the church of which I was a member is a great congregation. It's a place where you can ask questions and find many ways to serve and grow. Well, if it was so great, you ask, why leave?

Since setting off on this new path, I really hadn't attended much. That's a big deal--I was someone who grew up in the church, attended Christian school, was part of the college campus ministry as a student and was a summer missionary for the Florida State Baptists. I've attended church regularly since age 16, with only a few breaks here and there. I've served on missions committees, worship committees, organized prayer services and communion, and even served 3 years as a deacon.

But as my faith grew, I began to explore difficult questions about Christianity and religious faith in general. It would take a really long post to explain it all, but basically I have come to the conclusion that I can no longer believe in the concept of God. Religion can be a great thing, and many religious people are wonderful people. However, I can no longer be a part of an institution or belief system with which I disagree.

So I wrote a letter to my pastor, thanking him and the congregation for everything. Lots of tears were shed while writing this because it was a difficult decision. But I'm in a different place now, and I need to be honest with myself and with my church about who I am and what I believe--or don't.

For a while, I thought I would remain a member in order to support the local church, to help it spread its particularly welcoming brand of Christianity. That's certainly needed when so many other churches are exclusionary and legalistic. But I realized that my heart, or my spirit if you will, had moved on. I could no longer sit in the pew and pray to Jesus or God with any sincerity. I could no longer sing the hymns with any conviction or participate in worship with any integrity.

So what do I believe now? In short, I don't believe in any god or gods or even anything divine. That may seem depressing to some but I think otherwise. For me, looking at reality straight in the face is quite liberating. So much unnecessary crap just falls aside, giving us the opportunity to focus on what we feel is most important. Ironically, isn't that what religion is supposed to do? All too often, however, religion fails.

It seems we humans have evolved on this tiny planet in space, but I don't think our position at the top of the food chain necessarily means we have eternal souls or that some deity is directing our lives. I think that when we die, that's it, just like every other creature on Earth. There isn't any future reward or special heavenly mansions--it's all right here, right now. So get busy!

All that said, we humans are uniquely "spiritual" creatures. We love to believe in stuff--whether it's Jesus, fairies, Santa Claus or alien abductions. That's what I want to explore now. I wonder, what is this "spirit" exactly? Why is it so important to us? Essentially, that's what any religious person asks, but I "believe" we must go beyond what our current religious offerings provide.

If you happen to read this and you're a Christian, don't feel sorry for me. I'm quite excited about what's next. I don't want any labels such as agnostic or atheist--that's what I'm trying to get away from. I'm just looking for truth, whatever that is and if it even exists. I like to think that if there is a God or that if Christianity is True, well, then it'll become obvious one day. I'm hardly anti-religion, either. Christianity brought some wonderful things into my life--and it was also a great source of pain--self-inflicted pain.

So I would say, yes, believe in whatever you like. Most importantly, however, don't take it too seriously, and remember that everyone who believes differently from you is just as sincere and devout as you are. And none of us can prove who's "right" and who's not. In fact, I think we are all "right" and, at the same time, none of us are. Ah yes--paradox. I think that's the difficult truth we all need to discover.

A Call to Fellow Pagans and Heathens: Focus Your Power to Defeat the Christians!

Ok, this is a little tongue in cheek, to be honest. So, Christians in California are rallying the faithful to pray and fast in order to defeat gay marriage in the state.

I'm not one to believe in the power of prayer and a number of other things. And yet, that got me to thinking. Those of us who fall into the pagan, heathen, shaman and Wicca side of things should rally our own faithful for a little counterattack! I know there are some of you out there who possess a bit more faith in your own gods and goddesses and in your abilities to influence matters of this world.

I'm also assuming that most of you are more accepting of gay marriage than the majority of Christians are. If not, you are banished!

So, get to it! Direct your energy to California, get out your shaman tools, your wands and spell books and cast away, drum away!

If nothing else, maybe we can scare the Christians into staying home if they know the force of the nation's pagans are against them. Don't you just know they'll start shaking out of fear of what we might do! If they really understood us, they probably wouldn't be afraid at all but they're not ones to lay down superstitions (*wink, wink*).

Nothing like a good, old-fashioned spiritual battle to get your blood boiling! Me, I'll be blowing my new conch horn to call forth the spirits!

A Call to Fellow Pagans and Heathens: Focus Your Power to Defeat the Christians!

Ok, this is a little tongue in cheek, to be honest. So, Christians in California are rallying the faithful to pray and fast in order to defeat gay marriage in the state.

I'm not one to believe in the power of prayer and a number of other things. And yet, that got me to thinking. Those of us who fall into the pagan, heathen, shaman and Wicca side of things should rally our own faithful for a little counterattack! I know there are some of you out there who possess a bit more faith in your own gods and goddesses and in your abilities to influence matters of this world.

I'm also assuming that most of you are more accepting of gay marriage than the majority of Christians are. If not, you are banished!

So, get to it! Direct your energy to California, get out your shaman tools, your wands and spell books and cast away, drum away!

If nothing else, maybe we can scare the Christians into staying home if they know the force of the nation's pagans are against them. Don't you just know they'll start shaking out of fear of what we might do! If they really understood us, they probably wouldn't be afraid at all but they're not ones to lay down superstitions (*wink, wink*).

Nothing like a good, old-fashioned spiritual battle to get your blood boiling! Me, I'll be blowing my new conch horn to call forth the spirits!