Christmas Tree or Holiday Tree

Tom:

Just one thing. It's important to distinguish between the ancient pagan religions, which are extinct, and Neopaganism, which exists today and is actually quite modern. I know that some Neopagan traditions have origin myths that claim they are survivals of the old ways, but those are myths and nothing more.

What you are describing is a union of church (or temple) and state, and yes, it was the norm throughout civilized history. The separation of church and state is a modern concept dating back only to the 18th century. Even religiously tolerant peoples like the pagan Romans had state religions. And, arguably because of that, the religious tolerance of the Romans had important exceptions: the Druids and the Christians come to mind.

Neopagan values DO NOT encourage the union of religion and government -- even our own religion. Some years back, a town council in some town in (I think it was) Georgia that had a fairly large Pagan population passed an ordinance making a certain week of the year "Earth Religion Week." Neopagan groups were as vociferous as Christian ones, or more so, in getting that rescinded. It doesn't matter what religion is given official sanction. Not only is that dangerous to unsanctioned religions, it is also very dangerous to free spiritual expression within the sanctioned faith. Most victims of the Inquisition were Christian.

And that is why, getting back to the thread topic, I don't see it as a big deal what we call the fir tree decorated at holiday time. Call it what you will. And worship as you will. And keep the hands of religion off the government, and vice-versa.

For those of us who can still use a modicum of thought ...we know that politics and government are in fact a religion. They are quite "occult" in thier operation...and quite esoteric too. Occult...hidden or concealed. Esoteric...known by a chosen few.

This is a natural outcome of logical reasonable men...evolution if you like. This is always historically what men degenerate into after a good start. It is the very best historically that men can do.

Politics is a religion..how do I know this??

Because contrary to what most of us are taught in public schools today..Religion is the ultimate political power..always has been and always will be.
The other facet of politics as a religion is in its obvious attempts to maintain power...at the expense of the public. On the public purse if you like. The attempts to recruit the Illegal aliens will be a textbook demonstration of this occult esoteric religious power grab at public expense or on the public purse...no matter what the public wants. By this obviously ..they do not represent the will of the public as they claim. Not far removed from what the Phaisees were doing in ancient times ..or what the Romans were doing in the struggle between the Senate and the Emperors.. All grabs for power...while keeping the public ignorant of its true nature. By the way ..this is also called a counterfit. Another word for this is Hijacking.

Thanks,
Orangetom.