nsaid
New Member
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
Greetings to all.
I am writing a research paper on interfaith dialogue. Actually, it doesn't only explore the possibilities for dialogue between religions, but also between religions and what would be characterised as "spiritualities".
The dialogue between the three Abrahamic religions has been tackled by many and a lot of research material is readily available, which is why I prefer to focus on exploring possibilities for dialogue between some more "unusual" combinations. One of them is Islam vs. Neopaganism/Wicca/Witchcraft.
Before writing anything else, I would like to explain what these denominations mean from their "inner" point of view (as I find it extremely important to offer a perspective of those who practice, not of those who only theoretize and very often judge based on their own set of beliefs). In my initial Internet research I discovered that much too often the reason of quarrels is a misunderstanding of the meaning of these three concept.
Also, my role in this research is that of a mediator, a third party which belongs neither to the Islamic nor the Neopagan/Wiccan/Witchcraft tradition. Therefore the views that I present in the discussion are not mine but the views and opinions gathered from the practitioners through interviews and correspondence.
Neopaganism (or just paganism, "neo" refers to the revival of the old ways) is a spirituality, not a religion. It is based on revering nature and its cycles, its fertility and its dualistic nature. God and Goddess in paganism are perceived in most cases as archetypes and anthropomorphized principles we find in the nature, the feminine and the masculine. Paganism is not a fixed set of beliefs, it is open to dynamic reinterpretation. What most of the pagans share is celebrating the important points in the Earth's yearly cycle such as solstices and equinoxes, perceiving them important from the point of view of changing the seasons and influencing agricultural calendar.
Wicca is often defined by their practitioners as a religion based on Neopagan values (even though opinion may differ from person to person). Despite a large number of different traditions, each has a more of less fixed set of beliefs. Wicca is only one of the religions and spiritualities which evolved from the Neopagan values. It could be said it is a revival of the old pagan spiritualities with some modern alterations.
Witchcraft is the practice of magic. Magic is defined as using your intention to shape energy with the aim of bringing about a certain result. Practitioners of Witchcraft say there is no black or white magic, the energy is one and all-pervading, it is your intention that shapes it. Witchcraft is not a spirituality nor religion. It is not connected with belief. It is a mere practice. Most of the Pagans and Wiccans do not practice Witchcraft. This was most often the point of misunderstanding in debates between the people belonging to Islamic tradition and people belonging to Neopagan/Wiccan traditions. According to my research, in 100% of cases the equivalence sign was put between the three of these, which cannot be further from the truth, according to the Neopagans/Wiccans.
Having this is mind, I would kindly request anyone from the Islamic tradition to offer his/her religion's perspective towards Neopaganism/Wicca/Witchcraft. As the topic of my research paper is dialogue, I would much appreciate any points in that direction.
Thank you very much.
I am writing a research paper on interfaith dialogue. Actually, it doesn't only explore the possibilities for dialogue between religions, but also between religions and what would be characterised as "spiritualities".
The dialogue between the three Abrahamic religions has been tackled by many and a lot of research material is readily available, which is why I prefer to focus on exploring possibilities for dialogue between some more "unusual" combinations. One of them is Islam vs. Neopaganism/Wicca/Witchcraft.
Before writing anything else, I would like to explain what these denominations mean from their "inner" point of view (as I find it extremely important to offer a perspective of those who practice, not of those who only theoretize and very often judge based on their own set of beliefs). In my initial Internet research I discovered that much too often the reason of quarrels is a misunderstanding of the meaning of these three concept.
Also, my role in this research is that of a mediator, a third party which belongs neither to the Islamic nor the Neopagan/Wiccan/Witchcraft tradition. Therefore the views that I present in the discussion are not mine but the views and opinions gathered from the practitioners through interviews and correspondence.
Neopaganism (or just paganism, "neo" refers to the revival of the old ways) is a spirituality, not a religion. It is based on revering nature and its cycles, its fertility and its dualistic nature. God and Goddess in paganism are perceived in most cases as archetypes and anthropomorphized principles we find in the nature, the feminine and the masculine. Paganism is not a fixed set of beliefs, it is open to dynamic reinterpretation. What most of the pagans share is celebrating the important points in the Earth's yearly cycle such as solstices and equinoxes, perceiving them important from the point of view of changing the seasons and influencing agricultural calendar.
Wicca is often defined by their practitioners as a religion based on Neopagan values (even though opinion may differ from person to person). Despite a large number of different traditions, each has a more of less fixed set of beliefs. Wicca is only one of the religions and spiritualities which evolved from the Neopagan values. It could be said it is a revival of the old pagan spiritualities with some modern alterations.
Witchcraft is the practice of magic. Magic is defined as using your intention to shape energy with the aim of bringing about a certain result. Practitioners of Witchcraft say there is no black or white magic, the energy is one and all-pervading, it is your intention that shapes it. Witchcraft is not a spirituality nor religion. It is not connected with belief. It is a mere practice. Most of the Pagans and Wiccans do not practice Witchcraft. This was most often the point of misunderstanding in debates between the people belonging to Islamic tradition and people belonging to Neopagan/Wiccan traditions. According to my research, in 100% of cases the equivalence sign was put between the three of these, which cannot be further from the truth, according to the Neopagans/Wiccans.
Having this is mind, I would kindly request anyone from the Islamic tradition to offer his/her religion's perspective towards Neopaganism/Wicca/Witchcraft. As the topic of my research paper is dialogue, I would much appreciate any points in that direction.
Thank you very much.
much more detailed, but I would like to respectfully add to the point of Allah not forgiving the sin of believing in other gods/creations, This applies to people who have received the Quran (and purportedly according to some, all People of the Book) as Conversion/Reversion can wipe away all sins. If you do not know the truth and then discover it why would you be punished for rejecting that belief. 