| Sarah j. Babcock�s Opening Statement |
| Thank you for considering me for inclusion in this endeavor. Most folks believe that they are so intelligent, that their ideas and opinions so unique, that they would do well on a talk show where they could impress the world. This is evident by the chatter going on in their mind. I fight this notion with a passion. I am entering this Transreligious Dialogue with nothing to new to say. Nothing that has not been said before me, and said much better too. I have nothing to sell, nor do I wish to change your mind. Even the ideas I present herein are not carved into stone, and are subject to change. My way is only one of many ways, but it is not he only way, thank G-d!
�Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge; but a fool layeth upon his folly.� Proverbs 13:16 Mahatma Gandhi, in describing his religious upbringing, explained that it was a common practice that his childhood religious leader used to teach from the Bible, or sometimes from the Koran, adding that �it does not really matter what religion is being practiced, as long as G-d is worshipped.� The media has said that he learned the Ways of Peace while in prison. Whichever; by some people�s standards he was a great Spiritual leader, because of his sagacious statements bridged the gaps between religions, i.e., many people of many various religions, and beliefs, that otherwise seem to disagree with one another, will readily agree with his many profound statements of sacred wisdom. They agree that he was definitely inspired by divine knowledge, and insights. Mother Teresa, and the Dalai Lama have the same kind of reputation, among a very few others. Most if not all seekers of divine truth, and true worship eventually discover that there is a major difference between being religious and being spiritual. Religion is a pathway to spirituality. A pathway so many get stuck on getting all hung up on religion, and its practices, and failing to advance to where the pathway goes. No matter what religion one practices one can still achieve spirituality. Religion is man�s tool used to gain spiritual enlightenment. Spirituality is deep mature understanding of human relations, with Ultimate Creative Force, or G-d. (Whatever G-d is to you � possibly a supernatural all knowing powerful Creator.) At one time I would have sincerely said that I am very religious. In doing so, I made some curious observances in peoples� reactions to that statement. Most commonly people, especially Christians, concluded that I was asserting my Christianity. I continue to wonder, do people realize that there are indeed various �religions,� throughout the world. Religion besides Christianity? In other words, Christianity is not the only one considered a religion. I have studied many religions throughout my spiritual journey. I have been told that I am Religiously promiscuous. When I studied Taoism, I was quickly rebuked when I referred to it as a �religion.� I was told, �It is not a religion,� but instead, �a way of life.� I have always considered religion to be a way of life! Mine is for me. Religion, besides being a way of life, is a belief in a supernatural power, or all-knowing, all-powerful Creator. Religion also includes an institutionalized system of beliefs, and worship activity, prayers, rituals, rites, initiations, et cetera. Now, I would not tell you that I am religious, because I am not. I quit being religious. I come from two different family Wiccan traditions, and am more Spiritual than Religious. After years of Practice, I have come to understand that �All notions of true worship of a Supreme Supernatural being originate from the same sentiment, or emotion, which is one�s seeking to be at one with the Ultimate Creative Force, i.e., G-d. To be at one with the environment, and universe. Although, I am no longer religious. I am still a caldron stirring spell casting Witch, and continue to adhere to many traditional Wiccan prayers, rites, rituals, and initiations as my body to grow and mature spiritually. What I am saying is that I am not so concerned with any one particular religious practice, but instead, am intensely interested in where my Spiritual journey leads me. My desire to be at one with the Ultimate Supernatural Creative Force, G-d as I understand Her. This attitude frees me to go in religious, and spiritual, directions where our differences of any kind are sincerely celebrated, and diversity is sought rather than avoided. The oldest versions of the word Wicca, indicate those people skilled in such things as natural healing, wortcunning, methods of animal husbandry agriculture, midwifery, scrying, among other things. This definition also encompasses the word Witch and Witch Craft. Witch derives from the Old English �Wisse,� or �Wesse,� which means Wise Ones, or The Wise. Wicca is a Nature based religion, and always practiced for the betterment of mankind. Discard the silly notion that Wicca has anything to do with �Satan� deity of Judaism, or Christianity. Within Wicca there is no evil enemy of G-d. �Satan� is the Hebrew word for �adversary,� and understood in modern times as a bad g-d, who will go to any extreme to oppose the good G-d. This is a concept that is not necessary within Wiccan Worship. Wicca is also a Pagan religion. Prior to the invention of the printing press, Pagan merely referred to �Country Folk,� i.e., those living off the land, and in America could reasonably include Native Americans, and other indigenous people of the world. In modern usage it means anyone who is not Jewish or Christian. The �Craft,� as in Witch Craft,� is a depiction of our celebration of being creative, or artistic, in many various ways. We prefer to make much of what we need. An observance I have made in regards to organized religion, including modern Wicca, is its seemingly negative affect on so many practitioners including some clergy. It seems that people tend to understand it as demanding one to deny our G-d given Wisdom which is divinely engrained on each human heart; doing away with any trust in our own inherent intellect, and suppressing our common sense. Even our compassion for our fellow human beings seems to be severely subdued. It appears as though we are told that it is okay to hate anyone who disagrees with our understanding of G-d. Many would have us believe, for instance, that science is at odds with religion. I would think it is our misunderstanding causing the illusion that religion and science are incompatible. Science is a good example, though, because many of the World�s most renowned scientists promulgate their belief in G-d. They attest that the more they come to understand the universe through science, the more evidence they found proving the existence of an intelligent power-force, having had to not only put the universe together but continues to hold it together. Perhaps this is a hint as to the Why of creation. Possibly there will come a time when religions will cease, and our spiritual wisdom, and common sense will cause us to comply with the laws of nature and join with science for the common good of mankind. One thing is for sure, people must get over the alleged religious view that it is tolerable to harm others in the name of their religion or G-d, for any reason. Violence only begets violence! In many ancient religious and spiritual beliefs, where people who present themselves differently than the majority or are born different, were often considered to be blessings. Many of these people became the priest and shaman. Yes! The spiritual leaders. In modern times they resent these same types of people. Often diagnosing them with conditions, and using that among other things to label and harm them, or at least reject and ignore them. Where the ancients found ways to incorporate them, other differences for the common good of the people�s survival depended on it. Whereas modern societies use our differences to label, reject and creating throwaway people. And, as often as not, this is done in the name of religion, and G-d. They tend to forget that all are created by G-d. No one is a stranger in God�s sight. From ancient times there has been people who, in the name of religion understood that all of nature, and each individual, is a manifestation of G-d. Imagine the implications of being considered a living part of G-d along with everyone else, and everything else in the universe. It sure would bespeak of stronger efforts on our part to create world peace, beginning with those living closest to us. It could start with kind words, and service for service sake. The Scholars, Saints, Sages, and Elders of all the world religions have tried to teach us that the hidden truth of the nature of G-d isn�t hidden at all, nor complicated, or outside anyone�s reach. The true nature of G-d is so simple that it beguiles our understanding. It requires work on our part to finally see and understand, then to maintain this enlightened state. God is simply all, and nothing. This is a state of understanding that I think I�ve only touched, rarely. It is my way, my understanding. It isn�t good for everyone, not everyone else�s way, not new, by my stretch of the imagination. But it is every bit as much G-d�s way as anyone else�s way. Throughout the world, Gender Variant people in all their wonderful forms are known as extremely sapient, so I look forward to this suggested Transreligious Dialogue. Although, we will likely agree on very little, let us write some new prayers, new rituals, and rites and celebrate our differences, and our similarities. We are the world Shaman after all! �Life is a manifestation of that sacred power you call G-d. As you use your life, it is your opportunity ever to be a manifestation of that power you would worship in your maker.� Edgar Cayce Submitted in loving compassion, Ms. Sarah j. Babcock |
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