If someone believes we're all going to a big volcano disco party at the end of time that's fine by me.
Show me proof and give me the address!
Seriously, I feel the same way about not feeling the need to disprove others. I am not prone to feelings of infringement, even if I find methods distasteful. I do understand the need from some to protect their chosen/appointed/...deities and beliefs. Much in the same way I understand the need to preserve a language or culture, there is a need to preserve, or at least observe traditions in magickal and religious practice, even if just for the sake of posterity. There has to be room for the tolerance of experimentation, but also, when experimenting, a respect for the tradition(s). I think this is a thoughtful balance, or compromise, that is acceptable for Temple purposes, imho.
Sometimes, however, people feel that in order to validate their own beliefs, they have to get others to believe as they do. Or that if someone has a different experience of the deities or certain techniques, than they do, then it must be hooey. It might be, but it doesn't really upset me if it is, either. It is someone's attempt at understanding, is how I look at it. No matter how shallow I think it may be, is really none of my concern. I should concern myself with my own practice. It all becomes some stupid deified soap opera, otherwise, and is quite distracting.
Help me out here, I'm working with a Mercury retrograde! |
