This is going to be a long one, folks!Updated to add: Some of the noted links have now been removed or closed to comments. Some of the quoted people have left comments at the end of this post.
Yesterday, I was going about my business after a nice day with friends to find a message about my participation in The Circle of Moms contest for the Top 25 Faith Blogs by Moms. It was a contest that someone else nominated my blog for, and I only found out about a few days ago. I was extremely touched that someone had thought to nominate my blog (I'm still not completely sure who did it!) and within a a couple of days, I'd reached the top 10. Along with my own blog, there were several other Pagan bloggers in the contest as well, I was happy to see.
The message I received yesterday informed me that a few of the other bloggers in the contest seemed to have some serious issues with there being Pagans and "self-professed witches" in the contest at all - much less that some were doing well in it! The shock! The horror! The satan worshippers - that's not "faith"!!!!1
Before I get much further, for those who might be wondering (and I can only speak for myself on this part of the issue), I can say that yes, my practice and religion is faith based. I live my faith every single day. I wake up and say a prayer to my deity. I post (via facebook) articles daily that might be of concern or interest to those of the Pagan faith. I write letters to corporations, churches, individuals, news sources, government agencies, etc. to discuss Pagan issues and try to educate people on what being a Pagan or witch is in reality - as opposed to the huge misinformation that some people pass off as what Paganism is. I teach my children about all faiths and that they should respect those of other faiths. Every faith (to me) is valid and deserving of respect (though not all adherents of those religions are). I am a legally ordained minister. I have helped found a group in my area that gets together on a regular basis to learn and support each other.
And check out the rules of posting for any of my pages/sites. In those rules you will find one of the no-no's on each is the bashing of any religion just for the sake of bashing. I try to enforce a tolerance of everyone's beliefs. Believe me, that's not always made me popular. I've lost quite a few Pagan readers when I've deleted their posts about those gosh-darned Christians (and less often those gosh-darned Muslims). My husband is Christian. My parents are Christians - as is 99% of my extended family. I have wonderful Christian neighbors and friends (many of which came out in support of this issue).
So what exactly happened, well, here are a few of the lovely quotes that were going around the internet (via blogs, twitter and facebook):
- "Unfortunately, Circle of Moms' top 25 "faith" blogs includes pagans/witches.
Since yesterday, the pagan soccer mom's blog has moved from the teens to 2nd place, and there aren't very many votes (relatively speaking) separating 1st (a Christian blog) and 2nd place.Would you guys please help by voting daily till the contest is over? It literally is bringing tears to my eyes to think a pagan blogger could win 1st place in a "Faith Blog" contest.
I'll stop there, but a quick google search of "Top 25 Faith Blogs" along with "Pagan" or "witchcraft" will get you quite a few more posts that don't think that Pagan moms can be women of faith.
- "Mixed in with the "faith" blogs are pagan blogs. In fact one of those bloggers, a self-professing witch wrote, "Looking at the nominations there were a couple of pagan blogs which thrilled me to no end. How cool would it be for one of the pagan bloggers to win the top spot?" How sad is that? Different faith is wrong faith I encourage you to pray against the aggressive attack on Christian faith that is prevalent in our world today." (These are comments from one big blog post, quoting both me and The Pagan Mom Blog.)
I'd also like to add that this is not about the fact that these women are supporting women of their own faith. I'd have no problem is they simply said "Vote for the Christian bloggers!!". This is about how they personalized it. They named names. They quoted not only me, but other Pagan moms. They talked about our pictures. They brought up our "poor" children (who they are apparently praying for.). This was a straight up personal attack, painted in misinformation, ignorance and fear.
On the flip side, I have been astounded by the outpouring of support on this matter. The Pagan and Pagan-friendly community has come out in droves to pass along the links for voting, post their own articles, comment on Facebook, twitter and blogs and send me messages of support. Here are a just a few of the articles I've found:
- From The Pagan Mom Blog blogger
- From The Pagan Mom Blog blogger's Christian husband
- From Patti Wigington on her about.com column
- From Using My Outside Voice
- From Confessions of a Kitchen Witch
- From The Secret Life of an American Working Witch
And there are many others. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the wonderful support by Christians as well. Several of my both online and real-life friends commented about their support. Thanks to you all!
Now to put this in perspective: I haven't lost my job because of my religion. My child didn't get bullied in school because of her Pagan t-shirt. I didn't have people waving signs or burning crosses in my yard. I (and the Pagan/Pagan-friendly community) could certainly choose to turn away from these folks and ignore them - it's just a silly internet contest. But what a great teaching opportunity. To show people that Pagans can be people of faith. That we will not stand for being persecuted, even in this small way. The Top 25 Faith blogs apparently have their blogs sent out in a newsletter that reaches 6 million people. That's a lot of people who might learn that we don't need to be feared or hated. That we haul our kids around in mini-vans (okay not all of us....), we are PTO moms, we are raising our kids the best we can in trying times.
In the end, I kind of have to thank these women who've decided I'm scary and not worthy. As of now I'm in the #2 slot, and several other Pagan blogs are in the Top 25. By stirring the pot, they've rallied the "troops" so to speak. By making me a personal target, I've been inundated with wonderful, loving, supportive energy from dozens and dozens of people. I won't waste my time being mad or hating them. Because in my personal faith, I forgive, I accept, and I am tolerant. (Or at least I really, really try to be.)
Visit the Circle of Moms and vote for your favorite blogs. There are plenty of Pagan bloggers there, and we'd all appreciate you vote. There are also some great blogs to vote on by moms of the Jewish faith, Muslim moms, and yes, there are some great blogs by Christian women as well.
Though I won't lie and say I don't hope you'll vote for me, lol! =D
This is post copyright to the author. It may not be reposted, reprinted or distributed in its entirety without express written permission of the author. Links to the article can be freely shared and are very appreciated!
179 Comments:
You have my vote!
You are exactly where you deserve to be - at the top! And please be sure to post this on the Pagan Writers Community wall as you have a nice group of supporters there as well :)
I am both saddened and angered by these responses. It is a pity that in this day and age, that attitude against Pagans still exists. And to say that Paganism is not a 'faith' offends me to no end. My faith in the Goddess is just as valid as another person's faith in Jesus. And it is possible to be a Christian and still accept other religions. My best friend is a Christian and is completely accepting of my faith. We can discuss our religions and not spew hatred and intolerance.
Even though I have many, many issues with Christianity, I realize that they are my issues and that Christianity does indeed work for some people. All I wish is to be extended that same courtesy.
I will be praying for a world of greater tolerance, where each faith is seen as just another path to the same destination.
You got my vote, Mrs. B. I'm so sorry to hear that you have been made the subject of such intolerance. I applaud you for your positive attitude!
You have my vote! Faith, like people, come in all forms.
Meant in the nicest way possible, but many people of the Christian faith seem to forget that there is other faiths then theirs, Islam, and Judaism. Circle of Faith, by including circle means all encompassing, Faith is not isolated to Christianity EITHER. If a Pagan/Muslim etc blog was not welcome they should rename it Christian Circle of Faith blog.
We work & play, raise families, guide our children to tolerance, responsibility, and love (hopefully), we respect the earth and honor the seasons, our spells are our prayers.Our mere existence is not an attack on theirs. Where is the attack?
I commend you on the responsible handling of so many of these touchy subjects. Keep up the good work!
I am so proud of my fellow Pagans, and fellow people of ALL religious tolerance, who stepped up in this. I love your blog, Mrs. B and I'm so happy that you're in the running. I'm proud of you, too, for being mature in a ridiculous situation and for "defending the faith" so to speak :)
I said it yesterday, I'll say it again.
Hell hath no fury like a bunch of pissed off Pagan women. (Don't eff with us! *evil glare*)
I'm glad that everyone out there in the Pagan blogging community stood up for what they believed it.
You are incredible with your words~~you never fail to move and inspire me!! It was in finding your blog last year that really opened my eyes and gave me the courage to live in full view of the world and not feel like I had to hide my beliefs. I could not say it better than you did so I won't even try :) but we ARE women/mothers/people of faith!! Every day I make a conscious effort to keep my mind open and be accepting of all others, to keep my heart open and give love and kindness generously and keep my eyes open to all the beauty~big and small~in the world as well as to see (really SEE) the people we share this amazing planet with!! You are an inspiration and you touch the lives of so many of us every single day in ways that you can't even imagine!
I'm married to a Baptist Minister, MrsB. Intermingled amongst our magick books are Bibles - they sit together just fine.
I read the post you're referring to yesterday and was really disgusted by her public outburst. Attacking people for their faith is seriously not cool.
Perhaps everyone should remember it's a nomination for a *Mom* blog award. And whatever differences people might have we ALL have that in common, regardless of faith.
You have my vote, Kris!
I live my faith every day in everything I do and I spend time every day educating myself on other religions and common grounds we have. I am raising my children as Unitarian Universalists (though some would not call that a faith either) and so far its working out pretty well for us...no serial killers yet.
Let me commend you for your strength and dignity through this. Until this all flared up yesterday I hadn't visited that circle of moms site or voted. Guess what I did yesterday and today though? Yup, voted for you and for several other pagan mom blogs. Keep up the good work.
O...M...G...Mrs. B, to know you is to love you. I am sorry there are people in the world who insist on bashing any religion that is not Christian-based. Too bad they can't see past beliefs into the souls of individuals. If ever there was a light of love that shined bright, it's yours. Don't be dissuaded. Love will do as it always does and overcome!
Friend, I believe you have every right to be a part of the faith blogs as I do, a Christian.
These things can get so ugly.
I missed most of the buzz yesterday, only finding out what was setting everyone a buzz in between diaper changes and feedings. I will say that I am very proud of the Pagan community and those of other faiths who stepped up.
I normally don't spend too much time voting in these types of polls beyond casting an initial vote, this time around I'll be voting as many times as I can. I'd rather put my energy into that than to waste it making comments on the faith blog in question.
As they say, even bad publicity is still publicity. The venom and hate of yesterday has only served to strengthen the bonds of our community, help us get to meet some new pagans (personally, I've found some new folks to chat and network with out of all this), gave a whole lot of us the warm fuzzies due to an outpouring of love and eloquently worded rebuttals and offered us a huge teachable moment.
It also showed us that there are so many open minded Christians (and folks of other faiths) aside from our spouses and families who are willing to step up to the plate and defend our rights to believe and worship as we choose. To me, that is a hell of a gift and I'm proud to be part of such a great community of people.
You have my vote since the beginning, dear. I've been spreading the word too. This is sad and enraging at the same time. Like you said, I wouldn't care if they say "Vote for me because I'm of this faith" even "Vote for me, my faith is bigger, better and holier" but when they point fingers and try to bring someone down... NO! We shouldn't allow this. Not in a million years. Not again, even if it is in a small way.
You have my vote too!
I came here to support a Pagan blogger that some people were talking smack about. And I found - a wonderful blog I may have otherwise overlooked! I'm delighted!
*hugs*
Cheryl
To Sarah (Who, I might add, is one of the Christian bloggers from the contest), Thank you so much. That really means a lot to me!
To all: I so very much appreciate all of your kind words and support. I've been touched beyond words by all of this. Much love to you all!!
I had no idea about this issue until Wicca II posted the link yesterday on Facebook. I read her blog and, to be honest, I wasn't that outraged at first. Hey, I grew up in the Bible belt. It didn't shock me at all. But then I saw the posts and comments about how "shocking" it was that Pagans were up there beside Christian moms. Those posts made me mad.
By the end of yesterday, I had a blog up and I sent a carefully worded e-mail to the Christian blogger whose blog seemed to start this mess. I wanted to let her know a little of what Pagans/Wiccans are about and I tried to be polite about it. Whether it'll do any good or not, who knows? But while, sadly, she has a right to believe that we're all going to burn in hell or face some form of eternal punishment, she needs to be respectful when dealing with something as public as this blog contest. I told her as much. I hope that she takes something away from this experience and will know better in the future.
In the meantime, I support you and the other Pagan moms and I will be voting daily!
Done! I LOVE the fact that the pagan blogs are making a strong showing!!!
You have my vote today and everyday until the contest ends. Even if I wasn't Pagan your site is full of love and silliness and a charming amount of spunk* I could care less what a bunch of hateful people have to say...Faith doesn't no matter what faith doesn't change that some people are just butt-heads. Good luck in the contest. Lots of love your way!
You have my vote! And not just cus of this, of course, but because I really do enjoy reading you! I am a solid Christian myself...attend a Baptist church and all..souled-out for Jesus, but having said that, what I have learned from my pagan/Wiccan/witchy friends has deepened my walk with the Lord not diminished it. They have challenged my faith, in a good way, in ways that fellow believers don't. It is absolutely ridiculous to choose someone for their label! I know plenty of "Christians" whom I suspect will be surprised when they pass away and find He says He knows them not! I bet these same complainers are the first to yell "discrimination" when it's Christianity that is discriminated against. Folks, freedom of religion and its expression means just that so long as it doesn't hurt anyone else. and I know the first rule is "Harm None" so live *your* faith, fellow Christians, and show the respect that Christ did!
Voted for you and a few of the other pagan blogs. So happy to see you at the top. I am very pissed about the continued ignorance of people. When something like this happens to other Pagans (see those of all Pagan faiths) it really hurts me. Blessings to you Mrs. B.
Those "Christians" make me sick. Do they persecute Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, or any other religion like they persecute ours? NOPE. I practice and work on my personal religious tolerance daily, especially because it is shoved down our throats more than any other. You don't see Pagan commercials asking you to pray to Rhiannon or other gods, but you do with Christianity. Appalling. I'm SO GLAD you're #2!
I have already voted for you and will again! These attacks truely hurt us all! Makes me want to cry that there is that much hate in the world for those of us that follow the Wiccan/Pagan Religion. And we are a recognized religion, legally recognized as a religion in the 70's I believe! You can sure that I will be posting this on my FB page and getting my local sisters involved!
Blessed Be my sister, keep doing what you're doing and stay strong!
Blessings,
Nina ~Lady Raven
Pittsburgh, PA
WildRaven25@aol.com
The Sisterhood of the Triple Crescents Coven
~Order of the Moon Church~
Sigh, it's so sad when people don't take the time to learn about something and just jump to horrible conclusions, "Witches are evil because I heard that somewhere one time from that one dude so we must bash them in this little contest".
You most definitely have my vote and I'm sending you happy peaceful energy because it takes a lot to be the bigger Witch. ;)
Mrs. B, you were one of the ppl who inspired me to start my own blog. I'm thrilled to death to have any of us in the top 25 let alone top 2:P. You have such wonderful ideas and creation and are such an inspiring person. It's sad to see other faiths act this way towards us but to me this is nothing new. I get this almost on a weekly if not daily basis from my own family. My aunt tells me she is praying daily for me, which is all good don't mind that but she insists im taking my child to hell because i named her Trinity and for some odd reason she thinks thats a witchcraft term. Keeping in mind she is 93 years old, I just smile and tell her I love her which I do. sometimes I just wonder what happened to "Love thy neighbor"...or "Do unto other.." seems to me sometimes they forget their own passages but then again with all the kids running around screaming, coloring on walls, throwing food, pulling on each others hair... I think we all forget sometimes:P
Mrs. B., I'm a longtime reader and fan. I'm thrilled to see your blog where it is (only could be better if you were #1, fingers crossed!), and you totally deserve the spot for your frank, open, and fun blog that discusses all the aspects of life as a mom, as a pagan, as a woman.
No comment to the negative ninnies - they're not worth the time I would spend ranting!
All I can say I love you and you are a great example!
Mrs. B.,
I am a Christian and would like to apologize to you for the small minded Christians out there. For one I respect you and your belief's and feel you have the absolute right to worship who and how you choose. Thank you for being brave enough to post your belief's and hats off to your husband for loving your loving each other for your differences. May you always be blessed in all you do.
Mary
Brs. B. - You have handled this situation with humor, integrity and true CLASS. (Something not seen enough IMO, these days.)
Well done!
I just voted! I will do so every day now, just to help make the point that Pagans/Witches are here and are 'normal' loving people. Blessings to Sarah. As to the bloggers who have raised the tempest, I really wonder at the weakness/relative strength of their faith: how can Christianity be 'attacked' by the existence of Paganism?
What a wonderful blog you have!~ I just voted and will continue to do so.
I voted! And I will again today. And in light of the comments here, I will be voting for a kind-hearted Christian lady for being what I expect from real followers of Jesus. Thank you, Sarah!
I have been encouraging my readers to vote for all the minority religions represented there. To me, being a religious minority makes have lots more in common than not. So daily, I vote for the Jewish, Muslim and pagan blogs listed.
This strategy seems to be working- I believe that most of the pagan blogs are in the top 25 at this point, although we have a long few days to see what happens in the end.
I would love to see pluralism reign in this contest, which I see as a microcosm for what is happening in this country in general.
I am disgusted by some of those comments. I wish everyone could just get along and be accepting of each other. You have my vote for sure! I agree with what Raven said about faith in the Goddess being just as valid as faith in Jesus. To me, everything is right, nothing is wrong.
Mrs. B and all the other Pagan Mom Bloggers out there: I have lit candles for you on my altar. You all have my vote everyday! Thanks for staying true to your faith.
I think what some of the folks out there on the Internet may not understand is that one of the things that makes us Pagan is a belief in the interconnectedness of all life. So you're family, Mrs. B, even though we haven't met in the flesh. You are my spiritual sister, whether we practice/believe differently or not. They didn't just attack you, the individual, but all of us at once. I don't think they understand that what binds us together *really* binds us together, and we WILL stand up for each other.
How incredibly silly. People getting so bent out of shape over things that don't concern them. It's all good in the long run because it gets paganism out there for people and helps them realize that we are here, have been here and aren't going anywhere. Plugging fingers in their ears and living with their intolerance is their choice and as far as I am concerned they are welcome to lie in the bed they make. I know I certainly won't and I see a lot of our people rising together to support our sisters where they are needed. You may have not asked to be a face in all of this nonsense, but you've proven a person people are willing to show their support of. Keep doing what you do!
I'm not a mom or a woman and I live on the other side of the country but I saw a post about this on Thorn Coyles facebook page and I think its absolutely amazing and wonderful that your blog is involved in this contest and causing such a stir. Not that causing a stir is the intention but people need to see that yes there are Pagan moms and they are loving parents and its time we accepted the fact that everyone has the right to choose their own spiritual path. Way to go!
Just found you through the controversy. I went and voted for all the pagan blogs.
I can't stand intolerance.
M
I'm tickled to death that so many Pagan blogs are so high up on the list - I think it's wonderful. I've happily voted for you and will continue to do so! I'm actually in the running for top 25 as well, but in the Mental Wellness blog category.
Good luck you and all my other fellow Druids, Witches, Heathens and tree hugging/dirt worshiping Moms on the blog roll!
Peg
I saw a bumper sticker and got a chuckle out of it. "Christianity has Pagan DNA".
This is something these people should seriously consider. Paganism is one of if not the first religions which the others branch off from.
You have my vote. Merry Meet
Voted and Shared - Work it Girl!
The best opportunities to debunk BS is to not be what they expected. Good luck!
I am not surprised by this, but am so happy that you are turning it into a positive opportunity to educate others with compassion, tolerance and kindness.
I personally practice paganism, Christianity and Buddhism - all three are the cornerstones of my daily inner life. I love all religions and believe that underneath the supposed differences, they are all the same. They all ask for us to be forgiving and to embrace each other as brothers and sisters. It's okay that we forget this sometimes (or that some people don't remember it at all). We always have the ability to remember our true purpose here and to set an example of loving behavior.
Glad to see you on their list and I hope all goes well for you and everyone involved!
I'm sorry that you (and the other pagan mums in the contest) had to exerience this kind of elementary schoolyard tactic in order to promote their faith, as if they dont trust their god to overcome the obstacle of a pagan mum blogger if He really wanted to, in order to spread His message. I follow Torah, so, since I'm called to be set apart and not get mingled up in pagan ways, I won't vote for you all, but it seems as though you guys are doing okay without it ;) Shalom.
I just went on to Circle of Moms and at this moment Mrs. B...Your #1!! Congrats!!!
This makes me sick. "Other faith is wrong faith." That one really gets me. It's hard for me not to be as angry and nasty as they were. There is never any valid reason for such hate and animosity towards anyone. I would understand maybe if there was an atheist parenting blog up there, but all of the Pagan blogs are really good and you can see the faith the parents on the blogs have.
It's really a shame that in America we can't just get over the fact that different people believe different things.
You have my vote Mrs. B.
Good for you, Mrs. B for standing up for yourself with dignity and grace. It doesn't surprise me that the "Stepford Wives" (my thoughts about them) are shuddering in their little white knickers about you big ole bad witchy you ; ) We support you with broomsticks proudly in hand!
I'm not a mom, and I'm not a women of faith (I'm a lapsed Catholic turned Agnostic). But you've got my vote. And plenty of other people out there are voting for you. Good luck!
What really warms my black little heart is not just how the Pagan community has come together in support of our Pagan mom bloggers, but the number of Christians who have stepped up to the plate and said, "Hey, this is NOT acceptable."
Kudos to those folks, in particular, for being examples of what Christianity is meant to be.
patti
I am absolutely disgusted by the behavior of some people. However, I am thrilled to see you take the high road and also defend those of other faiths, including your own and that of the ones of the few people freaking out. Lots of hugs and you are a strong, wise and wonderful woman!
Mrs. B. You have my vote every day (and twice on Sunday) :)
The good news is that after this article was posted (http://paganwiccan.about.com/b/2011/05/26/because-christianity-doesnt-own-faith.htm)
"Update: Less than an hour after I posted this, and several other bloggers spread the word, the Time Warp lady's blog has actually been removed from the competition."
Yay for us! She was in clear violation of Circle of Mom's charter by making it a personal attack, and now she's been removed from the competition.
I read her scathing blog post about you (and others), Mrs. B, and I find myself constantly amazed that archaic thinking like this still exists today. It's not a surprize (just look at our politics), but it's amazing, intriguing even, and more than a little sad. I have compassion for people like her who live in so much fear and anger that they can't embrace spiritual sisters wherever they find them.
Oh and more good news...according to the poll, you are in first place with a huge and growing lead! Go Pagan momma!!!!
*does the happy witchy-poo dance*
Just stopping by to remind you that you have the support of enough Witches to start a new country. We are standing by your side, sending bright blessings, energy and whole lot of love! And voting ;-)
well I am proud to say I voted for you, and I was number 2,666. I really thought these days were over
Congrats! It looks like you are now in 1st place and I hope we can all keep you there. I will be voting daily! With that said I must say that it is so disheartening to see these seemingly "good Catholic women" behave this way and discriminate over types of faith. Sorry Ladies, that just isnt going to work as is apparent by Mrs. B's well deserved place in the #1 spot!
Mrs B, I also have a Catholic husband, I was brought up Catholic and my husband and I both attended Catholic schools, this behavior is one of the reasons I turned away from the Catholic religion.
I enjoy your blog, facebook posts and your witty personality. You are a joy and gift to our community. You have my unending support and I am thrilled that you are supported and loved my many. Bright Blessings to you and yours!
Kat
not to worry D........I'll 'cast' a vote from Sue and I for you too !!!
I am disgusted by the behavior of people in a "Faith" that is supposed to be about loving one another. I guess they skipped that portion of Bible study. If I am correct it is NOT a voting for Christian blogs.
I long for a day people will just grow up and learn to love all.
Seriously, Satanism? I'm both angered by their intolerance and bemused by their ignorance.
you are amazing, and inspirational! and you have my vote every day! congrats at being number 1!
I'm sorry that there have been hurtful words spread. I'm sorry that you have felt attacked. I am a Christian and can only apologize for the poor example that some Christians can be. I have been attacked and ridiculed for my faith and it isn't pleasant, although in the Bible, God does tell me that I WILL be attacked for my faith in Him, so I find comfort in that, knowing that it's alright. I'm not trying to please others, only Him. :) I know I have a been a poor representation of my Lord and that is a heavy burden on my heart. I think if we are honest, we can all attest that no matter what we believe in or who we follow, we've all had times where we've been a disgrace in some way or another. After all, we're all just people, trying to make our way through this life, doing the best we can. People always let other people down. Forgiveness is such a strong force and a source of peace. I would like to tell you that I will pray for you, but please, don't take that offensively. It should feel more humbling that someone is thinking of and loving you and praying for you out of the genuineness of their heart.
I found this through a pagan friend's blog, and I am appalled at the attitude of some people. Faith is not a Christian value-it's part of all religions. Faith means believing in something greater than yourself. Faith does not give you license to attack others for things you do not understand.
I am truly saddened at the attitude of some "Christians," but I have learned that the church finds it easier to teach bigotry and hatred than the love and compassion Christ gave us. I sometimes wonder what He thinks of us, doing evil in His name.
I do not understand Paganism, but the Pagans I have met were kind and loving people who cared for their family, friends and community. Which to me are pretty darned good things. How can I condemn someone for doing things my own religion says we should all do?
I voted!!
And I have to say that Danni was right about bad publicity, without the bad publicity I never would have found your blog.
Personally, I am rather firmly in the broom closet. I've lost jobs, homes and been given a few broken bones for telling people about my faith (many many years ago), so I just don't.
I just want to say thank you. It's encouraging and comforting to see that at least one person out there is giving pagans a good name.
Gratz on #1 spot:)
Hi Mrs. B. My blog is among the blogs. I am a Christian woman & regardless of my faith, I'm sorry that women would write this about you & your family. It's never acceptable.
www.redeemingthetable.com
Kamille
So sad that there are Christian's like this. I'm devout in my faith and I don't care who persecutes me for it. I'm a Witch. I live and love my Faith every moment of my life. I just wish they'd stop saying things like "I'll pray for her children" and "How could a Christian be married to someone who practices Witchcraft?" and so on. Two of my best friends are a Wiccan married to a Catholic. They have a happy, beautiful, well adjusted child and a fantastic marriage! It just makes me sad that there is still an overwhelming abundance of individuals who have so much hate in them, calling it religion, that they actually think their faith is the only faith. It doesn't make me sad for me. It makes me sad for them. To live such a hateful life must surely darken their souls. They are just as bad as the Atheists who bash anyone who has any faith what-so-ever. I've heard one particular hate and anger filled Atheist who actually believes that anyone who believes in anything Faith related is stupid and, if I remember correctly, crazy. I know an Jewish person who is the same as these hateful Christians. She says all the time that those of any faith that isn't her faith is stupid, wrong, and hedonistic. She calls Christians, especially Catholics, Pagan!! WRONG by definition! Why do so many people who claim to be Faithful live and promote so much hate? And people wonder what's wrong with this world! Now I'm not all Jews or all Atheists are like this...or all Christians for that matter. But it's people like these hateful examples that make it bad for everyone. Can't they see that? I have close dear friends who are Catholic, Atheist, Jewish, Buddhist, Druid, Heathen, Hindu, ..and the list goes on... who are wonderful loving folks who don't spread hate, who understand that all Faiths can get along without judgment or persecution. My heart just hurts for anyone, Christian or otherwise, who has that much hate inside them.
I just voted for you :)
I'm sorry that you were targeted by those ignorant people.
But you're definitely right where you deserve to be! :) Hopefully the tirades will subside.
Blessings and Light!
Soraya
Thank you for being out of the broom closet!!
Hi Mrs. B,
I recently heard about this on a forum I frequent and decided to come over here. I'm honestly disgusted with the behaviour of these so-called Christians who have slated you.
Anyway, you have my vote and I also took the liberty of posting about you on another forum where I have a lot of friends and which gets a lot of traffic. I know that I can count on many of them to vote for you.
I do believe that somebody on the original forum where I heard about you has spread the word via Twitter too. So hopefully you might get one or two clicks ;-)
This post made me vote for you :) It's all up to you what you believe in - it's not anyone else's business.
I'm very glad to see you, and others, standing up for our religious freedom. It is no small thing, even if it seems so at the time.
Blessed Be and thank you!
)O( You are now #1 on the "Circle Of Mom's" faith~based blogging contest!!! This is absolutely wonderful! I have voted for you and I will continue to do so! ~~~ You are now in first place even though you mentioned the word "Coven" ... right next to your blog entry on the contest page... openly saying that you are the founder of your Sisterhood of the Triple Goddess Coven!
This is an magickally magnificient breakthrough for we Witches and Pagans and our Pagan families, in our true acceptance in the vast inter~faith arena!
For us... our Goddess is the Divine ALL~Source and She comes to us with many names and forms and is the living spiritual fabric and tapestry of All that exists and Beyond! We profoundly *Experience* Her Spirit, being, love, blessings, wizdom, magick, both within ourselves and everywhere; and in all beloved Animals and Creatures and as Mother Earth! It is absurd that some Christians believe we have no Faith or that we are evil!
Bountiful Blessed Bees Mrs. B!
I'll be voting for you and the other pagan Mom's everyday! Honestly, I wouldn't have cared or gotten involved if it hadn't been for such hateful comments! Their comments read to me as veiled jealousy. How dare anyone not Christian be doing better than meeh waah! Frankly its too bad there aren't more Muslim, Jewish Buddhist and Hindu mom's on there too. Lets keep variety in the top 25!
You have my vote as well! Keep up the good work.
People need to grow up. For Pagans and Christians to get along, be married to one another is a wonderful thing. That goes to show not all are closed minded. But to ridicule over bs is stupid, childish and very uncalled for. Way to go Mrs. B!!
Honestly, you are one of my favorite bloggers, and definitely top among the Pagan blogs that I read, so I was just giddy this morning when I saw you had the #2 spot, and was hoping that you could make it to #1. It's sad that people have to be so negative about this.
Besides I'm sure their prayers could be used for some of the other greater tragedies in the world right now.
Oh dear that is sucky but I just voted and you are Number #1
Yay!
Hello! I have been vigilantly voting daily! I read your husbands response to all the mean-ness from the "christian" women bloggers to my husband who is kind of christian- he believes in God but not the religion and he was so happy there was someone out there like him that was also married to a pagan witch. I love your blog- keep up the good work!-mohrade
As a Pagan woman of faith, and a soon-to-be-mom you have my vote, as well you should.
I understand how frustrating it is to deal with the religiously ignorant, who claim any non-Christian is "evil." On behalf of a member of another marginalized faith (or lack of, technically), I appreciate how you've handled this appalling situation.
Specifically: thank you for not generalizing this rudeness to all Christians, thank you for standing firm in your belief, and thank you for writing a fabulous blog!
I am at a sort of crossroads in my faith, I was baptized catholic, I have studied many religions and the base of most of them are the same. I was the go to church every Sunday try to live the best way I can. Then I saw another side of the church when I found my soul mate my true love, my long lost love. I had believe for awhile in past lives, when I found my soul mate it only made that feeling stronger. The church demanded (the father I was speaking to, speaking for the church) I confess for being with him, for loving him because he was not a catholic. After that I started to miss masses and soon stopped going all together. They preach about forgiveness and love everything that was good. but then they turn around and point there fingers and say God will condemn you if you do not confess every week while you are with this "non believer." It broke my heart to be honest, I cried I prayed but they felt so unheard. I was shopping with my Fiancee's grandmother, aka nanny, who is a shamanic healer and very understanding and sympathetic towards my situation. I had come across a pentagram with a snake over it, but the strange thing is that it slightly called to me. I felt myself drawn to the object in question, having been told it's all satan worshiping most of my life. I walked over and looked at the item and realized it came with a background of said object explaining what it was what it meant. It represented change, change in oneself or in ones life. like a snake sheds its skin to become anewd sometimes so must we. I thought how perfect for me that it was calling to me in my time of need, but so strange that it was something I have been told to stay away from. but in amazement Nanny encouraged me not to fight against my inner callings that I may regret it, but in the end it was my decision. So I bought the object I looked at it for a few weeks before I actually put it on. Now as I wear it, it is a reminder that I am constantly changing and those around me may not like it, may not agree with it, but could learn something from it. I do hope you win and I hope it teaches others to open there minds and there hearts. Even if you do not approve this post it is fine I am happy telling you my story. Best of luck to you Mrs. B
You're a gem, Mrs. B, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Being raised in the Bible belt myself, for a while I began to doubt that I could ever even have a family for all the problems that it would cause in this part of the country. But your blog gives me faith that it can be done.
Love seeing you in the top spot, and will be voting for you every day! It makes me so sad to see Christians acting like that, when so many of them can be such nice, loving people. *waves to Sarah*
Blessings to everyone, and I look forward to the day when you win this contest!
I heard about this today and came to see what in the world was going on. I'm a Christian, and although I don't agree with your views, I don't think it is right for people to talk about others. I know how hurtful it can be and when things get online, they spiral out of control. I pray that people can stop talking and put this to rest. I'm sorry you are having to deal with this. :(
You totally have my vote. Keep rockin the blog witchy mama!
I went and voted for you and the Pagan Mom blog, and also a couple of Jewish Mom blogs, because I felt bad for them. LOL But YOU I voted for because regardless of what other faiths think of Pagan Moms, we pagan mom's need to be represented at Circle of Mom's too.
Hey Mrs. B.
I saw some of those posts yesterday, and I'm sorry that you (and others)had to be pulled into that. You handled it beautifully. I am a christian, and have respect for all faiths as God has given us all a choice and have placed us all on the same planet. I believe that a person who is a christian shows love as Jesus did, or we don't know God at all. I choose to love. Many blessings to you and yours!
Jeana
Mrs. B,
I want to thank you for your class. As a Christian I look at the camaraderie, the encouragement you all offer each other and I applaud it. I only wish I could see such a kinship among the Christian community.
I'm a recovering fundamentalist and Pharisee-I am healing. Learning to walk in grace and unconditional love.
For years I was deeply steeped in a religious culture of intolerance, fear and control. Religion is not my savior, Jesus is.
My upbringing makes me fear you-hate you- my Jesus reminds me otherwise, you are each fearfully and wonderfully made.
I am just so sorry it has to be hateful in any possible way.
You are loved.
You'll always have our support, Kris, and while I'm really sad and angry on how cowardly thes epeople are atacking you and all of us pagans, it opened - painfully - a new dor for discussion and to strenghten the pagan community bond.
Kisses and much love om us! <3
You are an inspiration. Dispite how they say horrible things you still stay strong and are the bigger person by not resorting to their level. It saddens me to see people saying someone else's faith is not valid just because it's a faith other than their own.
I am SO SO SO SO SO SO sorry for my asinine comment about "cutting a witch."
The thing is, I was in a coven for a number of years in Oakland, CA, and since I identify as JAP (Jewish American Pagan) it never occurred to me that my comment was so hateful and discriminatory. I was just trying to be funny. (What I was was a fool!)
I don't wish any violence on you - or anyone for that matter. Pagan, Muslim, Anamist, Jew, Zoroastrian, Hindu, Jedi Knight, Christian, Buddhist and the list goes on... This whole thing has been an important lesson for me that what you put out in cyberspace can come back to haunt you. I will try to think before I type in the future, and I really and truly hope that you were not offended by my remarks.
And Lady, you've got a strong fan base out there -- people who love you and will defend you :):) And they were right to call me out on my ridiculous comment.
Best,
sarah tuttle-singer (big mouth)
I am a strong Christian and am in the top 25. I have read some of the comments you mentioned (and others you didn't) that saddened me. I am sorry for those. I'm not sure what else to say... they were inappropriate comments (both from Christians as well as pagans made toward Time Warp Wife) hurtful and I am glad you have people around you giving you encouragement and support. I guess I want to ask for apologize for my sisters. Some have been very respectful to you, others very rude and don't deserve mercy. I offer an apology on their behalf.
When you blog on the internet, you leave yourself wide open to attack. Putting yourself out there and then getting mean people saying nasty things on the interwebz is not persecution.
Persecution is when 3 million people are killed in 3 years for their ancestry. Persecution is when there are legal hunts for those who follow illegal religions and the followers are killed. Persecution is when you can't name your faith for fear of being beaten to death. Persecution is when you cannot get an education, medical attention or a legal marriage because of your belief system.
A few nutcase bloggers hating on your blog is NOT, by any stretch of the imagination persecution. It is people exercising their right to free speech.
Stop with the drama.
This issue has been doing the rounds on Facebook - good for you for standing up for your beliefs! We run a witchcraft shop in Glastonbury, UK, and Christian persecution has been notable by its absence - on the contrary, the local churches, both Protestant and Catholic, have gone out of their way to include us in their events, which we're happy to attend. I sometimes employ one of the local Christians. We can live together in tolerance and supportiveness and I hope that your detractors will learn that lesson from all this, Good luck!
I swear, it's like a page from the movie "The Good Witch"! (if you haven't seen it, watch it. Starring Katherine Bell). I'm sorry you have to go through this. There are a lot of small minded individuals out there, and unfortunately they tend to make the most noise. But like in "the good witch" you have a great support system. Keep your head up!
I just voted and I think u are #1 with 3406 votes. :) Way to go my friend. :)
You have my vote and I'm passing the link on to my friends!
I am so sorry that some who call themselves 'Christian' are doing this to you and others....and over a blog contest? They want to whine that THEY are being persecuted for their faith? *HEADDESK*
As a Christian, I am often saddened by those who have totally missed the point of a faith in Christ. Our Bible cries out for justice and mercy from every page. Yet many 'Christians actively work against that and want to pretend they are being 'Biblical.'
The very example Jesus used to teach us what we should be as Christians used a 'heathen' as the hero..the guy who got it right! (good Samaritan)
I think that if Jesus or Paul were alive today, they would be delivering a huge smack down on these people.
American Christianity is so screwed up. It has become something that is so totally anti-everything God actually demands from us!
And, heck, even IF they made it a 'christian only' contest, people would STILL be freaking out because other bloggers aren't 'Christian enough!' Lord knows I get plenty of comments (that I do not publish) on my sad, neglected, little blog saying so!
Like you, I try to teach my daughter about other faiths and how they believe differently and that is OK! My inlaws are Jewish, most of my family are agnostic, we have Muslim friends, as well as people from other and no faiths that we often interact with. She has been taught that all religions (minus the whacky cults) have some value that we can learn from.
I remember last Christmas, kid was talking to a friend and said "Christmas is when Jesus was born...but not everyone believes that. Some people celebrate Hanukkah, Yule, or just do Christmas without Jesus." It was a proud mama moment!
Sorry if this comes off as 'preachy' and a whiny "We are not al that way!!111" I just realy have a deep saddness and even anger over how Christianity has become so very perverted. :(
Anyway, you have my vote.
http://www.postpartumprogress.com/weblog/2011/05/on-blogging-popularity-contests-why-i-quit.html
Any blog or website has a right to be there. I could create a blog about believing that my cat is god and be there. That is why I think this contest is stupid. Driving people to someone else's sight only generates traffic for the other website and proves nothing other than you have wasted your time getting as many people as you know to 'vote' for your site. Google 'IP scramblers', and you can download a free device that will allow to generate as many votes as you want inside 24 hours. These types of contests mean nothing to those people who have common sense, christian or not.
Jesus did not come to this earth to be tolerant. He came to save the lost from an eternity of hell, so I am in no way going to preach tolerance or try to avoid offending you or any other pagan blog or website. I pray that you and anyone reading this comment or the concerned comments from (most) of those "christian" bloggers come out of concern and love for your souls... just not many know how to voice that concern in love. Faith and religion does come in all forms, but there is only one way to heaven and that is through believing in Jesus Christ.
I am proud to say that I voted for you and was tickled it put you to the 3550 mark.
I am an ordained minister, a married lesbian and by most standards a Jesus Freak. I hate to even use the word Christian anymore, because it has been hijacked and turned into something I don't believe in or support.
Jesus was about love. The core of his being was based on loving each other, and I see nothing in ANY other religion to hate. I can't find a single passage in the bible where he commands that the people believing in him must hate any/all other religions.
I just discovered your blog today. I will be linking yours to mine and sending people over to vote as an act of love and tolerance.
Keep your faith Mrs. B. it is a good one and let me add just one more thing, in that I know a number of "non-Christians" who are way more "Christian" in their actions towards other. Tolerance can be taught one example at a time and you set an amazing one!
Fiesty
I've read the comments you are talking about. I am also sad an angry about them. I am a Christian in the top 25 too and am sorry for the hurtful comments you have experienced. Nobody deserves to have things like that said about them. On behalf of my Christian sisters, please accept my apology. I agree with Sara, about your right to be there just as much as anyone else.
My Dear Mrs B,
As of this morning (5/26) you hold the number one spot!! You go, girl.
Nothing like adversity to rally the troops.
You've always had my vote! I was shocked by the words being said because of the sheer intolerance of it all. It's why I never felt right in the Christian path...and managed to find my home in the pagan community. I dont discuss religion on my blog, but the Outside Voice said everything I was thinking (not surprising as we share a brain).
This has turned out to be such an immense opportunity for our community to rally together, grow stronger, and like you said - to teach. I've made new connections, and also had a new platform for discussion with my own (agnostic) husband.
In the end, it did turn into something positive and that's what we need to focus on...getting beyond the ugly and into the sunshine.
Does it work OK to vote for more than one blog at at time? I saw some others that look pretty good, well down the list from yours. Or does it somehow dilute the vote for you (which I sure don't want)?
Be blessed, Ms. B,
Mi Robin
You have my vote and I added your button to my Blog "Fiddler In The Mist" Yep-it's Pagan/Druidic and musical!
My vote is in! I am also planning to spend the down time I have this evening reading the blogs that are in the contest! I saw a Christian blog that was very interesting and voted for her as well! I'm not a mom or a Christian, but I'll be darned, I am a woman! We are all women! I plan to join the group of women who are interested in lifting each other up in support! Love to my ladies out there...Pagan, Christian, and everyone in between! Mwah!
Mrs B... I have been reading your Blog and I want to thank you. it is a struggle for me to stay true to myself and at the same time trying to please others... I am a Pagan a mom of two and a soon to be wife of a Christian... I am lucky because he accepts me for me and jokes that he is marring a witch lol... My problem is that I work for a Museum in San Francisco which is ran by a religious group. The other day one of the board members hacked into my computer and printed personal information about the craft and my private stuff from my facebook page I found this info on the office printer. Needless to say I am scared that I will be fired even-though its against the law I love my job. I am a good employee my believes are my own I dont have a huge pentacle on my door I worship the Goddess and God every day of my life but I keep it to myself.
Well, You didn't get my vote, cause I'm a Christian and I gotta vote for my peeps ;) But I did pass your blog on to a friend who is also a Witch and a new Mom. I know she will love it. I'm sorry not all Christian's are as open and loving as they should be. While I may not believe or agree with your personal faith, I do believe you have the right to share your faith openly. Unfortunately a lot of Christan's miss the part where God essentially says "leave the judging to me and just LOVE". So sending you some love from the other side of things. Be Blessed.
I won't go into any type of detail but I've had what I believe is far right wing Christianity “judge me on my faith” and it had nothing to do with spiritual matters.
I see it didn't up set you.
I still believe most people are kind and good in all faiths.
I went over and voted for you...keep us inform.
Coffee is on and have a peaceful memorial day.
I've voted on every IP address I have available! I've also spread the word any many other folks of various belief systems are doing the same. Here's to you Mrs B!
-Sarah
Maria Santiago, if you read this, please contact me about your situation. I've got some suggestions!
I'm so proud that you have now taken over the number one spot. I don't know how this will end up, but clearly there are more people who support diverse faith communities than those who do not. It's been an excellent exercise in the practice of freedom of religion. I can only hope that the people who posted those responses will have the time and brain-power to reconsider their bigoted and repressive positions. Carry on, dear witch!
It's sad that, in today's world, people still behave like that. She was probably trying to goad you (or one of the other bloggers) into fighting back so she could scream persecution.
Anyways, you've got my vote, and I'll be posting a little something on my own blog about this in a day or two. :)
As someone who has also found peace in a religion other than the one I was raised in, (recent convert to Hinduism,) you have my full and total support and I think you handled the attacks with grace and aplomb.
Also I found a new blog to follow, so that's great.
You have my vote, and I am glad this happened, because if it hadn't I would not have read the many posts here by Christians who are not happy with the hateful comments of one of their own faith. That raises my opinion of Christians, which I have to admit, isn't very high. Thank you, Christians!
God bless you and your family, from a Christian woman to a pagan woman.
The tone of this post puts many Chrisitian's and their words to shame. Please know, as a christian, it saddens me to see the way this competition is being handled online. While we may believe different things I believe that every one is valuable and should have their faith journey respected. I for one though it was great to see muslim, jewish and pagan mom's represented. It is so interesting to me to see how other's live out their faith in life and in parenting. Blessing to you. I'm sorry this has gotten nasty.
Mrs. B, your response to this has been quite gracious. I sent you a more personal note through your contact page, but wanted to give my support to you here as well. I have read through several of your articles here and I don't see anything alarming that would harm you, your kids, or your Christian husband. (wow on that accusation.)I follow Christ in a more natural approach and have been boxed up, labeled, and shut down by those who I consider my Christian sisters. I've been called a heretic, a false teacher, and a variety of other unkind things because my walk is more on the natural side of things. Unfortunately there are some Christians who walk in fear and they build walls to divide themselves from those different from them. I do hope that the aim for tolerance will continue to grow and people can see each other as sisters in this human race and be kind to one another even when we fail to understand each other.
Many blessings and positive thoughts to you and all your friends. :) Your blog has a lot of positivity, keep it up.
You got my vote, and you are currently #1.
You go girl.
And thank you, I love your blog and your facebook.
I'll keep voting.
This is why a friend and I started a facebook page called coexist to help stop this kind of ignorance. this ignorance and fear is why a lot of witches (including myself) stay (as a witch friend of mine says) "in the broom closet". Some so called religious people feel the need to hate what they don't understand or believe. and to the commenter about its not persicution you are wrong withes have been hunted, killed, burned alive, tortured for centuries because people feared them and thought they were all evil. Alot of witches to this day still fear comming out and telling others for fear they will be beaten, fired from their jobs, etc... Blessings to you for having the courage to speak out. come join our facebook page and help us stop the hate of people of different faiths. http://www.facebook.com/allreligion
Hi! I found your site through a Christian woman's blog who is also in the running for the Circle of Moms top 25 faith bloggers. NO - she wasn't bashing you at all, in fact the opposite.
Anyway, I just wanted to say that I am a Christian woman and I can't believe that these women would bash you like that. Not that I don't believe it, just that I am upset that they did.
Christianity is all about LOVE, I just really don't understand any bashing of anyone for any reason. But I understand that is just not the norm among Christians and that really stinks. So I just wanted to say I'm sorry , not that it means anything probably, but just wanted to put it out there.
Good luck with the contest!
On, and just because I'm ticked off about this doesn't mean I'm perfect - I try to love, but I know it doesn't always come across as such so I'll keep trying :)
I just want you to know, Mrs. B, that I am behind you 100%. I found your blog through one of the Pagan communities on facebook and I have read many of your articles. I am now a follower of your blog, and I have voted daily for your blog in this contest. I sincerely hope to see you win, not only because I am also a pagan but because of how beautifully you are handling the ugly discrimination that is being thrown your way. I think that it further emphasizes that you are a good woman, better than most, even and are very deserving of winning this contest. I've posted the link to the contest on my wall, with a note to my friends telling them about the contest, and also the discrimination you are facing from simply exercising your rights to follow whatever religion you see fit. Blessed be.
Very nicely said. True. I naively mistook "Faith" to mean Judeo-Christian Faith...I was quite surprised when I saw pagan witches in the Faith Blogs by Moms contest. Now, I see that it's all types of faiths/beliefs, but the word "overtaken" (in my tweet that was quoted) was used more in a sense of of the RAPID rise of Pagan blogs. And the "seriously" was due to the fact that until Friday, I had no idea Pagan Witches existed (living in the Bible Belt has it's own set of issues). So, I appreciate this experience as it's opened my eyes to a world outside of my apparent bubble. Please excuse my statement of naive shock to my twitter friends. You may check my feed and see that the only thing mentioned of you or other pagan witch blogs was of the quick progress of votes (which is still amazing by anyone's standards... regardless of faith). I wish you well and thank you for your post. ♥ Michelle (@SomeGirlsTweets)
Coming into this discussion late but have been following along on FB. I just placed my vote..for you, of course.
:)
Hi Mrs. B.,
This may sound ridiculous, but this "contest" has taught me a lot as a Christian - one being that the word "faith" has a much broader definition than I realized.
Two, I am learning to love people much more greatly. Love goes so much more deeply than the surface [which I knew before], but it goes even deeper than I knew.
Please understand, one Christian does not represent the whole. I love my brothers & sisters in Christ, but we are far from perfect and we make mistakes. Our actions may not always reflect our heart, which is why it's so important for us to know and live God's word, because it teaches us these things. But many Christians simply don't do that. Whether unintentionally or carelessly.
As a representative of Jesus, may I humbly apologize for the disrespect you've been shown? And please know, you are loved.
Christin
I think you are awesome ~ you have my vote!
I grew up Catholic and have always, always been taught (awesome parents) to respect other religions. I think of myself as a green witch ~ I get so much wonderful info from your blog!
Blessings
Faith comes in many shapes and forms. What one person believes and holds in faith, may not be what you or the next person does. This does not make those faiths or beliefs wrong, or mercy knows "evil". I let you practice and believe your way, I think you could let others practice and believe in theirs. If we all did this the world would be a more peaceful, happy place. On that note, Mrs. B you have my support and energy, Blessed Be to you and those reading this.
Delurking after many years of reading just to say ....
Thank you, Mrs. B., for standing up there and taking the slings and arrows that are so often directed at anyone who is different.
I wish I had to words to explain to the intolerant how *small* they make their faith, their hearts, their God, and their co-religionists, with their insistence that "different faith is wrong faith." But I know that no words I have will open their hearts, so I want, instead, to send some encouragement and love your way, where it will do some good.
Your grace and style has been an inspiration amidst all this ... brouhaha. And all the folks, of all faiths, who have posted here to support you remind me that there are more folks with open hearts and open minds than we think, sometimes.
Blessed be.
Just a point of interest, directed to SomeGirl. I live in the Midwest, Wichita, Kansas in fact. I've also spent some time in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I was born and raised in Wichita, and although I was raised with a basic Christian belief, I converted at the age of 18 to a different path in life that I had felt the call to from a very young age. That being said, I met the first person who openly proclaimed themselves to be Pagan when I was 13-years-old. I've met many others in the Midwest since then and I'm sure I'll meet many more. Granted we may not be as prolific in "the Bible Belt" but rest assured we are here, we just mostly keep to ourselves for fear of being persecuted (my best-friend's mother informed her that I'm a devil worshiper, but I assure you I am not; my own aunt told me I was sick and twisted because I did not believe in her god; my sister-in-law told me [when asked] that yes, she truly believed I was going to hell, regardless of how good of a person I am, simply because I do not share her faith that Jesus of Nazareth was the messiah) and also we do not feel the need to try to convert those around us as many other religions teach. I'd be willing to bet that you already know at least one or two witches in your area that simply haven't identified themselves as such.
I would like to call attention to the fact that not all Pagan mamas are Wiccan either. We have many different branches just as Christianity does. We do not all call ourselves witches, but we all have faith.
I am saddened to see that even the Christian blog in the second spot has now started toeing the 'non-faith' line.
Mrs.B you do a wonderful job. I am proud to have you at the head of this controversy showing the world the best side of the Pagans. You do not stand alone, and we appreciate you.
While I think you have an excellent attitude, in both your tolerance for anyone's faith & your intolerance for anyone's hatred &/or attack on someone's faith, let me appear to contradict myself now by saying I'm amazed that you actually look at your "religion" as being real.
If anything I say here "offends" you, I apologize. I sincerely mean no dis-respect, but am merely letting you know what I truly feel. I have no hatred for you or your beliefs & would gladly defend them (even against christians, of which I'm one). Christians who hate you, because you're a pagan, aren't acting like christians. Too bad they don't get that.
Now - back to sounding like I'm contradicting myself.
I'm "amazed" you "pray to a deity". Do you actually believe that this "deity" exists & hears you? It's one thing to be a "pagan". I've known a few & I've liked all of them, but to actually believe this in a real sense, like christians or jews, or muslims do, "seems" totally absurd to me. Much like atheists look at anyone who believes in non-existent deities.
On what basis do you claim to know that this "deity" of yours exists? You know why christians & others make such a claim, but most pagans I've heard about, or known, don't actually pray to a "real" deity that they "really" believe in. You're the first & I find that to be horribly nieve & superstitious of you. I have no problem with you doing it, if you enjoy it. It doesn't bother me personally. I'm just amazed that you appear to actually beleive in this deity & I find that... well... hilarious. (just keeping it real)
That being said, I bet you're a wonderful lady & I bet I'd thoroughly enjoy spending time with you & your family.
Hope my comments aren't offensive & you see them in the spirit that I meant them in.
I think all this is just silliness, as a Christian who is also a woman, wife and mother, my allegiance will always be with the King of Kings and Lord of lords- Christ Jesus.
I don't see the point of this contest...I see it as pretty ridiculous. But even though I don't understand the point I do know that God is using it for the good of those who love Him! If your blog wins the contest I think that would be wonderful! And it would bring Glory to the one Creator God who made you! And if one of my fellow sisters wins instead, that also would be lovely and would also bring much glory to our Lord Jesus.
I think you have a nice blog and wish you the best this world has to offer, but I do pray Jesus will save you so that you will also have the best that eternity has to offer. Look forward to checking out some of your recipes (for food that is, not any magic, hehe). Blessings, Tina K
Voted for you! Looks like you are number one now?!
You have the Goddess Blessings. Keep your spiritual leader blog!!, history and life always show people are scare of the things they don't know. As a Goddess worshipers we know what we do! Keep your light flowing high!!Blessings to you! Keep your wonderful blog going . Blessed be . Andrea
Color me impressed with Michelle.
I went through the nastiness in 2004 for the BOB awards. I was running in the top 3 for faith based blogs. By the end there were death threats and hacking and a mess so I pulled my blog down. The Secret Garden was my baby, but it cost me a bit. I hope you fare better. Bright Blessings!
I just read through all these comments. I am happy to see good responses especially from Christians and someone you quoted. I am praying that this whole situation is used for good.
You've had my vote for the past couple days now and will continue to get it. I must say that, in retrospect, it's beginning to look like the words of those women have resulted in a Pagan woman's blog being the "Number 1 Blog" to be sent out to 6 million people. In a random turn-around of events, hundreds of thousands of Pagans owe those women their gratitude for "rallying the troops" as you put it or getting us to "come out in groves" (that's my personal favorite play-on-words). What a great way to show the world who we are - and you are a great example to champion that cause.
I do know that, since all of this brewhaha has come about, many of those women have since apologized. I must point out that it is a hard thing to stay true to your beliefs, but it is also a hard thing to admit when you are wrong and apologize for it. Many of these women have done both and I have great admiration for them.
I'm not a mother (I'm not even a woman), but you have a new follower of your blog. How great to think that just as the Sun will be having it's longest day on the upcoming Litha, so too will the Pagans be rising up from out of the darkness (metaphorically, of course, for I love the darkness just as much as the light). And much of it is because of you (and other Pagan moms everywhere) and your great strength in faith and in character.
I wish you the brightest of blessings and the warmest of breezes in the days to come.
Blessed Be
- Rain Audrey
I love your blog, so you've got my vote too. :) Thank you for sharing all that you do.
I am no friend of Christianity, but I also believe that a body is welcome to believe as he or she wishes...as long as that person doesn't try foisting that belief onto me.
Mrs. B, I'm voting for you daily and I am so sorry that some people are so small and insecure in themselves that they feel the need to belittle and patronize you because you're not like them. :(
You are #1!! This whole ordeal has just strengthened my faith and made me love my fellow Pagans and good-hearted individuals of ALL faiths that much more. Thank you Mrs. B, for being such an inspiration!
I have to say, that I find the lack of tolerance sad and believe that if anyone needs prayers it's those preaching intolerance. That being said, in way I'm very glad that it did happen because without the controversy I would not have heard about this blog. So with every bad comes some good, it all depends on perpsective.
Okay, first off I would love to commend you and your wonderful family for finding a most delicate balance in your belief systems.
Now, please understand that I am NOT a lawyer, or judicial figure head in any way, nor do I ever plan to be. But, I have had a great opportunity here and there along life's little crooked path to learn a few random facts and tricks or treats :)
In 1983 Wicca was announced to become a formally recognized and legal religion in the united states. And to record, there has been a dismal few in history actually killed over not believing in Wicca or other pagan religions. So you and I have been legally allowed to to celebrate our faith in this country for roughly 28 years.
Now for more recent laws and standards. Since the birth of the internet there have been regulating rules. Now these rules only applied to the government that were the only ones using the internet to exchange mass amounts of information. Some time later, it went into public use leading into today's times through great changes. Among these rapidly growing changes were the laws and rules set in place to protect people. Mostly all the same laws one is expected to abide by in person, only translated into online application.
Here is where the rubber meets the road. Anyone on this blog, and anyone of our faith can claim harassment, defamation of character, profiling, discrimination, and likely many other things. It honestly doesn't matter if Susie Joe Smith from Iowa agrees with our faith, or even sees us as acceptable. The fact of the matter is that it is our legal right to be this way. Anyone threatening that is literally breaking the law and the constitution. Even their bible commands them to live and abide by the laws of the land, how is all of this following that guideline? Says to not judge....to forgive....to sell their daughters into slavery....to stone people for not believing in their god....to kill gay people....and to never allow a witch to live (exodus 22:18)
Please, educate me where if anywhere there is any tolerance, acceptance, peace, harmony, love, and forgiveness anywhere in all of that. I personally spend 7 years of my life studying Christianity and am myself an ordained minister. But, I'll never support it after all the pure hate and damage its brought to this world.
You have my vote too!
I enjoy reading your blog...you are an amazing writer...and deserve to be at the top. You have had my vote from the get go....congrats!
At some point in my life I would like to be able to say that something like this surprises me.
I shared this post with others so that they can support and vote.
Many continued blessings Sister Witch!
Gods bless your family for having to deal with this type of attack. No one deserves to be spoken of in that manner just because they have a different faith than someone else. Ms. Time Warp Wife should be ashamed of herself. I'm sure she's not. Quite frankly, I'd be skeptical of anyone who even followed her blog at this point, and skeptical of anyone tweeting or supporting her view. I'll be voting daily.
Mrs. B,
Your integrity is strongly expressed in this post and in your previous posts I have read (I have not read all, but many). I support you. This day and age it saddens me to see history repeating itself. Most people can look back through world history and understand the fact that so many people of many faiths lost their lives from actions rooted in fear, ignorance and intolerance. If those of us who do follow a specific faith truly are following it, we would not feel threatened by the differences in others. If one has studied different faiths which I hope more and more people will begin to do...common threads (even if its just a few) that can unite us instead of divide us are clearly seen. Blessed Be.
I arrived at Circle of Moms after a Christian mother (a friend of mine) posted on their facebook about the shock and horror of all these witches trying to win the contest.
So I voted for all the Pagan blogs, and the Muslim mothers, and for anyone else who happened to not be a Christian but (crazy as it sounds) have a faith!
Part of me also realise how this is just some silly internet contest, but I can't tolerate intolerence.
PS: I'm an Atheist!
I stumbled across your blog from a very dear friends FB page ... Just wanted you to know? I voted for you - and every other Pagan blog listed ... I'm a Catholic Working Mother of 1 Married to an Episcopalian .. we both have open minds, and hearts .. Imagine that?!
Some people need to close their mouths and open their ears and eyes .. It's okay to be different. <3
Best Wishes!
Ma'am,
You have my vote. I don't really mind intolerance as a concept (it happens, and is a part of everyone) but that of course doesn't mean that some of the statements made haven't disgusted me.
The fact that some people decry Paganism as a belief system -however varied it may be- is rather irksome to be quite honest. I will be the first to admit that I can occasionally lapse in my faith, but that makes it no less strong. I pray every evening, I give offerings, I have an altar.
Why is that not a faith?
Regards,
Julian
I'm not Christian or Pagan, I'm a bit of a mix of several faiths. I did read the blog of the woman who felt a need to hit Paganism below the belt. I'm not sure why it was the only faith she felt a need to pick on. With that said, I'm happy to see that the women on the Circle of Moms stood by their rules and removed her blog from the running. I also read another woman make a comment on the Circle of Moms blog and an administrator cut the comments short to maintain their "no thump" rule. I think we who believe in the "kindness to others" faith don't even need to be bothered by the "if you are not like me you are a sinner" folks. We just do as we do and ignore the rest. I love your blog and you got my vote.
Hi Mrs. B---just wanted to respond to Hott Mama's remarks....
The reason I enjoy your blog is you don't get pithy with others....and handle things with complete grace. Thanks for standing as an example for those who misunderstand us....there are many out there!
Hott Mama, I have to respond - Our faith saturates everything we do. You see recipes and household tips; that is how, as Pagans, we nurture our children, our spouses, our pets, our home. Our faith integrates itself into our everyday lives. I, for one, never sweep my kitchen floor without centering myself and concentrating on sweeping any negative energy out of our home. I never cook without lighting a candle and sending thanks to the Earth for the food I am about to nourish my family with. While you may casually glance over Mrs. B's blog and think it is not - what, faith-y enough? It is a blog that inspires me to conduct everything I do in a respectful manner towards others. If that isn't faith, I don't know what is.
Both Paganism & Christianity (and any other religion for that matter) have bad reps because of stereotypes and lack of folks educating themselves!
Faith is complete confidence in someone or something.
Simple as that.
It's PERSONAL...what I believe (regardless of my "religion"), is not going to mean the same to the next person who comes along. Hence denominations, orthodox vs. non-, etc. Hell, I even struggle with my faith sometimes. I'm not sure I can say that I have "complete confidence"!!! Haha!
Just live, love and give freely and we'll all be better off for it.
Good for you, being at the top! I give you my "Christian" vote.
Mrs. B- I applaud your courageous and resolute stance, and the way you refuse to fight fire with fire. I've experienced some of the uneducated hatemongering you're talking about, and I know how hard it can be to just "turn away." You have my vote. Namaste.
And voted! Stay strong and keep up the good work.
pblk stated: "I'm amazed that you actually look at your "religion" as being real.[...] I'm "amazed" you "pray to a deity". Do you actually believe that this "deity" exists & hears you? [...] [T]o actually believe this in a real sense, like christians or jews, or muslims do, "seems" totally absurd to me. [...]On what basis do you claim to know that this "deity" of yours exists? You know why christians & others make such a claim, but most pagans I've heard about, or known, don't actually pray to a "real" deity that they "really" believe in. You're the first & I find that to be horribly nieve {sic} & superstitious of you. [...] I'm just amazed that you appear to actually beleive {sic} in this deity & I find that... well... hilarious. (just keeping it real)"
To start, I'd like to take a moment to distinguish Pagan, with a capital P, the umbrella term for various contemporary religions which are typically polytheistic, pluralistic, and nature-centered from the general meaning of "pagan" as simply someone who does not adhere to an Abrahamic faith. Many Pagans certainly do believe in and pray to deities just as real as you perceive your Christian God to be. Since most of us honor deities known to our ancestors along with Those of other ancient cultures, our Gods have actually been worshiped since before Christianity even came to be. There is certainly a well-established historical precedent for worshiping other Gods. :)
How do we know our Gods are real? I imagine in the same ways a Christian knows her God to be real: our prayers are answered and we experience Their care, wisdom, and influence in our lives. I know Christians make other claims as to why they believe their God is real. However, outside of a belief in the Bible as the literal word of God, which is in fact just another belief and not an unequivocal truth, the reality of a God/dess really boils down the personal experiences of each adherent. Do you express the same incredulity over the idea that Hindus, Native Americans, Taoists, etc. sincerely believe in and honor their Gods?
To an atheist, a belief in any God is just as "absurd" and "superstitious" as a belief in the god of Abraham. My faith as a Pagan is inherently no more reasonable or scientific than yours as a Christian.
While I personally do think that your God (Yahweh/Jehovah/Allah, etc.) may exist, I do not accord Him with the same powers as His followers tend to. Taking into consideration my own knowledge of and encounters with both the physical world and the Otherworldy, the idea that there is a singular, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent deity who would condemn a soul to eternal torture because she did not accept one particular tenet (i.e. that Jesus is the only path to salvation) seems naive to me (although I wouldn't go far as to say I find it hilarious — just sad and cruel).
(continued from my previous comment)
I agree with first paragraph of what Jenny wrote regarding the irrelevance of the competition. I'm not generally one for popularity contests myself (then again, I never win them!) and in essence that is exactly what the Circle of Moms blog contest is really all about. People have different methods of drumming up votes, but unfortunately their quantity doesn't necessarily relate to the overall quality of the blogs in question whether Christian or Pagan. Winning a blog contest won't truly legitimize a person's faith.
Jenny further commented: "Jesus did not come to this earth to be tolerant. He came to save the lost from an eternity of hell, so I am in no way going to preach tolerance or try to avoid offending you or any other pagan blog or website. [...] Faith and religion does come in all forms, but there is only one way to heaven and that is through believing in Jesus Christ." I agree with the first sentence of this paragraph too; from what I understand Jesus came "not to bring peace, but a sword" (Matthew 10:34). At the very least, I appreciate her honesty and consistency of belief even if I find those particular beliefs distasteful. However, some of the Christian bloggers' comments I believe were truly motivated by hate and ignorance, and trying to explain them away by stating that their authors simply weren't capable of phrasing them in a loving context is just a poor excuse.
However, the real issue here is not Mrs. B's participation in the contest itself, it was as Mrs. B herself explains: "They named names. They quoted not only me, but other Pagan moms. They talked about our pictures. They brought up our 'poor' children (who they are apparently praying for.). This was a straight up personal attack, painted in misinformation, ignorance and fear."
Xanthippe writes: "A few nutcase bloggers hating on your blog is NOT, by any stretch of the imagination persecution. It is people exercising their right to free speech. Stop with the drama."
I find this to be true as well, and I would agree that the blog post title "Mrs. B. Gets..... Religiously Persecuted" is a misnomer. However, from what I understand as per a comment over at The Wild Hunt, Mrs. B has now received death threats due to her involvement with the contest and by drawing attention to the short-sighted views of certain other bloggers, which goes beyond being simply an expression of free speech.
While this whole mess with the faith-based blog contest is really not about actual persecution, that doesn't negate the fact that Pagans have and continue to be persecuted. Since modern Paganism largely emerged after the Enlightenment and establishment of more secular Western governments, we have thankfully not been subject to persecution at the same scale as certain other groups, and I'm in no way trying to belittle the mass persecution of for example, the Jews; Native Americans and other indigenous peoples; African Americans, etc., but persecution against Pagans (and those of other minority faiths) does still exist.
It is the attitudes expressed by some of those Christian bloggers that lead to persecutions in the first place: fear, hate, self-righteousness. Those bloggers certainly have the right to hold and express those views, but we have a right to call them out and attempt to counter them.
I voted for you along with every other Pagan Mother on the list. It's wonderful to see so many!
To those (on both sides of this argument) who stated that my title is incorrect:
"Religious persecution is the systematic mistreatment of an individual or group of individuals as a response to their religious beliefs or affiliations or lack thereof."
I'd say a group of people blogging negatively about my faith, mocking my photos, mocking my family, calling me a Satan worshipper, evil, etc. and personally sending me the most vicious, hate-filled comments and emails, including several threats on my life if I did not drop out of the contest and/or shut down my blog would definitely constitute "systematic mistreatment".
Of course you have every right to disagree. It won't change my personal belief on the matter.
Found you through the commentary in The Wild Hunt by Jason Pitzl. My kids are grown and gone, and I've been out of the Broom Closet for 20 years, but I'll be supporting you, reading your blog and sending it to young Pagan moms whom I know. Yes, I voted. I never cease to be amazed at the resounding fear,bigotry and ignorance out there...and appalled by the hypocrites who call themselves "Christian" while spewing rage and the epitome of hatefullness. I'm married to a Jew, our grown-up kids attend Episcopal churches (where I went before becoming Wiccan 30 yrs ago), and we all see the Spirit of Life moving in everything. Blessed Be and keep up the good work.
I'd also like to respond to pblk. It's interesting that you do not think that we have reason to believe in our deities when even the Abrahamic god believes in our deities. I believe, after the Jews were freed from Egypt, the FIRST commandment that the Abrahamic god gave to them was not to worship "any other gods" before me. Why would the Abrahamic god, who Christians, Jews, Muslims, and every other one of Abraham's descendants view as omnipotent and omniscient, acknowledge other gods (in his DIRECT words to Moses and, thus, the Jewish people) when they didn't exist. He knows that they exist. He just wants to be worshipped over them.
I've seen other Christians (not all, of course) say similar things about our Goddess and God being false. With it the statement they typically give the reasoning that no one "comes to the Father except through" Jesus. However, few of us Pagans (if any), are trying to get to their father. Thus, I personally don't see how that verse disclaims our knowledge of the Divine Feminine and the Divine Masculine for what they truly our (in our hearts, at least).
Just my simple thoughts.
Blessed Be,
Rain Audrey
I voted.
I am a practicing witch and Mother of 3. My children have compassion for others, respect all religions and races and are part of the new collective consciousness of peace. Their teachers always remark on their innate kindness and they often recieve "student of the month" awards and the like.
People who are closed off to the many flavors of community are missing out. It is disheartening for me to see how mothers, and women as a whole would turn on each other. It wasn't that long ago that women weren't even allowed to vote.
Come on ladies. Really?
~crow
I've read through most of the posts in support of you Mrs. B. and since I'd be repeating a lot of the same things, I'll settle with saying that you have my support and love.
Many blessings to you and yours.
Xanthippe said:
"Persecution is when you can't name your faith for fear of being beaten to death. Persecution is when you cannot get an education, medical attention or a legal marriage because of your belief system."
Some pagans still experience deadly violence in this country, as well as being harassed at and/or fired from jobs, have their homes targeted by vandals, and are denied chaplains of their faith in hospitals and prisons.
That's persecution. And while expressing attitudes that encourage this kind of persecution is legal, it's still reprehensible to decent people.
You have an AWESOME Blog.. it's FABULOUS! You deserve your current standing in this contest; you've earned it honestly, fair and square! I find it absolutely unbelievable (and sad) that such hatred and condemation still lives today... and the Christians are the worst! **shakes head in disgust** I'm cheering for you! ((HUG))
I agree with all these other wonderful folks that have rallied behind you and support you through this absurd and absolutely uncalled for behavior. You have tken all this negativity with far more "calm" than I probably would have, and I applaud your for it! I love your blog and have voted for it!
How nice, verbalized stoning at it's best. Ignore the ignorance of hypocrite haters hun. Stay true to you and love will always have your back. The goddess and god smile upon you. Huggs and much luck.
Ivyy
I am a Christian and admit, paganism makes me uneasy but I've been thrilled at the general lack of bashing between the faiths in your blog and the comments. It's been educating reading.
I voted for you. And it seems that you are # 1 now.
It would appear that you have won. Congrats Mrs. B. While I'm all high fives and fist pumps over your victory I'm drown to thinking about the woman who is according to her forum post more than likely crying right now because of your victory. I hope she can recover and move on.
I heard about this through Dayle's blog on WordPress, "I shall be a toad".
I am a Christian and was utterly saddened by the way you were treated. It never ceases to amaze me how some of my fellow Christians can be so hypocritical and therefore, make the rest of us seem like we are all that way. We aren't and I'm glad to see that you already know this. I also am accepting of other faiths. You showed so much grace under fire by not doing the same as they did and slinging names and hatred around. I love how you refuse bashing of all faiths on your blog and how you respect them all. I might be a Christian and you may be a pagan but we're both people and deserve the same respect. :)
Came across this on Reddit, but I cannot believe that. Well, perhaps I actually can.
Well, those women did themselves a disservice and did you great many more blog readers!
Mrs. B. you have a WONDERFUL blog! Full of FAITH and Wisdom and Wimsy and Enlightenment and Love :) I enjoy reading your blog before I check any other "fun" website. Your posts are so well written that I feel like you are talking to me, a fellow Pagan mom (of 4) who faces many of the same challenges. Your FAITH shines through in each and every post, and I love reading what you think and feel and live in your Blessed life! I'm saddened by the Christian Mom's thoughts, but sadly not surprised. I wish there was more acceptance and tolerance from the Christian community, well from all of society to be honest. I applaud you for continuing to be who you are, and say what you say because you represent other Pagan mom's out there with a great deal of FAITH!
Bravo Mrs. B!!! Bravo~Bravo~Bravo!!!
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