Abanes Answers Witch

[rabanesss at yahoo.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 17605

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "Cait Hunter" <kiary91 at h...> wrote


>While Harry *does* lie, he doesn't get away with it nearly 
> all the time, and, when pressed about it, tells the truth. He gets 
in  trouble for telling the truth, which is a very real concept. 

ANSWER ------- In my book, HARRY POTTER AND THE BIBLE, I 
actually catalogue teh places he lies and does other unethical 
things and show when he suffers negatively and when he not 
only gets away with things, but is rewarded. Try it yourself, you 
will be surprised.


> I have a serious issue with the fact that people tell little children 
"You  won't get in trouble if you tell the truth." This simply isn't 
true- if you  broke Mom's favorite vase to be spiteful, you're going 
to get into trouble  if you tell her about it right off or if you lie and 
say the cat knocked it  off the shelf and admit it later- the 
difference is only in your own  integrity and perhaps in the 
punishment.

ANSWER -----------The ONLY difference is your integrity? Hmmm, 
seems like this should be the important thing. No one -- not me 
at least -- is saying that truth telling might not bring some 
difficulties, but that doesn't mean don't tell the truth.


 
> The admirable thing about Harry is, he accepts the 
consequences of his  words. Whether that's expected by the 
bible or not, it *is* an admirable  trait.

ANSWER ---As I said, add up the times he has to accept any 
consequences. You will be surprised. Also, most of the time, 
when he DOES put up with consequences, they are very minor.



> I also don't think it's fair to call the Inquisition a political 
> institution, unless you'd like to call the entire medieval church 
the same.  If the burnings had nothing to do with real religious 
beliefs, why on EARTH did they take place? The basis of 
Christian belief is the Bible, and the  Bible says "Thou Shalt Not 
Kill." Reconcile those, please.

ANSWER ---------- Teh inquisition was ABSOLUTELY political 
used to silence anyone who would threaten teh political (and 
wealthy) Roman Catholic institution. Hence, the Reformation 
was needed to call Christians OUT of the corrupted institution of 
Catholicism and back to the simple gospel of the Bible. You see 
NOTHING like the doctrines or hierarchical structures of 
Catholicism in the Bible. The worst thing that VEER happened to 
Christianity was the politicalizing of it due to the conversion of 
Constantine.


> Neither are you, buster. Astronomers would also count as 
star-gazers. (If not, don't tell my friend the Astronomy major- 
that's her email!) Hermione's  academic sucess has little or no 
bearing on the divination issue, which is  what I thought we were 
talking about.
ANSWER-------- I like the "buster" comment. Anyway, an 
astronomer's e-mail name has little to do with the histoprical 
use of the word star-gazer.


 
> This is the bit that got me mad, guy. Here's WitchVox's mission 
statement, taken directly from their webpage: "Mission 
Statement: The Witches' Voice is a proactive educational network 
> dedicated to correcting misinformation about Witches and 
Witchcraft.  Witchcraft - Wicca IS a legally recognized religion in 
the United States and  it is our mission to protect that right 
through education and awareness. It is our belief that Witches 
are givers and healers! By keeping abreast of  the latest news 
and updated information, as well as having ready access to 
 critical resource tools, we, as Witches and Pagans, can not only 
empower  ourselves, but develop programs to educate our local 
towns and cities on who we are and what we do."
 
ANSWER ------------Yes, sounds exactly like the mission 
stataement from many Christian sites, except its geared twoard 
WICCA rather than Christianity or some other religion. Again, I 
say, time for the altar call.

Cordially,

Richard Abnaes