Religion

[quigonginger]

No: HPFGUIDX 78802

> --- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "say543" 
<hesdead_dealwithit at h...> 
> wrote:
> > Since religion is basically nonexistent in HP, how was there a St.
> > Mungo and a Fat Friar? After all, God's miracles wouldn't be too
> > impressive if you could do the same thing yourself.

Ginger's input:

Well, the state to the east of me has a capital called St. Paul.  I 
know enough Minnesotans to know that they are not all Christian, and 
that those who are take no offence that their capital is not named 
St. Peter (or any other saint).

In other words, the people who founded it were probably Christian 
and/or thought St. Paul was a really groovy guy.  Maybe they 
disagreed with him on many issues, but had to admit he had style. :)

Severus "insert something here ;)" Snape added:
> They do celebrate Christmas (the birth of Christ), and they observe 
Easter (the 
> ressurection of Christ), so in my opinion it has a Christian base.

Ginger again:
I really don't see them as celebrating the birth or resurrection of 
Christ, I see them celebrating friends and family and presents, which 
can most certainly be done in conjunction with the religious or 
without it.  The timing of the celebrations is in conjunction with 
the religious holidays, and there may be some wizards who do 
celebrate religiously, but we only see from a HRH PoV, and they 
don't.  

Severus again:
> I have not seen a wizard or witch create life from clay, or a 
planet from an empty 
> void, so they are not like Him.  What I have seen seems very small 
compared to His 
> power and wisdom.

Ginger adds:
Good point.  One could also question that with all our 
technological "miracles" how we who think God is all that great can 
do so.  Add to your list all the unexplained mysteries of the 
universe:  love, faith, truth, wisdom...  Technology and wizardry 
can't create them.  Religion has stepped in to fill the void in our 
understanding, although certainly not to everyone's individual tastes 
or beliefs.

> And I am a happy little pagan of Dianic Wicca.
> 
> Severus Snape

And I am a happy little Christian.  Peace amongst us all.
Ginger