You should also tell it to the majority of American Catholics who pretty much ignore anything that comes out of the Vatican.
I wouldn't go that far. Indeed, much of the time, you could see what rivalries, property disputes, political disputes, or social anxiety were propelling events forward. However, that does not negate the probability that in many or most of these cases, the reality of witchcraft existed. Views of the Church changed from the first many centuries to downplay the existence of witchcraft, to embracing it by the 14th and 15th centuries, and continually evolving its definition. From up on high to the lower rungs of the Church, for different circumstances it was possible for people to believe in witchcraft's existence in a given area. Now, in some cases it was more of the outsider priest that saw heresy and witchcraft in comparison with the local priest (sometimes the latter would get more anxious about the former because of it). Many episodes in Germany after the Protestantism took hold, clearly demonstrate the belief held by not only the victim (or their families), but also the court systems, was that witchcraft did in fact exist (in this one particular case I am thinking of, they just had to go through a more scientific process to prove it). Someone of a rival family, however often we are aware that they are trying to diminish our influence in this township, we do not eliminate the possibility that they will use (or have used) witchcraft against us. When someone has a personal grudge against me (and I against them), I could wonder if they may have made a pact with Satan and went to the Sabbat. This also does not begin to address folklore magic and witchcraft beliefs that were deeply ingrained in a culture.
If you want a more contemporary example, see South Africa's witchcraft beliefs. Social, political, or property disputes certainly are what we see at the helm of each person's problem. However, in their world, it quite literally is a series of good magic, bad magic, and anti-magic practices.
Once you discover that witchcraft did not actually exist, it is altogether too easy to then chalk it all up to the very observable social and political disputes that are influencing matters, when belief does actually matter.
Good riddance
And what happens to the slave owners in the bible?
I'm not siding one way or another, but saying that the bible condones slavery is a stretch I can't let pass.
When you say "American Catholics," are you referring to the American Catholic group. If so, you'd be correct that a majority of them ignore the Vatican. If, however, you are referring to practicing Catholics, your claim here is wishful hyperbole.
I agree.
I don't know Tim Minchin, but he sure hit the nail on the head. I wouldn't use the same words, but I certainly agree with his message.
Anyone who is upset by what he said should stop the things that he sang about from happening.
When protecting a religion from criticism is more important to its leaders than protecting children from sex abuse that religion has a serious problem.
"As one of the most powerful and influential forces in the world, religion should never be off-limits to satirists." ~ Tim Minchin
Don't they sell brushes in England?
I don't support the GOP. I was only making a point about abortion. You brought in the GOP.
It's not a stretch, it's in bloody black and white. You're just embarrassed because you believe in a book that advocates slavery so you're desperately trying to twist it around to rationalize your beliefs.
I'm not a Christian. Unlike most christians, and especially Catholics, I've actually read, studied, understood, then applied reasoning, to the bible. Which is a large reason why I'm not Christian.
No where in the bible is slavory condoned, or given a pass. The folks that practice slavory tend to end up dead, or in dire straits. A rich man has as much chance to get into heaven as a camel passing through the eye of a needle. Well, slave owners, as a general rule, were all rich men. The most famous slave owner in the bible had his first born son murdered by God.
It's not a stretch, it's in bloody black and white. You're just embarrassed because you believe in a book that advocates slavery so you're desperately trying to twist it around to rationalize your beliefs.
I'm not a Christian. Unlike most christians, and especially Catholics, I've actually read, studied, understood, then applied reasoning, to the bible. Which is a large reason why I'm not Christian.
No where in the bible is slavory condoned, or given a pass. The folks that practice slavory tend to end up dead, or in dire straits. A rich man has as much chance to get into heaven as a camel passing through the eye of a needle. Well, slave owners, as a general rule, were all rich men. The most famous slave owner in the bible had his first born son murdered by God.
It doesn't advocate slavery. Believe it or not, during biblical times, slavery was a part of normal everyday life.
And the Bible, like everything else, is a product of it's cultural time. It is no better than any other book, religion or social movement.
It doesn't matter what people believe, only the facts matter.
You seem to have a serious aversion to evidence and facts, don't you?
You seem to have a serious aversion to evidence and facts, don't you?
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