Everyone knows that respect goes hand-in-hand when it comes to the world around us. It can be difficult at times to maintain this type of mindset, but it is possible to give everyone just a tiny ounce of it until they do something to lose it. When it comes to the world of religion or spiritual belief this is a major thing that typically goes a bit unnoticed. They say, "Lead by example," and if we're going to do this we should try and respect others for their beliefs and we can only hope they would do the same. However, this is not how the world works unfortunately.

While I don't believe religions like 'Scientology' or 'The Jedi Order' are really entirely respectable as a "considered" and "recognized" religious organization, you know I still have to respect the fact that people are going to believe what they want as long as they don't invade my space, try to tell me I'm wrong, and/or try to convert me I'm fine with them doing whatever they want and I won't try to covert them. I might teach them as to why I follow the path that I do and they may care to enlighten me as to why they follow theirs and that is cool to me.

But when I see pictures of people who are what people would call "Neo-Druids" gathering around Stonehenge for high holidays and the like and the caption says, "And here is a group of Heathens enjoying the festivities," this is where I seriously draw the line. I'm sorry but I don't insult you by calling you a "Heathen" for what you believe even though it's most likely been warped by the threads of time and cultural blending. To me using such a term is showing a sign of disrespect and I can't believe people would actually do this openly. I don't know how these modern "Neo-Druids" tolerate or stand for this kind of insult. I know my ancestors would not have and I don't believe theirs would either.

So if people can call us modern Druids heathens what of Scientologists or Jedis? Aren't they heathens because most people might find their beliefs non-existent, impossible to exist, and/or laughable mockable? I may be blowing things out of proportion and could be completely wrong or off, but think about it and give me your honest thoughts and opinions.

it is something yu have said, and preached, and repeated, and rightly so. because it needs to be said. i hope that you hav been taking these speaches to th epublic. i think that that would be the best solution. ^_^

i suppose it is daunting to speak openly... but after all, it is a cause worth being bashed for...

Maybe so...but I have been bashed upon all my life. I like hearing positives for a change. I do expect to continue to hear more bashing as I go along the road of life, but I would like to temper it with as much positivity as possible.

well, you can't get a positive responce if you don't put it out to begin with! ^.^

I understand that but half the time I get more negative than positive. I just like to be careful and share what I have with those who actually care to hear what I have to say. Then there are times I throw all caution to the wind and I just put it out there and try to take what people say with a grain of salt.

it'll be alright. ^_^ you'll slowly work into it.

Indeed. I just got to get used to not caring about what people think when they are just being rashly disagreeable and care about those who would actually logically debate with me on things.

exactly! if at any time you need help with it, i'll be glad to support you, or offer non-offensive questions as a sort of ... uhh... you know how they have people in the audience pretending to be randomly selected volunteers or uch? kinda like that! XD

lol Sounds good. XD

^_^

Now if we could only put this play into motion on like something such as O.k..com. Maybe some of them would think of what I bring up more often then just feeling like it is dismissed and not really being considered (some of them do, but the average member is typically a big skeptic).

hmm.... well, another thing to say is that many of the greatest revolutionary proposals had been laughed at and scoffed for long times between when hey were presented and when they were adopted.

lol Well honey I don't feel like no revolutionary of the spiritual/metaphysical community. ^_- I believe that may be a bit far fetched for myself. I'd say most people dismiss me, even those who would consider themselves master's dismiss me probably as just naive and childish. But there have been only like two teachers in my life who have been able to see my potential and know that the way my heart is, is indeed a good thing. It still allows me the abillity to see the world in a different light then some. For this gift I am thankful. But honestly speaking, hardly anyone respects me and the only people who do are my friends. Though you guys matter I don't see a revolution for us coming anytime soon where I'd be one of the generals. XD