Can I Call It Or What!

Remember about a week ago when I reported on the new reality show on ABC called “Welcome To The Neighborhood”? Well it looks like reality descended on reality television.

“ABC has pulled “Welcome to the Neighborhood” after it was suggested to the network that a reality series in which three couples consider race and religion to help decide which contestant family gets to become their neighbor violates the federal Fair Housing Act…Because the network does convey a home as a result of the show, Smith’s organization believes the “Welcome to the Neighborhood” program is covered under fair housing laws, which make it illegal to deny housing or otherwise make it unavailable because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status.”

So prejudicial behavior towards prospective home-owners is still illegal even if it is masquerading as a reality-driven game show. I was also able to find out about one of my predictions about the show.

“So how long will the Pagan family last? I don’t plan on watching the show but I wouldn’t place any money on the Eckharts making it too far. They will be easy to eliminate because no cries of racism could be leveled, and since many see our faith as a cult, or worse, a joke I doubt too many repercussions would ensue from their quick removal.”

So how right was I? The Washington Post tells all…

“In the second episode, the residents decide unanimously to boot the Eckhardt family because they are Wiccan.”

Got that? First family voted off the White-Christian-Republican island were the Wiccans. No big surprises really. I doubt that the Wiccans were a part of “the transformative process that takes place when people are forced to confront preconceived notions of what makes a good neighbor”. They were just the religious nuts voted off first, which rips apart ABC’s argument that this was a learning experience and not a crass attempt to make money off prejudice.

The GA, The UUA, The CUUPs, The Christians, The Bias

I don’t often touch on Unitarian-Universalism on this blog, but considering I am indeed a member of two differant local UU churches and work as the office manager for one of them, I do at times find myself drawn to comment on the larger UU world. In this case the yearly General Assembly, or ‘GA’. The purpose of the GA (as I understand it) is to give the member congregations a chance to meet, decide on the national focus for the coming year (and other official financial/structural policy I would assume) and provide enriching talks and workshops for UUs who attend from all over the country.

I was invited to go this year, but a drive to Texas from Illinois didn’t seem my cup of tea. But I have been following UU bloggers as they report on or from the GA. One blogger, the Rev. Scott Wells at Boy in the Bands thinks there may be some bias going on at the GA.

“Last year, I wondered out loud where the reportage of Christian events at General Assembly was? I pressed a UU staffer and was stonewalled. This year, though there are a number of other-than-Christian theological events reported, it seems clear that there?s no Christian coverage planned for GA ?05. No, Elaine Pagels does not count, unless she became Unitarian Universalist and didn?t tell anyone: Christians shouldn?t have to be represented by proxy. Or euphemism, or apology (in the common sense of the word.) This is unbalanced coverage, and I smell bias.”

For the uninitiated, due to the creedless nature of the current UU community, there are often religious sub-groups within the greater UU world. So you have UU Christians, UU Humanists, UU Buddhists, UU Pagans, etc. Lately there has been much talk amongst the UU Christians specifically UU Christian bloggers about UU giving a greater acknowledgement to the Christian roots of Unitarianism and Universalism.

The problem is that the overwhelming majority of UUs are Humanists, and only about half of existing UU churches are theistic in orientation. So its little wonder that the Christian history and theistic elements within the larger UUA can get shuffled to the side. But perhaps unlike the Rev. Wells (he would have to clarify), I don’t think this is a problem isolated to Christians within UU but to all specific theistic groups operating in the UUA.

If the numbers gathered in the 1997 Unitarian Universalism Needs and Aspirations Survey are anywhere near accurate in 2005 then the biggest specific theistic subgroup (as opposed to general “theism”) are modern Pagans. But despite their large size no coverage was given to this religious group’s activities at the GA. Nor from my browsing of speakers and workshops were any geared towards modern Paganism in any way. This speaks of an overwhelming ignorance as to what sorts of spiritual practice are actually gaining ground in the modern UUA. But perhaps the bias against modern Paganism is more a generational bias than a theological one considering the rampant growth of modern Paganism with teens and young adults.

But how to address the needs to be seen and heard of such diverses theological perspectives? Obviously the strong emphasis on humanism makes many feel left out and unwelcome in the larger organization (and makes for a bad compromise). If the focus shifts, how to represent all in a fair and balanced manner? I’m open to insight from UUs with more experience than I have.

To My Conservative Friends

Anglican blogger The Salty Vicar emerges from a brief hiatus to reassure his conservative pals that despite his opposition to the war, the Bush administration, and his support for human rights he really does oppose terrorism.

“I hope that this assuages your fear. If it helps,you can quote me: I luff America very much, like chocolate, rain on a hot day, or Salma Hayek, if only because I love my house, my friends – both American and non-American, my kitty [who is cute, but speaks no English], and I hope, from now on, I won’t need to precede my equal committment to human rights, to opposing torture, to supporting democracy, to alternatives to war, by a statement saying “I oppose terrorism and love my country, the flag, little statues of Lady liberty, and Harley Davidson Motorcycles, potato salad with too much mayonnaise, and all those other good things that make this country great.” If you must, just cut and paste it to any rant I might make against the incompetence and the contempt that this administration has demonstrated at every turn against the institutions that make this country. I love America. And I oppose terrorism. Just repeat that to yourself when thinking about me, before I demolish your silly defenses of torture and brutality, your consumerist vision of humanity, and your evasion of financial responsibility.”

I suggest reading the whole thing. A very lucid reaction to the whole “liberals (and critics of the Bush administration) secretly (or not so secretly) support the terrorists” meme that seems so popular in certain circles.

We Like It, We Really Like It

Quote of the day from ‘Charmed’ star Alyssa Milano who is in India as UNICEF?s ambassador to India.

“I’m not really fascinated with the occult, it’s just what people like.”

You heard the people.

Why The Ritual Bodice?

Chas Clifton (and his wife ‘M’) newly returned from a Pagan festival picks a bone with the modern Pagan tendency towards Middle-Age styles in ritual dress.

“After last week’s festival, M. launched into a mini-rant about Pagans’ fondness for some form of re-created archaic dress. For instance, the priest at the solstice sunrise ritual was attired in sort of Dark Ages style: loose trousers gathered at the ankle, loose-fitting shirt, cloak, and sword and spear. How is that more Pagan than jeans and sneakers?”

How indeed. I myself have always felt slightly daft in any ritual dress that went beyond a simple robe. In most cases I practiced in the clothes I wear in the everyday. I’m not against ornate religious costuming. But I feel it should reflect our modern sensibilities instead of grasping at an imaginary idyllic past. Let us be daring in dress if we wish, but let it be our dress, not the costume of a Christian-dominated past.

On The Lighter Side

Things You’ll Never Hear a Pagan Say…

Driving While Druid

Someone is driving a vehicle with an improper tag. They are pulled over. The guy also turns out to have a suspended license and is taken into custody. Seems pretty routine right? But what happens if you were pulled over not for an improper tag, but for your Druidic bumper sticker by a police officer who sees himself on a holy mission to convert the lost. That officer then follows up by sending a letter to the couple, part of which reads as follows:

“You see, my passion is not to wear a badge and enforce man’s law. Instead it’s to be where I need to be for people like you. Yes, I do enforce Caesar’s law, but I care far more about following Jesus Christ who came to make a way to him through faith and not by works or laws. In your case, Jesus has reached out to you through me to say that he wants your attention. Chances are that he sent this intercession after hearing the prayers of someone for your welfare. Maybe it was your prayers, or maybe it was a loved one or friend who cares for you. But he did send intercession. Now, you must respond without delay and without excuses. I see from your bumper stickers and from your testimony that are a druid priest. I am not familiar with the Druids enough to make conversation. But I am ordained in the Baptist church. And for whatever reason, God is calling you to listen to words from the Baptists. This is clear! If you deny this, then you are pushing away the hand of God and that would not be wise. Too many events were manipulated by God to bring us together to be a coincidence. Actually, I only police every 2nd Friday night, so just being on duty was rare.”

WorldNewDaily reports that the matter is currently under investigation by the Greer City chief of police.

“The issue is the stop. Did they stop them because of the stickers? That’s what we’re trying to determine in our investigation. What was the reason for the stop?” – police chief Dan Reynolds

I don’t think anyone is suggesting that driving on a suspended license is a correct action, or should be overlooked, but it is disturbing to think that there are police officers trolling for likely converts instead of criminals.

Do You Believe In Witches?

A recent interview with Bewitched star (and long-time New Age advocate) Shirley MacLaine hints that we would be surprised at who practices Wicca in Hollywood.

Do you believe in witches?
Oh, yes! What do you mean, “believe in”?

Well, some people say they don’t exist.
You’d be surprised who I know and, you know, who studied Wicca. I can’t tell you who, but some of these people give me readings. It’s got to do with the energies of the leyline of the earth, of the movement of the stars. It’s a very old and ancient tradition.

Maybe she visits Cybill Shepard’s coven?

A Good Witchvox Week

A couple of worthwhile articles to check out on this weeks Witches’ Voice update:

First up Caroline Kenner gives a run-down of the Summer Solstice celebration on Tara Hill, Ireland. It was, at around 2000 participants, the largest modern Pagan gathering in the predominantly Catholic land.

“Anette Peard, The Tara Festival Committee and noted healer and author Gina McGarry were the primary organizers of Tara Solstice 2005 under the auspices of An Conradh Draoithe na h??Eireann, usually known as CDE, or in English, the Convocation of Druids of Eire. They brought together Druid groves and Craft covens from across Ireland and abroad. Many talented and knowledgeable people joined together to offer a day of rituals and workshops appropriate to the historic site. Tara is the heart and soul of Ireland, the royal seat of the High King of Ireland, where scores of Pagan monarchs reigned over Ireland??s four ancient provinces. Tragically, Tara is currently under threat of development: the M3 toll road is planned to be built within 150 meters of the High King of Ireland??s banqueting hall.”

Secondly, Dana D Eilers analyzes the recent Supreme Court decision on Cutter v. Wilkinson from a Pagan perspective.

“On May 31, 2005, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision in the case of Cutter, et al. v. Wilkinson, et al. which will be, for Pagans a significant moment in the history of American jurisprudence. In this case, Pagan Plaintiffs have successfully mounted a constitutional challenge in the United States Supreme Court. The decision itself, however, only rules on a narrow issue, which is whether the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 is constitutional when held up against the First Amendment of the federal constitution. Before we all start jumping up and down, we need to examine the history of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.”

I hope to see more articles like these in future weekly installments.

The Jesus Rap

Christian rapper KJ52 drops some science about young people and religion in a Canton, Ohio newspaper.

“I think kids are always looking for love and acceptance, and not being judged for who they are. There’s definitely a spiritual side to teenagers. They want to be connected to their creator. Why do you think Wicca is so popular with young girls?”

He also has good advice on relating to the younger generation.

“When you stop hanging out with kids, you stop being relevant,”

I couldn’t agree more. Proving that even Pagan, goth, DJs and Christian rappers have some common ground.