Stranger in a Strange Land A reflection of the Wicca religion.
Thesis: Robert A. Heinlein's novel Stranger in a Strange Land hints at an improved religion other than Christianity. The pagan religion Wicca with its acceptance of all religions, the rituals with significant meaning, the customs of showing love and support to everyone, and the elements of magic and power point to this religion as being the persecuted religion as shown in the novel.I. Wicca accepts all religions, with no questions to their origin. A. Everyone is equal no matter who he or she is or what he or she is. B. Love is unconditional in the religion of Wicca. II. Wicca has been around for thousands of years yet their customs and rituals are a way of life since their religion began. A. Though there are different philosophies of this religion; they have all managed to keep certain customs the same. B. They give of themselves and do not take. D. The coven is used in place of a church. III Wicca uses the spirits and element around them. A. Energy is perceived from everything around them. Robert A. Heinlein's novel Stranger in a Strange Land hints at an improved religion other than Christianity. The pagan religion Wicca with its
Pennick, Nigel. The Pagan book of days. Vermont: Destiny Books, 1992. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ yone free will and were asked to join his nest, with no mind control or trickery, such as the Christian church used (Heinlein 127-241). Wicca's cast's spells and offer thanks to the Goddess and God for their assistance and guidance (Crowley). Spells and magic are comparable to praying in church. A wish is made for a desired outcome and then leaves it up to God to do the right thing. Prayers are a petition to Deity to create change in ones life. Wicca's believe that Deity is present in everything, including us. Spells, then, are connecting with our own divine selves, an own energy us used to create the change (Hardman and Harvey). Wicca's/Witches generally will not do a spell for anyone who has not asked and given them their permission. Spells such as those, which use love magic to gain the attention of a specific individual, or curses, are considered "manipulative"(Tyson). Wicca's considers anything manipulative goes against the free will of another and this is wrong. Michael believed in consulting the "old ones" for advice and understanding to all there was to learn. He believed in allowing ever! Crowley, Vivianne. Wicca: The Old Religion in the New Millennium. London: Thorsons, 1996. There are several reasons that people are drawn to Wicca. Some people feel left out of mainstream religions because of the lack of feminine divinity. For them, the Wicca's concept of the Goddess as Mother of all living creatures fills their spiritual search. As a nature based religion, Wicca also appeals to those who feel a strong need to be one with nature. Wicca believes strongly that we are part of the environment. People drawn to the mystical find Wicca much more accommodating, as they do not see anything unnatural about psychic ability or the use of magic to create a needed changes in one's life. Another reason is the creed that Wicca's follow, "An thou harm none, do what thou wilt" (Tyson). This tells people that nothing is inherently wrong (sinful) unless it harms someone, including oneself. Michael believed to harm ones "water brother" was to commit the ultimate sin and he used his psychic ability to show that this was not an acceptable thing from what he "gor! Hardman, Charlotte, and Graham Harvey. Paganisms Today. London: Thorsons, 1996.
Some common words found in the essay are:
Harvey Wicca's/Witches, Michael Smith, Faber Michael, Goddess Mother, Strange Land, White Magic, Roman Church, Crowley Wicca, Harvey Michael, Oakwood Wicca, michael smith, strange land, stranger strange, stranger strange land, religion wicca, religion persecuted, hardman harvey, minnesota llewellyn, michael believed, love support elements, join nest, oakwood wicca, customs love support, rituals significant meaning, meaning customs love,
Approximate Word count = 2434
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)
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