What brings you to the Jedi forum?

Ok. I'll go first.

It's dynamic and lively and it's not overcrowded but somehow if it were, I believe it would maintain its balance.

For me Jediism is too religious and based on a Catholic structure that goes against my personal beliefs for obvious reasons.

U know being Pagan and all... So don't take it personally if I do not join.

But this thread is not about me, it is actually a compliment and a thank you. I do honestly believe you guys have a kick ass forum.

I hope we continue to share for a long time.

Jayden

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Guests are welcome Jaydon. There's plenty of fun interesting people here who don't become members as I'm sure you've noticed. Thank you for the compliments.

Here's where I'm a little muddled.

A Catholic structure? You mean how we have no position about Jesus or a theistic God? Is it because we have female and gay ministers? Or that we think birth control is great and abortion is a woman's choice and right? Is it our pagan pastor Mark? Maybe it's our support of gay marriage as a human right. Catholic as in Roman Catholic?

I wonder if he means the structure.

Yea, I'm pretty sure he's referring more to the "ministers" and "priests" stuff. Or something like that.

I'll admit I was a little turned off by the Francis of Assissi "Jedi creed" version when I first came in. I'm over it now.

The force brings me here...it's how I found totjo in the first place....

I thought pagans had priests and high priests.

I guess I haven't noticed what you are speaking of when you indicate that we are set up "too Catholic".

Could you please explain how you see this? Perhaps the difference is that of perspective.

Just taking a “stab in the dark,” but with most my experiences of pagan religions the only time there is much noticeable structure is at a mass/right or in covens. For solitaire practitioners, most organized religions could seem to mimic or have aspects of the catholic religion. I think that is predominately because the catholic services have adapted (stolen IMO) and integrated so many other cultural and religious aspects into their own services. And most people only know what they see… the service.

Most organized religions do follow an organization structure which is very similar when you break it down to the core components. Some head/authority figure over larger groups, priests, acolytes (sometimes) and congregation.

I could be way off, but it is my first impression when I read the statement about catholic structure.
I would still like to hear Jayden’s view. Like I said, I was just taking a “stab in the dark,” that means I am guessing!

Br. John wrote: Guests are welcome Jaydon. There's plenty of fun interesting people here who don't become members as I'm sure you've noticed. Thank you for the compliments.

Here's where I'm a little muddled.

A Catholic structure? You mean how we have no position about Jesus or a theistic God? Is it because we have female and gay ministers? Or that we think birth control is great and abortion is a woman's choice and right? Is it our pagan pastor Mark? Maybe it's our support of gay marriage as a human right. Catholic as in Roman Catholic?

Thank you Br. John. First and foremost I am sincere when I say you have a great place here. The Forum is a great place to ask questions and find answers.

When I say it has a Catholic structure, I meant the structure. Words like church, clergy, reverend, ministry and bishop. It just has a Catholic feel to me.

If we used words like coven, high priestess, witch and cauldron I would tend to say it has a Pagan feel to it.

I see from your post that the beliefs of this Temple have nothing to do with the Catholic Church which have no position on abortion and gay rights for example. I do appreaciate these high ideas.

You've given me once again some interesting thoughts to consider and contemplate. See, that is why I like this place!



Jayden
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It's a funny thing how I came upon this place ...

My boyfriend is running a diceless Amber-type game (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amber_Diceless_Roleplaying_Game ), and one of the dimensions our characters plays in is Star Wars and the use of the Force as a magic. I was curious and was looking up spirituality one day because I have been needing structure in my spiritualism and some guidance (and hoping to land a teacher). So I mixed the two and googled "jedi spirituality" and lo and behold ... here I am.