Wiccans Widows Sue the US Government

[eclectic_spirit]

^ so how come so many Satanic teens, after killing a black cat and dipping their erections into the blood, (let's just say since it sounds right), then spray-paint a pentagram onto a tree and stuff ?
are they trying to blow smoke over to the wiccans come morning as to throw off the full police investigation?

Ok, I think you mis-read what I wrote.
Many people incorrectly use the term 'pentagram' (actually, I know a lot of people who incorrectly use 'pentagram' and 'pentacle' interchangeably), and I was trying to define the difference between it and a pentacle. In the scenario you are describing, technically they would be spray-painting an inverted pentacle, because it does actually take a physical form - the spray paint.

Also, there is a big difference between the kids who play at being satanists and actual members of the Church of Satan (and no, in case you're wondering, I don't belong to the Church but have studied their philosophies). True COS members wouldn't do the type of thing you describe. They believe in the sanctity of innocent life and wouldn't hurt an animal for any reason. These kids running around slaughtering animals are way off base and completely wrong.

 

[eclectic_spirit]

I don't think I mis-read it although I do know what you mean (not all pentagrams are pentacles and a pentacle can suffer from a case of mistaken identity due the reckless use of the pentagram by blood-thirsty teens).

Exactly, lol.

 

[Kulindahr]

You are partly correct, but partly incorrect as well.

A pentacle is a five pointed star - either upright or inverted - that exists in a physical state, i.e., one you would wear on a chain around your neck. A pentagram is the same symbol - once again, either upright or inverted - that is drawn in the air during ritual. It doesn't exist in a physical form. It's the same exact image, just one is physical and the other isn't.
The five points represent the four elements - earth, air, fire, and water - with the fifth point representing spirit. Upright indicates the individual elevates the spiritual nature above the physical nature, while inverted means just the opposite - the person believes in full hedonistic physical expression.

Early Gnostic Christians viewed the pentacle as representing the five wounds of Christ, therefore, in that connotation, having it upside down would flip Christ on his head and take away his power over mankind - which is a founding precept of the Church of Satan, freedom from the moral constraints and prejudiced views of organized religions. [/LEFT]

There were so many different flavors of the braod spectrum called "gnostics"... that's one I only recall vaguely. I'd forgotten the link to the five wounds of Christ -- the pentacle doesn't match the geometry very well!

As far as this lawsuit, as a conservative Christian I fully support it; under the form of government God gave this country, all religions must be treated with the same even hand.