BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Wicca Political Issues

I know politics is typically considered outside the arena of Wicca, but politics is still something that affects us all.

In all my reading, I've never discovered what Wiccans (in general) think about abortion, capital punishment, etc...

This is just something I'm curious about, and maybe it is just person by person. If that is the case, what do you believe and how is that supported by your Wiccan beliefs?

Thanks!! <img src="/images/graemlins/music.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/fish.gif" alt="" />

I struggle with this all the time. Especially the death penalty. I would like to consider my self a humanist/humanitaritan as well as follow harm none, but I can't get past keeping Clifford Olsen in jail (and others like him). He doesn't care either way, he's a psychopath. I'm conflicted.

Abortion...I believe in the right to choose. If you want to keep it, go for it. If you want to have an abortion, go for it. I'm not one for telling another what to do individually. Same for gay marriage. Who am I to tell others what to do in regards to social issues? But this conflicts with harm none. Is a fetus qualified as the 'none' the Rede refers to? Again, I'm conflicted!

Other issues are easy, like my response to climate change in keeping the impact of my footprint on earth as little as possible.

If anyone can offer a bit of insight on handling the issues of the day, I'd be grateful.

Good question!

I'm conflicted on abortion as well. Though I am definately pro-choice, it is still a debateable question. Is the fetus cognant in those months before? I guess I have to go with my own gut and the fact that abortions have been taking place for many millenia (even during goddess worship times, supposedly) and give it the benefit of the doubt.

Capital punishment is more hazy, and yet they harmed people first... Who's right? Who knows??? The only thing that makes me against this is that I've read that possibly up to 30% of those on death row are innocent. That is incredibly high.

I agree that ecological issues are easier, though they become harder and harder as the world population increases. I guess we can only do the little bits that we can to make that less of an issue.

As far as how the topics you mentioned fit in with Wiccan Beliefs... Everyon interprets the Rede to their own level and we all have to find our own point of balance.

I tend to not be a very vocal or activist person. Personally I prefer to keep my opinions my own, though there are actually quite a few activist Pagan groups.

While I don't mind a little political discussion on this forum IF it is relevant to the topic of Wicca. I would prefer that we keep it related to this topic. I want this forum to be a "safe space" for people seeking to learn about Wicca.

The more you talk politics with Wiccans and Pagans, the more you're going to find that everyone has a very individual opinion. These religions don't preach, or espouse the idea that everyone is supposed to believe exactly the same thing. They do put an emphasis on individual thought and responsibility. You'll find that to be in contrast to many religions which put forth the ideas that everyone has to believe the same thing in the exact same way, or you get kicked out of the group.

As with many people I know, I have my personal guidelines, beliefs and feelings, and I consider individual situations in relation to those beliefs instead of having a mindset that is utterly concrete. To look at the world in totally yes/no or black/white relationships seems to me to be too inflexible and too close-minded.

LOL Rae..

a much more eloquent way to say what I was thinking! Thank you

Definately a good point. If only more people would abide by this idea...

I understand your stance completely. I wasn't asking this to get a debate going on these issues. I was just curious as to the general trend of ideas that Wiccans have regarding these issues. I don't want to force my beliefs on anyone!!

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That helps. Thanks Rae.

<img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> No worries! I know where you were coming from and what you were trying to get to... I just wanted to be careful because these topics can break down into arguement really fast sometimes!

If you ever want to really get an idea of Pagan diversity, all you have to do is go to any gathering that features a potluck meal and see the differences in the food that everyone eats...LOL...

Carnivores vs vegetarians, vegetarians vs vegans, organic vs non-organic..... it would be quite a battle if it came to that.

Most everyone tries to clearly label what they brought, and then you eat what you want to eat. No one will force you to eat anything you don't want. But no one gets thrown out for bringing the Oreos or a local supermarket deli platter instead of bringing organic veggies from their own garden that were grown with seeds saved from last year's organic garden.

And in the end, everything gets eaten by someone no matter what was brought.

I used to be Pro-Death Penalty, but then I read how most of the people who do receive it are generally poor and cannot afford the excellent representation that the rich receive. I think that was the main reason I choose not to be for it now. Some people do such terrible things, like that Green River Killer who killed some 50 women so horribly. Maybe someone like him does deserve it, but to me if it isn't being handled in a fair way it shouldn't be done at all.

Abortion is such a touchy subject. It is really so unnecesary with all the good contraceptives available these days. But, women have done it since the beginning of time and I really think it is a medical issue and should not be a political one. Once people start making medical issues political ones and try to start making their religious views determine what kind of medical care someone else can receive it can start us on raods we don't want to go down.

Personally the death penalty is like that person's actions coming back on themselves so I am for it but only after all of the appeals have been heard so that if there were extra factors or possiblity of innocence has been checked and co-checked. I believe that our justice system tries to be the best it can what with public defenders and such so yes I believe in the death penalty.
On the other hand, I believe abortion is harming someone-- first the baby who is aborted, then the mother thru guilt and remorse. As Moonshadows said, there are so many good contraceptives these days, there really is no excuse. The only time I believe in abortion would be cases of rape or incest, then I do think that it should be the womans choice. But to use abortion as birth control I feel definitly violates the rede.
As to environmental issues, anyone who wants to trash their home/planet is just crazy in my opinion <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> but who am I to say. Just look around you and you will see our parents, grandparents, etc actions coming back on us. We should be the ones to stop the cycle and make a better world for those who will come after.
Blessed be!

That is a REALLY good point you made about the death penalty being the person's actions coming back on themselves. Something to definitely think about.

Ok folks <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I appreciate that you might want to talk politics but I would prefer to keep this message board about Wicca. If you want to talk more with each other you are welcome to do so in private message or on the other Bella forums for those topics.

Thanks a bunch!

Sorry Fiona..I know you want the thread to end..I just wanted to say something about abortions..

When I did Reiki I asked my Reiki master about it and she put it very nicely for me..She believed it is a contract that two souls make with each other.. Both souls have to complete certain life lessons in order to move on to a higher plane and if you are ment to cradle that soul into life s/he will come when the time is ready..so both the mother soul and newborn soul move to a higher level..